Like a rhapsody that enchants the dreams of composers, artists, writers, and romantics, this European escorted tour from Budapest to Prague promises to bring out the Bohemian in you. Hear the bells resound above Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague; see the cathedral skies and castles rise; taste the tempting foodie delights and spectacular sights of Budapest and feel the charm of Slovakia. Wrap your senses in the stunning beauty of Vienna to the Golden City of Prague on this artful 9-day European vacation that’s nothing short of captivating.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Prague so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing of Budapest featuring Heroes Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, and a visit to the Synagogue• Visit Gyor and Cesky Krumlov• Guided walking tour in Bratislava includes a visit to St. Martin’s church • Guided sightseeing drive in Vienna features a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral• [LF] Exclusive waltz dancing lesson in the city of Strauss• [LF]Complimentary kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at a historic Viennese Café• Visit Hluboka Castle• [LF] Visit to the Budvar (Budweiser) Brewery followed by a light lunch• Guided sightseeing tour in Prague • Globus Choice excursions in Prague − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour through the Castle District including a wine-tasting visit to the nearby vineyards or a Communist Era themed guided tour
Notes: We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Welcome to Budapest! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D) Dinner
Day 2 BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube Wake up in the beautiful city of Budapest! Follow your Local Guide on a fascinating sightseeing tour; visit the Jewish Synagogue, the second largest in the world, take in the fantastic views from Fisherman’s Bastion, visit Heroes Square, and see the Matthias Coronation Church. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT History suggests Fisherman’s Bastion owes its name to a medieval fishermen’s guild, who lived under the castle walls, and was responsible for preserving this part of the city. A visit to Budapest is not complete without a stop here to take in the most enchanting views of the capital of Hungary Breakfast
Day 3 BUDAPEST–GYOR–BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Capital Cities Depart Budapest and drive to Gyor, often referred to as the Baroque City, spend free time admiring the architecture whilst exploring the picture perfect Old Town. Later,continue to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Your guided sightseeing includes a walking tour of the historic center with a visit of St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Coronation Church. An evening at leisure to see more of the city and try some local dishes. (B)
127mi / 205km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Situated on the Danube River with the Little Carpathian Mountains as its backdrop, Bratislava is a real gem, a capital city with a local vibe. Watch out for “Cumil” one the city’s most photographed residents - the bronze statue of a worker peering from a manhole at passersby Breakfast
Day 4 BRATISLAVA–VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The City of Music Cross the border into Austria to reach its capital city, Vienna. Your Local Guide will get you acquainted with the city during a sightseeing tour. Drive along the elegant Ringstrasse, stop to take photos of the Hofburg Palace and Heldenplatz, and visit the incredible St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Free time this afternoon and evening, why not be tempted by some traditional local specialties for lunch and dinner. (B)
68mi / 110km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Fall in love with the Austrian city that has played an important role throughout history. It is easy to see how musical geniuses such as Mozart and Strauss were inspired by this captivating city Breakfast
Day 5 VIENNA
Sweet Traditions A relaxing morning at leisure to discover more of this fascinating city, why not check out one of the many museums or browse the stores. This afternoon a real treat awaits you, dip deeper into the Viennese culture with an [LF] exclusive waltz dancing lesson, where else to do this but in the city of Strauss! Then enjoy a little indulgence with a delicious [LF] Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at an historic local Café. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The Viennese coffee house culture has roots dating back to the end of the Ottoman siege on Vienna and the coffee beans that were left behind. The coffee houses that opened around the city became popular as places to socialize, or as inspiration for literary artists. Famous for their atmosphere, elegant decor, and delicious pastries, the Viennese coffee house culture has been listed by UNESCO as an “intangible Cultural Heritage.” Breakfast
Day 6 VIENNA–CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC
Medieval Gem Reach the picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov in time to have some free time for lunch. Later meet your Local Guide for a walking tour of this enchanting town. Stroll to the Vltava River that meanders around the town, see the Church of St Vitus and a enjoy a magnificent view of the former Jesuit colleges. Admire the castle and the impressive “Cloak Bridge.” (B,D)
130 mi / 210 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT The name Cesky Krumlov is thought to mean “crooked meadow” and originates from the town’s location on a bend of the Vltava River. Its most distinct architectural feature is the castle complex, one of the largest in Central Europe, consisting of 40 buildings and palaces. Now a state-owned property, it has been owned by different noble families through the centuries with many fascinating tales to tell BreakfastDinner
Day 7 CESKY KRUMLOV–HLUBOKA CASTLE–CESKE BUDEJOVICE–PRAGUE
What’s in a Name? This morning a Local Guide will accompany you for a guided visit of the majestic Hluboka Castle. Continue to Ceske Budejovice for a [LF] private guided tour of the Budvar (Budweiser) Brewery. Learn about the brewing process before enjoying a light lunch. Later, reach Prague, the vibrant capital city often called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” or “The Golden City.” (B,L,D)
112 mi / 180 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTE The town of Ceske Budejovice was once called Budweis, and ever since it was founded in the 13th century beer brewing has been an important industry. In the 16th century this beer became known as the “Beer of Kings.” When Adolphus Busch and Carl Conrad visited Budweis in the 19th century, they decided to produce their own version of the beer back home in the USA and named it “Budweiser” “of Budweis,” and gave it the motto “King of Beers.” BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8 PRAGUE
Spend your day your way in Prague Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour which includes the Astronomical Clock. Explore more of Prague with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) BreakfastDinner
Day 9 PRAGUE
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Budapest
Bratislava
Vienna
Cesky Krumlov
Prague
Hotel M Gallery Nemzeti Superior First-Class
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This historic upscale hotel housed in an ornate 19th-century building has ties to the first Hungarian National Theater, echoing the artistic spirit of Budapest. Set in the heart of the city, on the Pest side of Budapest at Blaha Lujza square, a convenient location well serviced by public transportation with many dining options in the vicinity. Popular shopping areas, cultural attractions and landmarks such as the New York Cafe, Madach Musical Theater and National Museum can be easily reached. All of the 80 stylish, contemporary designed air-conditioned rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, multimedia box, coffee/tea making facilities and luxury bathroom amenities. Free high-speed 5G Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There is a lobby bar that serves coffee, drinks and light bites as well as a cafe that serves traditional Hungarian fare for lunch and dinner.
Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava Superior First-Class
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Zeitgeist Hauptbahnof First-Class
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The Delight restaurant offers a selection of regional dishes and the Oscar's Bar & Brasserie is open daily and serves snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and drinks. Guests have the use of the hotel's gym, sauna, solarium and steam room. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.