Explore some of Europe's most picturesque cities – Salzburg, Linz, Vienna and Prague – cities associated with the life of Mozart, one of the world's greatest composers. You'll enjoy stunning vistas and Alpine splendor; leisure time to shop the traditional Christmas markets; plus classical music and culinary delights. From exploring historic palaces and cathedrals in Vienna, like the marvelous Schoenbrunn Palace and St. Stephan's Cathedral, to touring the world-famous city of Salzburg with its recognizable sights made famous by Rodgers and Hammerstein in the Oscar-winning movie, The Sound of Music, this 8-day journey will delight you with its beauty and diversity. While in Salzburg, birthplace to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, you'll enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and visit Mirabell Gardens. Travel the banks of the Danube to Linz for a comprehensive tour of this Imperial city. Your tour concludes in the "Golden City" of Prague in the Czech Republic which offers visitors a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. A sightseeing tour of this fairy tale city features the beautiful Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. A leisurely tour of the Old Town showcases the unique astronomical clock and the 14th-century, statue-lined Charles Bridge.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Welcome as you join us in exploring Salzburg, Linz, Vienna and Prague, some of Europe's most magical cities. Visit historic sites, view breathtaking scenery, enjoy classical music, plus browse and shop in the traditional Christmas markets. Your memorable experience begins with an overnight flight to Europe.
Day #2 Arrive Salzburg, Austria - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in historic Salzburg, one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic cities. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, one of the city’s most popular dining establishments.
Day #3 Salzburg - Enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Old Town, highlighting the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss recognizable locations from the "Sound of Music." The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Salzburg's charming Christmas market, located in the city's historic area.
Day #4 Salzburg - Linz - Vienna - Depart Salzburg and travel along the banks of the Danube to the Imperial city of Linz, where you enjoy a city tour featuring the Old Town and the baroque Main Square, one of Europe’s largest open squares. View the Mozarthaus, where Mozart composed his Linz Symphony, and the new cathedral, Austria’s largest. Your tour concludes with a visit to St. Martin’s Church, founded in 799. Your day ends in the grand city of Vienna.
Day #5 Vienna - Begin your day with a Vienna city tour featuring the Baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace. Touring Vienna’s city center, you view St. Stephan’s Cathedral, beautiful baroque architecture, parks, and gothic spires of a bygone age. The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax or explore the various Christmas markets located throughout the city. Be sure to visit Vienna City Hall Park with its festively decorated trees and ice skating exhibitions. A special treat awaits this evening when you enjoy a traditional dinner with entertainment in the quaint wine-making village of Grinzing.
Day #6 Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic - Travel through the picturesque countryside to the border of the Czech Republic before proceeding to the capital city of Prague, situated on the River Vltava. Known as "The Golden City", Prague offers visitors a beguiling mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. This lovely city boasts more than 500 towers and steeples, as well as many parks and gardens.
Day #7 Prague - Begin your day with a walking tour featuring the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, the former Royal Palace, the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, and the colorful Golden Lane. Then proceed to the 14th-century Charles Bridge, one of Prague's loveliest and most characteristic sights with its 16 arches and 30 statues. Continue to the Old Town Square, enclosed by Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo-style buildings before viewing Tyn Church and its magnificent towers, the unique Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Old Town Hall. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this charming city and its wonderful Christmas market situated in the historic Old Town Square. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner, celebrating the end of a spectacular trip.
Day #8 Prague - Tour Ends - Your tour ends this morning, leaving you with wonderful memories.