A Tale Of Five Cities: Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Moscow & St. Petersburg

Budapest occupies both sides of the Danube. Spend the day exploring the lower east bank of Pest. Wander through Heroes' Square, privately tour the Opera House and attend a concert at the Pal C. Molnar House. Four Seasons Gresham Palace B L D

Cross the river to the Buda section of the city for a walking tour. Later, journey to elegant Vienna. Hotel Imperial B L D

Vienna is nearly unchanged since it was the capital of the Austrian Empire, and it remains a thriving center of politics and culture. Explore the impressive Hofburg Palace, housing a stunning collection of objets d'art in its Imperial Treasury, and gaze at the towering St. Stephen's Cathedral. Sch?nbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Hapsburg family, reflects the glories of the past. Admire its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Hotel Imperial B L

DESIGN YOUR DAY options fill the morning hours. Take a walking tour through medieval Vienna or discover the city's rich musical heritage. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B D

Travel by train to Prague, then stroll through its charming Old Town to view the 15th-century astronomical clock on the fa?ade of the Old Town Hall. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B L D

After a guest speaker discusses contemporary issues in the Czech Republic today, wander past the Romanesque and Gothic buildings that line the Old Town streets. Take a private tour of the Estates Theater of Municipal House. A private vintage tram takes you to one of the city's best restaurants for a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B L D

Visit the Baroque Strahov Monastery, the Loreto Shrine and Hradcany (Prague) Castle, a sprawling complex of buildings. DESIGN YOUR DAY this afternoon. Explore Lobkowicz Palace, the Mala Strana district or wander the famous Vrtba Garden. Four Seasons Hotel Prague B L

Fly to Moscow and meet fellow travellers joining you for the Russian portion of your journey. Ritz-Carlton Moscow B D

See the grandeur of Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral; then visit the Tretyakov Gallery before dinner and entertainment. Ritz-Carlton Moscow B L D

Explore the Pushkin Museum's collection of foreign art that dates from ancient civilizations to modern day. Continue to Novodevichy Convent and the Smolensky Cathedral. Ritz-Carlton Moscow B L

Explore the Kremlin where the czars were crowned and is now the residence of the Russian president. View the State Armory collection of regalia from the Imperial Era and the a collection of gems in the Diamond Fund. See the Square of Four Cathedrals. Ritz-Carlton Moscow B L D

Fly to St. Petersburg and visit the beautiful Catherine Palace in Pushkin. Grand Hotel Europe B L D

Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress and the 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral, recognized by its dome covered in pure gold leaf. Travel to Petrodvorets to view the palace estate of Peter the Great. DESIGN YOUR DAY this afternoon. Choose from a visit to the ornate Church of Spilled Blood or a trip to the State Museum of Political History. Meet this evening for your farewell dinner at the hotel. Grand Hotel Europe B L D

Explore the magnificent Hermitage Museum in the lavish Winter Palace; then visit the opulent Yusupov Palace, the scene of the murder of "Mad Monk" Rasputin. Grand Hotel Europe B L

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B