The rediscovered jewels of Imperial Europe are the focus of this popular vacation, which includes overnights in Munich, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg. In Prague, see the tolling of the Astronomical Clock, when a sinister medieval figure of death emerges to pull the bell cord. Operating for over six centuries, this is a highlight of any trip to Prague. Also enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Vienna—maybe sit in a café with a piece of scrumptious Sachertorte while listening to a legendary waltz, or explore the inside of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Even more fabulous architecture awaits you in Budapest, where you’ll see the Matthias Coronation Church, founded in 1015, which has witnessed several coronations and royal weddings. Breakfast is included daily, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine in each city. Sample the sauerkraut in Munich, savor Apfelstrudel in Salzburg, and enjoy the plum dumplings and Pilsner in Prague. You’ll also enjoy the enchanting natural scenery you’ll witness, including the Alps and Danube River Valley—amazing features of a marvelous vacation.
Highlights:
Scenic Highlights: Danube River scenic drive
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Munich Area, Germany. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day #2 Munich Area–Nuremberg–Prague, Czech Republic. Drive this morning on the Autobahn directly to Nuremberg for a visit. Next, east across the border into the Czech Republic. Evening arrival in Prague. (B)
Day #3 Prague. The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. (B,D)
Day #4 Prague–Vienna, Austria. This morning, motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southeast for a few more miles before crossing into Austria. Arrive in Vienna to enjoy an afternoon of optional sightseeing. Start with a tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Reserve some energy for an exciting evening optional excursion. (B)
Day #5 Vienna–Budapest, Hungary. A morning to see some unexplored corner of this intriguing capital or maybe just to do some shopping down the Kärntnerstrasse. In the afternoon, head for the Hungarian border and, by way of Györ, you’ll reach Budapest for two overnights. (B)
Day #6 Budapest. Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns and wine cellars. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B)
Day #7 Budapest–Salzburg, Austria. Mid-morning departure from Budapest. Travel westwards across the border into Austria to enjoy more Alpine scenery before heading towards the Danube and finally to Salzburg for an overnight. (B)
Day #8 Salzburg–Munich, Germany. Morning at leisure in Salzburg or maybe join the optional Sound of Music excursion. A comfortable and relatively short drive past Lake Chiemsee to Munich. Tonight, an included typical Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant is a must to celebrate a successful vacation. (B,D)
Day #9 Munich. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
MUNICH NH (F) at Schweig
PRAGUE Barcelo (F) or Clarion (F) or La Villa (F)
VIENNA Kavalier (ST) or Austria Trend Bosei (F) or Bellevue (F)
BUDAPEST Mercure Buda (ST) or Ramada (F)
SALZBURG Ramada (F) or Austria Trend Salzburg West (F)
MUNICH Ibis Parkstadt (ST)