Visit a typical Pustza horse farm for a spectacular Hungarian
horse show.
View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge
guring a magnificent tour of the "Golden City" of Prague.
Marvel at the amazing Schonbrunn Palace and the amazing gothic St. Stephan's
Cathedral during your visit to the Austrain capital of Vienna.
Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary
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 a flight to Budapest, the "Queen
of the Danube"; 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 travellers for a welcome dinner.
(D)
Day 2: 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 colourful 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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: 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.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 4: Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Grinzing - Vienna
A city tour of Vienna features the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the
summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. In the city
centre, 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. Today
breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: 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. Today breakfast and dinner will be
included.
Day 6: 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. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Prague – Innsbruck **, Austria
This morning you depart early and travel to the striking Olympic city of Innsbruck,
the “Capital of the Tyrol.” A local guide leads a panoramic Innsbruck
city tour highlighting the popular thoroughfare, Maria Theresienstrasse; the
Hofburg, now a museum, but once the seat of Habsburg princes; and the “Golden
Roof,” all set against the imposing backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Innsbruck - Oberammergau Region, Germany
Depart Innsbruck 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 honour 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 travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable
trip. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Oberammergau – Depart for Home/Arrive UK.
Departure Dates:
2010 - May 8, 10, 13, 15, 20, 27, 31June 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 24, July
1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 21, 26, September 9, 16, 24
|
