Central Europe remains a desirable, yet relatively undiscovered area. Each local region has a unique character, where you will find a rich culture, magnificent landscape and grandiose architecture. These Imperial Cities come alive in summer, as locals and travellers alike enjoy the vibrant European café scene and temperate climate. Enjoy the sites, both famous and lesser known with Back-Roads, as we experience superb music, mouth-watering local cuisine, unspoilt architecture and historical sites from bygone years we offer you a tour unlike non-other.

Tour Inclusions

• 8 nights in unique & traditional accommodation
• Driver / Guide Companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• Guided City Tours
• Full European Breakfast Daily
• Local evening meals x 4
• Strauss or Mozart concert, Vienna

Entrance fees as listed:

• St Mathias Cathedral, Budapest
• Hungarian Bathhouse, Budapest
• St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
• Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
• Benedictine Monastery, Melk
• Mauthausen Concentration Camp
• Cemetery Chapel, Kutna Hora

Wed 15 Sep, 2010 - Thurs 23 Sep, 2010 (8 nights) GWed 13 Oct, 2010 - Thurs 21 Oct, 2010 (8 nights)

Itinerary:

Day 1 Budapest
Your tour starts in the glamorous city of Budapest, which you may discover at your own pace, before joining the group in the evening for an introductory, hearty dinner of Hungarian Goulash.
(D)

Day 2 Budapest
The Hungarian capital of Budapest offers a wealth of cultural, historical and architectural sites that will be a feast for the eyes. We enjoy a guided tour of the city where we are introduced to some of its most evocative landmarks, including the Liberation Memorial, Roosevelt Square, Chain Bridge, St Mathias' Cathedral and Fisherman's Bastion. We drive up to the Castle District with its cobbled streets and network of underground tunnels which you may then later explore further at your leisure.
(B)

Day 3 Vienna
Meandering alongside the famous Danube River, we arrive in the small town of Esztergom, the historic capital of Hungary for more than two centuries. Here we visit the famous Basilica, Hungary's tallest building, and still the seat of the Catholic Church in the country. Once we have explored its city sights we arrive in the imperial city of Vienna, boasting magnificent palaces and grand city squares. The afternoon is completely free for you to enjoy the many things this vivacious city has to offer.
(B)

Day 4 Vienna
Vienna is a wonderfully cultured city, once the home of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, Mahler and Schönberg. We follow its 19th century ‘Ringstrasse,' which encircles the old part of the city, and marvel at the city's most famous buildings, including the State Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's illustrious Hapsburg palaces on the Belvedere grounds and the grandiose Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight is a particular highlight as we enjoy dinner in the magnificent Kursalon followed by a Strauss or Mozart concert.
(B/D)

Day 5 Vienna
After a satisfying breakfast, you may enjoy the plethora of sights this regal city has to offer. On your list today should be the unique landmark, Hundertwasser House, Mozart's grave and palaces on the Belvedere grounds. Relax with a coffee in one of Vienna's renowned cafes or spend time strolling through one of the city's countless museums.
(B)

Day 6 Cesky Krumlov
We leave Vienna and follow the Danube River through the region's spectacular countryside, arriving in the lovely local town of Melk where we visit its famous Benedictine Monastery. We then take an emotional journey to the former Concentration Camp at Mauthausan, one of the largest controlled labour camps in Europe during World War II. Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architectural delights await as we arrive into the charming city and World Heritage Site of Cesky Krumlov, known for its Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Stroll its ancient streets, or relax and enjoy a local beer in Old Town Square before tonight's Bohemian meal.
(B/D)

Day 7 Prague
As we depart one World Heritage site, it is not a long drive until we stumble across another at the historic town of Kutna Hora. Once known as the jewel of the country it is home to a number of exquisite buildings including The Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. Here we wander through its old town and visit its 14th Century cemetery chapel, with its ossuary of approximately 40,000 bones. We then travel on to Prague, the city of ‘one hundred spires'. Enjoy its impressive skyline and explore its medieval streets at your leisure.
(B)

Day 8 Prague
Situated on the bank of River Vltava in central Bohemia, the beautiful city of Prague is steeped in history and culture. We embark on a fascinating guided walking tour of the old centre of this splendid city. Crossing the memorial Charles Bridge, we visit captivating sites such as the Old Jewish Quarter, Hradcany Castle, Powder Tower, Tyne Church and Wenceslas Square. Tonight we enjoy a local meal together.
(B/D)

Day 9 Prague
Our tour departs after breakfast. You guide will offer further suggestions for those who would like to further explore this marvellous city.
(B)

 

 

Please note:
This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit. This tour also operates in reverse from Prague.

Price

Pick-up/Drop-off Information:

Meet your guide at 6.00pm in your hotel in Budapest. The tour finishes after breakfast in Prague at 9.00am.

 

Budapest Hotel

Hotel Carat

Király u.6, 1061,

Budapest

 

Prague Hotel

Metamorphis Hotel

Malá Štupartská 5
110 00 Praha 1,

Czech Republic