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ITINERARY:
August 5 - 14, 2010
10 days, 15 meals
Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements
await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial cities of Central Europe.
Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary
You arrive in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," and truly
one of the world's most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged
in terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the gentler
opposite bank. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome
dinner.
Beke Radisson SAS
Day 2: Budapest - Domonyvolgy (Horse Show)
Travel to the picturesque Hungarian countryside, called the "Puszta,"
and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is "flat
as water." Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or
Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000 years.
Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast, including goulash soup,
in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy music.
Beke Radisson SAS
Hungary
Day 3:
Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest
An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many coronations
of kings. You also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white
walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue to historic
Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square,
admire the imposing Millennium Monument, completed in 1904, which memorializes
the 1000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful
baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former Renaissance capital
of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony
Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle where
knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days
of chivalry. This evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and
re-enact the days of medieval times. Complete with wine and music, this
evening is sure to delight.
Beke Radisson SAS
Hungary
Day 4: Budapest - Vienna, Austria
Your journey takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city tour features the baroque marvels
of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for
more than 200 years. Touring Vienna’s city center, see the gothic
St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic
parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Tonight, enjoy a memorable
evening with entertainment in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing.
Renaissance Wien Hotel
Austria
Day
5 : Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Vienna
Travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein
where you board your boat for a scenic Danube River cruise. "Waltz"
across one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the world, immortalized
by Strauss, and travel through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit
the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection
of manuscripts. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods concludes this
marvelous day.
Renaissance Wien Hotel
Austria
Day 6: Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic
A scenic ride through the countryside takes you to Prague, variously called
the "Golden City" or "The City of 100 Spires." The
remainder of your day is at leisure to independently explore the city,
shop for famous Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many
outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures
dating from the 11th century to the present.
Diplomat Hotel
Czech Republic
Day 7: Prague
This morning begins with a panoramic tour as you drive through the city
to the amazing Hradcany Castle. Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful
miniature houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka.
View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge.
This evening you are invited to a wonderful dinner of culinary delights
at one of Prague’s historic restaurants.
Diplomat Hotel
Czech Republic
Day 8: Prague - Oberammergau, Germany
Today, travel to the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau. This
afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance
dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau
was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that
every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The
performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance,
the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance.
Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During
the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell
dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.
Day 9: Oberammergau - Tour Ends
VELLINGA'S
TRAVEL/CRUISE HOLIDAYS CHATHAM-KENT
519-352-5150
1-877-352-5150
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