Prague, Vienna & Budapest
8 DAYS FROM £669
I would like to pass my thanks onto the Tour Director (Barbara) and the driver (Kristian), for their efforts and skill in adding to the great itinerary of this exceptional tour.
The three main cities at which we stayed in were added to by stops in Bratislava (Slovak Republic), Brno (Czech Republic), and a superb two-hours lunch stop in the picturesque Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic).
We added to the itinerary by taking in ALL of the optional excursions, which included three cultural evening dinners, with dance, which were great fun, plus a truly unforgettable evening concert at the Vienna Hofburger Orchestra playing Strauss and Mozart.
The cities offer so many sights and experiences, and combined in a fantastic tour - Great value.
My enjoyment came about because you had thought of everything in planning the programme. The options you had presented to us i.e. the Czech Dinner, the Heurigen Dinner, the Hungarian night, the visits covering Medieval Prague, the Schonbrunn Palace and the Hofburg concert were well researched and the local guides you had put in place were all excellent.
The Tour Director, Petra Polakova, was exceptional and she is an asset to your company. Her enthusiasm never waned and during my many years of travel I have never come across anyone more helpful. Regrettably, there were a couple of ladies on our tour who seemed to find fault with absolutely everything. I came out of the lift one day to see one of these (ugly!) ladies waving a finger at Petra and shouting at her. Petra was visibly upset, as anyone would be, as the onslaught was unremitting. (I think the lady was complaining about the state of the Novotel at Wien-West, Austria.) This hotel was, indeed, very run down and I do hope you will reconsider using it again in future years as they do not deserve to have your business - would you believe that they only had three safes!
Your Italian driver, Alexandro, also did a wonderful job and he and Petra were a delight to be with.
Please can you congratulate the members of your staff who were responsible for planning such a varied itinerary and also let Petra and Alexandro know that their professionalism was very much appreciated.
We would like you to be aware that it was a very enjoyable trip but, more importantly, that it was greatly enhanced by the excellent service provided by your tour guide, Andrea. Nothing was too much trouble for her and everything was delivered in a friendly cheerful manner.
Similarly, we would comment on our driver Alessandro. Once again he remained cheerful and accommodating throughout the entire holiday and his driving skills were obviously superb.
Both Andrea and Alessandro contributed enormously to our enjoyment of this holiday and we would like you to pass on our thanks to your excellent people.
Many thanks
Starting on my own, I look forward to mixing with my fellow travellers, however my expectations were exceeded, for in the party were lovely people of all ages, nationalities and races who mixed in very well. So much so, that on our final evening an impromptu party erupted after our meal with us all singing "For she's a jolly good fellow" to our Hungarian guide, Judith.
Finally, I can still relive one wonderful evening by playing a CD of the Czech Folk Group, who entertained us so well.
There were 28 in our group of travellers; the majority of the group were British, with four from Hong Kong, one Australian, and the two Canadians.
From our pick up at the Munich airport, we were in the hands of our wonderful tour guide, Tunde, a young Hungarian woman with a great deal of knowledge about every point we visited, a sincere ambition to make our tour memorable and a good grasp of a number of languages.
Our bus driver, Pietro, was equally as skilled and efficient and managed to get our tour bus in and out of some of the narrowest ancient cobbled streets I have ever seen.
Tour 1050 is a busy eight days, and we covered a lot of ground and saw so many things, with Tunde as a mind of information. We visited Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Melk and Salzburg - all of them never to be forgotten. Some of the highlights of the trip were the evening dinner cruise on the Danube in Budapest, the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, the incredible beauty of the Abbey at Melk, and the delightful city of Nuremberg.
We stayed at excellent hotels, the most memorable of which was the Hotel Budapest, a unique Art Deco hotel. The people whom we met in the former communist countries could not do enough for us, always asking, "Do you like our city? Will you come again?" I would love to go again, but with any luck, my next trips will be to Poland - with Archers of course.
I must add that we took all of the optional extras offered on the tour and feels it is an excellent way to see and learn about the places visited in the limited time available. I would urge all to do so, if at all possible.
A stunning tour through the imperial gems of central Europe, from magnificent Prague and Vienna to charming Budapest, on the banks of the Danube.
Included Highlights
Prague City sightseeing
Cesky Krumlov Citadel visit
Vienna City sightseeing including visit of St Stephens cathedral
Esztergom Visit
Danube Bend Scenic drive
Budapest City sightseeing
Bratislava Visit
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Prague - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 3 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour and local representative in resort
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between the overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Prague.
Fly to Prague where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this magnificent city. (D)
DAY 2: Prague. Included sightseeing.
The Czech capital is a beautiful treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque architecture that inspired the works of Dvorak and Smetana, two of the city's best-known composers. This morning, our sightseeing tour takes you on a delightful journey around this stunning capital's major landmarks, including the elegant National Theatre, ornate Baroque Church of St Nicholas, stately Charles Bridge and fabled old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock. In the afternoon, there is time to enjoy the city at your leisure, perhaps revisiting some of the sights witnessed this morning or just watching the world go by over a drink or meal at an al-fresco café in the bustling Old Town Square. Tonight, don't miss the optional folklore dinner. (B)
DAY 3: Prague - Cesky Krumlov - Vienna.
