A Tale of Three Cities

Upon arrival at Budapest airport you are be met by your Abercrombie & Kent ‘Guardian Angel’ and privately transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure to relax.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace

A city of two personalities this morning you explore the old imperial enclave of Buda on the western bank of the Danube. Cross the graceful Chain Bridge on foot and ascend by funicular to Castle Hill where the former Royal Palace gracefully towers over the Danube. Meander through the cobbled and colourful streets of this ancient Royal district and visit the Matthias Church, which has witnessed the coronation of many Hungarian Kings.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace | Meals: B

Today you immerse yourself in the more vibrant, populous Pest starting at the market hall, well known for the vast array of produce and crafts on sale. Continue on to visit the ornate Great Synagogue which is the largest in Europe and its Jewish Museum. See the vast Heroes’ Square with its impressive Millennial Monument and St. Stephen's Basilica, the city's largest church. Later, venture inside the Franz Liszt Academy on a private tour. Founded in 1875 by the illustrious composer, this attractive Art Nouveau building is home to several valuable books and manuscripts from Liszt’s private collection and is Hungary’s most prestigious music university. Soak up the rich surrounds as your eyes are drawn to the stunning frescoes, Zsolnay porcelain and grand chandeliers at this leading concert venue. Afternoon at leisure.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace | Meals: B

Travel with A&K’s Concierge Rail service into Austria and the former capital of the Hapsburg dynasty, Vienna. Take a walking tour this afternoon of this elegant city visiting the Hofburg Imperial Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous ‘Ringstrasse’. Continue on foot this afternoon to the Hofburg Palace visiting the Imperial Treasury, the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its glazed tile roof and the famous ‘Ringstrasse’ with its 19th century buildings. Later in the evening, attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera (additional cost).

Hotel Sacher | Meals: B

Explore the Austrian capital your way. Choose between a tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburgs, which contains over 1400 rooms. Visit, among other attractions, the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ where Mozart performed for the Empress Maria Theresa when he was only six years old. Stroll through the extensive formal gardens and the Carriage Museum. Or take a scenic drive through the Vienna Woods for a beautiful view over the city below. As you emerge from the woods, the picturesque town of Klosterneuburg comes into sight. Steeped in history and culture, Klosterneuburg was the site of one of the most important Roman fortresses which later became a monastery, founded in 1133, under the Babenberg ruler Leopold III. Visit the medieval cloisters of the Augustinian abbey that dominates the town, with its treasured "Verdun Altar". This splendid example of Augustinian architecture is also the largest private wine producer in Austria. Be sure to sample some of the varietals before returning to Vienna.

Hotel Sacher | Meals: B

You will be met and delivered to the railway station to board your train to Prague.

Four Seasons Prague | Meals: B

This morning explore the ‘Golden City’ of Prague on foot starting at the Old Town Square with its network of narrow streets that make-up the heart of the city. Visit the Jewish Quarter, birthplace of Franz Kafka, the Jewish Museum, which houses the largest collection of Judaica in Europe, the Old-New Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery. Later, focus on Prague’s musical heritage when you tour the city’s finest Neo-Classical building, the Estates Theatre, venue for the premiere of Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ in 1787. Later step inside the Art Nouveau Municipal House which is home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and the glorious Smetana Concert Hall. Admire Karel Spillar’s stunning frescoes dotted around the walls, its elegant restaurants, music salons and American-style bar. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Four Seasons Prague | Meals: B

Prague’s Castle District is your destination this morning. Start off at Hradcany Castle, the seat of Bohemian kings and holy Roman emperors. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, one of the finest and most richly endowed in central Europe and the Basilica of St. George, which was founded in 905. Amble along the Golden Lane, a row of tiny houses dating from the 16th century and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto, an important place of pilgrimage. Lastly explore the Strahov Monastery with a private tour of the ornate Strahov library. Afternoon at leisure.

Four Seasons Prague | Meals: B

Transfer to Prague Airport where your journey ends.

Meals: B