Travel through the lands that once comprised the stomping grounds of the great continental European empires. Walk in the footsteps of the Habsburg dynasty as you traverse the imperial cities of Europe. See incredible sites like Hradcany Castle, Schoenbrunn Palace, and Heroes Square. Take in the history and culture of Central Europe with a trip to the Imperial cities of Europe!
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Your tour of the great imperial cities of Prague, Budapest and Vienna begins with an overnight flight* to Prague in the Czech Republic.
Day 2: Arrive Prague, Czech Republic
Your vacation begins in Prague, the “Golden City.” You will be treated to a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers this evening.
Day 3: Prague
Enjoy a tour of Prague. Visit the remarkable Hradcany Castle. Stroll down Golden Lane, lined with small houses including the former residence of Czech author Franz Kafka. Spend the afternoon at your leisure in Prague.
Day 4: Prague
Pay a visit to Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter, including Europe’s oldest remaining Jewish Cemetery, founded in 1478. Visit the historic Jewish Museum and the city’s old town area. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a historic Prague restaurant.
Day 5: Prague - Vienna, Austria
Take a ride through the beautiful European countryside as you travel from Prague to Vienna, Austria. In Vienna, once the capital of the expansive Austro-Hungarian Empire, you will be able to enjoy much of the afternoon and evening at your leisure before having a delicious dinner accompanied by a classical music concert.
Day 6: Vienna
Embark upon a city tour in Vienna where you will be introduced to Schoenbrunn Palace, once the summer retreat for the Habsburg dynasty. In the city center, see St. Stephan’s Cathedral and many impressive works of gothic and baroque architecture. Finish the day in the wine-making town of Grinzing, where you can enjoy dinner and live entertainment and a taste of Heurige, a local wine.
Day 7: Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Vienna
Take a scenic boat cruise on the beautiful Danube River. Later, visit the Melk Abbey, built in the 11th century and home to a large collection of historic manuscripts.
Day 8: Vienna - Budapest, Hungary
You will arrive in Budapest, Hungary today, the “Pearl of the Danube.”
Day 9: Budapest - Lajosmizse (Horse Show)
Visit the “Puszta” region, flat plains that spread across a portion of the Hungarian countryside. Learn about the Csikos horsemen who have been equestrians for over 1000 years. Watch a spectacular horse show before ending the day with a Hungarian goulash supper accompanied by traditional gypsy music.
Day 10: Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest
Spend the day touring many of the historic sites in Budapest. Visit the Millennium Monument at Heroes Square, built in 1904, which commemorated the 1000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. In the evening, travel back to the 14th century at a castle where knights in medieval garb duke it out for supremacy in a medieval times reenactment. Enjoy dinner and wine as you observe the combat and jousting from times gone by.
Day 11: Budapest - Depart for Home
Your visit of the imperial cities of Europe ends, but the memories of your vacation will endure.
Relive the glory days of barons, counts, and Holy Roman Emperors as you travel in the shadows of the Habsburg rulers of yesteryear, Enjoy great food and wine and experience a Medieval battle by costumed knights, View castles and museums and spend overnight stays in some of Central Europe’s principal cities. Enjoy Budapest, Prague, and Vienna as you take in the imperial cities of Europe.
*Airfare not included in total price
