Highlights of Eastern Europe (Premium)
15 Days from $3,695 per person
Delve behind the former ‘Iron Curtain' to explore these stunning cities of the east. Flourishes from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a melange of medieval charm are juxtaposed against some more sombre reminders of WWII.
Overview
Delve behind the former ‘Iron Curtain' to explore these stunning cities of the east. Flourishes from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a melange of medieval charm are juxtaposed against some more sombre reminders of WWII.
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Day 1: Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Welcome to Budapest.
On arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 & 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 and travel to the famous and elegant Gundel Restaurant. Your Welcome Dinner is a treat of mouthwatering Hungarian specialties, accompanied by specially-selected Hungarian wine.
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Day 3: Delve into Budapest.
Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert. Admire the facade of Matthias Church and take in the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy a short drive following the Danube and arrive at Gellért Hill. From the top, appreciate astounding panoramic views presided over by the Liberty Statue. Across the river, back in Pest, visit Heroes’ Square. The rest of the day is yours to browse the boutiques of Vaci Street. In the evening, perhaps choose an Optional Experience to see this fairy-tale city as you cruise along the Danube and enjoy a meal of Hungarian specialties, served with drinks?
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Day 4: Through the Low Tatra Mountains to Kraków.
Take a gentle drive into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Low Tatra Mountains, where villagers still live in traditional wooden houses. Stop at Donovaly, the most famous winter resort in the country and known as the Slovakian St. Moritz. Continue north to see the picturesque Oravský Hrad Castle before crossing into Poland and continuing to historic Kraków.
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Day 5: The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków.
Perhaps visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the morning? Later, join your Local Expert to explore Kraków, for centuries the seat of Poland's kings. Ascend Wawel Hill to visit the cathedral. Walk past the courtyard of Jagiellonian University through the Old Town, to Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the medieval Cloth Hall and visit the 14th century St. Mary's Church (keep your eyes and ears peeled for the trumpeter in the tower). Then enjoy free time to explore. Maybe visit the Renaissance Trading Hall, host to many merchant stalls, with the Gallery of the National Museum upstairs?
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Day 6: To Auschwitz, the Black Madonna of Częstochowa and Warsaw.
Stop with a Local Expert in the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz, the most infamous site of the Holocaust. Spend some reflective moments amid the remains of the concentration camp and the memorials to those who died. Travel north to Częstochowa to visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Góra, famous for the Black Madonna, said to have been painted by St. Luke. Continue across the Polish plains to the country's capital, Warsaw for the night. Dumplings are an Eastern European tradition so in the evening, enjoy a dumpling demonstration and degustation at a local restaurant. Once this culinary high art has been mastered, enjoy a delicious Highlight Dinner featuring succulent local dishes.
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Day 7: Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw.
Join a Local Expert in the morning to see the ‘wedding cake' Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Łazienki Park. Pay your respects at the Monument of the Ghetto Heroes and then the afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps attend a Chopin recital or delve into Warsaw's communist past?
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Day 8: Wielkopolska to Berlin.
Your route leads westwards, across the rolling farmlands of the central plains, past Poznań, the ‘cradle of the Polish State' and continuing over the Oder River to enter Germany. Your destination is the vibrant capital of Berlin where you can try traditional Berliner cuisine.
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Day 9: The Spirit of Berlin.
Prepare to embrace the rejuvenated spirit of Berlin. Join a Local Expert for a drive along the Ku'Damm, past the Memorial church. Continue through the leafy Tiergarten to the refurbished Reichstag building and see the Brandenburg Gate. On the eastern side, take the Unter den Linden past the State Opera House to the Alexanderplatz. Spend the afternoon at leisure, shopping in the KaDeWe Department Store or exploring the new vibrant Potsdamer Platz.
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Day 10: Baroque Dresden and on to Golden Prague.
Journey south to Dresden. Almost totally destroyed by horrific air raids in 1945, Dresden has now risen again from the ashes in a blend of old and new. See the reconstructed Frauenkirche and walk past the colossal ‘Procession of the Dukes' on the wall of the Royal Palace. Venture around the Catholic cathedral to view the tiered façades of the Opera and Baroque Zwinger Palace. After free time for lunch, head for the Czech border, high in the Ore Mountains and continue to the capital city of Prague.
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Day 11: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires.
Prague has blossomed since the ‘Velvet Revolution', but its unique character remains unchanged. A Local Expert will show you the amazing St Vitus' Cathedral inside the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Cross the river to explore the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Old Town square and see its famous Astronomical Clock. As night falls, why not head for a local restaurant to sample tasty Czech cuisine, as well as the famous local beer?
