ENGLAND, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, CZECH REPUBLIC
IMPERIAL CAPITALS 16 DAYS FROM $1,939 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
This fascinating adventure covers central and eastern Europe, focusing on the monumental architecture, history, and traditions of the former Prussian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Begin with two overnights in London, then ferry across the English Channel and join your motorcoach to Brussels, capital of Belgium. Pass through the Duchy of Luxembourg to enter Germany with a stop in ancient Trier. Overnight in Frankfurt and travel through Bavaria, visiting Nuremberg and Munich, and arriving in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg in Austria. Included sightseeing in Vienna shows off the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. On to Hungary for two overnights in Budapest, where you’ll admire the Parliament Building, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Coronation Church, and more. Stop in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, then encounter the brilliant gothic and baroque architecture in Prague, including the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock. Back in Germany, visit Dresden, Berlin, and medieval Hamelin to hear the story of the Pied Piper. Continue to the Rhineland for the night, then back across the English Channel to England for a final night in London.
Day 1 Arrive in London, England Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2 London A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)
Day 3 London–Brussels, Belgium
Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here, meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Brussels–Luxembourg–Trier, Germany–Frankfurt Area
Drive south this morning into the Duchy of Luxembourg. Cross the German border and make a stop in ancient Trier before continuing through the splendid scenery of the Moselle Valley. A choice this afternoon of the included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Just a few more miles by coach to the overnight in the Frankfurt area. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 Frankfurt Area–Nuremberg–Munich–Salzburg, Austria
Journey through the heart of Germany on the highway to reach Nuremberg, at one time Germany’s most beautiful city and, much later, famed for the war criminal trials that took place in 1945. Stop for a short visit. Drive south this afternoon through Bavaria, across the German-Austrian border, and head towards Salzburg for an overnight. (Breakfast)
Day 6 Salzburg–Vienna
A morning to enjoy some optional sightseeing in Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown. In the afternoon, journey through the Salzkammergut Lakelands, of Sound of Music fame, past Mondsee to follow the Danube almost all the way to Vienna. (Breakfast)
Day 7 Vienna
Start the morning with an included sightseeing tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Complete the day by joining the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. (Breakfast)
Day 8 Vienna–Lake Balaton, Hungary–Budapest
East today into Hungary through the historic city of Györ. Next, the vast stretch of Lake Balaton unfolds as you drive through some of its summer resorts. Reach Budapest by way of Martonvasar, where Beethoven wrote his Appassionata. Tonight an optional cruise on the Danube to enjoy the fascinating city illuminations. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 Budapest
Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns and wine cellars. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Budapest–Bratislava, Slovakia–Prague, Czech Republic
Start the day by traveling into Slovakia. Once across the border, have a break in Bratislava, its capital. Drive north to cross yet another border into the Czech Republic. The highway will take you through Bohemia, an enchanted land of castles, spa towns, and picket-fenced villages. Evening arrival in Prague. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11 Prague
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture here perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. Included sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Prague–Dresden, Germany–Berlin
Discover more of Bohemia as you journey towards the German frontier. Next, the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range. Today’s highlight is a stop in Dresden, a magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World War II. In the afternoon, travel north across the River Elbe to reach Berlin for two overnights. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Berlin
Included sightseeing focuses on the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the Europa Center. Reunited Berlin has regained not only its territorial integrity but also the status of a German capital. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 14 Berlin–Hamelin–Rhineland
Back on the Autobahn this morning past Brunswick on the way to Hamelin. Stop and hear the story of the Pied Piper. Next, the grand scenery of the Teutoburger Forest and into the Ruhr, then farther west to the Rhineland for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15 Rhineland–London, England
A comfortable drive this morning to the Channel port for your ferry crossing from the Continent to England. Through Kent, return to London for an evening arrival. (Breakfast)
Day 16 London
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Ask about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Ask about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.
Vacation Highlights
INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the tour
Visits to Trier, Nuremberg, Salzburg, Bratislava, Dresden, Hamelin
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Moselle Valley, Salzkammergut, Rhineland, Lake Balaton, Bohemia
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin. Professional Tour Director while touring
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Ask about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
Accommodations
MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 4 dinners
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
LONDON Novotel London West (F), BRUSSELS Sodehotel La Woluwe (F), FRANKFURT AREA Mercure (F) at Friedrichsdorf, SALZBURG Ramada (F), VIENNA Kavalier (ST), BUDAPEST Budapest (F), PRAGUE Clarion (F), BERLIN Abba (F), RHINELAND Holiday Inn (F) at Cologne-Bonn Airport or Ramada (F) at Bruehl
TRANSPORTATION
Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Berlin
Ziko's Grill Dinner
A fun evening at a local restaurant with good food and atmosphere. You will be served a four-course meal with 2 drinks per person and coffee/tea. During the evening musical entertainment you can even dance between the tables!
