Prague, Vienna, and Budapest: A Tailor-Made Journey

Arrive in Prague, where you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel in the city center. Take the remainder of the day to settle in.

Join your private guide the next day for a walking tour of Prague's old town, which straddles the Vltava River. See the imposing Powder Tower and stroll through the Old Town Square, taking in its stunning and varied architecture. Across the legendary Charles Bridge, Prague Castle crowns the hilltop, a sprawling royal complex with many a treasure within its walls. Step into St. Vitus Cathedral and seek out a stained-glass window created by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. Meander along the Golden Lane, ducking into charming cottages once built for the castle workers and now home to craft shops and boutiques. You may choose to visit the Lobkowicz Palace Museum, home to an impressive collection of European art. As evening falls, join a shared cruise on the Vltava River, taking in the enchantment of Prague’s monuments lit up at night. (B)

Experience Prague from a unique perspective on a culinary tour, visiting a range of eateries and cafés across the city to sample local flavors. One Czech appetizer you’re likely to taste is chlebíček, small slices of traditional bread that have been artfully topped with ingredients such as charcuterie, pickles, potato, and egg. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. You might visit the poignant sites of the historic Jewish Quarter, or visit the extraordinary Municipal House to admire its art nouveau architecture. (B,L)

A private transfer brings you to the train station for your first-class rail journey to Vienna. Check in to your hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to get oriented. In the evening, take your seats at the majestic Vienna State Opera for a classical music concert. (B)

Embark on a walking tour of the Vienna’s historic center, visiting important sites such as Hofburg Palace, home to generations of Habsburg monarchs, and the 18th-century Belvedere Palace, once the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. At the Imperial Treasury, view the opulent regalia of the Habsburg family, including the jewel-encrusted imperial crown, which dates to the 900s. After your tour, you’ll have time to discover more of the city or perhaps relax in one of Vienna’s coffee houses with a mélange coffee and a slice of sachertorte. (B)

Spend your final day in Vienna pursuing your interests, perhaps viewing the world-class art collection of the Kunsthistoriches Museum or following the footsteps of the famous composers who lived here. You might also choose to take an excursion to the World Heritage site of Schönbrunn Palace, set among stunning gardens on the outskirts of the city. Tonight, meet a private instructor for a Viennese waltz lesson and dance the night away. (B)

Your next rail journey brings you through the Hungarian countryside to majestic Budapest, which straddles the mighty Danube River. Settle into your well-located hotel and enjoy time at leisure to discover the neighborhood. (B)

Your private guide will meet you at your hotel this morning for a walking tour of Castle Hill, once the center of the town of Buda, on the western bank of the Danube. Explore its winding cobblestoned streets, discovering picturesque medieval squares and historic sites such as Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Matthias Church, where many a Habsburg emperor was coronated. Sit down to lunch at a nearby restaurant or view important Hungarian art at the National Gallery, housed within the Royal Palace. (B,L)

Enjoy a free day to soak up the delights of Budapest. You might relax at one of its gorgeous thermal baths, known for their remarkable architecture as well as their restorative qualities. Or meander through the bustling Central Market, a stunning building of iron, glass, and local tile where vendors sell produce, local crafts, and plenty of paprika! (B)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Budapest and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)