7D Austria & Czech Republic & Slovakia & Hungary

Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival at Vienna
Welcome to Vienna! On arrival at Vienna Airport there is an airport shuttle service to your hotel at 09.00, 12.00 & 15.00 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe stroll amid the statues of the city’s greatest musicians in the City Park? Or browse among the tempting window displays on the Karntner Strasse? As night falls, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Hotel: Vienna Hilton

DAY 02 : Vienna - Prague (Breakfast / Dinner)
Leave Vienna and cross the Czech border to visit enchanting Cesky Krumlov, nestled on the banks of the Vltava River. On days when snow blankets the old medieval buildings, and the smell of wood smoke pervades through the narrow cobbled streets, one could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into a scene straight out of a Christmas card! Spend some time here exploring the little back lanes and arch covered footpaths - not forgetting the outstanding castle which overlooks the town, considered by many to be the country’s finest. This afternoon, continue north through the forested countryside of Bohemia to ‘Golden Prague’ - so named for its gleaming gilded spires.
Hotel: Diplomat Hotel

DAY 03: Prague Sightseeing (Breakfast)
Sightseeing this morning with your local guide reveals the highlights of the Czech capital, spreading either side of the Vltava river. Begin at the lofty heights of Prague Castle, dominated by the spires of St. Vitus’ Cathedral. Walk through medieval cobbled streets, past beautiful palaces, and enjoy a spectacular view over the whole city. Now descend to the Old Town Square to see the astronomical clock. For those travelling in December, be sure to grab a sausage and some hot wine at the brightly decorated Christmas Markets! If you’re lucky, you might even see school children in traditional dress, who come to dance and sing for the crowd.

DAY 04 : Prague - Budapest (Breakfast / Dinner)
The smooth motorway winds through peaceful farmland to the border with Slovakia. It was only in 1993, after more than 75 years of relatively calm coexistence, that the Czech and Slovak Republics split. You arrive in the fortified capital of Bratislava by lunch time. Bratislava has not only been part of Czechoslovakia, but has also belonged to Austria and Hungary during its long history - in fact, for a time, it was even capital of Hungary. Time here to walk from the banks of the Danube to the Old Town’s historic squares; all the while the four towered Bratislava Castle looms over the city. The Hungarian (and Austrian) border is only a proverbial stone’s throw away. Your destination is elegant Budapest, ‘Queen of the Danube’ - a grand metropolis and once the second city of the mighty Hapsburg Empire!
Hotel: Radisson SAS Beke

DAY 05: Budapest Sightseeing (Breakfast)
This morning a local guide acquaints you with both Buda and Pest, divided by the river, yet linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the newer, elegant Elizabeth Bridge. First stroll the quaint lanes of the old town of Buda, perched high above the Danube, looking over the commercial and shopping centre of Pest. Admire the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion, and visit Matthias Church, with its incredible interior decoration. Now enjoy another fine view from the old citadel on Gellert Hill, before crossing the Danube to the commercial Pest district. See the grandiose Parliament building and imposing statues of the ancestors of the Hungarian people in Heroes’ Square. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join the shoppers amid the boutiques of Vaci street? In December, the street will be colourfully lit and the Christmas fair will be in full swing!

DAY 06 : Budapest - Vienna (Breakfast / Dinner)
A leisurely drive today returns you to Vienna for your afternoon sightseeing tour with a local guide who will reveal all the highlights of this grand city. First a visit to the glorious Schonbrunn Palace, built as a summer residence for Maria Theresia during the Golden Age of the Hapsburg Empire. Now into the city centre to tour the Ring Street. Pass magnificent St Charles’ church, the Vienna State Opera House, the soaring spires of the City Hall and the Parliament. Finally catch a glimpse of Strauss in the Stadtpark before free time for shopping this afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna

DAY 07: Vienna (Breakfast)
The airport shuttle service arrives at Vienna Airport at 07.00 and 09.00 hours
where your tour ends.