Central European Treasures

Arrive at Bratislava International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel in Slovakia's charming capital. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation walking tour of Bratislava's compact Old Town with its colorful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively squares. Visit the impressive St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation church of Hungarian kings. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Slovak cuisine accompanied by local wines. Overnight in Bratislava.

After breakfast, full day discovering Bratislava's highlights. Visit the imposing Bratislava Castle perched high above the Danube River, offering spectacular views of the city and three countries (Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary). Explore the elegant Primate's Palace with its collection of rare English tapestries and the unique Blue Church, a striking Art Nouveau masterpiece. After lunch, visit Devin Castle, a majestic ruin at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, historically marking the boundary between the Eastern and Western worlds during the Cold War. Evening folklore performance with dinner showcasing traditional Slovak music and dance. Overnight in Bratislava.

After breakfast, journey to Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria (approximately 1 hour). En route, stop at Hainburg, the easternmost town in Austria with its well-preserved medieval fortifications. Upon arrival in Vienna, check in to your hotel and begin exploring this magnificent city. Visit the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral with its distinctive tiled roof and the elegant pedestrian zones of the historic center. Afternoon coffee and cake at one of Vienna's famous traditional cafés, an essential cultural experience. Evening at leisure to enjoy Vienna's refined atmosphere. Overnight in Vienna.

Full day exploring Vienna's imperial heritage. Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy with its spectacular gardens. Continue to the Hofburg Imperial Palace complex, home to the Spanish Riding School and the Imperial Apartments. After lunch, explore the Museum Quarter and take a walk along the grand Ringstrasse boulevard lined with impressive buildings including the Opera House, Parliament, and City Hall. Evening optional classical music concert at one of Vienna's historic venues (extra charge). Overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, depart for Hungary's captivating capital, Budapest. En route, visit the Baroque masterpiece of Eszterháza Palace, the "Hungarian Versailles," once home to the noble Eszterházy family and where composer Joseph Haydn worked for nearly 30 years. Continue to Budapest, arriving in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening cruise on the Danube River, admiring Budapest's magnificent illuminated landmarks including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. Dinner onboard featuring Hungarian specialties. Overnight in Budapest.

Full day exploring Budapest, starting with the historic Buda side. Visit Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in the Castle District, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets and colorful houses in this historic area. After lunch, discover the Pest side with its impressive Parliament Building (interior visit), St. Stephen's Basilica, and the grand Heroes' Square with the Millennium Monument. Evening visit to a traditional Hungarian tavern for dinner with gypsy music. Overnight in Budapest.

Morning at leisure to relax at one of Budapest's famous thermal spas such as Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, a quintessential Hungarian experience (entry fee not included). Alternatively, explore the Great Market Hall or the Jewish Quarter with Europe's largest synagogue. After lunch, half-day excursion to the scenic Danube Bend. Visit the picturesque artist's town of Szentendre with its colorful Baroque architecture and numerous museums and galleries. Continue to Visegrád to see the impressive medieval citadel perched high above the river. Return to Budapest in the evening. Overnight in Budapest.

After breakfast, journey back to Slovakia, heading to the magnificent High Tatras mountain range, the country's natural treasure. En route, stop at the UNESCO-listed town of Banská Štiavnica, a perfectly preserved medieval mining town nestled in the hills of central Slovakia. Continue to the impressive Spiš Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in the High Tatras in the late afternoon and check in to your mountain resort hotel. Dinner featuring traditional highlander cuisine. Overnight in High Tatras.

Morning exploration of the High Tatras National Park. Take a cable car to Lomnický štít or Skalnaté Pleso for breathtaking panoramic views of the alpine landscape (weather permitting). Continue your journey to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening orientation walk through Prague's enchanting Old Town, including the famous Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square. Dinner at a traditional Czech brewery restaurant. Overnight in Prague.

Full day discovering the "City of a Hundred Spires." Visit Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge adorned with statues and offering magnificent views of the Vltava River. After lunch, explore the Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogues and the atmospheric Old Town with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Afternoon at leisure for shopping or personal exploration. Evening farewell dinner featuring Czech cuisine and famous local beer. Overnight in Prague.

 After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or personal exploration in Prague. Transfer to Prague International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of your Central European adventure.