Imperial Capitals
Enjoy a treasure trove of fascinating cities, from Berlin, Prague and Dresden, to Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg, and wonderful scenery like the Moselle Valley and beautiful Lake Balaton.
Dresden Palace and former Palace church
Brussels, Grand Palace
Luxembourg
Stahleck Castle and the Lorelei Valley, River Rhine
Rheinstein Castle, River Rhine
Frankfurt by night
Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg
Salzburg's historic centre
Aerial view of Vienna
Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
Art History Museum, Vienna
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton
Festelich Castle on the north shore of Lake Balaton
Budapest
Budapest Royal Palace
Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, Budapest
Bratislava Castle
Prague
Isn't it time you discovered Prague?
Prague
Old Town Square, Prague
Dresden Old Town
Castle of Charlottenburg, Berlin
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Brussels.
Take advantage of our free coach service from London to the Channel for your crossing to the Continent. Here you will be met by your Tour Director and transferred by coach to Brussels for one night. Alternatively travel direct to Brussels on Eurostar for a one night stay.
DAY 2: Brussels - Trier - Frankfurt area.
This morning, drive through Luxembourg to Trier, Germany's oldest city, before continuing through the vineyards and villages of the Moselle Valley. This afternoon, choose between an included scenic drive or an optional cruise along the Rhine, passing the famous 'siren' rock of Lorelei, postcard-pretty towns and romantic castles. Afterwards, drive to the Frankfurt area for one night. (B, D)
DAY 3: Frankfurt area - Nuremberg - Salzburg.
Your day begins with a visit to historic Nuremberg. Known for its 1945 war trials, this walled medieval town was once the seat of Germany's kings. Admire its Gothic churches, the castle and patrician houses before continuing into Austria for your overnight stay in Salzburg. (B)
DAY 4: Salzburg - Vienna.
Spend this morning enjoying this lovely town at leisure before driving through the beautiful Salzkammergut region. Studded with glittering lakes and mountains, this gorgeous area took a starring role in 'The Sound of Music'. After passing the lakeside town of Mondsee, follow the Danube almost all the way to Vienna for a two-night stay. And why not cap your day with our optional dinner in the Viennese woods? (B)
DAY 5: Vienna.
The hub of the Habsburg Empire for over 600 years, Austria's capital is a historical and cultural showpiece. Fringing the Danube, this Baroque jewel worked its magic on many great composers - Beethoven, Strauss and Mozart amongst them. See its best-known landmarks on the included sightseeing tour, among which the State Opera and magnificent Hofburg - the former residence of the Habsburgs. You'll also go inside St Stephen's Cathedral, the Gothic masterpiece that was the setting for Mozart's wedding and funeral. Continue your explorations this afternoon with our optional trip to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' splendid summer residence. (B)
DAY 6: Vienna - Lake Balaton - Budapest.
Today, venture into Hungary and to Lake Balaton. Enjoy a scenic drive around the shores and towns of this shimmering lake before continuing to Budapest, arguably central Europe's most beautiful city, for two nights. This evening, don't miss the optional Danube cruise to enjoy the sights along the banks of Buda and Pest. (B, D)
DAY 7: Budapest.
Home to Hungary's kings for 700 years, the expansive Buda Castle overlooks the river and its famous Chain Bridge. Other sights on today's sightseeing trip include Heroes' Square, with its elegant monuments celebrating the city's founding in 896 and the old inns and wine houses along the Danube's banks. You'll also see the red-domed Parliament building, Fisherman's Bastion and impressive Matthias Church, the coronation site of Hungary's medieval monarchs. (B)
DAY 8: Budapest - Bratislava - Prague.
After crossing into Slovakia, visit the charming capital, Bratislava, before heading into the Czech Republic. Have your cameras ready as you drive through Bohemia, a picturebook land of castles and picket-fenced villages. Later, arrive in Prague, the dazzling Czech capital, for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 9: Prague.
All Gothic spires and Baroque domes, it's little wonder that Prague has inspired musicians and writers as great as Dvorak, Mozart and Kafka. Today, discover its main sights, including the Charles Bridge, National Theatre and Old Town Square, where crowds gather to witness the hourly clockwork 'Walk of the Apostles' of its 15th century Astronomical Clock. (B)
DAY 10: Prague - Dresden - Berlin.
