Warswaw Budapest Vienna and Prague

WARSAW BUDAPEST VIENNA & PRAGUE
14 DAYS FROM $4,990 US
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676

Become immersed in culture among the palaces, castles, art, architecture, and music of Old World Europe on this 2-week Eastern Europe and Poland tour. Enjoy Strauss and Mozart at a private palace concert in Vienna... a piano recital of Chopin's music in Warsaw... a private dinner with Gypsy music followed by a cocktail cruise on the Danube in Budapest... a strudel-making demonstration in Vienna... a special private farewell evening at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle and much more.

FYI - Apple strudel became popular throughout the Hapsburg Empire in the 18th century, causing the Austrians, Hungarians and Czechs all to stake a claim.

Day 1 - Welcome to Warsaw
Your Poland tour begins at 6 PM at Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw. A transfer is included from Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport to your historic hotel on Warsaw's fashionable "Royal Route." Meet your travel companions and your Tour Director at tonight's welcome reception and dinner in the hotel, a Warsaw landmark for over a century.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

Day 2 - Explore Warsaw
On your first full day in Poland tour the sights of Warsaw, including the Palace of Culture and the Jewish Ghetto Memorial. Visit Old Town, meticulously re-constructed after WWII. Enjoy a free afternoon to pursue your own interests. In the evening, attend a private piano recital in a palace that features the music of Warsaw native Frédéric Chopin.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

Day 3 - Cracow, Wawel Castle and Wieliczka's salt mines
Head across the Polish countryside to ancient Cracow, considered one of the finest medieval cities in Europe, for a two-night stay. After lunch, see Wawel Castle, the seat of Polish kings from the 11th to 17th centuries, and visit Wawel Cathedral. Then join us if you wish for an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a subterranean labyrinth of passages, caverns, chapels, and statues carved into crystalline salt. Worked for 800 years, the mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating experience on your Poland tour. Dinner is à la carte at your hotel tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Cracow, Poland

Day 4 - Medieval Cracow and poignant Auschwitz
You'll have a choice of sightseeing this morning, choosing to explore the former Jewish Quarter, known as the Kazimierz (holidays permitting), or embarking on a walking tour with a local guide through Cracow's 13th-century Old Town, including Jagiellonian University and a visit to St. Mary's Church. In the afternoon, you're free to explore Cracow on your own or join an excursion to the poignant memorial and museum at Auschwitz.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Cracow, Poland

Day 5 - Through the Tatra Mountains, bound for Hungary
Travel from Poland through the scenic Tatra Mountains, stopping for lunch in Slovakia en route to Hungary. Arrive in Budapest; your hotel towers over the city center. In the evening, dinner at a local restaurant is accompanied by Gypsy music, followed by a cocktail cruise on the Danube River to admire the city's illuminated architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 6 - Stunning architecture in Pest
Today, take a close-up look in the light of day at some of the wonderful Budapest architecture you saw on last night's cruise as your Eastern Europe and Poland tour reveals landmarks in the city's Pest section, on the eastern side of the Danube. See the embassy district, City Park, and Heroes' Square; visit the opulent State Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Dohány Synagogue (holidays permitting). Choose among many sights and museums in your free afternoon, then have an à la carte dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 7 - A day in Budapest
After a morning visit to Budapest's Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece, cross the Danube to Buda. Explore the cobblestone streets of Castle Hill with splendid views of the city; admire the frescoes and stained glass windows inside the Gothic Matthias Church, where the final two Hungarian kings were crowned; and see Fishermen's Bastion overlooking the Danube, with its Neo-Romanesque design. Later, peruse the offerings of Central Market Hall with a local guide, and enjoy complimentary use of the hotel's spa if you wish, as the rest of the day is free in Budapest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 8 - Schönbrunn Palace and the sights of Vienna
Journey from Hungary into Austria, arriving in glorious Vienna, the Austrian capital and former center of the Habsburg empire. Enjoy a gourmet cooking demonstration on how to make the city's famed strüdel - with a tasting, of course - at Schönbrunn Palace, built by Empress Maria Theresa to rival Versailles; boasting 1,400 rooms, including a Hall of Mirrors, it served as the summer residence for Austria's Habsburg emperors. After lunch at the palace and a guided tour of the State Apartments and formal gardens, make your way along the Ringstrasse to one of Europe's most legendary hotels - and your home for the next three nights - the Hotel Bristol, Vienna.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 9 - Imperial treasures and great art in Vienna
Take a walking tour through the grounds of the Hofburg - also known as the Imperial Palace - today Austria's presidential residence. Among the many museums housed in this grand landmark is the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer); see its crowns, religious relics and other Imperial treasures on a tour. Then view the vast Habsburg art collections on a guided visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistoriches).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 10 - A free day and a music-filled night in Vienna
Vienna waits for you today, as you spend an entire day pursuing your own passions in this extraordinary city that's home to some of Europe's finest museums, art and otherwise - they number about a hundred! This evening after dinner, attend a private concert featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, held in a historic Viennese palace.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 11 - On to Prague via ancient Bratislava
Your Eastern Europe and Poland tour winds its way through Slovakia, where you'll stop in the capital city of Bratislava to explore some 17 centuries worth of history on a walking tour with a local guide; have lunch and attend a lecture on the Slovak Republic. Continue on to Prague, the equally ancient capital of today's Czech Republic, where you'll spend three nights at The Augustine, Prague, in the heart of the city. Go on a walking tour of Old Town, linked to the castle district by the ornate Charles Bridge; take in the astronomical clock and Jan Palach Square.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Augustine, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 12 - Prague's magnificent Castle District
Explore Prague's Hradcany (castle) district today on a city tour; explore the remarkable complex of Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world. Built in the 9th century, it is the country's traditional seat of power, and incorporates palaces, museums, monasteries, and halls for knighthood ceremonies. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the coronation site for Czech kings and queens, and enjoy an exclusive-to-Tauck, privately guided tour of the opulent Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery before spending the afternoon and evening just as you please.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Augustine, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 13 - Art & pageantry in Prague
Today's Prague sightseeing includes a walking tour of Wenceslas Square and a visit to the historic Estates Theatre, followed by a choice - an architectural tour of Prague highlighting its grand blend of styles from the medieval Town Hall to the Art-Nouveau Municipal House; or an exploration of the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), including the Old-New Synagogue, founded in the 13th century, and the Pinkus and Maisel synagogues (holidays permitting). Following an afternoon to explore on your own, join us for our exclusive farewell event at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle, including a private tour of the palace's Princely Collections, a reception and a gala farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Augustine, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 14 - Journey home
Tour ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the The Augustine, Prague to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1 & 2: Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland

