The Imperial Cities

Day 1 – Air

Depart for Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Day 2 – Prague

Welcome to the Czech Republic, where your private bus and guide will escort you to your hotel in the “City of a Hundred Spires.” An evening Walking Tour takes you along the cobblestone streets to the Charles Bridge, dating back to 1357.

Day 3 – Prague

Enjoy a guided Prague City Tour this morning to see the old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock or Orlogue; the Carolinum, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Golden Lane with its picturesque artisans’ cottages. Tour either Prague Castle (Hradcany), the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic, or the Jewish Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Europe, dating back as far as the 13th century. Take delight in one of Prague’s famous Lanterna Magika or Magic Lantern multi-media spectacles this evening.

Day 4 – Budapest

Transfer through Bohemia’s lush green foothills. Arrive in Budapest, the city know as “Queen of the Danube.” Hungary’s capital is a lively city which has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. Optional: Drive through scenic vineyards in the Danube valley to the former royal town of Esztergom. Originally a Roman outpost, Esztergom later became the residence of Magyar kings in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Day 5 – Budapest

On today’s City Tour of the divided capital you’ll visit both sides of the blue Danube. In Buda, see Castle Hill’s narrow cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; Fisherman’s Bastion, with its arcades surrounding the Church of St. Matyas; and the Bridge of Chains. In Pest, the cultural center of the city, view the House of Parliament, Heroes’ Square, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Millennium Memorial. Option: Spend the evening in a traditional restaurant complete with a Hungarian folklore show of fiery gypsy music, folk songs and Csárdás dancing.

Day 6 – Vienna

Transfer to Austria’s capital along the Danube by River Cruise today. Sail past orchards, lush vineyards and ruined castles, and view medieval Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. Arrive in Vienna, a historical, musical city as beautiful as a Strauss waltz.

Day 7 – Vienna

A Vienna City Tour introduces you to an imperial city that needs to be explored, for many of its charms lie hidden in narrow side streets and ancient courtyards. Begin in the Old Quarter and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the most famous building in Vienna. Also see the State Opera House and the Ringstrasse of Emperor Franz Joseph, Karlskirche. Optional: Tour stunning Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Habsburg family. This evening, head towards the Prater, Vienna’s famous amusement park. Take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel (Reisenrad) for a marvelous view over the city.

Day 8 – Salzburg

Make a stop at imposing Melk Abbey, then travel west to for a Salzburg City Tour. Visit Mozart’s Home, exhibiting his life, music and operatic productions. See the famous Horse Trough, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg Cathedral and the Great Festival Hall, in this musical city with its unique baroque architecture.

Day 9 – Depart

Fly home with sweet memories of your sojourn in Europe’s Imperial Cities.