May 13-23   Jun 10-20   Jul 15-25   Aug 12-22   Sep 16-26

Day 1, Fri, Arrival Budapest
Arrival in vibrant Budapest, straddling the Danube, & transfer to the Hotel Budapest Intercontinental, with views of the Buda Hills. An afternoon city drive before a welcome dinner at a fine restaurant. (D) A comprehensive tour of lively Pest, from City Park to Heroes’ Square, with inside visits at the State Opera House, splendid St. Stephen’s Basilica and the elegant Parliament, with the Treasury. Lunch is on boat-restaurant, with great views. An evening concert in the Danube Palace . (B, L)

Day 3, Sun, The Danube Bend & Hungary’s Colorful Traditions
A most scenic drive along the Danube to Szentendre, popular artist colony, to visit the colorful Ceramic Museum & stroll in the picturesque lanes. Lunch, returning to the city to tour the beautiful collections of the Museum of Ethnography , within a dazzling 19th century building. (B, L)

Day 4, Mon, The Puszta: Gypsies & Cowboys
A full day excursion to the Great Hungarian Plain to visit a farmstead. Travel by horse-drawn carriages to watch local cowboys show their unique horsemanship & savor a sumptuous outdoor lunch , with local specialties, wines and non-stop gypsy entertainment. Return to Budapest in early evening. (B, L)

Day 5, Tue, The Buda Hills & Music
Over to the Buda side & the majestic Castle District to visit Matthias Church, coronation site of Hungarian kings, and enjoy breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion. We tour the former Royal Palace, and the collections of the Hungarian National Gallery. A leisurely lunch, before a private piano recital at the Bela Bartok Memorial House. Musical themes continue with dinner and lively entertainment . (B, L, D)

Day 6, Wed, Budapest to Prague – from the Danube to the Vltava
En route by coach into the Czech Republic, stopping at charming Telc for lunch, reaching Prague, the Golden City on the Vltava River, in late afternoon. Check in at the Palace Hotel. This evening a welcome dinner at a fine restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 7, Prague’s "Towns" & Mozart
A morning walking tour through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and visits in the historic Jewish Town before lunch. This afternoon we tour the medieval Mala Strana or Lesser Town, Novo Mesto or New Town with superb Gothic & Baroque buildings, gardens and parks, and enjoy a visit of Betramka , the charming villa where Mozart lived when in Prague. (B, L)

Day 8, Fri, Cesky Krumlov
A day out to the superb city of Cesky Krumlov, with hundreds of Renaissance & Baroque houses and monuments. We visit its famous Hradek Castle with splendid rooms, tapestries, paintings. and its renowned Carnival Hall. Lunch in town & time for strolls. (B, L)

Day 9, Sat, A Little Music, Charles Bridge & an Island Retreat
A private back-stage visit & short concert at the famous & elegant Estates Theatre, followed by a walking tour along the magnificent Charles Bridge, with its elegant statues. Lunch in this setting. This evening a cultural event . (B, L)

Day 10, Sun, Treasures of the Castle District
A full day for Hradcany or the Castle District with inside visits at St. Vitus Cathedral & the Royal Palace area, with its beautiful courtyards and historic buildings. A stroll down medieval Golden Lane & a light lunch before viewing the prestigious collection of Old Masters at the National Gallery. This evening, a Farewell Dinner with memorable views of Prague. (B, L, D)

Day 11, Mon, Departure
Breakfast & transfer to the airport for departure flights. (B)

TOUR FEATURES
• 5 nights, Hotel Budapest Intercontinental, river-view rooms
• 5 nights, Palace Hotel, Prague
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 9 lunches & 4 dinners at local restaurants
• All entrances & visits as outlined in itinerary
• Special recitals in Budapest & Prague
• Expert English-speaking Guides
• Touring by deluxe small coaches
• Transfers on arrival & departure
• Participation limited to 15