Enjoy more of Bohemia's landscapes as we head back into Germany to Dresden. The capital of Saxony, this one-time 'Florence of the North' was severely damaged in World War II but has now been largely restored. This afternoon, cross the River Elbe on your way to Berlin for two nights. (B)
DAY 11: Berlin.
Since 1989 and the fall of its Wall, Berlin has transformed itself into one of Europe's most energetic and avant garde capitals. Today, see the main highlights of this exuberant city on the included city tour, ticking through sights such as the State Opera House and stunning Brandenburg Gate, hidden from the West for over 40 years. Spend the afternoon exploring independently or join an optional excursion. (B)
DAY 12: Berlin - Hamelin - Rhineland.
Today, pass the ancient town of Brunswick and stop in Hamelin where you'll hear about its famous Pied Piper. Next, drive through the beautiful Teutoburger Forest towards the Rhineland for one night. (B, D)
DAY 13: Rhineland - UK.
Drive to the Channel port where your tour ends. After your Channel crossing join the coach service back to London. Alternatively travel back to the station to join the Eurostar service to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Brussels: Dodehotel la Woluwe (4*); Frankfurt area: Mercure at Friedrichsdorf (4*); Salzburg: Ramada (4*); Vienna: Kavalier (3*); Budapest: Budapest (4*); Prague: Clarion (4*); Berlin: Abba (4*); Rhineland: Holiday Inn Cologne-Bonn Airport or Ramada at Bruehl (4*).
Your Holiday Map
Imperial Capitals
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Dresden Palace and former Palace church
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Brussels, Grand Palace
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Luxembourg
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Stahleck Castle and the Lorelei Valley, River Rhine
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Rheinstein Castle, River Rhine
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Frankfurt by night
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Salzburg
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Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg
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Salzburg's historic centre
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Aerial view of Vienna
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Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna
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Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
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Art History Museum, Vienna
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Lake Balaton
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Lake Balaton
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Festelich Castle on the north shore of Lake Balaton
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Budapest
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Budapest Royal Palace
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Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, Budapest
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Bratislava Castle
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Prague
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Isn't it time you discovered Prague?
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Prague
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Old Town Square, Prague
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Dresden Old Town
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Castle of Charlottenburg, Berlin
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Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
EVENING CITY SIGHTSEEING
See the main sights of this city which has something for all tastes and interests. Visit the beautiful Grand Place with its 17th century guild houses. End the evening with a visit to a typical Brussels historical café to enjoy a glass of old fashioned Belgian beer.
€25 (Euro)
LORELEI AND ITS CASTLES
Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.
€25 (Euro)
CITY SIGHTSEEING
This city is a gem of rococo architecture and the birthplace of Mozart. First by coach and then a walk through the old town; see Residenz Square, the cathedral, the Old Market, and pass by Mozart's house in the lively Getreidegasse in the very heart of Salzburg.
€22 (Euro)
TYPICAL VIENNESE EVENING
An unforgettable evening in one of Vienna's most beautiful palaces. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was founded to perform the music of the "Wiener Klassik" to the highest standard. The programme consists mainly of works by Mozart and Johann Strauss. The present leaders of the orchestra are violinists of world renown and, as well as performing for the Vienna Residence Orchestra, they perform as soloists with the leading orchestras of the world. During the intermission you will be offered 1 glass of champagne or an orange juice.
€40 (Euro)
SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE & GARDENS
A guided tour of part of the magnificent palace of Schönbrunn, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperors for nearly 150 years. It was built between 1695 and 1749 with over 100 rooms and beautiful gardens. End the tour with free time in the main gardens.
€40 (Euro)
EVENING IN THE VIENNESE WOODS
A visit to Vienna is incomplete without seeing one of its famous wine villages. Enjoy typical vintner's fare and taste Heurigen (new wine). With musicians to entertain you, this is a convivial, and jovial evening.
