Vienna, Budapest & Prague – 7 days land only

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily, a afternoon tea & selected dinners including a Welcome dinner, a three course dinner & a Celebration Dinner
- Touring by luxury coach
- Assistance of a Tour Director
- Signature Experiences in all towns and cities as per itinerary
- All hotel service charges & tips, baggage handling fees & local taxes

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Welcome to Vienna

At Vienna Airport, transfers for your tour hotel leave at 10:00, 13:00 & 15:00. During Advent, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia & romance, with concerts, nativity displays & traditional Christmas Markets. Why not soak up the atmosphere or spend time in a pavement cafe? Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception & the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of dinner & wine.

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The Habsburgs of Vienna & on to Budapest

Vienna owes much of its present day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join your Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace. Then get your camera ready for 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 & magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence. In the afternoon, set off for Budapest - the former second city of the mighty Habsburg Empire.

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Budapest, Queen of the Danube

(Relaxed Start) Stroll through the alleys of the old town of Buda with a Local Expert. Admire the incredible interior decoration of Matthias Church & take in the view from the Fisherman's Bastion. Back in Pest, the commercial centre, see the grand Parliament building & visit Heroes' Square. Later, enjoy a visit to the First Strudel House in Pest to see experts at work, stretching the dough & filling the delicious treats – yours to taste with a rich, aromatic coffee. The rest of the day is free for you to browse the boutiques of Vaci Street. In December, the street is festively lit & the Christmas fair will be in full swing.

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Historic Bratislava & medieval Prague

Journey westward, over the Slovakian border, to arrive at the fortified capital, with the four-towered Bratislava Castle looming over the city. There's time to walk from the banks of the Danube to the old town's historic squares & browse the market stalls. Continue through the wine-producing area of South Moravia to enter the forested countryside of Bohemia, dotted with peaceful lakes. Finally, you will come to the historic capital of Prague, boasting one of the most beautiful & intact medieval centres in all of Europe.

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Prague Sightseeing

(Relaxed Start) Meet a Local Expert at the 1,000 year old Prague Castle, dominated by the soaring spires of St. Vitus' Cathedral. Walk in the footsteps of kings, along cobbled streets past beautiful palaces for sweeping views of the city. Then descend to the Old Town Square, where the mechanised antics of the Astronomical Clock's glockenspiel delight onlookers every hour. In December, you may see children in traditional dress, dancing & singing at the Christmas Markets.

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Colourful Český Krumlov & musical Vienna

Drive south through the forested Bohemian countryside to Český Krumlov, nestled amid loops of the Vltava River. Wander through the cobblestone, traffic-free streets, back lanes & arch-covered footpaths, past colourful houses that lead up to the finest castle in the land. On days when snow blankets the medieval buildings & wood smoke pervades the narrow streets, it's a scene straight from a Christmas card! As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music. The best-loved works of Johann Strauss & Mozart, performed by highly acclaimed soloists & dancers, are combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.

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Depart Vienna

Your tour concludes after breakfast with transfers arriving at Vienna Airport at 07:00 & 09:00.

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