Travel to imperial cities with glorious pasts and uncover a wealth of history, culture and tradition during this tour of the Old World. Discover treasures such as Buda castle Hill in Budapest, a collection of palaces, churches and monuments that attracts over 20 million visitors each year.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Budapest
Board an overnight transatlantic flight bound for the Hungarian capital.
Day 2 - Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, where a Go Ahead representative will be waiting to assist with hotel transfer. Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 - Budapest
A professional guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Budapest, a city divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections (“Buda” and “Pest”). After a stop at Heroes’ Square, explore the lavish interior of the Parliament building, modeled on London’s Palace of Westminster. Then cross the Danube and arrive in Buda. Ascend imposing Castle Hill for a look at the Royal Palace. After taking in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion, visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hungarian coronations. (B)
Day 4 - Budapest
Today is free for you to spend however you wish in the Hungarian capital. You might choose to join an optional excursion to the Hungarian Puszta, where you’ll attend a unique equestrian performance followed by a traditional Hungarian lunch. (B)
$105
Hungarian Puszta
Journey into Hungary's grasslands, with a stop in the eastern European town of Kecskemet, then venture to a traditional horse farm before a three-course lunch.
Day 5 - Vienna
On today’s transfer through the countryside to Vienna, stop in Szentendre, a picturesque artists’ colony nestled on the banks of the Danube, where your tour director leads a walking tour. Then continue on to Vienna, center of the Hapsburg dynasty. (B, D)
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 former royal headquarters of the long ruling Hapsburg dynasty. This afternoon, your tour director will introduce you to Vienna's most festive tradition, its Christmas Market. Let the infectious spirit of the season envelop you as you explore the stalls for treasures to take home, and treats to taste on tour. This evening, journey to the nearby village of Grinzing for a traditional Austrian meal including wine at our optional Heurigen Dinner. The Heurigen is a traditional Austrian wine tavern. (B)
$85
Heurigen Evening
Drive down Vienna's "Ring," an area of wide boulevards, then continue to the scenic village of Grinzing for a traditional Austrian dinner.
Day 7 - Vienna
With a free day in Vienna, you might choose to shop in the posh boutiques of the pedestrian-only Kaerntnerstrasse, or behold the crown jewels and other royal regalia in the Hofburg’s Imperial Treasury. Alternatively, opt to take a cruise along the picturesque, though not blue, Danube River (seasonal). (B)
$69
Danube River cruise
Cruise along the legendary Danube River where you'll see the charming section of Wachay before stopping in Melk for a visit to a Baroque monastery.
Day 8 - Prague
Travel through the heart of the Czech countryside on your way to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful Old World cities. (B, D)
Day 9 - Prague
On this morning’s guided sightseeing tour, see the landmark Charles Bridge and visit the spectacular Hradcany Castle, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire and Vaclav Havel restored democracy. You’ll also see the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral and venture down Golden Lane, named for the alchemists who once practiced their craft here. This afternoon, opt for our walking tour through Prague’s Jewish Quarter. (B)
$59
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’s right bank and the Old Town Square.
Day 10 - Prague
Explore Prague at your own pace today; consider a stroll through the elegant Wallenstein Gardens. Tonight, join our optional excursion to Château Sychrov for a tour followed by dinner and a recital of classical music. (B)
$115
Chateau Sychrov
Visit Chateau Sychrov, a beautiful estate north of Prague, where you'll have a guided tour of its elegant halls and gardens then take in a live classical music performance.
Day 11 - Prague
Continue on to our tour extension to Salzburg or transfer to Prague’s airport for your flight home. (B)
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights,
$499 (Single room: add $105)
Dubbed the 'Rome of the North' because of its many churches, Salzburg is a beautiful city filled with museums, mansions, parks and yes, churches. It also has a renowned musical culture and history, which is well worth exploring.