Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Imperial Splendors - 2008 - 2009


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Detailed Trip Description

This is a magnificent 11-day journey through the former Habsburg Empire. It visits five of Europe’s most intriguing cities, from Munich with its many historic highlights and the Marienplatz to the “Golden City” of Prague to visit 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and more. Travel via Bratislava in the Slovak Republic to Budapest in Hungary and Vienna in Austria. In both Budapest and Vienna a Local Guide will take you into the main cathedrals, and in Vienna enjoy and entire day at leisure, which gives you the possibility to visit Schönbrunn Palace. Of course a romantic cruise on the Danube River is included before entering Sound of Music country on your way to Salzburg, where your guided walking tour includes Mozart’s Birthplace.


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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

On the Plane Commercial Flight picture

Day 2 - Munich

 
Arrival in Munich, Germany.
Hotel

Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. Stay at Clarion Ambiance Rivoli (F) or Le Méridien (SF)

Food and Dining

At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D).


Day 3 - Prague

 
Munich–Prague, Czech Republic.
Sightseeing

An orientation tour of Germany’s “secret capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, and Marienplatz in the historic heart of the city. Later, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.”

Performing Arts

How about an optional Czech folklore show tonight? (BB,D).

Hotel

Stay at Mercure Prague Old Town (F) or Dorint Don Giovanni (F).


Day 4 - Prague

 
Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral (on Sundays no inside guiding permitted), the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe.

Relaxation

Afternoon at leisure; you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or relax at an outdoor restaurant.

Food and Dining

This evening why not join an optional dinner outing? (BB).


Day 5 - Budapest

 
Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary.
Sightseeing

Into Moravia where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. Afterwards, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (BB,D).

Hotel

Stay at Radisson SAS Beke (SF).


Day 6 - Budapest

 
Sightseeing

Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world's second-largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city.

Sightseeing

Then visit the 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure.

Food and Dining

Tonight a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (BB).


Day 7 - Vienna

 
Budapest–Vienna, Austria.
Sightseeing

This morning drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River.

Sightseeing

Then drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Optional Excursion
Wine

An optional excursions to the wine village of Grinzing is available. (BB).

Hotel

Stay at Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier (F).


Day 8 - Vienna

 
At Leisure in Vienna.
Optional Excursion
Sightseeing

A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions, such as the Vienna Woods, historic Schönbrunn Palace, a concert, or just explore this magnificent city on your own. (BB).


Day 9 - Salzburg

 
Vienna–Melk–Salzburg.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

A scenic day! From Krems enjoy a leisurely Danube Cruise to Weissenkirchen. Continue by coach along the Danube to historic Melk. No landscape is more typically Austrian than the Sound of Music lakeland of the Salzkammergut. Pass lovely Lake Wolfgang on your way via Bad Ischl to Salzburg. (BB,D).

Hotel

Stay at Best Western Stieglbräu (F) or Crowne Plaza The Pitter (SF).


Day 10 - Munich

 
Salzburg–Munich, Germany.
Sightseeing

A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical center. Admire exquisite Mirabell Gardens, the Great Festival Hall, St. Peter’s Churchyard, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit Mozart’s Birthplace in the charming Getreidegasse. A comfortable drive brings you back to Munich.

Food and Dining

Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and, as a finale to this exciting vacation, you may want to enjoy a stein of beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus. (BB,D).


Day 11 - Munich

 
Airport Transfer

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB).


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