This morning, travel through beautiful south Bohemian countryside into Moravia, stopping en-route to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cesky Krumlov, sitting on the banks of the Vltava River. Wander around the historic, winding streets of this fairytale medieval town and take photos of its splendid castle, the second largest in the Czech Republic and known as the 'Pearl of the Renaissance'. Next, continue on to Vienna, Austria's elegant capital, for a two-night stay, with the evening free for you to relax and introduce yourself to this captivating city. Alternatively, an optional dinner is available. (B)
DAY 4: Vienna. Included sightseeing.
Your day starts with an interesting tour taking in the best-known highlights of Baroque Vienna, for centuries the seat of the powerful Habsburg Empire, and also known as the 'City of Music'. Gaze at the graceful State Opera house, handsome Parliament building and impressive Town Hall, before strolling around Heroes' Square to marvel at the vast Hofburg Palace, home to 22 museums. This afternoon, grab the opportunity of an optional trip to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, to admire its frescoes, ornate chambers and exquisite gardens. This evening, another optional highlight is available - a splendid Hofburg concert outing. (B)
DAY 5: Vienna - Esztergom - Budapest.
Bid farewell to Vienna today as you cross the border into Hungary, stopping to visit historic Esztergom, the birthplace of St Stephen and the country's oldest town, crowned by a colossal hilltop Basilica. Next, enjoy the scenic splendour of the famous Danube Bend, where Europe's longest river twists through a narrow valley of green hills, fortresses and beautiful villages. Later, arrive in Budapest for a two-night stay, with plenty of time for you to enjoy an optional Danube cruise, allowing you to wonder at the Hungarian capital's beautiful illuminations. (B, D)
DAY 6: Budapest. Included sightseeing.
Known as the 'Queen of the Danube', Hungary's lovely capital comprises the cities of Buda and Pest dissected by the broad blue ribbon of the Danube. The impressive Heroes' Square, with its grand monuments, typifies the modern capital, whilst along the Danube banks, rows of charming old inns and wine cellars reveal the older, enchanting side of this multi-faceted city. This morning, our included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the principal landmarks, such as the Parliament house in Pest and then on to Buda to see the grandiose Royal Castle, the ramparts of the Fisherman's Bastion and the 700-year old Matthias Church. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore the city independently, maybe revisiting some of the sights enjoyed this morning. Tonight, there is a chance to enjoy an optional Hungarian night. (B)
DAY 7: Budapest - Bratislava - Prague.
Another fascinating day as we head north west into Slovakia, with time in Bratislava, its capital. Nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, this charming town boasts paved streets, handsome mansions and the imposing Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral, coronation site of many Hungarian kings. Later, cross the Czech border and continue through the rich farmlands of Moravia to Prague for one night. (B, D)
DAY 8: Prague - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Prague: Barcelo (4*); Vienna: Aero Tower (3*); Budapest: Millenium (3*); Prague: Ibis Wenceslas (3*).
Platinum Tourer
The ultimate in comfort travel, why not choose to upgrade to our Platinum Tourer Coach?
The Platinum Tourer is offered on the following dates: 17, 24 & 31 Aug, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Sep. Enjoy the benefits of a coach specifically designed for luxury touring.
Special Departures
Christmas Markets
Departure Mon 7 Dec will include visits to the Christmas Markets in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
Christmas in Vienna
Departure Tues 22 Dec will include Christmas lunch in Vienna.
Holiday Extensions
View Holiday PhotosAdd a week in Lake Balaton - 7 Extra nights from £224
Known as the 'Hungarian Sea', Lake Balaton is a popular holiday destination with several resorts. Historic Tihany and the wine-producing Badascony Hills are well worth a visit.
On day 7 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice in the Lake Balaton area. Enjoy a week's stay before rejoining your tour on the following Sunday and travelling to Prague for an overnight stay. On Monday transfer to Prague airport for your flight to the UK.
Accommodation on Extensions
Add a week in Lake Balaton - 7 Extra nights from £224
View Holiday PhotosAnnabella
Situated beside Lake Balaton in the old spa town of Balatonfüred. There are beautiful views of the lake from the hotel and plenty of facilities to keep you occupied.
Location: Situated next to the northern side of the lake in a quiet part of the resort. The hotel's private beach is only 50m away and the promenade with some shops, bars and restaurants is close by.
Facilities: Swimming pool; sauna; beauty salon; shop; café; bar; beer garden; minibar in bedrooms.
Activities: Table tennis; badminton; volleyball; pool; windsurfing; rowing.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; TV; balcony.
Options: Single room, twin room with lake side view.
Official category: 3 star.
View Holiday PhotosRamada Balaton
plusPart of the prestigious Ramada chain, this superbly located hotel offers private and secluded surroundings with spectacular views, whilst the wide range of services and facilities will ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay.
Location: Situated on the north shore of the beautiful Lake Balaton in Balatonalmadi, overlooking the lake and just 5 minutes walk from the train station.
Facilities: Restaurant; Mistral bar and terrace; Wellness Club including indoor swimming pool, infra sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi; aerobics room; squash court; solarium; beauty centre; minibar and telephone in bedrooms; private beach.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer; safety deposit box; lake view.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
View My Holiday Photos
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
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