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Day 12: The Bohemian Beauty of Český Krumlov.
A journey through the green Bohemian countryside will bring you to České Budějovice. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery to sample the beer and discover the secrets of how this golden vintage is made. Continue on to Český Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. Walk the narrow cobbled streets and arch-covered footpaths, past colourful townhouses and centuries old inns. With a Local Expert, visit the fairytale red-roofed castle, considered by many to be the finest in the land. Your hotel is one of the most charming in the Czech Republic, set in a former 16th century Jesuit dormitory in the historic town centre. When all the day trippers have gone home, soak up the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your Dine-Around evening. You will be offered a selection of restaurants amid the tangle of streets, high-gabled houses and old squares.
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Day 13: Stately Vienna.
Cross the border into Austria and enjoy a delightful drive to Vienna. The afternoon is free for you to explore this stately capital. In the evening, why not enjoy a delightful Austrian meal with the option to dine at a country mansion?
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Day 14: The Habsburgs of Vienna.
Vienna owes much of its present-day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join your Local Expert for a private visit of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then, take some great photos on a circuit of the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
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Day 15: Depart Vienna.
A transfer arrives at Vienna airport at 08:00 and continues to Budapest Airport, arriving early afternoon. For those extending their stay, a stop is also made at the tour hotel in central Budapest.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 18 | 30 Sep 18 |
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$3,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Oct 18 | 19 Oct 18 |
|
$3,695pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,160 p.p.
Triple Room Discount $80
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $162 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
Vienna:
- A private tour with a Local Expert showcases the sheer opulence of Schönbrunn Palace, rich in Rococo and glittering gold.
Budapest:
- With a Local Expert, see Matthias Church and gaze out over the Danube to the Hungarian Parliament Building from the
Fisherman's Bastion. Atop Gellért Hill see the Liberty Statue presiding over the city.
Kraków:
- The medieval heart of Kraków is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of
this historic Holy Grail. Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill and walk past Jagiellonian University, through the Old Town to the town square.
See the medieval Cloth Hall and visit the 14th century St. Mary's Church.
Auschwitz:
- Experience a powerful and moving visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
Częstochowa:
- Visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Góra, famous for the Black Madonna.
Prague:
- Bewitched by the gargoyles of St. Vitus Cathedral and ghosts of Bohemian Kings, experience a private tour with your Local Expert
through the atmospheric courtyards of Prague Castle. Explore the delightful Old Town Square and see the detailed Astronomical Clock that
delights onlookers each hour.
Český Krumlov:
- Let a Local Expert lead you through a medieval labyrinth of private chambers, courtyards, kitchens and dungeons of the castle, so rich in history.
Berlin:
- Your Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and
through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.
Warsaw:
- Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Royal Castle, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin
Memorial in the Łazienki Park before paying your respects at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Germany must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering these countries.
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Currency
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Koruna, in Hungary is the Forint, and in Poland is the Zloty. Austria and Germany use the Euro. While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive on your trip, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Germany. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
If you like meat and potatoes, chances are you’ll love the food in the Czech Republic. The country is also known for its long-standing tradition for beer. Most towns have at least one brewery, so it’s no surprise that the Czech consume more beer per capita than any other country. In Austria you’ll find more hearty cuisine, but nothing beats the desserts. Try delicious treats like Viennese Sachertorte (dense chocolate cake) and apple strudel. In Hungary you’ll find hearty specialties including goulash, winter salami, pork stew, and chicken paprikash. Poland offers even more rich and hearty. Be sure to sample the variety of delicious Pierogi dumplings stuffed with potatoes and cheese, mushrooms, meat, and even fruit. And in Germany, don’t miss the variety of bratwurst with sauerkraut, cold cuts, spätzle, potato dumplings, and black forest cake.
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Packing
We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. It’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
When dining out it’s appropriate to leave up to 10 percent gratuity for good service at restaurants.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Budapest
Treasures of Budapest Opera & St Stephens
Adult Price: € 43.00
Discover the real treasures of Budapest, Queen of the Danube. With our local expert, we'll enjoy a tour of the neo-Renaissance Hungarian State Opera House, opened by Emperor Franz Josef I in 1884 during the golden age of the city and considered among the most beautiful in Europe. Then, we'll continue to the Basilica of St Stephen, whose treasures include the miraculous Holy Right hand of the first Christian King St Stephen, the most important relic in Hungary.