€42 (Euro)
DANUBE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS
Board a boat for a one-hour cruise on the mighty Danube accompanied by a local guide. Enjoy river views of the Castle District, the House of Parliament, Gellert Hill, and cruise under the Chain Bridge and around Margaret Island. Two drinks are included.
€28 (Euro)
ARTIST VILLAGE SZENTENDRE
Drive to the picturesque village of Szentendre, the home of many famous Hungarian artists at the turn of the century. Proceed with a visit to a the pretty Greek Orthodox church or Marzipan Museum plus Margit Kovacs Museum. Finally enjoy coffee and cake at a typical inn.
€30 (Euro)
HUNGARIAN NIGHT
A typical Hungarian evening. After an aperitif, enjoy dinner with some fine local specialties and unlimited wine, followed by a programme of Hungarian folklore and Gypsy music.
€47 (Euro)
PANORAMA & KRIZIK'S FOUNTAINS
First enjoy a visit to Strahov monastery where you will appreciate a spectacular view over the whole of Prague and the Moldau River. Then continue to a typical Czech pub where you will taste the famous Prague dark beer. You will end your evening at the Krizikova Fountains, a well known outdoor spectacle where the fountains and the sound of the cascading water is synchronised with music and lights.
€30 (Euro)
THE BEST OF MEDIEVAL PRAGUE
An afternoon full of history and architectural beauty - an intensive visit of the entire Castle District with entrance to the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Crypt of the Bohemian Kings. You will also see inside the St. George Basilica. Finally, to Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived for a short while.
€35 (Euro)
CZECH DINNER & MUSIC
A typical Czech meal in a famous wine restaurant not far from Prague Castle including unlimited drinks with wine served from special glass pipes. During the meal enjoy folklore music from different parts of the country.
€40 (Euro)
ZIKO'S GRILL DINNER
A fun evening at a local restaurant with good food and atmosphere. You will be served a four-course meal with 2 drinks per person and coffee/tea. During the evening musical entertainment you can even dance between the tables!
€33 (Euro)
FAMOUS CITY OF POTSDAM
Potsdam is famous for its fine palaces and many beautiful historical buildings. Visit the Cecilienhof Palace where Truman, Attlee and Stalin signed the Potsdam agreement in 1945. See magnificent Sanssouci Palace, built by Frederich the Great.
€40 (Euro)
BERLIN NIGHT OUT
Drive through the illuminated city to the Friedrichstadtpalast Theatre to see one of the biggest and best revue shows in Europe with a drink included during the intermission. Operated when excursion "Berlin City - Night Cruise" not available.
€55 (Euro)
CITY - NIGHT CRUISE
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the city centre with a hot and cold buffet on board. The dinner will be accompanied by music and a commentary. Available from May to September.
€45 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Imperial Capitals 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Imperial Capitals 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
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| 1 May 2012 |
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| 1 May 2012 | Dover |
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| 1 May 2012 | London Central |
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| 1 May 2012 |
St Pancras
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| 8 May 2012 |
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| 8 May 2012 | Dover |
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| 8 May 2012 |
St Pancras
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| 22 May 2012 |
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| 22 May 2012 | Dover |
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| 22 May 2012 | London Central |
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| 22 May 2012 |
St Pancras
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| 29 May 2012 |
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| 29 May 2012 | Dover |
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| 29 May 2012 | London Central |
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| 29 May 2012 |
St Pancras
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Imperial Capitals
Price from £795.00
What's Included
- Ferry Crossing UK - Continent and Free parking at Dover, or Eurostar option at a supplement.
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 12 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (4)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
- Transfers between overseas channel port and hotels
- Single share option no supplement to pay
All this included
- Trier Visit
- Moselle Valley Scenic drive
- Rhineland Scenic drive
- Nuremberg Orientation
- Salzkammergut Scenic drive
- Vienna City sightseeing
- Lake Balaton Scenic drive
- Budapest City sightseeing
- Bratislava Visit
- Prague City sightseeing
- Dresden Orientation drive
- Berlin City sightseeing
- Hamelin Visit
Departures from
- Dover
- London Central
- St Pancras (Eurostar)
Departures between
01 May 2012 to 16 Oct 2012
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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