Highlights of Central Europe

Vítejte v Praze! Welcome to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Meet your new travel buddies and group leader at 6 pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, you might like to head out for a special welcome dinner together. You could tuck into a delicious meal at a Czech pub and enjoy traditional food like sausages, dumplings and salads, and fresh, crisp beer straight from the tank – just like a local. Did you know that the beer in the Czech Republic has three colours? Gold, amber and black – we recommend you try them all to see which one you like best.

Head to Prague Castle this morning and spend time exploring the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus’ Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and the colourful Golden Lane. Then, get a taste for Czech cuisine as you tuck into lunch at a local canteen that proudly serves up traditional dishes. There'll be plenty of lunching locals if you want to copy their order for the best dishes on offer. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish. You could wander the countless museums, or stroll the cobblestone streets, perhaps, café-hopping as you go. In the evening, maybe grab dinner with your new travel companions or hit the town solo. Your leader will have some great recommendations, no matter what you feel like. (B/L)

Depart Prague today and travel by local bus to the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is like something out of a fairy-tale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Chess-kee Kroom-love') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Today, join a local guide for a walking tour of the town and hear tales of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. Later you might like to visit the town's castle or art gallery, or head out on an optional cycling or canoeing excursion. (B)

Depart Cesky Krumlov by private minivan this morning and cross the border into Austria, continuing to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre. Stop at the gothic-style St Stephens Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Stop by Vollpension, where you can be treated to sweet eats just like your grandma made. This café aims to bridge the generation gap and bring people together through food by employing baking masters who happen to be ‘grandmas and grandpas’ to bake the freshest cakes in all of Vienna. Then, finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine. (B)

Wake up without an alarm today as you have the whole of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds at your leisure. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, although there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Vienna is a beautiful city, so try to capture its essence as best you can while you're here. (B)

Today, you’ll take a scenic train journey across the border into Hungary to reach Budapest. Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. It's the spa capital of the world so if you want to do nothing more than soak all day, you won't be judged here. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked Hungarian meal with a local family. You'll be invited into their family home to enjoy a drink and snack on fresh vegetables, cheese, bread and homemade sausages in the garden. After whetting your appetite, you'll get a chance to roll up your sleeves and join the family in the kitchen to learn some of their Hungarian cooking specialties with a cooking masterclass. Then, tuck into your freshly prepared meal and enjoy dinner with your new-found friends and host family. Toast your Hungarian arrival with a taste of palinka, Hungarian fruit brandy. Perhaps rejoin the group for a farewell dinner. (B/D)

Dive deeper into Budapest with a walking tour with a local guide to explore some of the city’s most interesting sights. There's no one better to show you all of the best spots and give you local insights like someone who lives here so be sure to follow closely and ask your local guide any of your burning questions about Budapest. You'll see the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Church and The Chain Bridge. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. You’ll enjoy views of the Freedom Statute and the Citadel, Gellért spa baths and Buda castle along your walk today. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy. (B)

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's not much time in Budapest, it's recommended that you stay an extra few nights so you can truly experience this beautiful city. If you need help booking additional accommodation, our reservations team can help (subject to availability). (B)