Vienna, Prague, Slovakia, Budapest
Pre or Post Extension to any Europe tour or join this by itself
Day 1 Fly to Vienna. Transfer to hotel Stefanie. Afternoon city tour, will feature the most important historical sights of Vienna along the famous the Ringstrasse, probably the greatest achievement of the Emperor Franz Joseph. This boulevard, encircling the Innere Stadt, was mapped out in the 1860s along the ramparts that Joseph II had begun clearing 80 years prior.The neoclassic buildings along the Ringstrasse bring together all the Industrial Revolution. We will also have a a guided walking tour through the magnificent Hofburg Palace. This imposing palace was home to Austria?s Habsburg rulers since the 13th century. It?s an awe-inspiring vast sprawling complex of buildings. The palace originally served as a fortress (complete with drawbridge ), and over the years various Habsburgs added many touches, especially baroque. Or explore St. Stephen`s Cathedral, whose stately spire has overlooked the city since Turkish attacks. With its Romanesque facade, Gothic tower and baroque altars, the cathedral illustrates how the Viennese artistically balance several great architectural styles.
Evening: WELCOME DINNER. Your guide will pick up you from the hotel for a short walk (approx 7 min) to Vienna?s oldest restaurant Griechenbeisl, where you will enjoy a cosy Viennese dinner and traditional music (3-course meal incl. Coffee + 1 mineral water included). Other beverages to be paid directly. (B, D)
Day 2 Schonbrunn Palace Tour-/Vienna Woods-Baden Excursion Morning tour of Maria Theresia?s Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs and enjoy a guided tour through the impressive State rooms. Free time for lunch (guide will suggest, not included in the price). After lunch you will continue your sightseeing with an excursion to the southern part of the beautiful Vienna Woods. In the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz (Holy Cross), you will visit the medieval cloister that houses the remains of the last Babenberger, who ruled Austria before the Habsburgs. The abbey was named for the relic of a piece of the True Cross, given to Austria by the King of Jerusalem in the 12th century and now kept in the tabernacie behind the high altar.
Continue through the romantic Helene Valley to the dreamy spa town of Baden, enjoyed by the ancient Romans made famous by Franz I in 1803. Following his lead, the gentry of Vienna spent their summers here in villas, bathing in the medicinal sulphurous waters. After a guided walk through this beautiful Biedermeier town you will return to Vienna. Evening: We will take you out to Grinzing ? the most well known wine area on the outskirts of Vienna for a typical Heurigen dinner in one of the famous wine taverns. Enjoy Viennese hospitality and local music over a rustic meal with local wines. (B, D)
Day 3 Vienna Morning guided walking tour through the former Jewish Quarter including a guided tour of Stadittempel "Main Synagogue,? the only Viennese synagogue to have survived the 1938 Kristallnacht, the Judenplatz where you will see the Holocaust Memorial, and the Jewish Museum of Vienna at Dorotheergasse for an introduction tour. Lunch on your own. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. You can choose to browse through one of the city?s many museums, or take a tour in a horse-drawn fiaker. These carriages have been in business since the 17th century, and your driver will show you the sights and delight you with anecdotes about Vienna?and find out for yourself if it`s true that they whistle strains of Mozart`s beloved Magic Flute as they conduct you through the city! Evening free to attend optional cultural programs. (B) May 18 TU Day 4 Morning drive to Ceski Krumlov (approx 4-5 hrs). Afternoon2 hour walking tour including the Chateau. (B, L)
Day 5 Prague: beautiful city of stone and spires. Morning drive to Prague, (approx 3.5 hrs) via Ceske Budejovice. Arrive in Prague for lunch and afternoon independent. (B, L)
Day 6 Prague While other European capitals were leveled during World War II, Prague survived virtually intact. During the reign of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Moravia, it was the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Later it was the vital center of the Habsburgs. As it was during the heyday of the Bohemian kingdom, Prague still ranks as the thriving center of the country, with an artistic community reminiscent of Paris in the 1920s. Here you?ll find some of Europe?s best jazz venues, excellent opera, and innovative theatre groups. Morning: a 3 hour walking tour starting with the best-known landmark in Prague: Wenceslas Square, continue to Old Town, with its many wonderful Gothic and baroque buildings, Estates Theater where Mozart?s Don Giovanni was first performed, the famous 15th century astronomical clock face at the Old Town Hall. Every hour, crowds assemble below to watch Christ and the twelve Apostles appear at two little windows above the clock face, followed by the skeleton of Death tolling the bell.