A Warsaw landmark since 1901, Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw is situated on the “King’s Walk,” the city’s most elegant street, just a short walk from the historical Old Town, the Royal Castle and the Opera House. The readers of both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure deem this fine hotel among the best in the world. The hotel combines gracious 19th-century ambiance with 21st-century luxury and technology throughout. Guest rooms have been individually designed and offer deluxe amenities. The Fitness Center has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and fitness equipment, and sumptuous Polish cuisine is offered in the award-winning Malinowa Restaurant.

Night 3 & 4: Sheraton Krakow Hotel
Krakow, Poland

The Sheraton Krakow Hotel is ideally located on the Bank of the Wisla River near world-famous Wawel Castle and offers lovely views of both. The spectacular Atrium, with its glass roof, evokes the traditional feel of the Old Town square. Guest rooms are nicely decorated in contemporary Krakow style and feature sought-after amenities, to include Sheraton’s signature SweetSleeper® bedding. A waterfall enhances the indoor swimming pool and a fully equipped gymnasium is available for guests. Sample Polish vodka in a glass made of ice at QUBE, the hotel’s popular vodka bar and café.

Night 5, 6 & 7: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Budapest, Hungary

Towering over the center of historic Budapest, the boldly modern Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest welcomes Tauck guests to this remarkable city with luxurious rooms, elegant restaurants and a relaxing atmosphere. Hungary's first member of The Leading Hotels of the World combines the ambience and top-level service of a luxury hotel with state-of-the-art technology and a unique tradition of hospitality. Generously sized, beautifully appointed guest rooms are equipped with spacious bathrooms with underfloor heating (most with separate shower & bath), individually controlled air conditioning, a high-tech "infotainment" system with TV and movie channels, free wireless LAN internet, large desk with office tools, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, make-up mirror, bathrobe & slippers. The hotel features fine cuisine at Ristorante Giardino, smart, casual dining at Bistro Jardin, and inspired libations in the Lobby Lounge; an Asian-inspired Kempinski SPA; and its own collection of contemporary Hungarian art in the Kempinski Gallery.

Night 8, 9 & 10: Hotel Bristol, Vienna
Vienna, Austria

The elegant Hotel Bristol is among the best hotels in this city of sophisticated hostelries. The readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler continually rate it as one of the finest hotels in the world. This proud member of The Luxury Collection artfully combines a sense of its historic grandeur with a warmly welcoming atmosphere in ways that are sure to impress. Ideally located next door to the Vienna State Opera in the heart of the city, Hotel Bristol has served as an elegant meeting point for Vienna’s cultural life for over a century, and features state-of-the-art amenities, exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and opulent guest rooms furnished with precious antiques.

Night 11, 12 & 13: The Augustine, Prague
Prague, Czech Republic

Set in the picturesque Malá Strana district, The Augustine, Prague reflects this historic city's unique heritage, character and beauty from an ideal location close to legendary Prague Castle, the iconic Charles Bridge, and many other of the Czech capital's colorful attractions. Created from a number of distinct historic buildings – including a 13th-century Augustinian Monastery from which it gets its name – the hotel offers elegantly designed guest rooms with decor and furnishings inspired by early 20th-century Czech cubism, and boasting views overlooking the courtyards, the adjacent monastery chapel, or nearby Prague Castle. Each features individually controlled air conditioning, working desk, high-speed Internet connection, in-room bar and snack basket, flat-screen TV with international channels, safe, hairdryer, 100% linen sheets, marble bathroom with heated floor, music sound system, make-up mirror, and fluffy bathrobes and slippers.

INCLUSIVE PRICES

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tour Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of the Tour Operator will meet you at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport and provide transportation to Le Méridien Bristol, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided we have received your accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. The Tour Operator will also provide transportation from The Augustine, Prague to Ruzyně International Airport on the day of your departure.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tour Operator standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available, and are not recommended for comfort. Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of The Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staffs and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, airport departure taxes, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

DEPARTURE DATES
May - October

PRICES
From approx $4,990 US per person double occupancy