Imperial Cities

Set out on a grand cultural adventure through the Imperial Cities of Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Along the way, soak up traditional entertainment, local cuisine, and a glimpse into this region’s eminent history.

Arrive in Prague, the "City of 100 Spires" to witness ancient landmarks and medieval architecture. With no scheduled activities, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Feel the magic and wonder of Prague. Your first chapter in this fairy-tale city begins with exploring the best of Prague's Old Town and its iconic landmarks. Marvel at the iconic, statue-lined Charles Bridge – a picturesque structure stretching over the Vltava River. After, enjoy some time at leisure for lunch on your own and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with free time to discover the city how you like. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter to see its historic Jewish Museum and Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery, founded in 1478.

Start your morning with a panoramic tour and continue on to explore the “Castle District”, the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the majestic Prague Castle, and the Golden Lane. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You may consider shopping for Bohemian crystal or visiting the city’s museums, such as the Lapidarium. Tonight, savour dinner and traditional folklore dances at a famous Prague restaurant where the menu is created based on original recipes from Czech grandmothers.

Travel through the scenic countryside on your way to Vienna. En route, make a stop in the medieval town of Ceský Krumlov. Lined with towering Baroque architecture, explore the quaint preserved streets before continuing to the grand city of Vienna. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll before having dinner on your own.

Join a local guide at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Continue to Vienna’s city centre and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure where perhaps you’ll partake in the city’s famous café culture as you walk the streets, watching locals take a moment out of their day for a hot coffee and bite of cake. Tonight, hear Vienna’s past come alive and experience a classical performance featuring the works of Mozart and Strauss.

Choose how you spend your day because <b>it’s your choice!</b> Venture down the Danube* to the medieval town of Durnstein and cruise to the 11th-century Melk Abbey <b>-OR-</b> join a local guide in the Belvedere Museum, home to Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting <i>The Kiss</i> <b>-OR-</b> enjoy a leisurely morning before attending a Viennese Waltz lesson in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours.

Say hello to Bratislava, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Get to know the city’s 4,000-year-old history on a tour with a local expert. Continue to Hungary and spend the afternoon at a unique, rustic Hungarian event house dedicated to preserving hundreds of years of local traditions. Learn how to make a traditional strudel before enjoying a later lunch where typical Hungarian goulash is served. Arrive in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube" and your home for the next three nights. Enjoy the evening on your own.

Join a local expert for a panoramic tour of the city. Discover the incredible Neo-Gothic marvel of Matthias Church atop Buda Castle Hill, the Fisherman’s Bastion passing the historic Old Buda, and the Parliament House. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Budapest on your own. Perhaps you’ll head to the city’s famous thermal pools for an afternoon of relaxation, or maybe you’ll join an optional excursion to discover Budapest by Night.

This morning, talk with a local and listen to stories about his life during the former communist era. Enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. This afternoon, head out of the city to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrád for a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Visit the 14th-century castle, a former residence of Hungarian kings, and enjoy a Renaissance-style dinner at a restaurant in this castle town.

Say goodbye to these regal cities as your tour comes to a close today.