Tour 24) The most beautiful cities of the Habsburg Empire - Cities, Cultural Experiences & Mountain Magic – 10 nights / 11 days

Day 1 – Arrival in Vienna

Arrive early in Vienna and begin exploring the Austrian capital with a half-day guided city tour. Discover the historic center, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the elegant Ringstrasse and impressive historic squares. Learn about Vienna’s imperial past and its rich musical and cultural heritage. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city independently, perhaps enjoying a traditional Viennese coffee and pastry. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 2 – Vienna – Schönbrunn – Budapest

Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in the morning, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, with its splendid state rooms and extensive gardens. Continue eastwards towards Hungary and arrive in Budapest, spectacularly divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. Enjoy a first impression of the city, perhaps taking a stroll along the riverfront with views of Parliament and Buda Castle. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 3 – Budapest

Enjoy a full-day city tour of Budapest. On the Buda side, discover the historic Castle District, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering wonderful views over the Danube. In Pest, admire 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. The evening is free to experience the Hungarian capital at your own pace. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 4 – Budapest – Donovaly – Krakow

Depart Budapest and travel north through Slovakia, crossing beautiful mountain landscapes. Continue via Donovaly, a picturesque mountain resort surrounded by the forests and peaks of the Low Tatras. Cross into Poland and continue towards Krakow, one of Central Europe’s most historic cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a first glimpse of the atmospheric Old Town, with its magnificent Main Market Square, historic buildings and lively cafés. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 5 – Krakow – Optional Auschwitz Visit

Spend a full day discovering Krakow, including the magnificent Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall and the historic streets leading towards Wawel Castle. The city’s medieval architecture and royal heritage make it one of Poland’s great cultural treasures. Alternatively, take an excursion to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, an important place of remembrance and historical education. Return to Krakow for another evening in the atmospheric Old Town. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 6 – Krakow – Wroclaw – Prague

Travel west to Wroclaw, one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, often compared with Venice or Amsterdam because of its numerous canals, islands and bridges. Enjoy a city tour featuring the colorful Market Square, historic Town Hall and picturesque Cathedral Island. Continue through Lower Silesia towards the Czech Republic and arrive in Prague, the enchanting capital situated on the Vltava River. Enjoy a first evening stroll through the historic center. Overnight in Prague.

Day 7 – Prague

Spend the full day exploring Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful historic capitals. Visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, cross the famous Charles Bridge and explore the atmospheric Lesser Town. Continue to the Old Town and Old Town Square, home to the famous Astronomical Clock. Admire the city’s remarkable mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy the evening at leisure to discover Prague’s restaurants, cafés and beautifully illuminated streets. Overnight in Prague.

Day 8 – Prague – Český Krumlov – Linz – Hallstatt – Salzburg

Depart Prague and travel south to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved medieval town dominated by its impressive castle. Explore its winding streets and charming historic center before continuing into Austria via Linz on the Danube. Travel through the spectacular Salzkammergut region to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most picturesque lakeside towns. Enjoy its traditional houses and mountain scenery before continuing to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 9 – Salzburg – Berchtesgaden – Innsbruck – Tyrolean Folk Show

Begin with a guided morning tour of Salzburg, discovering Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Getreidegasse and Salzburg Cathedral. An optional excursion can take you to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine for an underground experience in the historic salt-mining region. Continue through spectacular Alpine scenery to Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Alps.” In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family, accompanied by a delicious local dinner. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 10 – Innsbruck – Nordkette – Swarovski – Munich

Explore Innsbruck’s historic city center, including the famous Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Straße. Then ascend the Nordkette to the “Top of Innsbruck” for breathtaking panoramic views across the city and surrounding Alps. Continue to nearby Wattens and visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where crystal, art and design come together in spectacular installations. Continue through the Alpine scenery to Munich, Bavaria’s lively capital. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the historic city center. Overnight in Munich.

Day 11 – Munich – Ingolstadt Village – Departure

Before departure, travel to Ingolstadt Village for some final shopping, with a wide selection of international fashion and lifestyle brands. Afterwards, continue to the airport for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final glimpse of Bavaria or a relaxing coffee before leaving. Departure from Munich, concluding a journey through the imperial capitals of Austria and Hungary, the historic cities of Poland and the Czech Republic, and the spectacular Alpine landscapes of Austria and Bavaria.