DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Hungary
Depart for Budapest, Hungary

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history and century old thermal baths. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Manager at 6 PM, for a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting that outlines the delightful journey that awaits you. Afterwards, savor a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Budapest no later than 4 PM on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Explore Budapest, Historic Jewish Quarter, Danube Dinner Cruise
This morning's exploration of Budapest begins in Pest with a chance to view the Parliament, Royal Palace and Heroes' Square. Cross the Danube River on the Elizabeth Bridge into the Buda Hills. Visit Castle Hill, to see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church. From Fisherman's Bastion, admire panoramic views of the city. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant to savor traditional Hungarian cuisine and attend a strudel making demonstration. Continue to the historic Jewish Quarter. Here, learn about Hungary's Jewish heritage and culture. Visit the Dohany Street and Kazinczy Street Synagogues. Afterward, return to the hotel. This evening, take a relaxing dinner cruise along the Danube. The views from the river are magnificent! Admire the skyline of the city from a different perspective after sunset. The dinner features delectable Hungarian specialties and wine
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Imperial Vienna, Viennese Recital
Depart Hungary and travel to Imperial Vienna, the former center of the Habsburg Empire. Arrive at the hotel in time for lunch. In the afternoon, discover the capital city with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse. View the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall and Parliament. Next, walk through the Hofburg Palace courtyards to the State Opera House, considered one of the leading opera houses in the world. During the tour, watch a live performance by students from Vienna's world-class music conservatory. Conclude the tour at Stephansplatz, dominated by the imposing St. Stephen's Cathedral with its 450 ft high spire and richly decorated tile roof. Tonight, experience a delightful evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music." Attend a recital, featuring classical masterpieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Friday - Schonbrunn Palace, World-Famous Tafelspitz Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Baroque façade of the palace and the splendid Rococo interior. Stroll through the opulent state rooms and get a glimpse of what royal life was like as you listen to stories about the Habsburgs. Afterward, head to the beautiful gardens and walk down the tree-lined paths. View the Gloriette, a triumphal arch on the crest of the hill, overlooking Vienna's lush forests. Return back to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, savor a world-famous Tafelspitz (king of beef dishes in Vienna) dinner, a favorite delicacy at a nearby restaurant
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Bratislava, Home Hosted Coffee and Cake
Discover historic Bratislava today, the capital of Slovakia with its mix of modern and Baroque architecture. Depart Vienna and cross the border into Slovakia. For centuries, Bratislava has been famous for its charm and beauty. It has undergone a major revitalization and now flourishes as one of Europe's newest capitals. The beautifully restored old town with its winding lanes and medieval courtyards is nestled between the steep Castle Hill and the Danube River. Walk along the cobblestone streets of the town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Spend free time to explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, take the local tram to Petrzalka, Bratislava's largest borough and home to the highest concentration of socialist housing blocks. Join a family for a friendly conversation and enjoy home hosted coffee and cake. Afterward, return back to Vienna
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday - Durnstein, Melk Abbey, Artstetten Castle
This morning, drive to the village of Durnstein, located in the Lower Austria Wachau region. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Its medieval cobblestone streets reveal 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Join your fellow travelers for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Danube. Afterward, travel to Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, located on top of a hill, overlooking the Danube River. It is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. The abbey was founded in 1089 but today's Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736. Inside, view the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk, and the lavish library. Then, continue to the enchanting Artstetten Castle, located high above the Danube in a middle of a park. The castle was owned by a number of families over the centuries. In 1823 it was acquired by Emperor Franz I and was used as a summer residence for the Habsburg dynasty. Tour the castle and get a glimpse into the world of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his family. Conclude your visit with a sparkling wine reception and meet a member of the family that owns the castle. Proceed to Linz for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Linz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Magical Salzburg
Be enchanted by the beautiful scenery, on the drive to Salzburg. This Baroque jewel was the birthplace of Mozart. The guided walking tour takes you to view the house where Mozart was born, and learn about his life and work. Then, stroll along the picturesque streets to explore the beautiful churches, lovely squares and charming gardens of this magical city, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. The city is also known for the singing von Trapp family and the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. After lunch at a local restaurant, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the delightful shops and cafes. Join your fellow travelers for dinner this evening
