Imperial cities of Central Europe - 8 days

Experience the cities of kings and emperors with partly a thousand-year-old history. Marvel at wonderful palaces with wide gardens and splendid buildings and feel royal in some of the most beautiful cities in the world! They have a close relation to music: Beethoven and Tschaikowski were inspired by Prague, Vienna was the birth place for the same-named waltz dance and Salzburg is famous for Mozart. Get inspired, pause for a moment and do not miss to try regional specialities: Krakow sausage, Czech beer, Hungarian pancakes or "Sachertorte".

Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Today you arrive in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2: Prague - F
Formerly important to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire, later dominated by communism, Prague nowadays has turned into a colourful and vibrant city. During a full day tour you will see all attractions of the "Golden City". Get impressed by the Old Town Square and the City Hall with its astronomical clock, famous Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Discover the Castle District with noble palaces, the Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel and overnight.

Day 3: Prague - Krakow - F
We leave for one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland and a popular tourist destination, Krakow. The historic Old Town was declared UNESCO World Heritage as the first one of its sort. The origins of the city date back to the 7th century. From the beginning it has been one of the leading centres of Polish history. During the Middle Ages it even was the capital of Poland. During a guided tour you will get to know about its history and see the winding old town. Overnight in the area of Krakow.

Day 4: Krakow - Budapest - F
After breakfast your tour brings you to Budapest, result from the unification of the historic towns of Buda, Pest and Obuda. Despite a spectacular development Hungary's capital has preserved its old charm and magic. Experience the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles during a guided tour and see important sights such as the Parliament, the Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion. Overnight at your hotel in Budapest area.

Day 5: Budapest - Bratislava - F
In the morning drive to Bratislava - the political, cultural and economic centre of Slovakia. The history of the city, long time known under its German name Pressburg, was strongly influenced by its population of many different nations and religions. The scape of Bratislava is characterised by medieval towers and buildings of the grand twenties. See Bratislava Castle, old Town Hall, Michael's Gate, Grassalkovich Palace and also the narrowest house in Europe. Overnight in Bratislava area.

Day 6: Bratislava - Vienna - F
From Bratislava to Vienna it is a drive of only one hour. The capital of Austria is rich in excellent architecture and elegant buildings dating back to the 700-year reign of the Habsburg family. Medieval streets and squares are mixed with wide boulevards and beautiful parks. The Old Town is surrounded by the Ring. See Hofburg Palace, Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Cathedral, State Opera, famous museums and Belvedere Palace. Later, time for your own activities. Do not miss the opportunity and taste the original Sachertorte! Overnight in Vienna area.

Day 7: Vienna - Salzburg - F
Across Austria, make your way to Salzburg area. En route we recommend a stop at Melk Abbey, a world famous Benedictine monastery overlooking the Danube river. In the afternoon you arrive at Salzburg, dominated by Fortress Hohensalzburg. On a city tour you will discover the Old Town with Salzburg Cathedral, famous Getreidegasse with birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Mirabell Palace. Overnight at your hotel in the area of Salzburg.

Day 8: Departure - F
The exciting journey ends with your breakfast.