Imperial Europe

Welcome to Hungary! We begin in the fascinating city of Budapest. Situated on opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Both sides of the river are home to many grand historic buildings, regal bridges and tree-lined boulevards. The city's elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere has given Budapest a Parisian status among many of the Eastern European countries. Budapest offers visitors the familiarity of European culture with a distinctly Hungarian flavour. You can witness this blend in the neo-Gothic Parliament structures, alfresco dining spots serving authentic Magyar dishes, the sounds of Hungarian folk music, the charming cobblestone pathways of historic districts, and shady parks.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 3.00pm. Join your fellow travellers and tour leader for a brief orientation tour of the city before a group welcome dinner.

Budapest, having been composed of two distinct cities in the past, retains the individual character and distinct style of its two districts. The older, and perhaps more enchanting, Buda beckons with its atmospheric lanes, quaintly painted houses, and an intriguing blend of medieval and neo-Classical architectural treasures, nestled harmoniously within the rolling hills of the western bank.

Pest, situated on a flat plain, serves as the city's commercial heart. It boasts trendy shopping districts and iconic wide boulevards. The city's tumultuous history, marked by frequent wars and invasions, has shaped today's Budapest. It's a captivating blend of European and Hungarian architectural styles, crafted over time by a proud and resilient nation.

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this magnificent city. We'll see the impressive Parliament building, the Royal Palace, and the spectacular Castle Hill district. We will also visit the renowned Fisherman's Bastion, offering the most breathtaking panoramic vistas in Budapest. Our journey continues with stops at Matthias Church, the iconic Heroes' Square, and the majestic Gellert Hill, where the Citadel stands tall.

Special Experience: Pálinka, a traditional fruit brandy, stands as one of Hungary's beloved beverages. Enjoy a tasting and learn about its history at Budapest's Pálinka Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace.

We set our sights on Vienna today, the Austrian capital. Europe's bastion of imperial grandeur and culture, this glorious city will delight with its impressive palaces and wide boulevards.

On the way we travel through the Hungarian countryside to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava has been strongly influenced by a variety of nations and religions throughout its history and was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary through the 1500s to 1700s. The old town is home to St Martin's Cathedral, Primatial Palace, St Michael's Gate and Bratislava Castle, the city's most dominant feature, sitting atop a rocky hill directly above the Danube. After some free time to explore Bratislava, we board our boat and set sail towards Vienna.

Our sightseeing today in majestic Vienna includes a drive along the famed Ringstrasse to see the palaces of Hofburg and Belvedere, the Prater Amusement Park, Vienna State Opera, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Rathaus, St Stephen's Cathedral and more.

We'll also visit the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn. With its adjacent buildings and vast gardens, it is among the most important baroque structures of its type in Europe. Our tour includes the Residential Palace with its impressive furniture, fixtures and fittings reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the Imperial Family. The beauty of Schönbrunn Palace lies in the fact that it has retained many of its original features that date back to the 18th century. The baroque layout of the gardens has also remained scarcely unchanged and is a joy to explore.

Special Experience: Experience an authentic Viennese strudel cooking demonstration at Schönbrunn's Imperial Palace and savour a slice of this delectable treat. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

The day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Why not explore the Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Imperial Royal Family, which also now houses the President of Austria? This impressive complex was the primary winter residence for the Habsburgs, with Schönbrunn Palace as their favoured summer retreat. Notably, Marie Antoinette was born here in 1755. The Hofburg complex encompasses several significant buildings, including the Winter Hall, which you may have the opportunity to visit.

Alternatively, you can opt for a more relaxed day, exploring the vibrant café and restaurant scene, taking a ferry ride across the city, or renting a Citybike for a leisurely cycle through Vienna's numerous attractions.

The Czech Republic is one of Europe's newest countries, filled with medieval towns and fairytale castles. Český Krumlov is no exception, with this charming town looking like it would be right at home on the pages of a picture book. Today promises a day of scenic splendour as we traverse the picturesque Austrian countryside on our way to the wine-producing town of Dürnstein.

Upon arrival, you'll have some leisure time before we proceed to Melk. Here we'll get the chance to tour the Melk Abbey complex, an 18th century Benedictine monastery that sits upon a clifftop overlooking the idyllic Danube River. We then cross the border into the Czech Republic, towards the southern bohemian town of Český Krumlov.

Today we explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Český Krumlov. Construction of the castle began back in the late 13th century and the town started to form around it. The town became very popular as it was an important stop along the Vltava River and the trade routes in Bohemia.

Surrounded by rolling hills, the cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov are dotted with over 300 protected medieval buildings and the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. In 1253 the Český Krumlov Castle was completed as the residence of the Lords of the Krumlov (members of the Rosenburg family for over 300 years). Throughout the next few hundred years many Emperors, Lords and Dukes added to the castle which gives it its charm today.

Special Experience: Enjoy a tea or coffee in the Český Krumlov Castle Tower, a great location to sit back and take in the historic surroundings. This afternoon is at your leisure to wander the quaint streets and explore this beautiful city.

Today we travel north to Prague, a city often hailed as the most beautiful in Europe. While many European capitals suffered extensive destruction during World War II, Prague emerged from the war unscathed, adding to its allure.

First, we visit the town of Kutná Hora, nestled in the heart of Bohemia. This town and its neighbour, Sedlec, collectively hold UNESCO World Heritage status, safeguarded for notable attractions including the 14th century St Barbara's Church, the Gothic Stone Haus which hosts a silver museum, and the Bone Church of Kutná Hora. You'll have the opportunity to explore the intriguing Bone Church of Kutná Hora, where the bones of over 40,000 individuals adorn the Sedlec Ossuary.

After some free time for lunch, we'll proceed north to Prague. Upon arrival, the evening is at your leisure. Why not visit Charles Bridge as the sun sets?

Today we will see the amazing Baroque and Renaissance buildings that give Prague so much character. First, we pass by the National Museum and the National Theatre that stand at the top of Wenceslas Square, before continuing to the area known as 'Mala Strana' or the Lesser Town.

We explore Hradčany, the castle district of Prague and visit Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world. Dating back to the 9th century, the castle is where Kings of Bohemia, Holy Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia have had their offices. Prague Castle is also where the Crown Jewels of the Czech Republic are housed and where we'll see the world-famous St Vitus Cathedral. While in the castle complex, we also visit the Golden Lane, a small street of 11 historic houses that date back to the 15th century. Each house is painted in a different colour to represent their origin and showcases weapons, armoury, and textiles.

We'll then cross the river into the Jewish Quarter and continue to the famous Old Town Square, home to the Astronomical Clock and imposing gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this amazing city, before a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!