Visit the famous Charles Bridge, which crosses the Vltava River from Stare Mesto to Mala Strana (Lesser Town). Lined with statues and ornate lampposts, it?s reserved for pedestrians and has wonderful views of the castle and the skyline of the medieval city. Your tour ends with a visit to the best-known landmark in Prague, Wenceslas Square.
Afternoon: An excursion into the old Jewish quarter in Josefov for a walking tour of the Prague Ghetto and the city?s vibrant Jewish community which contributed to Prague?s rich character since the tenth century. It was one of Europe?s main centers of Jewish mysticism and thought. We visit the astonishing Old Jewish Cemetery, which was spared during Nazi occupation as an ?Exotic Museum of an Extinct Race.? Shortly after World War II, the names, birth dates of nearly 80,000 Czech Jews who perished in the Holocaust were carved on the stones of the crypts. Due to space limitations, and the Jewish tradition that graves never be disturbed, thousand of people are buried in a dozen layers?and their tombstones are amazingly crowded together. Here is the much-visited grave of the great Jewish scholar, Rabbi Loew, who created the mythical being Golem, a figure he sculpted from clay and animated with magical powers to protect the persecuted. It is said that Golem would perform tasks written on a scarp of paper and placed in his mouth. In an imitation of the legend, many Jews hid their valuables in the cracks of Rabbi Loew`s tomb before they were transported to concentration camps. Even today, people place scraps of paper bearing prayers and wishes into the tomb. We also visit Maisels, Klaus and Spanish Synagogue. (B)
Day 7 Prague/ Konopiste Castle- 1.5 hr drive Morning: tour to the fascinating Konopiste Castle. Constructed in the late 13th century, the castle has passed through a number of royal hands. The last great ruler to use the castle as a resident was the Archduke Franz Ferdninand, who was the unwitting trigger for World War I. You?ll stroll through Konopiste?s various chambers and great halls, admiring Ferdinand?s famous hunting trophies, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, paintings, and sculptures. Afternoon/Evening: independent. Optional suggestions include climbing up the St. Vitus Cathedral for sweeping panorama, the tomb of Rudolph II in the cathedral?s crypt below and the cathedral itself with one extraordinary stained-glass window by Czech artists Alphonse Mucha; the Mucha museum housed in Kaunicky Palace tucked away in New Town, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. Dinner on your own. Choose from a wide selection of eating places featuring folkloric decor and regional specialties, elegant French restaurants, or dine in a restored medieval wine vault. (B)
Days 8 Prague Set off this morning for a visit to Hradcany?the Prague Castle and the area around it. Centered around Castle Square, this is a massive complex including palaces, churches, museums, and the soaring Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. The Prague Castle is the city?s crowning glory, and the area surrounding it is filled with baroque places and Romanesque and Gothic churches that span nearly six centuries. Afternoon: The Mozart in Prague excursion visits the Bertramka Museum. Mozart stayed in this delightful villa during his visits to Prague in 1787 and 1791 as a guest of the Czech composer F.X. Dusek and his wife. It was here at Bertramka that Mozart composed the famous overture to his magnificent opera, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and music composed by some of great Czech masters. In deference to the great musician and the concert`s multi-national audience, some of the performance will be in German, Mozart?s native tongue. Evening: dinner at Sarah Bernardt restaurant--art nouveau decor and live piano music, about 10 min walk from hotel. (3-courses menu incl. coffee), vegetarian cuisine available (B, D)
Day 9 Depart for home, or join our Bulgaria or Romania group tour
Bratislava, Slovakia-Budapest, Hungary
Day 9 Bratislava, Slovakia. After an early breakfast, begin our drive to Bratislava (approx 4 hrs), arriving for lunch in Bratislava. Afternoon: walking tour in historical center of Bratislava with visits to a private palace with beautiful tapestries, Old Town Hall (The Old Town Hall is a complex of buildings from various periods), St. Martin?s cathedral and Bratislava Castle. Dinner at typical Slovak restaurant in the Old Town Center. Overnight Danube Hotel. (B,L, D)
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia,and has a history dating to Celtic and Roman times. Though the Czech Republic and Slovakia were united as Czechoslovakia for nearly 75 years, they each have distinctive personalities, languages, and landscapes. You?ll get a taste of Slovakian culture during lunch at Danube hotel on the river, along with lovely views of Bratislava Castle perched high above the Danube.
