Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our platinum tour coach as we head to Kent for our short sea crossing to France. On our arrival we continue through the French countryside to our overnight hotel in Metz.
Day 2: This morning, we continue our journey through Germany, starting in Saarland, before passing the states of Hessen and Bavaria, before crossing the Border into Czechia. Our base for the next three nights will be the Hotel Duo Praha in Prague, on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Today we have included a walking tour to introduce you to this beautiful capital, affectionately known as the ‘Golden Town’. The many historic buildings, grand squares and elegant landmarks such as Wenceslas Square, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge make it a lovely place to explore on foot. Our local guide's informative commentary will reveal many of the stories behind the buildings and personalities which have shaped the history of this magnificent city. Following the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace.
Day 4: This morning we head for Cesky Krumlov, one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. The architecture in the historic core of the town has remained largely intact over the course of centuries, which is one of the reasons it is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dominated by a striking Renaissance castle which stretches over the meandering Vitava River, the town features a beautiful old town square, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that wind along nooks between patrician houses. Here you will find cosy inns, coffee shops and ancient taverns.
The pretty Church of St. Vitus, with its signature neo-Gothic tower, is worth a peek inside.
Day 5: This morning, we depart our hotel and make our way southwest, crossing the River Danube to visit Czechia’s second largest city Brno. This lovely city is one that can be easily explored on foot and is packed with must see attractions. The Stará radnice, or the Old Town Hall, is one of the places you simply have to visit when in Brno. The oldest part of the building dates back to 1240, and you can easily recognise the building by the white tower proudly standing in the middle of the city. If you’re looking for one of the best views of Brno, you can climb the 63-meter tower with the 360-degree viewing deck giving you stunning views of the city of Brno (local charge applies).
Brno’s Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Built in the 13th century, the castle has undergone many changes over the years – from being a fortified castle, to a military fortress, and even a jail. The museum inside the castle gives you a chance to learn more about its history (local charge applies)
This afternoon, we continue our journey, crossing into Slovakia and eventually into Hungary. We reach Budapest early evening, and our hotel for the next three nights, the Mercure Korona Hotel, on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 6: Today we familiarise ourselves with Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world with an extensive area recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our local guide will take us around all of the beautiful and famous sites which will unfold before your eyes and give you a better understanding of this Hungarian Nation. We explore both sides of Hungary’s capital, which is divided by the meandering Danube, traditional Buda and the more cosmopolitan Pest. Most of the famous sites are concentrated around Castle Hill on the Buda side, in downtown Pest and along the riverside walkways. Look out for the Royal Palace, Fishermen’s Bastion, Parliament Building, St Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square, and the Chain Bridge. This afternoon you have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 7: After breakfast we have a full day guided tour of the famous Danube Bend. We will visit many places of interest, including the town of Szentendre, with its Mediterranean atmosphere favoured by many artists. Szentendre is the perfect little town to wander on foot with its winding cobbled streets, beautiful town square, white-trimmed buildings painted in cheerful pastel shades, and flower boxes overflowing with blooms. Blagovestenska Church is probably the best known of the nine churches within Szentendre and the beautiful interior decor is breath-taking.
We also visit the remains of the Roman peel towers at Visegrad and the city of Esztergom. Draped across two hills by the River Danube, the royal city of Esztergom is the place where St Stephen, the first King of Hungary was crowned at the start of the 11th century. The biggest highlight of Esztergom and one of the most important places to visit in Hungary is the impressive Basilica, towering above the area. It is also the tallest building of any kind in the country, with an epic dome that tops out at 118 metres. Adjoining with the Basilica is the 16th-century Bakócz Chapel, shaped from red marble and considered the greatest piece of Hungarian Renaissance art. While the Basilica can take your breath away with its overwhelming size, it’s worth visiting it inside, too, to see what kind of gems it hides. And there are many of them! (entry not included)
Day 8: Today we depart our Hungarian hotel and head for the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. During your time here, why not delve into centuries of history at the formidable Bratislava Castle, offering sweeping views of the cityscape. Meander through the labyrinthine lanes of the Gothic Old Town, where age-old landmarks like St. Martin's Cathedral and the Primate's Baroque Palace stand testament to its storied past.
