Prague, Vienna & Budapest
Explore Central Europe's centers of culture and arts At Leisure – three riverside cities straddling mighty rivers and promising centuries of tradition and an exhilarating youthful energy. See Prague's Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square, treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte and view the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Follow the Danube to Budapest, visiting Buda's Castle District and the Fisherman's Bastion.
Prague, Vienna & Budapest also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
Explore Central Europe's centers of culture and arts At Leisure – three riverside cities straddling mighty rivers and promising centuries of tradition and an exhilarating youthful energy. See Prague's Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square, treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte and view the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Follow the Danube to Budapest, visiting Buda's Castle District and the Fisherman's Bastion.
Prague, Vienna & Budapest also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Prague (3 Nights)
On arrival at Prague Airport transfers will operate at 11 am and 2.30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. The gleaming spires of Prague shine brightly on this At Leisure sojourn through the Imperial capitals of Prague, Vienna and Budapest the springboard to an unforgettable trip. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades along its cobblestone streets before joining your Travel Director and travel companions for an unforgettable Welcome Reception to kick off your vacation.
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Day 3: Prague Sightseeing and At Leisure
Delve into centuries of heritage joining your Local Specialist for a Small Group Sightseeing guided walk past the city's iconic sights. Visit the final resting place of Bohemian kings, St. Vitus' Cathedral, set within the precincts of Prague Castle, and admire the Astronomical Clock in the charming Old Town Square with its hourly Walk of the Apostles. See the 14th century Charles Bridge, lined with the Baroque statues of saints before spending the afternoon admiring the spectacular cityscape on your terms. -
Day 4: Prague At Leisure
Today is yours to explore the fairy-tale legends, and the castles and palaces of Prague. Follow the Royal Route and discover historic treasures, admire picturesque views of the city from Petrin Hill, or join an Optional Experience to the fascinating village of the Kutná Hora with its bone-bedecked chapel and five-nave St. Barbara Church. Spend your evening at leisure, attending a performance at the exquisite Czech National Theater or enjoying some of the local beer for which the country is famous. -
Day 5: Prague – Bratislava – Vienna (3 Nights)
Travel south from Prague through lush Moravian landscapes to Bratislava, passing its quaint Old Town before continuing your journey to Austria and the Imperial city of Vienna – our home for the next three nights. Admire the city's musical talents and consider attending a Viennese Concert.
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Day 6: Vienna Sightseeing and At Leisure
The heritage of one of Europe's most influential royal families is explored this morning during an exclusive Cultural Insight and guided visit to the Habsburgs royal collection of art and wonders before the doors are open to the general public. Visit the spectacular Kunstkammer in this private insider visit and see a treasure trove of valuable objects collected by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg over the centuries. Later, we join an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist to view the Hofburg Palace, the official residence of the President of Austria and former home of the Habsburg Dynasty. We'll see such sights such as the Parliament Building, the magnificent Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral with its geometrically tiled roof. Spend the afternoon at leisure soaking up the city's kaffee culture with a slice or two of Sachertorte. -
Day 7: Vienna At Leisure
Today is yours to explore the City of Music on your terms. Tread in the footsteps of the great sons of Vienna – Mozart, Haydn and Strauss, as you delve into the city's rich musical heritage nurtured by aristocrats throughout the centuries. Consider a visit to the beautiful Baroque Schönbrunn Palace or see the elegant Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School – the choice is yours. -
Day 8: Vienna – Esztergom – Budapest (3 Nights)
Meander along the Danube Bend, a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, stopping in Esztergom to view its Castle Hill, domed Cathedral, and St. Tamás Hill. We follow the scenic riverine landscape to the romantic city of Budapest where we will spend the next three nights. Enjoy the evening at leisure sipping Hungarian wines or consider gliding along the Danube on a scenic river cruise. -
Day 9: Budapest Sightseeing and At Leisure
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a fascinating walking tour through the winding cobblestone lanes of Buda's Castle District in Buda. Visit the Fisherman's Bastion, view the Matthias Church and drive to Pest to see the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. We pay tribute to the seven chieftains of the Magyars in Heroes' Square before enjoying time at leisure to indulge in coffee and krémes in the charming Jewish Quarter or shopping for Hungarian embroidery and fine porcelain. Tonight enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with the Schieszl family and hear the story of their winery.
