9 day regional European tour - Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic from AUD$2350. Experience the contrast between the grandeur of Vienna, the splendour of Budapest and the magical beauty of Prague.

Excursions and Sights

• Panoramic view of Budapest from Gellert Hill & visit to Heroes' Square
• Visit Matthias Church by the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest to see the murals
• Drive along the Danube to see the ruins of the Roman settlement of Aquincum
• Visit the Citadel in Visegrád for stunning views over the Danube Bend
• Visit the splendid Coronation Cathedral in Esztergom
• Views from Bratislava Castle & stroll the old town to the medieval Town Hall
• See Brno's formidable Spilberk fortress & baroque Cathedral of Sts Peter & Paul
• Admire the stained glass windows of St Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle
• Visit Prague's Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock
• See the Hofburg, Opera House, Parliament building & St Charles' Church in Vienna

Tour Pace

This tour has been expertly planned at a leisurely pace, with two night stays in the three main cities – Vienna, Budapest & Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour; a perfect introduction to the region of Eastern Europe!

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE

On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Vienna is famous for its delicious coffees and pastries so, after checking in, why not stroll to a local café? Or stroll through the Stadtpark to see the statue of Strauss? Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Vienna Hilton.

DAY 2 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST

A leisurely drive today takes us through farming country to the Hungarian border. We continue through farmland passing the eagle overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest, our home for the next two nights. Our first thrilling panorama across the Danube is from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then we marvel at the superb murals in the Church of St Matthias beside the Fisherman's Bastion, from where we have a perfect vista of the beautiful Parliament building. We view the Royal palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district, where we visit Heroes' Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment. Hotel: Hilton Budapest West End. (BB,HD)

DAY 3 – MON – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING

Today is completely free to explore this fascinating city at our own pace! Perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colourful embroideries? Or take an optional excursion to explore the 'Secret Treasures of Budapest', followed by a visit to a world famous restaurant for coffee and delicious pancakes? (BB,D)

DAY 4 – TUE – BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA

A fascinating drive takes us past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and alongside the Danube, to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. We continue to Visegrád. The castle walls and Solomon's Tower are all that are left of Visegrád's regal splendour, but now, as we walk up to the Citadel, we enjoy truly breath-taking views across the Danube Bend. Next we see Esztergom, former capital of Hungary, where we visit the splendid cathedral. We cross the Danube at Komarom to enter the Republic of Slovakia, then, skirting the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains, we soon arrive at our hotel in Bratislava. Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – WED – BRATISLAVA – PRAGUE

This morning we drive to the 9th century castle, perched high above the Danube, for a panoramic view across Bratislava. Then we view the baroque presidential palace before taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town, stopping at the medieval Town Hall. Now we enter the Czech Republic and drive to Brno, capital of the Province of Moravia. During our orientation tour we see the unusual baroque Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, as well as the grim Spilberk Fortress, used as a jail by the Nazis during World War II. We then continue through Czech countryside to 'Golden' Prague – aptly named for its gleaming gilded spires. Hotel: Movenpick. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – THU – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING

Since the 'Velvet Revolution' Prague has been one of the most fashionable, beautiful and culturally exciting cities in Europe – so now is the time to visit! Prague presents a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Our sightseeing tour with an expert local guide shows us the 1,000 year old Hradcany Castle and majestic St Vitus' Cathedral before we descend to the Old Town, where we conclude our tour at the fascinating Astronomical Clock. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal, Carlsbad porcelain or superb costume jewellry; treasures for which the Czech Republic is world-famous. (BB)

DAY 7 – FRI – PRAGUE – VIENNA

Leaving Prague, we enjoy a delightful drive through the green Bohemian countryside. We pass by the town of Tabor, headquarters of the 15th century reformer, John Huss, and then continue south to medieval Cesky Krumlov, with its ancient town and Renaissance castle on either side of the River Vltava. After some free time to explore, we make our way back to Vienna for our two night stay. Hotel: Vienna Hilton. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING

A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. Then our sightseeing continues as we marvel at St Charles' Church and the baroque architecture of the Opera House. We also see the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. This afternoon you may want to spend time in Prater Park for a ride on the famous ferris wheel? Don't forget to try the coffee and apple strudel on Karntnerstrasse! Tonight, why not join your friends for a farewell dinner? (BB)

DAY 9 – SUN – VIENNA

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast with a transfer from our hotel to Vienna Airport. (BB)