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Ultimate Central Europe
Vienna, Prague & Budapest
Central Europe is rich in history, fascinating culture and great city life year-round. There is something for everyone whether you are traveling with family, researching your ancestry, enjoying a luxury romantic holiday, or a self-drive with a difference.
Arrive in Budapest
Over the centuries, Budapest flourished as a crossroads where East meets West in the heart of Europe. Ancient cultures such as the Magyars, the Mongols and the Turks have all left an indelible mark on this magical city. Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River, are characterized by an assortment of monuments, elegant streets, wine taverns, coffee houses and Turkish baths.
Explore Budapest
Head to the top of the castle district and explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and step inside Matyas Church, where Hungarian kings were crowned. This district is anchored by Buda’s historic Royal Palace, a former Hapsburg palace during the 19th century and rebuilt in the Neo-Classical style after it was destroyed during World War II. A stroll through the castle area, known as Varhegy, will take you to the Fisherman’s Bastion for the most impressive views over Pest, across the Danube.
This evening meet your guide for an evening exploration. You will have an introduction to a uniquely Budapest scene – Ruin Bars. Hidden inside unrestored (ruined) buildings are popular bars, restaurants and clubs that appeal to people of all ages and interests.
Jewish Heritage
Today can explore the beauty of Central Pest with your guide. Prior to visiting the Jewish Quarter, your guide will take you to the Budapest Market Hall. Built by Eiffel in the 19th century, the covered market boasts soaring metal columns, high walkways and beautiful produce shops.
Next, your guide will take you to the Great Budapest Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and the Holocaust Memorial.
Exeter International Extraordinary Experience
This evening your driver will meet you for the short journey to the river port. Tonight you will see Budapest at its most beautiful – from the waters of the Danube with all the monuments lit in thousands of white lights.
Budapest today has a multitude of incredible museums, from world-class art to the history of the fascist and communist dictatorships of the past. You can quite easily spend four nights here depending on your interests.
Budapest-Vienna
There are several ways to go from Budapest to Vienna. You may choose to take the express train which takes 2.5 hours. This route may also be covered via private car and driver with stops in the countryside.
Exeter International Extraordinary Experience
If you choose to visit the countryside, we can arrange a visit to Heidi Shröck, one of Burgenland’s few woman vintners. You’ll enter her home and winery and can even step out into the fields with her. Then enjoy a tasting of some of her most popular varietals, including Noble Sweet wines.
Habsburg History
Today you will explore Vienna’s First District with your guide. This is the very heart of the city center. You will see St. Stephens Cathedral with its iconic ceramic tile roof. Your guide will take you through the interior of the cathedral and, if you like, you can climb to the top of the steeple for a spectacular view over central Vienna!
Before visiting the Hofburg Palace complex, we recommend a visit to the incredible tombs of the Hapsburg dynasty in the Imperial Crypt at the Capuchin Church.
Afterwards, you can continue on your walking tour of the Hofburg palace complex. Today the focus is on the Hofburg Treasury, arguably the most important treasury of the world and home to two priceless imperial crowns.
Palaces & Food Safari
Vienna is a city full of options! If you want to see palaces, we can arrange guided tours of Belvedere which holds a wonderful collection of 19th and 20th century art, including the best Klimt collection in the world, and visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Hapsburgs.
Exeter International Extraordinary Experience
If food is your passion, our foodie expert will take you to her favorite local markets and unique Vienna food producers. These are local family-run businesses, away from the typical tourist spots.
During the walk, you will not only taste samples of food, you will learn more about Austrian everyday life and food culture. The tastes today will be a balanced mix of sweet, savory and liquid.
Vienna-Prague
Choose between a private car and driver transfer with stops in the Moravian countryside, or take the express train to Prague, which takes five hours.
Fairytale Prague
This morning, enjoy a guided overview drive of some of Prague’s top sites. Drive by the famous Dancing House and through the historical area of Vysehrad, with its 10th century fort. You will also observe modern local Czech life with a drive through the bustling residential area of Vinohrady, once covered by vineyards. You will then head towards the Castle District and Hradčany.
Exeter International Extraordinary Experience
Today you have a VIP visit to the Strahov Monastery. Here, you will be invited into the two main halls of the library which are normally viewed by the public from afar. We can arrange for Exeter guests to enter the rooms and walk alone among the ancient books. Later, visit the Prague Castle complex.
End your day in the Malá Strana or Little Quarter, which is best known for the Wallenstein Palace and Church of St. Nicholas. It is here in the Malá Strana that you will find many charming restaurants and unique shops full of Bohemian glass and the marionettes that are so famous in Prague.
Jewish Prague
Today your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and will and take you through Prague’s famous Jewish Quarter and the Old Town. Visit the historic synagogues, including the ancient Old-New Synagogue, which was built in the late 13th century, making it the oldest synagogue still in use in Europe. A personal favorite is the Pinkas Synagogue, which is now a memorial to the nearly 80,000 victims of the Holocaust from Bohemia.
After your tour of the Jewish Quarter, your guide will take you through Prague’s storybook Old Town. You’ll want to see the beautiful expanse of the Charles Bridge but it’s a more magical experience to visit it very late or very early on your own, when it’s free of the souvenir stands and tourists.
Finally, you will enter New Town – which is new because it was only founded in 1348!
Continue your journey
Want to extend your stay? This itinerary combines ideally with Germany.
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