Prague, Vienna and Budapest

The gleaming spires of Prague shine brightly on this sojourn through the imperial capitals of Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Join your Travel Director and travel companions this afternoon and admire some of the beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades before enjoying an unforgettable dinner to kick off your holiday.

Delve into centuries of history, joining your Local Specialist for a guided walk past the city's iconic sights. Visit the final resting place of Bohemian kings, St. Vitus Cathedral, set within the precincts of Prague Castle. Then, admire the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, with its hourly Walk of the Apostles. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience -  an educational lecture with a local bee expert. Spend the afternoon admiring the spectacular cityscape on your own.

Today is yours to explore the legends, castles and palaces of Prague. Follow the 'Royal Route', discover historic treasures and admire picturesque views of the city from Petřín Hill, or join an Optional Experience to Kutná Hora, with its bone-bedecked chapel and five-nave St. Barbara Church. Spend your evening at leisure, enjoying some of the local beer for which the country is famous, or join a traditional dinner to bid farewell to this beautiful city with newly acquired friends.

Travel south from Prague through lush Moravian landscapes to Bratislava, passing its quaint Old Town, before continuing your journey to Vienna – your home for the next three nights. Admire the city's musical talents and consider attending a fun dinner with musical entertainment.

The heritage of one of Europe's most influential royal families is explored this morning as we Dive Into Culture during a small group sightseeing guided visit to the spectacular Kunsthistorisches Museum. Admire the valuable objects collected by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg over the centuries before the doors are open to the general public. Later, we join an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to view the Hofburg Palace, the official residence of the President of Austria and former home of the Habsburg Dynasty. We'll see such sights as the Parliament Building, the magnificent Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral with its geometrically tiled roof. Spend the afternoon on your own, indulging in the city's kaffee culture with a slice or two of Sachertorte.

Today is yours to explore the 'City of Music' on your terms. Tread in the footsteps of the great sons of Vienna – Mozart, Haydn and Strauss – as you delve into the city's rich musical heritage nurtured by aristocrats throughout the centuries. Consider a visit to the beautiful Baroque Schönbrunn Palace to see the former imperial summer residence.

Cross the hilly Transdanubia region – its orchards and vineyards providing a picturesque backdrop – as you continue along the path of the Danube and stop in the former trade-route town of Győr. Amble along Baross Gábor Street and admire the Baroque facade, before continuing to the romantic city of Budapest where we will spend the next three nights.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a walking tour. Visit the Fisherman's Bastion, view the Matthias Church and drive to Pest to see the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. We pay tribute to the seven chieftains of the Magyars in Heroes' Square. Tonight's Be My Guest experience will see us Connect With Locals over dinner with the Schieszl family and hear the story of their winery.

Venture up Gellert Hill for spectacular views of the Budapest skyline, relax in the Szechenyi Baths or consider an Optional Experience to Szentendre, a riverside village popular with artists and craftworkers. On your final evening, toast to a magnificent journey through the Imperial capitals of Europe over dinner in a local restaurant.

Say a fond farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travelers today after an unforgettable trip.