|
ITINERARY
Tour Pace
This tour has been expertly planned at a leisurely pace, with two night stays in the three main cities – Vienna, Budapest & Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour; a perfect introduction to the region of former Eastern Europe!
DAY 1 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Vienna is famous for its delicious coffees and pastries so, after checking in, why not stroll to a local café? Or stroll through the Stadtpark to see the statue of Strauss? Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Vienna Hilton.
DAY 2 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
A leisurely drive today takes us through farming country to the Hungarian border. We continue through farmland passing the eagle overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest, our home for the next two nights. Our first thrilling panorama across the Danube is from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then we marvel at the superb murals in the Church of St Matthias beside the Fisherman's Bastion, from where we have a perfect vista of the beautiful Parliament building. We view the Royal palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district, where we visit Heroes' Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner with traditional gypsy entertainment. Hotel: Hilton West End. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 3 – MON – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
Today is completely free to explore this fascinating city at our own pace! Perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colourful embroideries? Or take an optional excursion to explore the 'Secret Treasures of Budapest', followed by a visit to a world famous restaurant for coffee and delicious pancakes? (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 4 – TUE – BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA
A fascinating drive takes us past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and alongside the Danube, to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. We continue to Visegrád. The castle walls and Solomon's Tower are all that are left of Visegrád's regal splendour, but now, as we walk up to the Citadel, we enjoy truly breath-taking views across the Danube Bend. Next we see Esztergom, former capital of Hungary, where we visit the splendid cathedral. We cross the Danube at Komarom to enter the Republic of Slovakia, then, skirting the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains, we soon arrive at our hotel in Bratislava. Upon arrival we view the presidential palace before taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town, stopping at the medieval Town Hall. Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – WED – BRATISLAVA – PRAGUE
This morning we drive to the 9th century castle, perched high above the Danube, for a panoramic view across Bratislava. Now we enter the Czech Republic and drive to Brno, capital of the Province of Moravia. During our orientation tour we see the unusual baroque Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, as well as the grim Spilberk Fortress, used as a jail by the Nazis during World War II. We then continue through Czech countryside to 'Golden' Prague – aptly named for its gleaming gilded spires. Hotel: Movenpick. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 6 – THU – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Since the 'Velvet Revolution' Prague has been one of the most fashionable, beautiful and culturally exciting cities in Europe – so now is the time to visit! Prague presents a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Our sightseeing tour with an expert local guide shows us the 1,000 year old Hradcany Castle and majestic St Vitus' Cathedral before we descend to the Old Town, where we conclude our tour at the fascinating Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal, Carlsbad porcelain or superb costume jewelery; treasures for which the Czech Republic is world-famous. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – FRI – PRAGUE – VIENNA
Leaving Prague, we enjoy a delightful drive through the green Bohemian countryside. We pass by the town of Tabor, headquarters of the 15th century reformer, John Huss, and then continue south to medieval Cesky Krumlov, with its ancient town and Renaissance castle on either side of the River Vltava. After some free time to explore, we make our way back to Vienna for our two night stay. Hotel: Vienna Hilton. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 8 – SAT – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. Then our sightseeing continues as we marvel at St Charles' Church and the baroque architecture of the Opera House. We also see the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. This afternoon you may want to spend time in Prater Park for a ride on the famous ferris wheel? Don't forget to try the coffee and apple strudel on Karntnerstrasse! Tonight, why not join your friends for a farewell dinner? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – SUN – VIENNA
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast with a transfer from our hotel to Vienna Airport. (Buffet breakfast)
|
|
