Imperial Highlights

Say Prost to Germany's beer capital and hello to a glorious encounter with the imperial capitals of central Europe. After settling in to your hotel, meet up with your Travel Director and hit the streets with an orientation tour of the city. Munich's church spires tower over the rest of the city, a nod to an age-old custom that places the city's history and artistry above modernity and you'll love soaking up Munich's old-world Bavarian charm. See the elegant Marienplatz featuring the Old and New Town Hall and watch the famous performance of the Glockenspiel which shares the stories of a royal wedding, jousting knights and the dance of the coopers.

With the rest of the evening to explore Munich your way, why not head to an outdoor Biergarten for a stein and plenty of good times in the buzzing atmosphere. Stay: NH München Ost Conference Center

Your first stop today is in the UNESCO-listed town of Regensburg with its beautifully preserved medieval centre and gothic cathedral which overlooks the town's historic façades and Danube river. Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, we'll visit Prague later, famed as the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. You'll feel like you've stepped into a Brothers Grimm fairy tale and you can turn up the magic even more with a stroll through the illuminated city at night on an Optional Experience.

Your introduction to Prague will reveal all the highlights of its historic streets, followed by a drink at a favourite local pub celebrating the crisp brews for which Prague is so famous. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Praha Mala Strana

Today you'll travel back in time as we dive into Prague's history. Your Local Guide will lead the way on your sightseeing tour featuring the stunning Prague Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus and the Old Town Square.

With the rest of the afternoon free to explore Prague your way, why not head back to the Old Town Square to watch the Astronomical Clock's magical hourly Walk of the Apostles perhaps with a toasty trdelník in hand. Or see another beautiful side of the city from the water, with an optional lunch cruise along the Vltava that will reveal the legends, myths and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. (B)

Your journey through the medieval kingdom of Moravia this morning leads through southern Czech Republic into Slovakia where you'll stop briefly in its capital, Bratislava. See the Old Town and its 15th-century Old Town Hall before continuing to Budapest, whose two halves straddle the beautiful Danube River. With your evening free, why not begin your exploration of the 'Paris of the East' on the water with an optional private dinner cruise featuring Hungarian specialities and unforgettable views of the illuminated city. (B) Stay: Ibis Castle Hill

Today is all about unearthing the multicultural melting pot that shaped this European crossroads. You'll kick things off with a sightseeing tour of Budapest with your Local Guide. With the rest of the day to explore as you please, the question is really where to start? Perhaps join an optional tour to the medieval town of Szentendre, set on the banks of the Danube, or choose an Optional Experience this evening that will have you kicking up your heels with a traditional Hungarian dinner and colourful folklore and music. (B)

Perhaps take the opportunity to join our pre-reserved morning visit to the most expensively built Parliament in Europe, and home to the legendary Hungarian Crown. Cross the hilly Transdanubia region bound for Győr, located midway between Budapest and Vienna.

Next stop is the Austrian capital itself where art, architecture and above all music hit all the right notes for an inspiring evening. (B) Stay: Senator

This morning, perhaps join an Optional Experience guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, one of the most influential royal families in Europe. Vienna has held on to her regal roots as you'll come to discover when you meet a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour around the city.

Continue your love affair with the music of Vienna this evening with an Optional Experience that will see you enjoying dinner and the symphonies and sonatas of Mozart and Strauss. (B)

Today we'll follow the Danube Valley, snap some gorgeous shots then continue to Salzburg, where it's all about uncovering the city's rich history and musical past. Your Local Guide will lead the charge as you go in search of 'The Sound of Music' and you'll take a stroll through the Mirabell Gardens, where the von Trapp children once sang 'Do-Re-Mi'.

This afternoon, continue your exploration of this gorgeous city your way. Perhaps treat your cultural side to a few hours spent wandering through the Baroque-filled Old Town to see the Cathedral where Mozart was baptised. You can even visit his nearby birthplace on Getreidegasse, which has been turned into a museum documenting his incredible life. (B/D) Stay: B&B Salzburg Nord

Wave goodbye to Austria this morning as Bavaria beckons once again. You'll have plenty of chances to explore the spectacular alpine region with a morning Choice Experience on your Europe value tour. Get out there on a scenic drive through the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden, climbing over 1,500 metres along one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Europe. Or visit Hitler's retreat known as the Eagle's Nest and learn about its infamous history as you admire the stunning mountain views.

Later you'll return to Munich and enjoy a final dinner together. (B/D) Stay: NH München Ost Conference Center

With the wonderful hospitality of your Bavarian hosts still fresh in your mind, you'll spend your final moments in Munich reminiscing over a journey filled with Europe's imperial capitals and all their incredible history, culture and nature. Say a fond pfiat di to your new friends and prepare for your onward journey home. (B)