Vienna, Prague and Budapest

Cesky Krumlov in winter is a scene straight out of a Christmas card! While the size and preservation of Prague’s historic centre is unrivalled in Europe. The tour culminates historically, with a visit to Shönbrunn Palace.

Duration: 7 days
Priced from: A$1425
European Winter Holidays
Departs from & returns to Vienna

7 Days ~ Austria ~ Czech Republic ~ Slovakia ~ Hungary

Tour Pace – This well paced tour is designed to introduce you to three different cities – each with its own story to tell. The two night stops in Prague and Budapest allow time in the afternoon for shopping or your own activities.

Fellow Passengers – This tour is popular with those who want to experience the highlights of Eastern Europe in the space of a week. Medieval town squares glistening with snow, or Christmas lights, also appeal to the romantic at heart.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – ARRIVE VIENNA
Welcome to Vienna! On arrival at Vienna Airport there are transfers to your hotel at 09.00, 12.00 and 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? Or browse among the tempting window displays on the Karntner Strasse? As night falls, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton.

DAY 2 – VIENNA – 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 old medieval buildings, and the smell of wood smoke pervades through the narrow cobbled streets, one could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into a scene straight out of a Christmas card! Spend some time here 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: Diplomat. (BB,D)

DAY 3 – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing this morning 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 a spectacular view over the whole city. Now descend to the Old Town Square to see the astronomical clock. For those travelling in December, be sure to grab a sausage and some hot 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 – BUDAPEST
The smooth motorway winds through peaceful farmland to the border with Slovakia. It was only in 1993, after more than 75 years of relatively calm coexistence, that the Czech and Slovak Republics split. You 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: Radisson SAS Beke. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
This morning a local guide acquaints you 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 gaily 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 this grand city. First a visit the glorious Schonbrunn 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 Stadtpark before free time for shopping this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,HD)

DAY 7 – VIENNA
Transfers arrive at Vienna Airport at 07.00 and 09.00 hours where your tour ends. (BB)

Prices & Dates

PD = Preferred Departure

• Tour prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
• All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.