Heart of Central Europe

Welcome to Prague, one of the most enchanting cities in Europe with magnificent architecture, a stunning hilltop castle, gothic churches, picturesque bridges, and an abundance of riverside parks. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours, but we recommend a preview by strolling the narrow streets, perhaps stopping to marvel at the medieval astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall. Installed in 1410, it tells the time, the date, and the relative positions of the sun, moon, Earth, and zodiac constellations in addition to providing a bit of theater on the hour every hour. There are many coffee houses and beer gardens for fueling up or unwinding too.

This morning you’ll get to know Prague more in-depth with an intriguing walk through the historic city starting from the Old Town Square and led by a private guide. You’ll learn about the diverse buildings and their interesting architectural details, including the distinctive roofs. Stopping at the Old Town Hall, you’ll see the iconic astronomical clock – even if you’ve already marveled at it, your guide can answer any questions you have. Other highlights include the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady and the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas before continuing to the historic Estates Theatre which hosted the premier of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” and crossing over the famous Charles Bridge, the oldest in Prague which replaced the old bridge in 1342.

Now that you’ve gotten your bearings, you can enjoy the day to yourself to explore what interests you the most. Or, consider an optional half-day, private excursion to visit medieval Karlstejn Castle which looms above the town of Karlstejn, about 24 miles southwest of Prague. The castle is a remarkable example of Gothic-style architecture with the approach itself worth the trip for the views alone.  It was built in the mid-14th century at the bequest of Emperor Charles IV to provide a secure place for state documents, imperial coronation jewels, and Roman Empire treasures. You’ll discover its rich past and architectural beauty, complete with characteristic towers and spires while wandering the grounds.

This morning your driver will meet you at your hotel in Prague for private transfer to Vienna with a stop along the way. You’ll enjoy a two-hour tour of Cesky Krumlov, which offers storybook appeal with narrow, cobbled roads and a 13th-century castle with Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic elements. The walled city is nestled in the bends of the Vltava River and also boasts one of the finest Renaissance centers in Europe. You’ll get to stroll through the impeccably preserved medieval core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the interiors of the castle. If you’re interested, an optional visit to the Baroque Castle garden can also be arranged, providing an especially immersive experience before continuing your journey to Vienna.

After breakfast, look forward to a personalized tour of the iconic Ringstrasse, or the Ring Road, one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards. It stretches for 3.3 miles and features many of the city’s most notable buildings. You’ll be able to marvel at the grandeur of the Vienna State Opera, discover treasures at the National Museum, and soak up the majesty of the Imperial Palace. Other highlights include architectural wonders like the City Hall, the Parliament, the University, and the Burgtheater, a cultural haven. You’ll be touring with an expert who has in-depth knowledge, bringing every site to life. The afternoon is at your leisure, providing time to refresh before catching an evening classical concert at Schonbrunn Palace.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Vienna whether you want to relax and take advantage of the facilities at your hotel, or head out to explore. You might want to tour famous Schonbrunn Palace which hosts over a thousand rooms along with gorgeous gardens. If you head to the top of the Tower Room at the 12th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the tallest church in the city at over 446 feet, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view across the city. Open Monday through Saturday, Naschmarkt is Vienna’s large outdoor market, here since the 16th century, providing the chance to pick up some unique souvenirs and enjoy a culinary voyage around the world while sampling all sorts of tasty bites.

While your ultimate destination today is Budapest, your journey includes a visit to Bratislava, about an hour’s drive from Vienna, for an easy two-hour walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town. Nearly all the top attractions are in the compact center making it easy to see the highlights in the medieval quarter. That includes landmarks like the neo-Renaissance Old Opera House, the 15th-century Gothic St. Martins’ Cathedral, the main square, Old Town Hall, and the Classical Primate’s Palace, one of the country’s most beautiful classicist buildings. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn all about the history of the area and you might pick up a few Slovak words as well. Afterward, your driver will bring you to your hotel in the Hungarian capital.

A private tour of Budapest, the “Paris of the East,” will reveal the city’s complex history as you get to know this contemporary metropolis. While it offers all the usual amenities of other European capitals today, it has a rather dark past that includes periods of depression, and there are still some traces of its Communist days that linger. After meeting up with your guide you’ll visit the exhibition space known as the House of Terror which showcases the communist and fascist regimes of the 29th century, a poignant reminder of the victims of the oppressive regimes. In Memento Park, also called Statue or Szobor Park, you’ll see politically neutral art highlighting the significance of democracy and the importance of historical reflection. 

With its rich architectural heritage, influences from the West and the East, numerous cultural attractions, and charming outdoor cafes, you’ll enjoy a day of leisure that’s perfect for exploring. You might head to Castle Hill to explore medieval history or even join a cruise on the Danube River. An optional visit to the city’s famous thermal baths, Szechenyi Baths, can also be arranged. Heated by natural thermal springs, the baths date back to 1913 and include 18 pools, set within what looks more like a Baroque palace than a bath for medicinal purposes. Enjoy soaking in the soothing, warm water, take advantage of the steam bath and sauna, and perhaps swim a few laps while marveling at the grand architecture.

Your captivating journey through Central Europe concludes this morning. Following your hotel checkout, a private transfer awaits to escort you to the airport, marking the commencement of your journey back home. If your return is not imminent, feel free to reach out to our travel experts to tailor an exclusive extension to your itinerary, perhaps venturing in Slovenia or Croatia.