Wonders of Budapest, Vienna and Prague

Day 1

Arrive Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest, a city occupying both sides of the Danube River and founded in 1873, when right-bank Buda and Obuda joined left-bank Pest. Budapest’s broad avenues and turn-of-the-century architecture have earned it the name “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” Like Paris, it is a cultural touchstone for writers, artists and musicians. Once you settle in, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner

Day 2

Budapest - Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion

Venture across the Danube River to explore the Buda side of the city. Visit Matthias Church, the 13th-century coronation cathedral of Hungarian kings, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering spectacular views of the city. Built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, the bastion is named for the guild of fishermen who defended this part of the city during the Middle Ages. Explore the Franz Liszt Academ

Day 3

Budapest - Across the Bridge in Pest

Today, discover a different side of the city in Pest. View Heroes’ Square and stop to see the Great Synagogue as well as St. Stephen’s Basilica; its south tower houses the largest bell in Hungary. Then, visit the Central Market Hall to explore the vast array of food and crafts, including cheeses, sausage and other local specialties, and enjoy time for lunch on your own. Later, visit the Parliament

Day 4

Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna, Austria - In Old Town

Journey overland to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, for a guided walk through its old town, once a jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From its perch along the Danube River, Bratislava is an old-world city adorned with Baroque architecture and graced by welcoming locals and delicious food, including dumplings and blackcurrant wine, all its own. After partaking of its charms, embark by high-spee

Day 5

Vienna - Austria's Imperial Grandeur

From snow-dusted mountains alive with music to delectable Sacher Torte that tantalizes the tastebuds, Austria fills the senses with delight. Vienna, the cultural capital of the country, is synonymous with ornate palaces and concert halls ringing with the melodies of Mozart and Strauss. Set out for a walking tour of the city led by a local guide. At the Hofburg Palace — former seat of emperors and

Day 6

Vienna - Visions of the Imperial City

Get to know Vienna better, viewing the Prater and its Giant Ferris Wheel. See the Secession Building and the famous Hundertwasser House, and then visit the Belvedere Gallery, where you view many works by the brilliant and controversial symbolist artist Gustav Klimt, including _The Kiss_. Your afternoon is free, to relax or explore on your own.

Day 7

Moravia, Czech Republic - Wines of a Rare Terroir

Travel to Prague, stopping en route at the Stary Vrch winery in the Czech countryside for a tasting of its signature vintages, followed by lunch. Upon arrival in Prague, check in to your hotel and then head out for dinner at a local restaurant, and discover why this city always leaves you wanting more. No matter how much time you spend in the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic, you want one m

Day 8

Prague - Design Your Day

Explore the city’s Castle District, starting with the towering Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including that of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia, legendary subject of the beloved Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.” Stroll the Golden Lane, the last surviving vestige of Prague Castle’s 16th-century architecture, where the castle’s origina

Day 9

Prague - History Remembered

Venture forth on a walking tour of Josefov, the city’s Jewish Quarter, which remained a walled ghetto until 1848. View the birthplace of Franz Kafka (part of the Jewish Museum complex), best known for his existentialist novel _The Metamorphosis_. Proceed to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, site of 12,000 graves, and the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270. After fr

Day 10

Depart Prague

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.