Itinerary for: Imperial Europe (Winter 2010/2011) (WEOX)

• Munich
• Prague
• Budapest
• Vienna
• Salzburg

Day 1:

Welcome to Munich, capital of Bavaria. After check-in, we enjoy an orientation tour featuring the Olympic Stadium built for the Olympics in 1972, and the Marienplatz, with its fascinating Glockenspiel clock. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Day 2:

After breakfast we make our way to Regensburg with its fascinating historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we enter the Czech Republic, pass by Pilsen, renowned for its breweries, and reach one of Europe’s most exciting cities, Prague, for the next two nights.

Day 3:

Our guided sightseeing tour shows us how much Prague has blossomed since the Velvet Revolution. We visit impressive St. Vitus Cathedral, which is set inside the 1,000 year old Prague Castle, then cross the Vltava River to explore the cobblestoned Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock. Then time at leisure to explore this charming city further or perhaps enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise on the River Vltava. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 4:

Our drive today takes us through Moravia in the Czech Republic and on to visit Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic, with its medieval town hall in the quaint old town area. Then we enter Hungary and make our way to Budapest, which straddles the wide River Danube, and our hotel.

Day 5:

Our morning sightseeing tour with the local guide includes views of the Great Synagogue and a walking tour of Old Buda including the Fishermen's Bastion with views over the Parliament and Danube. Then free time perhaps to shop, explore or enjoy a guided visit of Parliament and an excursion to Old Hungary. This evening, we will enjoy a 'Be My Guest' authentic Hungarian dinner.

Day 6:

This morning we drive through the Transdanubia region, dotted with orchards and vineyards, to Györ. Founded by the Romans, it has retained much of its medieval and baroque charm. Here we will have time for a stroll before we cross the Austrian border to Imperial Vienna where we spend the next two nights.

Day 7:

Our morning guided sightseeing tour highlights the Hofburg, Ringstrasse, the State Opera House and the other main attractions of this elegant city. We also feature a walking tour, which takes in the oldest part of the city and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Then we have free time to explore in the heart of Vienna, and maybe later take in a Strauss concert?

Day 8:

This morning we leave Vienna and follow the Danube Valley, passing the impressive monastery at Melk, before passing Linz, and continuing to Salzburg for the night. Here our walking tour with the local guide highlights the Mirabell Gardens, the Cathedral square and Mozart's birthplace in the narrow Getreidegasse. Later we enjoy coffee or tea and a delicious cake in a traditional cafe in Salzburg before continuing to our hotel.

Day 9:

Today a short drive brings us back to the Bavarian capital, Munich. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together to celebrate our tour together with our Tour Director and new-found touring friends.

Day 10:

This morning after breakfast it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and travelling companions as our European tour comes to an end. There is a transfer to Munich Airport available.Important Visa Information Visas may be required for certain countries on this tour and can be obtained by your Travel Agent for a fee, prior to leaving home. Note: Separate visas may be required for the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Note: Visas cannot be issued at borders in Europe.