with Cathy McNeese & SIUE Alumni
May 1, 2015 – May 10, 2015
8 OVERNIGHT STAYS
Overnight Flight Budapest (3) Vienna (2) Prague (3)
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
Austrian wine & Czech beer Round-trip airfare & bus transfers The beauty of Budapest by night 8 nights in handpicked 3-4 star, centrally located Artists & artistry on the Charles Bridge hotels The opulent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna Buffet breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners The whimsy of Art Nouveau architecture Multilingual Tour Director Dark coffee & flaky pastries in bohemian cafes Private deluxe motorcoach DAY 1: 05/01/2015 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO BUDAPEST
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Budapest aboard an internationally recognized airline.
DAY 2: 05/02/2015 ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST
Welcome to Budapest, a city divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections, Buda and Pest. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs to escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin acquainting yourself with the Hungarian capital. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Included meals: dinner Overnight in Budapest
DAY 3: 05/03/2015 BUDAPEST
This morning’s included tour highlights the major landmarks, beginning in Pest on the west bank of the river. Trace the stormy history of this fiercely independent nation on your stop at Heroes’ Square. Tour the lavishly decorated interior of the Hungarian Parliament Building, modeled on London’s Palace of Westminster. Then cross the Danube and arrive in Buda, where you will ascend the imposing Castle Hill. Since its completion in 1265, Buda Castle has witnessed several invasions and reconstructions, and features many works of art within its walls and gardens. Later, you’ll take in the breathtaking views from the riverside terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion and visit the medieval Matthias Church. Once the site of Hungarian coronations, the church is located in the heart of the Castle District.
Included meals: breakfast Overnight in Budapest
DAY 4: 05/04/2015 BUDAPEST
Today, discover the turbulent, tragic and heroic history of the communist period in Budapest on today’s excursion. Your guided sightseeing tour passes the Parliament building, which was the starting place of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and still shows signs of damage from the Soviet invasion. Visit the nearby statue of Imre Nagy, Hungary’s Prime Minister during the revolution, who is an enduring symbol of freedom. Liberty Square is just a stroll away, home to the U.S. Embassy, a statue of Ronald Reagan and the only remaining monument to Communist troops. From St. Stephen’s Basilica, take the historical Metro Line 1 up the iconic Andrassy Ave. Stop for an included coffee and piece of cake amidst the the Neo-Renaissance splendor of Book Café, the regular meeting place of the intelligentsia during the Soviet occupation. End the day at the House of Terror, where you will take a guided tour through this chilling museum and moving monument to the victims of communism and fascism in Hungary.
Included meals: breakfast Overnight in Budapest
DAY 5: 05/05/2015 VIENNA
Journey west through the countryside on today’s transfer to Vienna. Along the way, stop in Szentendre, a picturesque artists’ colony nestled on the banks of the Danube, for a walking tour lead by your Tour Director. Arrive in Vienna late this afternoon and take the rest of the day to relax before an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in Vienna DAY 6: 05/06/2015 VIENNA
On today’s guided sightseeing tour of Vienna, you’ll tour the ornate interior of Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer home of Empress Maria Theresa, the Rococco residence features beautifully landscaped gardens in the surrounding estate. Continue your tour of this brilliant city, as you travel along the Ringstraße and pass the Hofburg, the winter palace of the long ruling Hapsburg dynasty. This afternoon is free at leisure.
This evening after a brief drive, your first stop is Vienna's Prater Ferris Wheel. Take a breezy ride to the top, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Next, continue to the picturesque village of Grinzing. At a local restaurant, you'll indulge in a festive night of music, food and entertainment. Dinner will feature dishes typical of traditional Austrian Heurigens, or wine taverns. During your meal, you'll have the chance to try some of the tavern's own locally made wine—the perfect addition to your cozy Old-World setting.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in Vienna
DAY 7: 05/07/2015 PRAGUE
Today, travel across the Czech border to Prague, arriving in time for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in Prague
DAY 8: 05/08/2015 PRAGUE
On this morning’s guided sightseeing tour, discover why Prague is known as the City of One Hundred Spires— the pinnacles of the city’s churches and palaces create one of Europe’s most majestic skylines. Visit the spectacular Prague Castle from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire and Vaclav Havel restored democracy. Later, admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral. During your free time this afternoon, you may choose to wander through the medieval lanes of the Old Town. Discover Wenceslas Square, Prague’s cosmopolitan heart, or cross elegant Charles Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Included meals: breakfast Overnight in Prague
DAY 9: 05/09/2015 PRAGUE
Enjoy a day in Prague at leisure. You can journey inside St. James Church and its evocative Gothic interior or check out the Rococo facade of Kinsky Palace. This evening, visit Château Sychrov, a 17th-century Baroque estate north of Prague. Take a guided tour through the estate, paying special attention to the elaborate carvings along the stairway, in the chapel and in the dining room. Then, tour the gallery of French kings and the château's manicured grounds. Later, attend a private recital of classic Czech music and an included dinner. Included meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight in Prague
DAY 10: 05/10/2015 FLY HOME!
A Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport in Prague for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
**Itinerary is subject to change