9-Nights Central Europe’s Stately Capitals - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital has long been one of Europe’s great powerhouses, and it certainly looks the part — the Danube dances the line drawn between Buda and Pest, the spires of the national parliament shimmering in its surface, the neoclassical dome of St Stephen’s Basilica behind. On the west side of the river, find the whimsical towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion and soak in the healing hot springs at the Gellért Baths; on the east, song bursts forth from castles, churches and opera houses.


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2 Budapest – Synagogues And Cathedrals
Embark on a tour of the Pest side of the Danube, starting at the majestic Opera House before exploring the city’s spiritual side with visits to the Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, as well as St. Stephen’s Basilica. Next, take in The Millennium Monument of Heroes’ Square and browse the stalls of Market Hall. Unwind with the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.


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3 Budapest – Crossing To Buda
Today, explore the Buda side of this city. Visit Matthias Church, the 13th-century coronation cathedral of Hungarian kings, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering spectacular views of the city.


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4 Bratislava, Slovakia – Imperial Enclave
En route to Vienna, a local expert guides you through the sights and stories Bratislava's Old Town, the heart of Slovakia’s capital, where red-tiled roofs and pastel facades line cobblestone streets.


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5 Vienna, Austria – Coffee-Fuelled Music Capital
Perched on the banks of the Danube, there’s an effortless elegance the place Beethoven called home, in no small part due to the vaulted ceilings and suited waiters in the traditional coffee houses, the abundance of ornate palaces and regal opera houses, formal French gardens and majestic museum spaces. Here, explore the Hofburg Palace, the seat of emperors and now the residence of Austria’s president. Tour the Treasury’s dazzling collection of Imperial regalia, including the 10th-century Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, before a visit to Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral to admire its iconic mosaic roof. This afternoon, tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former residence of the Habsburg monarchs.


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6 Vienna – Visions Of The Imperial City

Visit the Prater and its giant Ferris wheel. See the Secession Building and the famous Hundertwasser House, and then visit the Belvedere Gallery, where you find works by the brilliant and controversial symbolist artist Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss.

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7 Prague, Czech Republic – Enduring Capital
Board your first-class train car to Prague, taking advantage of A&K’s exclusive Concierge Rail Service. From the viewpoint at Prague’s Powder Gate City, one of the original city gates built in the 15th century, take in Prague’s spire-studded skyline: the twin pinnacles of Tyn Church like Gothic spaceships, the sugar-almond shades of the Old Town Square, the higgledy-piggledy medieval streets and the medieval stone bridges that knit the east and west together over the River Vltava. Once the seat of Bohemian kings, the monumental Prague Castle keeps a watchful eye from its hilltop position.


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8 Prague – Jewish Quarter
Walk in Josefov, the city’s Jewish quarter, which was once a walled ghetto. Visit the Old New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Wander through the charming Old Town Square and pause to admire the 15th-century astronomical clock adorning the façade of the Gothic Town Hall. If you wish, stroll across the 14th-century Charles Bridge. Then, privately tour the Smetana Concert Hall, part of the Municipal House and home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The stained-glass ceiling, intricately carved white stone and Karel Spillar’s mosaics make this an Art Nouveau masterpiece.


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9 Prague – Strahov Monastery
Today, take a step back in time as you explore the historic Hradcany Castle District. See the impressive Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, once the site of coronations of Czech kings and queens. Admire the collection of religious artifacts at the Loreto Chapel, an important place of pilgrimage. Privately visit the Baroque library halls of the Strahov Monastery, with its gilded shelves and incredible frescoes.


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10 Depart Prague



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