Tour 22) Imperial Cities & Alpine Landscapes – Prague to Munich – 10 nights / 11 days

Day 1 – Arrival in Prague

Arrive early in Prague and begin immediately with a full-day city tour. Discover Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, the atmospheric Lesser Town, Charles Bridge and the historic Old Town with its famous Astronomical Clock. Continue through the city’s beautiful squares and streets, admiring its Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Prague’s rich history and romantic atmosphere make it a perfect introduction to Central Europe. Overnight in Prague.

Day 2 – Prague – Český Krumlov – Linz – Danube Valley – Vienna

Depart Prague and travel south to Český Krumlov, one of the Czech Republic’s most picturesque historic towns. Explore its medieval streets, colorful houses and impressive castle overlooking the Vltava River. Continue via Linz into the beautiful Danube Valley. There is an option to enjoy a scenic river cruise between Melk and Dürnstein, passing vineyards, castles and charming riverside villages. Continue to Vienna for your two-night stay.

Day 3 – Vienna

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Vienna, the former imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. See the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the elegant Ringstrasse. Discover Vienna’s grand squares, historic cafés and impressive Baroque architecture. Time permitting, enjoy some free time in the city center to experience the atmosphere of this cultural capital, famous for music, art and imperial traditions. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 4 – Vienna – Parndorf – Bratislava – Budapest

Leave Vienna and stop in Parndorf, a popular destination for shopping with a wide selection of international brands. Continue to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital on the Danube, for an introduction to its historic center and picturesque streets. Continue to Budapest, Hungary’s spectacular capital. Upon arrival, enjoy a first glimpse of the city, perhaps along the Danube promenade with views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda Castle. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 5 – Budapest

Spend the day exploring Budapest on a comprehensive city tour. On the Buda side, discover the historic Castle District, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion with its magnificent views across the Danube. In Pest, see the impressive Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and elegant Andrássy Avenue. Budapest combines grand imperial architecture, historic thermal baths and a lively café culture. Enjoy the evening at leisure to experience the city after dark. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 6 – Budapest – Lake Balaton – Graz

Travel west towards Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central and Eastern Europe. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and discover some of the charming lakeside landscapes before continuing towards Austria. Cross into the southern part of the country and arrive in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city. During an orientation tour, discover the UNESCO-listed historic center, the Hauptplatz, the distinctive Clock Tower on Schlossberg and the city’s elegant Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Overnight in Graz.

Day 7 – Graz – Grundlsee – Hallstatt – Salzburg

Depart Graz and travel through the spectacular Austrian landscapes towards the Salzkammergut lake region. Discover peaceful Lake Grundlsee, surrounded by impressive Alpine scenery, before continuing to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most famous and picturesque towns. Explore its narrow streets, traditional lakeside houses and beautiful setting between mountains and lake. Continue to Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Enjoy a first glimpse of the historic center before your overnight stay.

Day 8 – Salzburg – Krimml – Innsbruck

Begin with a morning city tour of Salzburg, visiting highlights such as Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Getreidegasse and Salzburg Cathedral. Continue through the magnificent Alpine scenery to Krimml, home to the highest waterfalls in Austria and among Europe’s most impressive waterfalls. Enjoy the spectacular cascade before continuing through the Tyrolean mountains to Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Alps.” Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 9 – BEST OF INNSBRUCK: Sparkling Installations, Alpine Panorama & Tyrolean Traditions

Discover Innsbruck – THE CAPITAL OF THE ALPS - and its impressive combination of historic architecture and Alpine scenery. Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a fascinating world of sparkling art, design and crystal installations. Later, take the cable car up to Nordkette with the “Top of Innsbruck” and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Innsbruck and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps. In the evening, experience the traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family featuring regional music, dancing and customs combined with a delicious local meal. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 10 – Innsbruck – Neuschwanstein – Munich

Leave Innsbruck and travel through the beautiful Alpine scenery towards Bavaria. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the spectacular fairy-tale palace built by King Ludwig II and one of Germany’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. In the evening, enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including Marienplatz, the impressive New Town Hall, Frauenkirche and the historic center. Take some time to experience Munich’s lively Bavarian atmosphere. Overnight in Munich.

Day 11 – Departure from Munich

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end in Munich. Depending on your departure time, enjoy some final free time for shopping or sightseeing in the city center, perhaps visiting Marienplatz or enjoying a traditional Bavarian coffee and pastry. Transfer to Munich Airport for your onward flight, concluding a memorable journey through the historic cities, magnificent lakes and spectacular Alpine landscapes of Central Europe. Departure from Munich.