Embrace the lively ambiance at Hlavné námestie – the main square – where cafés and markets beckon for indulgent local delicacies and authentic experiences. Stroll along the Danube's picturesque promenade or opt for a boat tour to witness the city's beauty from a different angle. (attractions subject to individual choice and payment)
We then continue to Vienna for our next 3 nights at the Trend hotel Ananas on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 9: This morning we enjoy a part coach and part walking tour of the Imperial City of Vienna. As the home of the former Habsburg monarchy and the present day capital of Austria, there is so much to see. Our local guide will introduce you to the history, culture and stories of one of Europe’s most fascinating cities and we will see Stephansplatz, St. Stephens Cathedral, the patrician houses of Bäckerstrasse, 16th century Schönlaterngasse, Heiligenkreuz Court and the lovely Blutgasse, one of the oldest streets in Vienna.
Whilst here, we also include entry to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a world class institution housing the art and artifacts of the imperial Hapsburg dynasty in one of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings. The museum is a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs, and is a treasure trove of old master paintings, antiquities, and architectural splendor. The museum has 100 rooms spread out over three floors, and lavish marble, murals, and gold leaf adorn the entrance and halls.
The rest of the day is spent at leisure for you to explore Vienna at your own pace. As the former capital of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is a great city to wander round, with stately Baroque buildings appearing around almost every corner. Strolling northerly from the 14th-century Augustinian Church with its grand altar and close connection to the Habsburgs, you enter Josefsplatz. This opulent square was named in honour of Emperor Franz Josef II and is lined on three sides by elegant Baroque halls. On the other side is the Palais Pallavicini, one of many locations still recognisable from the classic film noir, The Third Man. Continuing onto Herrengasse, you can encounter the palatial Renaissance and Baroque residences of noble families from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the stucco Palais Daun-Kinsky.
Day 10: Today we are once again met by our guide for a full day tour which begins with a visit to the Spanish Riding School which founded in 1572, is the world's oldest riding academy. The morning exercise offers you an insight into the training of the riders with their Lipizzaners. You will see both the exercise of the often still grey young stallions and the fully trained school stallions, the "white stars" - in the imperial setting of the baroque Winter Riding School, accompanied by classical Viennese music.
This afternoon we continue with our guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vienna. You’ll see the impressive Ringstrasse, which surrounds the inner city; the famous Vienna State Opera House and the Schönbrunn Palace. Elegant streets and pedestrian precincts, dotted with inviting coffee shops, fan out from the main square, where St Stephen’s Cathedral forms a soaring backdrop. Our knowledgeable guide will tell us more about some of the key sights, as well as the city's history and heritage.
Day 11: This morning we begin our journey home, stopping enroute in Mondsee. Located in the Salzkammergut, which is more commonly known as the Austrian Lake District. Mondsee is home to the Basilica of St. Michael, the famous wedding church where Maria married Georg von Trapp in the film The Sound of Music. This Gothic former monastery is just as striking today as ever with its two towers stretching 52 metres high. We then continue to our first overnight hotel, the Hotel Adler in Innsbruck on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 12: We continue our journey, crossing from Austria into Switzerland, as we make our way around Lake Constance into France making suitable stops en route. Our second overnight hotel will be in Metz on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Day 13: This morning we depart our hotel and head back Calais for our crossing back to the Dover. Upon our arrival, we head back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to take you home.
Holiday Information:
12 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Some continental hotels may be a set evening meal, tabel service or buffet style)
Price: £2655
Single Supplement: £616
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: EUR1874
This tour will be undertaken in one of our Platinum luxury executive coaches. You will have extended leg room, airline style seats with adjustable headrests and USB charging points, along with all the facilities present on our executive touring vehicles.
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure