Imperial Europe

The sophisticated city streets of Munich are your launch pad to an adventure through the capitals of imperial Europe. Spend some free time immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Bavarian capital. Later, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director on an orientation tour. View the Marienplatz, the centre of Munich city life since the 12th century, and its iconic Glockenspiel, before a Welcome Reception to kick-start your journey.

This morning visit Regensburg, an unspoilt medieval gem on your way to the Czech Republic. Cross the border to Prague, your home for the next two nights.

Delve into centuries of history as you join a 'Local Specialist' for a guided sightseeing tour of Prague. View the impressive Gothic architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral in the grounds of the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, then cross the river on your walking tour to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock, with its hourly Walk of the Apostles. The afternoon is yours to experience the city on your terms. Savour the delicious chocolate flavours of Trdelník in the old Town Square, pay tribute to the saints that line the Charles Bridge or consider a relaxing lunch cruise on the Vltava

We leave the beauty of Prague behind for the lush landscapes of Moravia and pass into Slovakia. Stop in Bratislava to admire its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. Crossing the border into Hungary, we arrive in Budapest, the 'Paris of the East'. Consider spending the evening on a river cruise along the Danube paired with a dinner of a selection of Hungarian specialities and awe-inspiring views.

Admire the iconic and unexpected highlights of Budapest on a guided sightseeing tour with a 'Local Specialist'. See the famous Chain Bridge which connects the two ancient settlements that straddle the Danube, and the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district. Visit Fisherman's Bastion, paying tribute to the seven Magyar chieftains who founded the Hungarian nation. Here, you can enjoy superb views across the imposing Parliament building and Danube below. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before joining the Schieszl family for a hearty 'Be My Guest' Hungarian dinner. 'Connect With Locals' and hear the story of their winery.

A leisurely start to your morning could see you soaking up the relaxing atmosphere in the Széchenyi Spa Baths, enjoying coffee and kurtos in the charming Jewish Quarter or joining a guided tour of the magnificent Parliament Building. Cross the hilly landscapes of Transdanubia, arriving in Győr to explore its Baroque architecture and medieval atmosphere before arriving in Vienna for an evening at leisure to indulge in the captivating melodies, art and architecture of a city that was once home to famous composers.

Explore the imperial splendour of Vienna at Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty during your guided sightseeing tour of Vienna with a 'Local Specialist'. Admire the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard built in the 19th-century to replace the city walls. Then, see the ornate colourful roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most beloved icons. Maybe, visit the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace with its tranquil gardens or enjoy Vienna's musical talents at one of the performances for which the city is famous.

The enchanting landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley provide a picturesque backdrop for our leisurely drive past vineyards and fortresses en route to Salzburg. We see the Benedictine Melk Abbey perched on a rocky outcrop above the Danube and learn about its royal connections. Arriving in Salzburg, we embark on a leisurely walking tour of its Old Town with a 'Local Specialist'. Dine in your hotel this evening.

Leave Austria behind, bound for the German city of Munich. This evening we celebrate an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most memorable cities during a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions and Travel Director.

For now, it's time to say a fond auf Wiedersehen to Germany, your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your exhilarating European experience. Transfers to Munich airport are available, conditions apply.