Budapest
Danube Cruise Dinner & Drinks
Adult Price: € 63.00
The most leisurely way to discover this fairy-tale city is a private cruise on the Danube with a glass of fine Hungarian wine in hand. See Margaret Island, the Houses of Parliament, Castle Hill with its Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, the Citadel and the University. While cruising, enjoy a lavish, gourmet buffet meal of Hungarian specialties and unlimited drinks.
Krakow
Salt Mines Excursion
Adult Price: € 54.00
A visit to the 600 year old salt mines on the outskirts of Krakow, where we view an underground world of chambers filled with absolutely unique salt sculptures, sculpted by the miners themselves (placed by UNESCO on the World Heritage list).
Krakow
Polish Karczma Dinner & Polka Party
Adult Price: € 59.00
Enjoy a generous selection of traditional Polish cuisine and drinks in the countryside outside Krakow. A local, beautifully-dressed folk group and live band will entertain you with songs and dances and you might even get to join them for a polka or two! Don't miss this enjoyable evening.
Warsaw
Chopin Concert
Adult Price: € 46.00
The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. In a concert venue located in the centre of Warsaw, enjoy an exclusive private recital of his music performed by a celebrated Polish pianist. Champagne is served during the intermission.
Warsaw
Warsaw as it Once Was
Adult Price: € 33.00
Visit THE landmark of Warsaw - the imposing Palace of Culture with your local expert. An elevator takes you to the 30th floor of Stalin's skyscraper for impressive views. Next, explore the Praga district, where the spirit of Warsaw prior to WWII survives. We'll delve into everyday life during communism and visit a recreation of a typical urban flat from those times. Experience the paradoxes of the times and the absurdities of everyday life.
Berlin
Berliner Dinner & Entertainment
Adult Price: € 56.00
Berlin's eating establishments have enjoyed legendary status ever since the "Golden Twenties". This evening you are treated to traditional Berliner cuisine in a lively local restaurant with live music and drinks. Guten Appetit!
Berlin
eatwith Experience
eatwith is the world’s leading community for authentic food experiences with locals in over 130 countries. Choose between our hand-selected hosts and dine like a local with a local. Fully immerse yourself in food and culture while meeting other travelers at your table and experience the magic of social dining. Transport is not included in this optional experience. €45 - €65
Berlin
Highlights of Former East Berlin
Adult Price: € 31.00
Explore the shadows of the past with our local expert. See the Soviet War Memorial and visit the staggering Holocaust Memorial. Stop for a photo at ‘Checkpoint Charlie’, location of the tense stand-offs between U.S. & Soviet forces during the Cold War. Then a real highlight as we visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial contains the last section of the Berlin Wall with a guard tower and preserved grounds and is thus able to convey an impression of how the border fortifications developed until the end of the 1980s. Learn about this focal point of 20th-century history and of the fate of those who attempted to cross it.
Berlin
Bridge of Spies, Sanssouci & Dinner
Adult Price: € 63.00
Our evening takes us to Potsdam, the summer home and royal residence to the Kings of Prussia. Here we'll see the ‘Sanssouci’ palace of the most celebrated Prussian king, Frederick the Great. We'll enjoy time for photos in the gardens and then continue to the Glienicke Bridge, the famous 'Bridge of Spies'. The bridge was used for spy exchanges between East & West during the Cold War. We'll cross the bridge on foot before continuing to historic Wirsthaus Moorlake, nestled on the banks of the Havel river, for an evening of traditional German fare. n.b. This optional experience may be offered without dinner for €48.
Prague
Magical Prague
Adult Price: € 41.00
Discover the hidden world of Prague's Malá Strana district on foot, accompanied by our expert local. Continue over the famous Charles Bridge, built in 1357, before enjoying a private cruise on the Vlatava. Enjoy a drink as you glide past the magical sights of Prague.
Prague
Traditional Dinner & Folklore Entertainment
Adult Price: € 58.00
Hearty and delicious, Czech cuisine borrows heavily from its Central European neighbours, but also boasts a few unique twists of its own. In a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional Czech meal accompanied by the planet's most perfect pilsner. During dinner, lively musicians in traditional dress set the mood with songs and dances from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia.
Vienna
Hidden Treasures Of Old Vienna Walk
Adult Price: € 30.00
A leisurely walk with an expert historian unveils the hidden squares and tucked-away corners of the old city. See the Hofburg Palace, which was the official residence of the Habsburg Empire for more then 600 years. Admire the beautiful baroque Church of St. Peter's and the Column of the Holy Trinity. See the most important House of Mozart, where "Marriage of Figaro" was composed. Finally, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral where your local expert explains its importance to Austrian culture and history.
Vienna
Dinner In A Country Mansion
Adult Price: € 62.00
Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the rest rooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten!
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
