Discover the three most radiant cities in Central Europe and experience the grand architectural, artistic and cultural heritage of the Old World, exploring Baroque-era treasures with the finest local experts.
Journey Highlights
Arrive in Budapest, a city occupying both sides of the
Danube River and founded in 1873, when right-bank Buda and Obuda joined
left-bank Pest. Budapest’s broad avenues and turn-of-the-century architecture
have earned it the name, “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” Like Paris, it is a
cultural mecca for writers, artists and musicians. Transfer to your hotel,
where you join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: D
This morning, cross the Danube River to explore the Buda
side of the city. Visit Matthias Church, the 13th-century coronation cathedral
of Hungarian kings, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering spectacular views of the
city. Built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles, the bastion is named for
the guild of fishermen who defended this part of the city during the Middle
Ages. Then, meet a Buda resident for lunch in the gardens of her villa — an
experience specially planned for A&K guests. Enjoy your afternoon at
leisure, relaxing in your luxurious accommodations or exploring this romantic
city on your own, perhaps dining at one of Budapest’s fine restaurants.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: BL
Today, discover Pest, starting with a private visit to the
Liszt Academy of Music. Continue exploring the city as you view Heroes’ Square
and stop to see the Great Synagogue as well as St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose
south tower houses the largest bell in Hungary. Then, visit the Central Market
Hall to view the vast array of food and crafts on sale throughout its three
floors, including cheeses, sausage and other local specialties, and enjoy time
at leisure for lunch on your own. Later, visit the Parliament Building before
spending the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. This evening, after
dinner, embark on a private cruise of the romantic Danube to watch the
glittering lights of Budapest drift by in the night, toasting your journey on a
memorable Scenic Sundowner experience.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest | Meals: BD
Journey overland to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, for a guided walk through its old town, once a jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stop at a local restaurant for a Chef’s Table experience, where the esteemed chef greets you and shares insights into the seasonal dishes you are to enjoy for lunch. Then, Ride Like a Local, embarking by high-speed catamaran for a quick cruise along the Danube River to Vienna, Austria.
Hotel Imperial | Meals: BL
Join your local guide for a walking tour of marvellous Vienna. At the Hofburg Palace — former seat of emperors and current residence of the president of Austria — visit the Imperial Treasury to admire its glittering collection of imperial regalia. Then, continue to the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend your afternoon at leisure. Dine at a local restaurant before attending a concert at the Mozarthaus Vienna, set in the historic house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in the 18th century.
Hotel Imperial | Meals: BD
This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna, viewing the Prater and its Giant Ferris Wheel. See the Secession Building and the famous Hundertwasser House, and then visit the Belvedere Gallery, where you find many works by the brilliant and controversial symbolist artist Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former residence of Habsburg monarchs. Spend your evening at leisure.
Hotel Imperial | Meals: BL
Travel to Prague, stopping en route at the Sonberk winery in the Czech countryside for a tasting of its signature vintages, followed by lunch. Continue to Prague, where you check in to your hotel, and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: BLD
Today, explore the city’s Castle District, starting with the towering, Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including that of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia — legendary subject of the beloved Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas.” Stroll the Golden Lane, the last surviving vestige of Prague Castle’s 16th-century architecture, where the castle’s original craftspeople lived and worked.
Follow this with a private visit to the Baroque library halls of the Strahov Monastery to view its incredible frescoes, which reside amid detailed stucco ceiling decorations. Stroll in the peaceful quiet, looking up at the mural devoted to the intellectual progress of mankind, and let yourself contemplate a bygone era. Then, admire the religious artefacts at the Loreto Chapel, a remarkable Baroque monument that remains a place of pilgrimage. Cross the famous Charles Bridge, an iconic landmark of Prague completed in 1402, to embark on a walking tour of Josefov, the city’s Jewish Quarter, which remained a walled ghetto until 1848. View the birthplace of Franz Kafka (part of the State Jewish Museum complex), best known for his existentialist novel The Metamorphosis. Proceed to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, site of 12,000 graves, and the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest active synagogue, completed in 1270. Afterward, enjoy your evening at leisure.
Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: B
This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Spend your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental, Prague | Meals: BD
Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, or begin your post-tour extension.
Meals: B
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Day 1.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Day 9.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2
guests.
If scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey for you, or your own small group with family or friends.
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
A glittering jewel on the banks of the Danube, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is one of Europe's finest art nouveau buildings. Origin ... Read more
Experience history, tradition, luxury and romance in the perfect harmony. The Imperial Hotel is a home to such iconic classical composers ... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
May 24, 2021 - Jun 2, 2021 |
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Price AU$13,080pp | Single Supplement AU$4,995 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Jun 7, 2021 - Jun 16, 2021 |
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Price AU$13,080pp | Single Supplement AU$4,995 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Jul 12, 2021 - Jul 21, 2021 |
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Price AU$11,755pp | Single Supplement AU$4,110 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Aug 16, 2021 - Aug 25, 2021 |
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Price AU$11,755pp | Single Supplement AU$4,110 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Sep 6, 2021 - Sep 15, 2021 |
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Price AU$13,080pp | Single Supplement AU$4,995 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Oct 4, 2021 - Oct 13, 2021 |
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Price AU$13,080pp | Single Supplement AU$4,995 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Oct 18, 2021 - Oct 27, 2021 |
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Price AU$13,080pp | Single Supplement AU$4,995 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
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