EASTERN EUROPE CLASSIC

Itinerary

1. 

   Day 1

   Arrive in Budapest

   • Arrival & check-inPrivate airport pickup in Budapest, then check in to your hotel.
2. 

   Day 2

   Budapest

   • Hungarian ParliamentHungary's defining landmark, a magnificent neo-Gothic building set on the bank of the Danube.
   • Fisherman's BastionThe best vantage point over the Danube and Parliament, known for its fairy-tale white turrets.
   • Matthias ChurchBudapest's celebrated Gothic church, famous for its coloured tiled roof and long history.
   • Buda CastleThe historic palace on Castle Hill and a famous spot for panoramic views over the city.
   • Chain BridgeThe classic landmark linking Buda and Pest, and one of the most emblematic bridges in the city.
3. 

   Day 3

   Budapest

   • Heroes' SquareA famous Budapest landmark, known for the statues commemorating the heroes of Hungarian history.
   • St Stephen's BasilicaOne of Budapest's largest churches, known for its grand architecture and precious relics.
   • Széchenyi Thermal BathOne of Europe's largest thermal bath complexes, famed for its ornate buildings and natural springs.
   • Great Market HallBudapest's largest traditional market, filled with local food, regional goods and souvenirs.
   • Danube night cruiseTake in Budapest by night from the water, passing Parliament, the Chain Bridge and other landmarks.
4. 

   Day 4

   Budapest → Danube Bend → Vienna

   • SzentendreAn artists' town on the Danube, known for colourful streets, craft shops and an unhurried mood.
   • VisegrádA historic town on the Danube Bend, famous for its medieval castle and magnificent valley views.
   • EsztergomAn important historic Hungarian city, known for its vast basilica and Danube outlook.
5. 

   Day 5

   Vienna

   • Schönbrunn PalaceAustria's famous imperial palace and former Habsburg summer residence, with ornate halls and royal gardens.
   • Hofburg PalaceThe former winter residence of the Austrian imperial family, showing the history and splendour of the Habsburgs.
   • St Stephen's CathedralVienna's most emblematic Gothic building, known for its patterned roof and soaring spire.
   • State OperaOne of the world's great opera houses, known for its ornate architecture and long musical tradition.
   • RingstrasseVienna's famous boulevard, lined with historic buildings and city landmarks.
6. 

   Day 6

   Vienna → Hallstatt

   • Hallstatt lake districtAustria's celebrated lakeside region, known for still water, traditional wooden houses and charming villages.
   • Lakeside old townA fairy-tale village between mountain and water, known for traditional architecture and an easy pace.
   • The postcard viewpointThe classic Hallstatt outlook over the lake, the mountains and the whole village.
7. 

   Day 7

   Hallstatt → Salzburg

   • Mirabell GardensSalzburg's famous baroque gardens, known for their beauty and as a Sound of Music filming location.
   • Mozart's birthplaceThe house where Mozart was born, telling the story of his life and music.
   • GetreidegasseSalzburg's most famous historic street, known for its wrought-iron signs, boutiques and old buildings.
   • Hohensalzburg FortressThe medieval hilltop fortress, overlooking the old town and the country beyond.
8. 

   Day 8

   Salzburg → Český Krumlov

   • Český Krumlov old townA World Heritage town of fairy-tale lanes, painted buildings and medieval character.
   • The Painted TowerThe town's defining landmark, known for its exquisite frescoes and painted facade.
   • Vltava RiverWinding through the old town, lending it a picturesque, romantic setting.
   • Castle GardensElegant baroque gardens with lovely views down over the old town.
9. 

   Day 9

   Český Krumlov

   • The old quarterA beautifully preserved medieval quarter of stone-paved lanes, painted houses and old European atmosphere.
   • Riverside walkStroll along the Vltava for town views and an unhurried European afternoon.
10. 

    Day 10

    Český Krumlov → Prague

    • Prague CastleOne of the largest castle complexes in the world and Prague's defining historic landmark.
    • Charles BridgeThe medieval stone bridge across the Vltava, known for its statues of saints and captivating views.
    • Old Town SquarePrague's liveliest historic square, ringed by landmark buildings.
11. 

    Day 11

    Prague

    • St Vitus CathedralPrague's most important Gothic cathedral, known for its grand architecture and stained glass.
    • Golden LaneThe famous little street inside Prague Castle, known for its colourful cottages and storybook mood.
    • Astronomical ClockPrague's celebrated medieval clock, drawing crowds for its hourly procession.
    • Wenceslas SquarePrague's famous commercial boulevard, combining shopping, food and historic landmarks.
12. 

    Day 12

    Prague

    • Jewish QuarterPrague's historic Jewish district, rich in cultural history and old architecture.
    • Dancing HousePrague's famous modern building, known for its flowing form and inventive design.
    • Pařížská StreetPrague's best-known luxury shopping street, home to international designer names.
13. 

    Day 13

    Depart for home

    • Prague → homeTime at leisure, then a private transfer to the airport for your flight.