This vacation lets you discover the undisputed beauty of gothic and baroque Prague, romantic Vienna, and charming Budapest at a more leisurely pace, spending three overnights in each of these interesting cities. Guided city sightseeing with extensive commentary on the local sights, history, and traditions is included in Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg. Start your journey in Munich before traveling to Nuremberg, famous for its WWII trials; Pilsen, famous for its beer; Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital by the River Danube; Mayerling, where Archduke Rudolf died tragically at a hunting lodge with his young lover; and Melk with its rich baroque abbey. Spend a night in Mozart’s Salzburg with its charming Getreidegasse before motoring back to Munich for the conclusion of your memorable vacation.

Day 1 Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2 Sat. ARRIVAL IN MUNICH, GERMANY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring Munich. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 Sun. MUNICH-NUREMBERG-PILSEN-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

An interesting itinerary today as you drive northeast for a first stop in Nuremberg, famous for its World War II war crime trials. Later, cross the border into the Czech Republic. Make a stop in Pilsen, world renowned for its lager, and then on to Prague for the next three nights. (B)

Days 4-5 Mon. and Tue. PRAGUE

The city has a wealth of gothic and baroque architecture that perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Plenty of time for some individual exploring, or maybe just a walk along the banks of the Vltava River and then a meal at a restaurant of your choice. Your second day in Prague will give you a program of optional excursions, or if you prefer, the opportunity for arranging your own day with visits to places of particular personal interest. (B daily)

Day 6 Wed. PRAGUE-BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Journey southeast by way of Brno into the new state of Slovakia for a stop in its capital, Bratislava. Next, cross into Hungary to reach Budapest in time to enjoy your first evening in this lively and lovable capital city. (B)

Days 7-8 Thu. and Fri. BUDAPEST

Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest that are separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. There’s plenty more to do and see during these two days; ask your Tour Director for assistance. (B daily)

Day 9 Sat. BUDAPEST-VIENNA WOODS, AUSTRIA-MAYERLING-VIENNA

The highlight of today’s itinerary will be the Vienna Woods and Mayerling. See the hunting lodge, the scene of the tragic death of Archduke Rudolf and his 17-year-old lover Maria Vetsera on January 30, 1889. Later, a short drive to Vienna for the next three nights. (B)

Days 10-11 Sun. and Mon. VIENNA

Two whole days to fully enjoy one of Europe’s best known and loved capitals. Whatever your plans, it is wise to start off with the included city sightseeing tour. See the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg and, finally, an inside visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Splendid baroque palaces and the Viennese traditional joie de vivre give great scope for a program of optional excursions. Your stay is long enough to fit in your personal plans and choices. (B daily)

Day 12 Tue. VIENNA-MELK-SALZBURG

Another day with a truly varied itinerary and some interesting options. Drive first to Krems on the banks of the Danube and surrounded by hills and vineyards. Here you can choose to join a cruise on the river, taking in the beautiful Wachau region. Stop in Melk to visit its great abbey before continuing the journey westwards directly to Salzburg. (B)

Day 13 Wed. SALZBURG-MUNICH, GERMANY

Don’t miss out on the included city sightseeing excursion with a Local Guide. You’ll be taken through the historic center of Mozart’s hometown to see its many highlights, including the Domplatz, the Horse Trough, Festival Hall, and, of course, the charming Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. This afternoon motor directly to Munich. This evening join the optional Bavarian evening and farewell dinner. (B)

Day 14 Thu. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Visits to Munich, Nuremberg, Pilsen, Bratislava, Vienna Woods and Mayerling, Melk

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.