Imperial Cities
Bask in splendor and romance with 3-night stays in each of Europe's Imperial Cities - Prague, Vienna and Budapest. In Prague, walk the Golden Lane, a delightful neighborhood of tiny, medieval houses, and indulge in your choice of local restaurants during a Dine Around Dinner. Delight in the baroque marvels of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Visit a 14th century Hungarian castle where knights recreate the days of chivalry. Soak up the culture of the region with included guided city excursions and through your own explorations during days at leisure. Cruise the Danube River past the beautiful scenery of the Wachau Valley to the famous Abbey at Melk.
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- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2013
- Duration
- 10 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Prague | Overnight Flight: Inclusive sightseeing, traditional entertainment and a scenic cruise along the Danube River highlight 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 | Prague | Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins: After arriving in Prague, variously called the "Golden City" or "The City of 100 Spires," the remainder of your day is at leisure. You will adore Prague; its historic center has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites since 1992. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. |
| Day 3 | Prague | Prague: Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a panoramic tour as you drive through the city and arrive at the amazing Hradcany Castle where you will stroll down the Golden Lane. Afterwards, enjoy your visit to the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon 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 4 | Prague | Prague: Today enjoy the freedom to explore Prague on your own. Be sure to stroll down to the old town square, home to the famous Orloj, which functions as a clock, calendar and primitive planetarium. You may also choose to join an optional excursion to Prague's Old Jewish Quarter to see its historic Jewish Museum and Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, founded in 1478. This evening, it's Diner's Choiceâ?¦ a Collette Exclusive. Tonight's dinner is included and you'll choose the perfect spot from a 'menu' of Prague's great restaurants. |
| Day 5 | Prague | Prague - Vienna, Austria: A scenic ride through the countryside takes you from Prague into the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Upon arriving in the city, your tour of Vienna begins. Begin with a visit to Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years, before continuing through Vienna's city center, visiting the gothic St. Stephan's Cathedral. Along the way, behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks and gothic spires that fill the city. You have a free evening to enjoy the city at leisure. |
| Day 6 | Vienna | Vienna: Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Vienna as you wish. You might sample a strudel at a traditional 'kaffeehaus,' visit a museum or stroll the historic streets of this beautiful city. You can also join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, itself a former Imperial capital. This evening enjoy a memorable dining experience, including local entertainment, in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing and sample locally-produced wine. |
| Day 7 | Vienna | Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Vienna: 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. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods concludes this marvelous day. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional dinner followed by an unforgettable classical music concert featuring many fine melodies from the great composers Mozart and Strauss. |
| Day 8 | Vienna | Vienna - Budapest, Hungary: This morning your journey continues to Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, an informative local expert introduces you to the area. First, visit the Matthias Church, site of many coronations of kings. Next, visit the Fisherman'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. |
| Day 9 | Budapest | Budapest: You may take advantage of this day at leisure to stroll the riverside streets of majestic Budapest, visit one of the many museums, sample the local cuisine, or just relax. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion which journeys through the picturesque Hungarian Great Plain 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 equestrians, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000 years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure. |
| Day 10 | Budapest | Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest: Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad for 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. Then, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner at the castle restaurant and re-enact the days of medieval times. Complete with wine and music, this highlight will end your fascinating cultural journey. |
| Day 11 | Budapest | Budapest - Tour Ends: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Beke Radisson Blu Budapest, Hungary
- Hotel Century Old Town Prague, Czech Republic
- Hotel Am Konzerthaus vienna, Austria
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