Bratislava Castle stands on a rocky outcrop which forms part of the Mal? Karpaty mountains above the Danube river and is an outstanding feature of the capital Bratislava. The massive rectangular building with four corner towers stands in a strategic place which was inhibited during Celtic times and in the time of Greater Moravia. In the 9th century there was a palace and a basilica in the place of the present castle. The architecture of the castle is characterized by the reconstructions and extensions made during the Gothic and Renaissance period as well as during the rule of Maria Theresia. In the middle of the 16th century, Bratislava became the Coronation City of Greater Hungary for 200 years and the castle became the king's residence. The biggest, oldest and finest church in Bratislava, St. Martin's Cathedral was built in the gothic style in the C14th and C15th. It was here, during the time when Bratislava was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, that a series of Hungarian Kings and Queens, including Marie Theresa, were crowned.
Day 10 Full day tour around famous wine producing Small Capathian Region Morning - Visit of the Castle Cerveny Kamen? (Red stone). Red Stone castle is the former residence of aristocratic P?lffy family where the films as Princes Fantagiro and Dragonheart were shot. It?s permanent exhibition of historical furniture and weapons offers an overview of typical interiors from the 16th to the 19th centuries, together with examples of household accessories and all types of weapons, including Oriental weapons. The castle chapel, historical library, castle pharmacy, and the knights' hall form a part of the exhibition. The castle gallery exhibits a selection of pictures and graphics, representing unique historical works of art from Slovak and European sources. There is a possibility of a tour around the castle cellars, the underground rooms and the defense system of the castle.
Afternoon - Lunch and wine tasting at the Fugger House, an exclucive wine cellar in Casta. Return to Bratislava In the evening: attend a cultural event ? opera, concert or ballet performance in Slovak National Theatre and late dinner with farewell drink at Reduta, a traditional restaurant in the old town, ranked among the best in Bratislava. The building of Reduta, a pure art-nouveau style buiding, is situated next to the Slovak National Theatre. What is referred to as the Slovak National Theatre's "historical" building stands on the site occupied by the municipal theatre built at the behelt of Count Juraj Cs?ky in 1776. The present building was designed in eclectic style by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer and opened in 1886. It is one of numerous houses designed by this successful team of architects, who were responsible for theatres in Sofia, Budapest, Brno, Karlove Vary, Zurich, Berlin (Theater under den Linden) and many other European cities. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Budapest, Hungary After breakfast, depart for Budapest (3 hrs drive from Bratislava/ Slovakia). Check in to your hotel. Evening independent. Many traditional restaurants have music in the evenings. Hotel Erzs?bet (B) May 26 Day 12 Morning, embark on a tour of Hungary?s lovely capital, situated on both sides of the magnificent Danube River. In Buda, on the right bank of the Danube, you?ll visit the turreted Fisherman?s Bastion, with its grand panorama of the entire city. Cross over the Danube bridges, including the famous Chain Bridge, and see how Pest, on the opposite side of the river, is dominated by the imposing Parliament Building. From the Elisabeth Bridge, the tour takes you to Heroes Square, with monuments to all the Hungarian kings. You?ll also see Matthias Church, where the Hungarian kings were crowned. Lovely Fisherman`s Bastions with its arches, turrets, and terraces extends in front of church, providing a beautiful view of the Danube and the Parliament.
Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Perhaps you?ll want to return to the Grand Boulevard where you?ll find excellent Herend porcelain, peasant embrioidery, and other souvenirs of Hungary.
Or you may want to visit Castle Hill, encircled by ramparts that protect the massive castle complex. Destroyed during World War II, the palace has restored to its orginal splendor and is now a vast museum complex, where remains of the orginalsctructure are displayed. (B)
Day 13 Budapest/ Danube Bend Full-day tour, The Danube Bend. You depart the hotel after breakfast, and travel by boat to Szentendre, about twelve miles from Budapest. This is one of the most Charming small towns in Hungary?an artists` town full of museums, folkloric architecture, and culture. You`ll have a walking tour of the town, enjoying the charming cobblestoned streets, picturesque houses, and serbian Churches. Continue on to one of the most scenic parts of the river, the Bend of the Danube, where the great river breaks through the Borzsony and Visegrad Mountains. This is the heartland of Hungary`s history, one of the centers of the cultural life of the Hungarian Renaissance, with a history that stretches back eight centuries. Continue on to Visegrad with the imposing 15th-century ruins of the castle of beloved King Matthias Corvinus and a splendid view of the great Knee of the Danube. You`ll have a tour of Visegrad and lunch in town, and return to the hotel in the early evening, driving along the Danube past the old Roman settlement of Aquincum. (B,L)
Day 14 Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)
PRICES: upon request
Includes: accommodations, accompanying guide throughout the tour, entrance fees, ac transport in mini-van or coach, meals as mentioned.
Not Included: international fare, insurance, gratuities for meals, tips for guides, driver
HOTELS
Hotel Stefanie**** 4-star traditional Viennese hotel, located withing walking distance of St. Stephan?s Cathedral (approx 10 min walk from Main Synagogue). It was named after the Crown Prince Rudolph, Princess Stefanie and has been well-known for its superior quality and friendly services for more than 100 years. Amenities: air-conditioned, WC, radio, telephone, cable TV/CNN, hair dryer and minibar., cafe bar and garden restaurant.
Hotel Ruze, Cesky Krumlov***** 5 star Hotel Ruze (the Rose) situated on the bank of Vltava river, up the vestiges of Jesuit Monastery. It is the city?s leading hotel. The hotel was built in 16th century to house Jesuit University. Amenities: TV, radio, telephone, minibar, restaurant,, wine cellar, lobby bar, terrace bar, wellness center with swimming pool, sauna, fitness and solarium, hair salon, pedicure, manicure, exchange office, art gallery, shopping center, souvenir shop, and terraces with spectacular views.
Hotel Adria, Prague**** A classic hotel, thoroughly renovated and knownfor its traditional hospitality. It combines the nostalgic charm of Old Prague with the convenience of modern rooms. Its ideal location on Prague?s main boulevard, is next to the quiet zone of Franciscan?s garden. Amenities: hair dryer, color TV with satellite programs,, radio, direct dial phone and minibar. Guests may use an Internet-room, which is open 24 hours every day. ? Additional services/facilities include: cleaning and laundry services, safe deposit boxes, exchange-office, hotel taxi, lobby bar, art nouveau wine restaurant Triton--one of the unique architectural relics of Old Prague serving local and international cuisines, small conference rooms, Cafe Neptun where breakfast is served. Nearby you can find a hair salon sauna, fitness center, massage, etc. During the summer months you can enjoy the garden on Wencesla?s Square. ?
Hotel Danube, Bratislava****
Hotel Erzs?bet, Budapest*** located in the city center, all rooms are air conditioned
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