Travel to historic cities that were once the centers of great empires, and uncover a wealth of history, culture and tradition during this tour of the Old World. Take in breathtaking views of the Danube in Budapest, walk through the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and discover how Prague earned the nickname “the city of a hundred spires” on this tour. Along the way, you’ll visit the Christmas markets that make this time of year so special.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Budapest aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, a city divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections, Buda and Pest. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin acquainting yourself with the Hungarian capital. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Budapest

This morning’s included tour highlights the major landmarks of both Buda and Pest. Trace the stormy history of this fiercely independent nation on your stop at Heroes Square. Tour the lavishly decorated interior of the Parliament building, modeled on London’s Palace of Westminster. Then cross the Danube and arrive in Buda. Ascend the imposing Castle Hill for a look at the Royal Palace. The castle has witnessed several invasions, the most recent having occurred during World War II. After taking in the breathtaking views rom Fisherman’s Bastion, visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hungarian coronations.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Parliament, Matthias Church

Day 4 - Budapest

During a free day in Budapest, continue your personal exploration of the city. You might browse through the shops on Budapest’s sophisticated pedestrian shopping streets, take a short journey outside to the Vadaskert (Game Park) or tour the Jewish Museum. Alternatively, consider joining our optional Godollo Castle & Lunch excursion.
Included meals: breakfast

$95 USD

Godollo Castle & Lunch Venture to Godollo, the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. You’ll receive a guided tour of the stately mansion and take a leisurely walk around the castle’s grounds. Lunch is included on this excursion.

Day 5 - Vienna

Journey west through the countryside on today’s transfer to Vienna. Along the way, stop in Szentendre, a picturesque artists’ colony nestled on the banks of the Danube, where your tour director leads a walking tour. Arrive in Vienna late this afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax before an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6 - Vienna

On today’s guided sightseeing tour of Vienna, you’ll tour the ornate interior of Schönbrunn Palace, summer home of Empress Maria Theresa. You’ll also see the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the estate. Continue your tour of this brilliant city, as you travel along the Ringstraße and pass the Hofburg, the winter palace of the long ruling Hapsburg dynasty. This afternoon, your Tour Director will introduce you to Vienna’s most festive tradition, its Christmas Markets. Let the infectious spirit of the season envelop you as you explore the stalls for treasures to take home. This evening, opt to attend our Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening. You’ll take a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel and dine at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy wine made by the same people serving dinner.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Schönbrunn Palace

$99 USD

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening Enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Grinzing, where you'll savor traditional Austrian heurigen cuisine in a cozy Old World setting. Heurigen are traditional restaurants that serve their own wine, and you'll enjoy a festive evening of food, drink and music. Then, take a ride on Vienna’s Prater Ferris Wheel, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city.

Day 7 - Vienna

Spend the day at your leisure. You might wish to take a stroll through Vienna’s pedestrian zone, stopping at the Hotel Sacher for a taste of its worldfamous Sachertorte, or view the elegant Lipizzaner horses in the Spanish Riding School. Or choose to join an optional riverboat cruise along the scenic banks of the Danube with a stop in Dormstein.
Included meals: breakfast

$95 USD

Danube River Cruise Embark on a leisurely cruise on the Danube. Your ship will take you through the Wachau Valley, home to age-old castles and picturesque villages. After the cruise, stop in Melk for a visit to Europe’s most beautiful Baroque monastery, an architectural wonder perched high atop a cliff. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and runs from mid-April through October.

Day 8 - Prague

Travel across the Czech border to Prague. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Prague

On this morning’s guided sightseeing tour, discover why Prague is known as the City of One Hundred Spires. The pinnacles of the city’s churches and palaces create one of Europe’s most majestic skylines. Visit the spectacular Castle of Hradcany, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire and Vaclav Havel restored democracy. Later, admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus’ Cathedral. During your free time this afternoon, you may choose to wander through the medieval lanes of the Old Town. Discover Wenceslas Square, Prague’s cosmopolitan heart, or cross elegant Charles Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Alternatively, join our optional tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter and Europe’s oldest synagogue.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus’ Cathedral

$79 USD

Walking Tour of Prague's Jewish Quarter Follow a local expert guide through the streets of Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter, nestled between the Vltava River and the Old Town Square. See the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto, devastated during World War II and oppressed during the Communist era. Pay a visit to three of the area’s synagogues as well as the Jewish Museum of Prague, which displays the names of all the Czech Jews who were sent to concentration camps. Along your tour, learn about the legendary Golem myth, a story forever entwined with Prague’s Jewish history. You’ll also see sights once frequented by Franz Kafka, the enigmatic author of The Trial and The Metamorphosis, who made his home in Prague. Lunch is included. Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking.

Day 10 - Prague

Enjoy a day in Prague at leisure. You can journey inside St. James Church and its evocative Gothic interior or check out the rococo façade of Kinsky Palace. This evening, join an optional excursion to Château Sychrov for a concert and dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

$135 USD

Château Sychrov Visit Château Sychrov, a 17th-century Baroque estate north of Prague. Take a guided tour through the estate, paying special attention to the elaborate carvings along the stairway, in the chapel and in the dining room. Then tour the gallery of French kings and the château's gardens. Later, enjoy a private concert of classic Czech music and an included dinner. Please note: The castle itself can be quite chilly; travelers are advised to wear layers or bring a sweater. This excursion requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 11 - Prague

If your joining our tour extension, travel to Salzburg today. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(Please note that in the event of early morning departures, breakfast may not be offered.)