Approximate value: EUR €33 per person
Famous City Of Potsdam
Potsdam is famous for its fine palaces and many beautiful historical buildings. Visit the Cecilienhof Palace where Truman, Attlee and Stalin signed the Potsdam agreement in 1945. See magnificent Sanssouci Palace, built by Frederich the Great.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Berlin Night Out
Drive through the illuminated city to the Friedrichstadtpalast Theatre to see one of the biggest and best revue shows in Europe with a drink included during the intermission. Operated when excursion "Berlin City - Night Cruise" is not available.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person
City - Night Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the city centre with a hot and cold buffet on board. The dinner will be accompanied by music and a commentary. Available from May to September.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
CITY: Brussels
Evening City Sightseeing
See the main sights of this city which has something for all tastes and interests. Visit the beautiful Grand Place with its 17th century guild houses. End the evening with a visit to a typical Brussels historical café to enjoy a glass of old-fashioned Belgian beer.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: Budapest
Danube Cruise & Illuminations
Board a boat for a one-hour cruise on the mighty Danube accompanied by a local guide. Enjoy river views of the Castle District, the House of Parliament, Gellert Hill, and cruise under the Chain Bridge and around Margaret Island. Two drinks are included.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person
Artist Village Szentendre
Drive to the picturesque village of Szentendre, the home of many famous Hungarian artists at the turn of the century. Proceed with a visit to a the pretty Greek Orthodox church or Marzipan Museum plus Margit Kovacs Museum. Finally enjoy coffee and cake at a typical inn.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person
Hungarian Night
A typical Hungarian evening. After an aperitif, enjoy dinner with some fine local specialties and unlimited wine, followed by a program of Hungarian folklore and Gypsy music.
Approximate value: EUR €47 per person
CITY: London
Morning City Sightseeing Daily
A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St. Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP 24) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £29 per person
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person
Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 23 to October 3
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion combines a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner at an historic London pub in the City of London.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: Lorelei
Lorelei And Its Castles
Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: Prague
Panorama & Krizik's Fountains
First enjoy a visit to Strahov monastery where you will appreciate a spectacular view over the whole of Prague and the Moldau River. Then continue to a typical Czech pub where you will taste the famous Prague dark beer. You will end your evening at the Krizikova Fountains, a well known outdoor spectacle where the fountains and the sound of the cascading water is synchronized with music and lights.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person
The Best Of Medieval Prague
An afternoon full of history and architectural beauty - an intensive visit of the entire Castle District with entrance to the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Crypt of the Bohemian Kings. You will also see inside the St. George Basilica. Finally, to Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived for a short while.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person
Czech Dinner & Music
A typical Czech meal in a famous wine restaurant not far from Prague Castle including unlimited drinks with wine served from special glass pipes. During the meal enjoy folklore music from different parts of the country.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
CITY: Salzburg
City Sightseeing
This city is a gem of rococo architecture and the birthplace of Mozart. First by coach and then a walk through the old town; see Residenz Square, the cathedral, the Old Market, and pass by Mozart's house in the lively Getreidegasse in the very heart of Salzburg.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person
CITY: Vienna
Typical Viennese Evening
An unforgettable evening in one of Vienna's most beautiful palaces. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was founded to perform the music of the "Wiener Klassik" to the highest standard. The program consists mainly of works by Mozart and Johann Strauss. The present leaders of the orchestra are violinists of world renown and, as well as performing for the Vienna Residence Orchestra, they perform as soloists with the leading orchestras of the world. During the intermission you will be offered 1 glass of champagne or an orange juice.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
A guided tour of part of the magnificent palace of Schönbrunn, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperors for nearly 150 years. It was built between 1695 and 1749 with over 100 rooms and beautiful gardens. End the tour with free time in the main gardens.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Evening In The Viennese Woods
A visit to Vienna is incomplete without seeing one of its famous wine villages. Enjoy typical vintner's fare and taste Heurigen (new wine). With musicians to entertain you, this is a convivial, and jovial evening.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
DEPARTURE
DATES April - October
PRICES From approx $1,939 US
per
person double occupancy
More Tours and Cruises
Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
This fascinating adventure covers central and eastern Europe, focusing on the monumental architecture, history, and traditions of the former Prussian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Begin with two overnights in London, then ferry across the English Channel and join your motorcoach to Brussels, capital of Belgium. Pass through the Duchy of Luxembourg to enter Germany with a stop in ancient Trier. Overnight in Frankfurt and travel through Bavaria, visiting Nuremberg and Munich, and arriving in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg in Austria. Included sightseeing in Vienna shows off the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. On to Hungary for two overnights in Budapest, where you’ll admire the Parliament Building, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Coronation Church, and more. Stop in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, then encounter the brilliant gothic and baroque architecture in Prague, including the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock. Back in Germany, visit Dresden, Berlin, and medieval Hamelin to hear the story of the Pied Piper. Continue to the Rhineland for the night, then back across the English Channel to England for a final night in London.