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Obertraun, 5 Fingers Viewing Point
A delightful day of exploration awaits you, as you travel to Bad Ischl, a charming spa town that is steeped in history. The town served as the summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef, which he described as "heaven on earth". Free time to walk around the town center and experience its imperial grandeur. Later, meet at the well-known Café Zauner for coffee and taste the award winning Ischler Tortchen. Afterward, travel to Hallstatt, a fairytale town, nestled between the lake and the mountainside. The town will charm you with its narrow lanes and unique wooden buildings. During the walking tour, learn about the 7000-year history of Hallstatt. Spend time at leisure in this magical setting before traveling to Obertraun. Take a breathtaking cable car ride to 5 Fingers, one of the most spectacular viewing platforms in the Alps. The five platforms resemble a hand with each featuring a different design. Marvel at the awe-inspiring views over Hallstatt, the Hallstättersee lake and the inner Salzkammergut region. Return to Salzburg in time for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Munich, Travel to Rothenburg
Depart Salzburg this morning and travel to Munich, the pride of Bavaria, with its festive fun-loving spirit. Embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. Admire architectural wonders like the St. Peter's Church, the Old Town Hall and Frauenkirche. At Marienplatz Square, cultural center of the city, join the crowds watching the famous glockenspiel clock dating back to 1908 with its colorful mechanical figures dancing the top of the hour. After lunch together, spend time at leisure to explore on your own before continuing to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the preserved walled city where time has stood still. Arrive and check into your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers for dinner
Overnight: Rothenburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Medieval Rothenburg, German Christmas Museum
Step back in time as Rothenburg, untouched by the ravages of war, charms you with its cobblestone streets, ramparts, and centuries old houses. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. During your tour, walk through the beautiful streets and alleyways, which are full of the charm of past times. Then, visit the German Christmas Museum. Learn about German Christmas traditions and how certain customs developed in various regions of the country. The museum houses a permanent collection of ornaments, decorations, toys and artifacts portraying the evolution of German Christmas traditions. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Rothenburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Discover Dresden
Cross Saxony to the Baroque art city of Dresden, titled the "Florence on the Elbe". Arrive in time for lunch. Later, discover this astonishing Renaissance city that has emerged from its wartime destruction to a luxurious splendor. Embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. Stop at the ornate Zwinger Palace, once a setting for court festivities, and the world-famous Semper Opera House. Continue to the Frauenkirche Church, symbol of reconstruction with its magnificent Baroque dome. Free time to explore the city independently. Dinner together is at a Turkish restaurant
Overnight: Dresden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Explore Prague, Cooking Lesson
This morning, depart Germany for the Czech Republic. Travel through Northern Bohemia to the Czech capital, Prague - "The City of a Thousand Spires". Arrive in Prague and savor lunch of local specialties. Then, depart by bus and drive to Mala Strana, also known as Lesser Town. Walk across the 14th century Charles Bridge, with its 30 Baroque statues of various saints. From here, admire the views of the Prague Castle. Continue through the Old Town Square to view the famous Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, Municipal House, Powder Tower and the Jewish Quarter. Conclude the tour at Wenceslas Square, one of the city's main squares. Tonight, attend a cooking demonstration, led by a chef, who shares the secrets of how to prepare delicious local dishes, followed by dinner
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - Kutna Hora, Sedlec Ossuary, Farewell Dinner
Today, travel to Kutná Hora, a medieval center of silver mining. The variety of Kutná Hora architectural monuments and its well-preserved town center structure reflect its ancient fame and wealth. Begin with a visit to Sedlec, where legend has it that a handful of earth from Golgotha, the site of Christ's crucifixion was brought back and scattered over the local cemetery, thus turning it into a pilgrimage site for believers from all over Central Europe. Visit the Ossuary chapel decorated with more than 40,000 human bones, including a chandelier and a crest of the Schwarzenberg noble family. Then, stroll around Kutná Hora to visit the Gothic cathedral of St. Barbara and Italian Court. Admire the beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque burgher houses within the city center. Return back to Prague and make a stop to taste one of the many Czech Republic's premium beers. At the Farewell Dinner, bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends. Share wonderful memories of your journey together through Central Europe
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Monday - Depart the Czech Republic
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast