OH, VIENNA
Take in Prague, Budapest and Vienna on this wonderful eight-day city break
VISIT a string of resplendent cities on this hugely popular holiday to central Europe, staying in four-star accommodation and experiencing culture like no other. You will begin your enthralling journey in the beautiful city of Prague, where there’ll be a chance to visit Dresden on an optional excursion, then travel through Bohemia to grandiose Vienna, home to stunning palaces and the very best coffee and cake. You’ll then call in the cosmopolitan Slovakian capital of Bratislava, before concluding your holiday in Budapest, the majestic Hungarian capital that hugs the Danube and showcases sublime architecture. Day One: Fly to Prague, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel. Dependent on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day settling into this pretty, ‘walkabout’ city. Day Two: Considered one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, Prague has miraculously survived the turbulent centuries unscathed, leaving so many impressive, historic sights to be explored. Join your guide for a walking tour, which introduces the elegant Old Town – the city’s heart since the 13th Century – and then crosses the River Vlatva via iconic Charles Bridge. Explore the steeply sloping left bank and the Hradcany District, dominated by Prague’s ancient cas- tle, great St Vitus’ Cathedral and the historic Royal Palace. Following the tour you’re free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps in one of the city’s 20 museums or over 100 fascinating galleries. And this evening, why not join the optional dinner cruise and enjoy a buffet meal as the city slips past? Day Three: Visit Dresden on an optional excursion Continue exploring Prague at your leisure today, or join an excursion to Dresden. Having suffered severe destruction by Allied bombings in 1945, Dresden has undergone a miraculous transformation to restore its former Baroque glory. See stupendous Frauenkirche, a historic treasure that lay in ruins after the war, the surrounding Altstadt, the Residenzschloss – seat of Saxon kings and home to a priceless jewel collection – and the pavilions and courtyards of the Zwinger buildings. Day Four: Leaving Prague behind, you’ll board the coach and travel south into beautiful Bohe- mia, a rolling, romantic region of thick forests, medieval towns and majestic, hill-top castles. By early afternoon you’ll have crossed in Austria to arrive in the great Imperial city of Vienna. A guided introductory tour reveals the city’s opulent Baroque palaces, striking St Stephen’s Cathedral, the elegant shopping arcades and famous Ringstrasse (ring-road) of grand buildings overlooking great squares. Day Five: This morning’s optional excursion offers the chance to visit great Schonbrunn Palace, a former Imperial summer residence and one of Austria’s most magnificent treasures. Explore the great apartments and opulent saloons that once echoed with the music of the young Mozart. Spend the rest of your day imbibing the highlights of Vienna. Day Six: Today you’ll continue our journey south towards Hungary. En route, you’ll pass through Slovakia to call at its charming capital, Bratislava. Perching on the banks of the River Danube, Bratislava boasts Baroque palaces, pretty churches and an old town flaunting understated elegance. After some time to explore, re-board the coach to continue the journey to the Danube-side city of Budapest, for a two-night stay. Day Seven: Discover a string of highlights as you explore the great twin city, comprised of elegant Buda in the west and trendy Pest in the east. Explore Buda’s castle district, packed with medieval houses and the fascinating Matthias Church, and take a look at the spectacular vista from Fishermen’s Bastion. Cross famous Chain Bridge to Pest to see the stunning Gothic Parliament building lining the river and grandiose Heroes Square. Day Eight: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.