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Tour details based on Nov 2011 - Apr 2012 departures.
Day 1 - ARRIVE VIENNA
Welcome to Vienna! On arrival at Vienna Airport there is an airport shuttle service to your hotel at 09:00, 12:00 & 15:00 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe stroll amid the statues of the city's greatest musicians in the City Park? As night falls, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna
Day 2 - VIENNA - CESKY KRUMLOV - PRAGUE
Leave Vienna and cross the Czech border to visit enchanting Cesky Krumlov, nestled on the banks of the Vltava River. on days when snow blankets the medieval buildings and wood smoke pervades the narrow cobbled streets - it's a scene straight out of a Christmas card! Spend some time exploring the little back lanes and arch covered footpaths - not forgetting the outstanding castle which overlooks the town, considered by many to be the country's finest. This afternoon, continue north through the forested countryside of Bohemia to 'Golden Prague' - so named for its gleaming gilded spires.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Prague Castle (BB,D)
Day 3 - PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with your local guide reveals the highlights of the Czech capital, spreading either side of the Vltava river. Begin at the lofty heights of Prague Castle, dominated by the spires of St. Vitus' Cathedral. Walk through medieval cobbled streets, past beautiful palaces, and enjoy spectacular views over the city. Now descent to the Old Town Square with its ancient buildings, magnificent churches and astronomical clock. For those travelling in December, be sure to grab a sausage and mulled wine at the brightly decorated Christmas Markets! If you're lucky, you might even see school children in traditional dress, who come to dance and sing for the crowd. (BB)
Day 4 - PRAGUE - BRATISLAVA - BUDAPEST
The smooth motorway winds through peaceful farmland to the Slovakian border. Arrive in the fortified capital of Bratislava by lunch time. Bratislava has not only been part of Czechoslovakia, but has also belonged to Austria and Hungary during its long history - in fact, for a time, it was even capital of Hungary. Time here to walk from the banks of the Danube to the Old Town's historic squares; all the while the four towered Bratislava Castle looms over the city. The Hungarian (and Austrian) border is only a proverbial stone's throw away. your destination is elegant Budapest, 'Queen of the Danube' - a grand metropolis and once the second city of the mighty Hapsburg Empire!
Hotel: Hilton Budapest WestEnd (BB,D)
Day 5 - BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
This morning a local guide acquaints you with both Buda and Pest, divided by the river, yet linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the newer, elegant Elizabeth Bridge. First stroll the quaint lanes of the old town of Buda, perched high above the Danube, looking over the commercial and shopping centre of Pest. Admire the view from the Fisherman's Bastion, and visit Matthias Church, with its incredible interior decoration. Now enjoy another fine view from the old citadel on Gellert Hill, before crossing the Danube to the commercial Pest district. See the grandiose Parliament building and imposing statues of the ancestors of the Hungarian people in Heroes' Square. This afternoon is at leisure. perhaps join the shoppers amid the boutiques of Vaci street? In December, the street will be colourfully lit and the Christmas fair will be in full swing! (BB)
Day 6 - BUDAPEST - VIENNA
A leisurely drive today returns you to Vienna for your afternoon sightseeing tour with a local guide who will reveal all the highlights of the grand city. First a visit to the glorious Schönbrunn Palace, built as a summer residence for Maria Theresia during the Golden Age of the Hapsburg Empire. Now into the city centre to tour the Ring Street. Pass magnificent St Charles' church, the Vienna State Opera House, the soaring spires of the City Hall and the Parliament. Finally catch a glimpse of Strauss in the Stadpark before free time for shopping this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna (BB,HD)
Day 7 - VIENNA
The airport shuttle service arrives at Vienna Airport at 07.00 and 09.00 hours where your tour ends. (BB)
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