Region: Europe Type: Scheduled Tours Length: 12 Days Tap Rating: TAP Superior
Marvel at the timeless beauty, charm and majesty of the capitals of Central Europe: Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. These jewels of the Old World are a rich blend of mystery, romance and history while also serving as centers of modern European culture.
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DAY 1 – Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today begins your Capitals of Central Europe adventure with Image Tours. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 – GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport – Eisenach.
Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on when and where to meet your Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel in Eisenach, nestled in the Thuringian Forest. Eisenach is known as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and the site of Wartburg Castle. After being exiled in 1521, Martin Luther hid in this castle while he completed his German translation of the New Testament. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 – GERMANY . . Leipzig – Wittenberg – Berlin.
After breakfast, travel to Leipzig, birthplace of Richard Wagner and the home of Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death in 1750. Following a brief introduction to the city by your Tour Manager, visit the Thomaskirche, where Bach is buried. The New Town Hall, on the Burgplatz, is the site of the old citadel where Martin Luther delivered his momentous speech in 1519. After an independent lunch, board the motor coach and make your way to Wittenberg. It is here that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the All Saints’ Church (aka Schlosskirche), beginning the Protestant Reformation. Continue to the vibrant German capital of Berlin, where you will arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 – GERMANY . . Berlin.
Start your day in Berlin with an informative sightseeing tour, featuring landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and the site of Checkpoint Charlie. The focal point of the city’s famous Kurfürstendamm Avenue, affectionately called Ku’damm, is the bombed tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a reminder of World War II. The remainder of the day allows time to visit one of Berlin’s outstanding museums or pursue other personal interests. Tonight, your vast selection of independent dining options includes everything from beer halls to world-class restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 – GERMANY . . Dresden & CZECH REPUBLIC. . Prague.
Depart Berlin for Dresden, situated on the River Elbe. An orientation tour will provide insight into the city’s history as a residence to royalty, a leading European center of art and culture, and a military garrison. Dresden was nearly destroyed during bombing raids in February of 1945. Although large areas of the city were reconstructed in a socialist modern style, many important and historic buildings have been rebuilt in their original design, including the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace and, as recently as 2005, the Dresden Frauenkirche. In the late afternoon, continue into the Czech Republic and the capital city of Prague. Dinner will be served at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 – CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague.
This morning, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Prague, including beautiful Staromestské Námesti (the most photographed square in the city), the Old Town Hall, and the Church of St. Nicholas in the Little Quarter (Malá Strana). Following the city tour, stroll along the Vltava River (also referred to as the Moldau River) until you reach the spectacular Charles Bridge. From the higher banks across the river, the enormous Castle overlooks the city, contributing to Prague’s characteristically mysterious atmosphere. Dinner tonight is independent, or join your Tour Manager for the optional Traditional Czech Evening excursion offering dinner and entertainment. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 – CZECH REPUBLIC . . Kutna Hora & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
A short distance from Prague lies the city of Kutna Hora. Visit the unique Sedlec Ossuary, estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel. From here, continue south towards Vienna, your home for the next three nights. Dinner will be served upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 – AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
During a panoramic tour of Vienna, the local guide provides insight into this unconventional and avant-garde city of dramatic imperial palaces, cobbled alleyways and cozy coffee houses. Sightseeing is at your own pace for the remainder of the day. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse for a closer look at some of the city’s magnificent landmarks or venture into one of the museums in the popular Museumquartier (MQ). An independent dinner provides the flexibility to pursue individual interests, or join your Tour Manager for the optional Schönbrunn Palace & Dinner excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 – SLOVAKIA . . Bratislava & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
From Vienna, travel to Bratislava. the capital of Slovakia, where you will have time to enjoy an independent lunch in the old town (Stare Mestro). Depart Bratislava and return to Vienna for a mid-afternoon arrival, providing time to continue your exploration or take in one of the many classical concerts at venues throughout the city. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 – AUSTRIA . . Melk – Linz & GERMANY . . Munich.
Along the banks of the Danube River lies the impressive Melk Abbey. Begin the day with a guided tour of this former Roman fortress turned abbey by 11th-century monks. From Melk, travel to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Linz is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern innovation. Pause for an independent lunch and try the famous Linzer torte, a traditional Austrian pastry made with rich buttery dough and filled with raspberry jam. This afternoon, continue into Germany and the Bavarian capital city of Munich. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 – GERMANY . . Munich.
An informative morning walking tour highlights Munich’s Old Town including the Church of our Lady, the Old Town Hall and the Viktualien Market. For lunch, we suggest a taste of Oktoberfest at the famous Hofbräuhaus. Spend your afternoon visiting one of Munich’s many museums and attractions such as the Residenz, the BMW Headquarters or the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science museums. Another choice for the afternoon is to join your Tour Manager for the optional Dachau excursion. Gather with your fellow tour companions this evening for a “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 – Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Munich Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
Tour Highlights:
- Eisenach
- Leipzig
- Berlin
- Dresden
- Krakow
- Budapest
- Vienna
- Bratislava
- Prague
- Nuremburg
- Wurzburg
- Frankfurt