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Day 10: Budapest At Leisure
Venture up Gellert Hill for spectacular views of the Budapest skyline, relax in the Szechenyi Baths or consider an Optional Experience to Szentendre, a charming riverside village popular with artists and craftworkers. On our last evening together, we toast to a magnificent journey to the Imperial capitals and enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. -
Day 11: Depart Budapest
We say a fond farewell to our companions and Travel Director today after an unforgettable At Leisure trip. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Budapest Airport at 7 am and 11 am. Conditions apply.
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.
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 $420 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $97 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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Most Meals
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
Meal Summary
12 meals: 9 hot buffet breakfasts, 3 dinners,all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Join the Schieszl family for hearty Hungarian fare and the story of their winery, which doubled as a hiding place during WWII for a Jewish friend who was fleeing Nazi persecution
Cultural Insight
- Enjoy a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in Austria, to view the Royal Collection before the general public have access
Small Group Sightseeing
- Enjoy an expert guided walking tour in Prague with a group size of no more than 25 guests
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Prague, Vienna and Budapest
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Prague, Vienna, Budapest
- Visit St. Vitus' Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna for a private visit, the old Hungarian capital of Esztergom, the UNESCO-listed Castle District, Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest
- View the Presidential Palace and Old Town of Bratislava, the Hofburg Palace and Imperial Boulevards of Vienna
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 and Hungary must have a current passport that is 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 Austria is the Euro, and in Hungary is the Forint. 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 and Hungary. 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Prague
Beautiful Prague By Night
Adult Price: €39.00
Join our Local Specialist for an evening introduction to this fairy-tale city by private tram or mini bus and with a little strolling. You’ll discover the magical Charles Bridge, enjoy a drink in one of the old town’s quaint restaurants while a musician entertains, journey through the Old Town and gaze at the panoramic views of the city.
Prague
Scenic Vltava Cruise with Dinner
Adult Price: €49.00
Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we'll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you'll enjoy a dinner of local specialities.
Prague
Traditional Dinner In Prague
Adult Price: €58.00
If you appreciate great food and music, join us for an evening at one of our favourite local restaurants. A wonderful opportunity to say goodbye to glorious Prague.
Prague
Kutna Hora Bohemian Experience
Adult Price: €48.00
Visit one of the most fascinating locations in the Czech Republic, Kutna Hora. First, our Local Specialist takes us to the engaging Silver Museum and the castle, where we'll learn the history of this unique town. Then, enjoy the spectacular Gothic church of St. Barbara and the Sedlec Ossuary, both UNESCO listed, before time to enjoy lunch in this Bohemian Town.
Vienna
Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment
Adult Price: €62.00
Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
Vienna
Vienna Woods Excursion
Adult Price: €45.00
Accompanied by your Local Specialist, you’ll travel through charming wine villages to visit the Romanesque Abbey of the Holy Cross at Heiligenkreuz, before stopping at Mayerling and the Carmelite convent, which marks the spot where the tragic events of 1889 took place. This and much more will be revealed on this fascinating tour.
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace And Gardens
Adult Price: €45.00
The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Hapsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and VIP entrance to make the most of your time.
Vienna
Dinner And Viennese Concert
Adult Price: €100.00
A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! Enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. Works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be performed and your 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval will only enhance the experience.
Budapest
Budapest's Heritage
Adult Price: €52.00
Enjoy a delicious light lunch at the renowned Gundel restaurant before visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica, an impressive neo-classical landmark where the “incorruptible” right hand of Hungary’s first king is kept. We'll also visit the enchanting Moorish synagogue, the largest in Europe, with a Local Specialist.
Budapest
Danube Cruise With Dinner
Adult Price: €63.00
Enjoy a scenic cruise on our private boat on the romantic Danube. You’ll savour a tasty dinner selection of Hungarian specialities with drinks included and see Budapest's spectacular illuminations, which give it the nickname 'The Paris of the East'.
Budapest
Hungarian Parliament Visit
Adult Price: €43.00
Take a guided tour of this magnificent Gothic Revival building, the most ornate state parliament in Europe. When the Parliament is closed, we’ll visit the exquisite 'Renaissance' Opera House and the optional will be offered at €31.
Budapest
Szentendre And Light Lunch
Adult Price: €49.00
Explore more of Hungary and follow our guide out of bustling Budapest to the picturesque medieval town of Szentendre, set on the banks of the Danube and awash with ancient walls, cobbled streets and beautiful vistas. Here we'll enjoy a Goulash cooking demonstration before sampling this essential Hungarian dish during lunch, which also includes cake and drinks. Afterwards, perhaps strike a bargain in the shops that sell beautiful Hungarian embroidery, ceramics and paprika.
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.
