Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial cities of Central Europe. During a visit to a typical Hungarian horse farm, you’ll learn the unique culture and history of the Hungarian horsemen and watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show. An informative city tour of Budapest features the Mathias Church, where many kings have had their coronations. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle, where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. In the grand city of Vienna, stand in awe of the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. “Waltz” across the breathtaking Danube and travel through the historic Wachau Valley during your scenic Danube River cruise. Explore the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. While in Prague, you’ll see the amazing Hradcany Castle and walk the famous Golden Lane. Your tour concludes with a memorable and moving performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial cities of Central Europe. Your cultural experience of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight to Europe.
Day #2 Arrive Budapest, Hungary - You arrive in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," and truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged in terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the gentler opposite bank. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day #3 Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest - An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings. You also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square, admire the imposing Millennium Monument, completed in 1904, which memorializes the 1,000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th-century castle where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. This evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact the days of medieval times. Complete with wine and music, this evening is sure to delight.
Day #4 Budapest - Domonyvolgy (Horse Show) - Vienna, Austria - Travel to the picturesque Hungarian countryside, called the "Puszta," and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is "flat as water." Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000 years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast, including goulash soup, in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy music. Your journey then takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Day #5 Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Grinzing - Vienna - A city tour of Vienna features the baroque marvels of Schonbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. In the city center, see the gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks and spires that fill the city. Travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein where you board your boat for a scenic Danube River cruise. "Waltz" across one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the world, immortalized by Strauss, and travel through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit the 11th-century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. Tonight, enjoy a memorable evening with entertainment in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing.
Day #6 Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic - A scenic ride through the countryside takes you to Prague, variously called the "Golden City" or "The City of 100 Spires." This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle. Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful miniature houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka. View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge.
Day #7 Prague - Today is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures dating from the 11th-century to the present.
Day #8 Prague - Salzburg, Austria - This morning you depart early and travel to the musical city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the Altstadt (Old Town) highlighting the Cathedral, Mozart's Birthplace and Mirabell Gardens. You will not be able to miss recognizable locations from the "Sound of Music".
Day #9 Salzburg - Oberammergau Region, Germany - Depart Salzburg this morning for the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau. This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Day #10 Oberammergau Region - Tour Ends -
