|
|
|
|
Home > Winter Europe and Eastern Mediterranean
Vienna, Prague and Budapest & Christmas Markets
Cesky Krumlov in winter is a scene straight out of a Christmas card! While the size and preservation of Prague’s historic centre is unrivalled in Europe. The tour culminates historically, with a visit to Shönbrunn Palace.
| Summary |
Highlights |
Itinerary |
Prices & Dates |
Savings & Discounts |
Optionals |
Conditions |
|
~ Austria ~ Czech Republic ~ Slovakia ~ Hungary
Here are three different cities, each with their own story to tell, yet all related
in some way. Their history and culture intertwined by the ubiquitous Hapsburgs and
waters of the blue Danube.
Tour Pace
A well paced tour, focussing mainly on the three
capitals, with Bratislava and Cesky Krumlov providing additional interest on touring
days. The two nights in Prague and Budapest allow time in the afternoon for shopping,
your own activities or relaxation.
Hotels
The Vienna Hilton, Diplomat in Prague and Hilton
Budapest West End are contemporary in style. All are well located in these capital
cities to allow you to make the most of your time at leisure.
Fellow Passengers
This tour is popular with those who want to
experience the highlights of Eastern Europe in the space of a week. Medieval town
squares glistening with snow or Christmas lights, also appeal to the romantic at
heart.
Insight Fact
Jan Hus: Born in 1370, Hus was a Czech priest,
religious thinker and philosopher. His reformist beliefs and teachings led to the
Hussite wars and would influence the Protestant movement nearly a century later.
Inevitably, he came into conflict with the Vatican and in 1415 was burnt at the stake
for heresy. Look out for his statue in Prague's Old Town Square, erected to commemorate
the 500th anniversary of his martyrdom.
|
Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the cobbled streets of Cesky Krumlov and see the medieval castle
- In Vienna enjoy a guided visit to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and
gardens
Included Personal Insights
- Learn about the legendary meeting between Mozart and Marie Antoinette in
Schönbrunn Palace.
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Walk within the walls of Prague Castle to visit St Vitus Cathedral
- See the Astronomical Clock in Prague's Old Town Square
- Visit the Matthias Church and enjoy views from Fisherman's Bastion in Buda
- Look out over Budapest from the lofty heights of Gellert Hill
- See the gargantuan Parliament Building and visit Heroes' Square in Pest
- See the Opera House, Parliament building & St Charles' Church in Vienna
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg roomand onboard
restroom
- First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and
Day 7. (Should your flights not coincide with these arrival and departure transfers,
please make your own way to/from the airport or you can purchase a
transfer).
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner in Vienna at a local restaurant (HD)
- 6 buffet breakfasts (BB), 2 three course table d'hôte dinners, or buffets,
plus tea or coffee (D)
- Departures on tour for Christmas & New Year's Eve, enjoy a festive
celebration dinner
Festive highlights
- Explore the colourful Christmas markets in Prague, Budapest & Vienna on these
departures.
- † A curtailed selection of Christmas Markets are available on these
departures.
- Xmas/New Year's Eve festive celebration dinner included
|
Day 1 - ARRIVE 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? As night falls, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna.
|
|
Day 2 - VIENNA- CESKY KRUMLOV- PRAGUE
|
|
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 medieval buildings and wood smoke pervades the narrow cobbled streets- it's a scene straight out of a Christmas card! Spend some time 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. (BB,D)
|
|
Day 3 - PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
|
|
Sightseeing 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 spectacular views over the city. Now descend to the Old Town Square with its ancient buildings, magnificent churches and astronomical clock. For those travelling in December, be sure to grab a sausage and mulled 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. (BB)
|
|
Day 4 - PRAGUE- BRATISLAVA- BUDAPEST
|
|
The smooth motorway winds through peaceful farmland to the Slovakian border. 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: Hilton Budapest West End. (BB,D)
|
|
Day 5 - BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
|
|
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! (BB)
|
|
Day 6 - BUDAPEST- VIENNA
|
|
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 Schönbrunn 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. (BB,HD)
|
|
Day 7 - VIENNA
|
|
The airport shuttle service arrives at Vienna Airport at 07.00 and 09.00 hours where your tour ends. (BB)
|
OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING
& EXCURSIONS The list of Optional Excursions is not available at this time.
|
TWITTER 
FACEBOOK 
INSIGHT'S TRAVEL FORUM
Bookmark
Email
Delicious
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
;)