Discover the magic of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest on this amazing vacation. Three overnights in each of these cities set a leisurely pace that lets you truly immerse yourself in the local cultures. Your journey begins in Bavarian Munich, then travel to Nuremberg, famous for its WWII trials; Prague with its Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square; Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital by the Danube River; Budapest with Fishermen’s Bastion; Mayerling, where Archduke Rudolf died tragically at a hunting lodge with his young lover; and Vienna, home of Austria’s State Opera and Hofburg Palace. Then, head west to Mozart’s Salzburg—with its charming Getreidegasse—before motoring back to Munich for the end of your memorable vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Munich, Germany. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring Munich. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day #2 Munich–Nuremberg–Prague, Czech Republic. An interesting itinerary today as you drive northeast for a first stop in Nuremberg, famous for its World War II war crime trials. Later, cross the border into the Czech Republic. On to Prague for the next three nights. (B)
Day #3 Prague. The city has a wealth of gothic and baroque architecture that perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. Plenty of time for some individual exploring, or maybe just a walk along the banks of the Vltava River and then a meal at a restaurant of your choice. Your second day in Prague will give you a program of optional excursions or, if you prefer, the opportunity for arranging your own day with visits to places of particular personal interest. (B daily)
Day #4 Prague. The city has a wealth of gothic and baroque architecture that perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. Plenty of time for some individual exploring, or maybe just a walk along the banks of the Vltava River and then a meal at a restaurant of your choice. Your second day in Prague will give you a program of optional excursions or, if you prefer, the opportunity for arranging your own day with visits to places of particular personal interest. (B daily)
Day #5 Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary. Journey southeast by way of Brno into the new state of Slovakia for a stop in its capital, Bratislava. Next, cross into Hungary to reach Budapest in time to enjoy an included delicious dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day #6 Budapest. Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest that are separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. There’s plenty more to do and see during these two days. Maybe try one of the historic spas! Ask your Tour Director for assistance. (B daily)
Day #7 Budapest. Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest that are separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. There’s plenty more to do and see during these two days. Maybe try one of the historic spas! Ask your Tour Director for assistance. (B daily)
Day #8 Budapest–Vienna Woods, Austria–Vienna. The highlight of today’s itinerary will be the Vienna Woods and Mayerling. See the hunting lodge, the scene of the tragic 1889 death of Archduke Rudolf and his 17-year-old lover, Maria Vetsera. Later, a short drive to Vienna for the next three nights. (B)
Day #9 Vienna. Two whole days to fully enjoy one of Europe’s best known and loved capitals. Whatever your plans, it is wise to start off with the included city sightseeing tour. See the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Splendid baroque palaces and the Viennese traditional joie de vivre give great scope for a program of optional excursions. Your stay is long enough to fit in your personal plans and choices. (B daily)
Day #10 Vienna. Two whole days to fully enjoy one of Europe’s best known and loved capitals. Whatever your plans, it is wise to start off with the included city sightseeing tour. See the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Splendid baroque palaces and the Viennese traditional joie de vivre give great scope for a program of optional excursions. Your stay is long enough to fit in your personal plans and choices. (B daily)
Day #11 Vienna–Danube River Cruise–Salzburg. Another day with a truly varied itinerary and some interesting options. Drive first to Krems on the banks of the Danube and surrounded by hills and vineyards. Then, something quite different: enjoy a cruise on the river, taking in the beautiful Wachau region. Maybe join an optional excursion to visit the abbey at Melk, before continuing the journey westwards directly to Salzburg. Tonight, savor an included traditional dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day #12 Salzburg–Munich, Germany. Don’t miss out on the included city sightseeing excursion with a Local Guide. You’ll be taken through the historic center of Mozart’s hometown to see its many highlights, including the Domplatz, the Horse Trough, Festival Hall, and, of course, the charming Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. This afternoon, motor directly to Munich. This evening, join the optional Bavarian evening and farewell dinner. (B)
Day #13 Munich. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
MUNICH NH (F) at Schwaig
PRAGUE Clarion (F)
BUDAPEST NH Budapest (F)
VIENNA Bellevue (F)
SALZBURG Austria Trend Salzburg West (F)
MUNICH Tryp (F)