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. Finally, end your journey in the German village of Oberammergau, where you'll witness one of the most powerful and moving Passion Plays ever performed on stage.

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, and St. Stephen's Basilica, a neoclassical cathedral that is also Budapest's tallest building. (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)

$109 USD

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. Your tour director will lead you on a walking tour, including a visit to a Serbian Orthodox Church. 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 Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the majestic monuments of the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg, once the hub of the imperial Hapsburg dynasty. And inside the regal Schönbrunn Palace, where Marie Antionette spent her childhood, you'll view the private chambers of Empress Maria Theresa as well as the lavishly decorated public rooms. 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 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)

$89 USD

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)

$85 USD

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, where Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire and Vaclav Havel restored democracy. You’ll also see the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Church of Loreto and the 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 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’s right bank and the Old Town Square.

Day 10 - Prague

With a free day today, browse the shops along the narrow alleys of the Old Town or discover the treasures of Old Town Square with its giant Astronomical Clock. You can journey inside St. James Church and explore its evocative Gothic interior, check out the rococo facade of Kinsky Palace, or 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)

$119 USD

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 - Oberammergau

Travel through the Czech and German countryside on your way to Oberammergau, a German village where the townspeople have performed the Passion Play every ten years since 1632 in gratitude to God for delivering them from the plague. Along the way, stop to visit the Alpine city of Innsbruck, known for its majestic mountain views. Upon arrival in Oberammergau, settle into your hotel and join your group for an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 12 - Oberammergau

Enjoy a free morning to visit the town church and learn about the art of woodworking from Oberammergau's many artisans. Rejoin your group for an included lunch. Then get ready to watch Oberammergau’s 40th Passion Play. One of the most evocative and emotionally powerful plays you'll see in your lifetime, this seven-hour play gives you the feeling of actually stepping back in time to witness the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, complete with intermission for an included dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Munich

If your joining our tour extension, travel to Salzburg today. Otherwise, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the Munich airport for your return flight home. (B)