Four Fascinating Central European Cities

  • Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest10 days
About

Starting in Prague, the Czech Republic’s ‘city of a hundred spires’, then on to Austria’s Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and former home of the singing Von Trapp family. Next stop, Vienna – city of castles, music and pastries – and finally, Hungary’s twin cities of Buda and Pest, a gem of a city and enough baroque, neoclassical, electric and art nouveau buildings to satisfy anyone’s appetite.

You should experience it because...

These are the pillars of Eastern Europe. Prague is the center piece, beautifully preserved, Salzburg is known as the golden city of high baroque, Vienna is the stately Hapsburgan big brother, and Budapest is the most foreign of the three – with bathhouses galore and beautiful baroque bridges.

Four fascinating Imperial jewels

Sitting above the city is Prague castle – trek here for a beautiful view or to explore St. Vitus’ Cathedral.

Take high tea at the famous Sacher Hotel in Salzburg.

From the Ringstrasse to the Opera, Vienna is full of Imperial splendour

Get steamy at one of Budapest’s many bathhouses – try the recently renovated Rudas or traditional Gellert.

Places covered 10 Days
  • Day 1 Prague sightseeing and attractions - Old town
  • Day 2 Prague sightseeing and attractions
  • Day 3 Prague - day trip to Karlstejn Castle
  • Day 4 Prague – Salzburg Sound of Music
  • Day 5 Salzburg - Lakes & Mountains
  • Day 6 Vienna sightseeing and attractions
  • Day 7 Vienna sightseeing and attractions
  • Day 8 Budapest – sightseeing and attractions
  • Day 9 Budapest - sightseeing and attractions
  • Day 10 Depart
  • Days Details
  • 1 Prague sightseeing and attractions Prague is a European hotspot of history and heritage. In 1989 the Velvet Revolution freed the Czechs from communism and bequeathedto Europe a gem of a city. Prague’s main historic sites are located on the so-called Royal Route between the Old Town and Prague Castle, crossing the river onthe Charles Bridge. Modern sculptures mix with stunning ancient architectures from the soaring verticals of Gothic and the exuberance of Baroque to theelegance of art nouveau. Take in some of the city’s art galleries, there is art all around from the Gothic altar pieces in the Convent of St. Agnes to the magnificent collection of 20thcentury surrealists and cubists in the Veletrzni Palac. Pubs abound in Prague. For a slightly more upscale experience, try one of the Kolkovna chains that serve litres upon litres of fresh Czechbrew.
  • 2 Prague sightseeing and attractions Wander through the Old Town, there are so many historical delights to see and find. The Old Town is the oldest part of a very old city. Excavations of cellars going down several levels below the ground indicate that the area has been permanently inhabited since at least the turn of the first millennium. There are no straight lines here, in fact, the streets look as if they were carved by nature. Choose a direction and wander at will through this largely undisturbed 14thcentury townscape. Sights to see include the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, Praque’s Old Town Hall founded in 1338, the Church of Our Lay Before Tyn and its distinctive twin Gothic spires, and the brooding art nouveau statue of Jan Hus. Visit the Prague Jewish Museum, the Museum of Czech Cubism, and the Convent of St. Agnes.
  • 3 Prague - day trip to Karlstejn Castle Rising above the village of Karlstejn, 30km southwest of Prague, this fairytale medieval castle is in incredibly good shape, and the views from here are spectacular. This is one of the biggest castles in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle) at about 570m in length and around 130m wide. Here, the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperors, the presidents of Czechoslovakia, and the Czech Republic, have all had their offices. Take a guided tour that passes through the Knight’s Hall, Charles IV’s Bedchamber, the Audience Hall, and the Jewel House.
  • 4 Prague – Salzburg – Mozart & the ‘Sound of Music’ On To Salzburg, and home to Mozart, and the Sound of Music. Standing beside the fast-flowing Salzach River, simply look up and be awe-inspired by the city’s wonderful backdrop of graceful domes and spires, the formidable cliff-top fortress, and the mountains beyond– pure romance and inspiration. Everywhere you go in Salzburg, the scenery, the skyline, the music, and the history sends your spirits soaring. You certainly won’t get tired wandering through the Unesco-listed Old Town drifting from one baroque church and monumental squareto the next, in a daze of grandeur. Why not meander side streets where classical music wafts from open windows, linger decadently over coffee and cake, and let Salzburg work its magic. Be overwhelmed by the Dom Cathedral with its bulbous copper dome and twin spires – a masterpiece of baroque art. Visit the Salzburg Museum housed in the baroque Neue Residenz palace and take a fascinating trip through Salzburg’s past. Learn all about Mozart and his family at the Mozart-Wohnhaus museum where the family lived and where Mozart composed works such as the Shepherd King. On to Mozart’s Geburtshaus, where his son was born, and where there is an interesting collection of instruments, documents and portraits. There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from and to taste sizzling and stirring schnitzels that are fried to perfection.
  • 5 Salzburg - Lakes & Mountains of the ‘Sound of Music’ Take a thrilling day trip out to the lakes and mountains of the Sound of Music backdrop and where the film was created amongst breathtaking landscapes and locations. Stop at Mondsee on the way and see the setting of the famous film wedding at Mondsee Cathedral. Stop by Mrs Brown’s café to taste the best ‘crisp apple strudel’ in town. Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Austria’s most beautiful regions – the Lake District – just beyond the gates of Salzburg, the ever-changing and contrasting scenery will make this tour an unforgettable memory. See the impressive hunting castle Fuschi, today a luxury hotel, where the Prince Archbishops spent many seasons.
  • 6 Vienna sightseeing and attractions On to Vienna, the Imperial jewel in Austria’s crown where you will see the fruits of the city’s status everywhere, from the treasures of the cosmopolitan Ringstrasse (Ring Road) to the Hofburg, Emperor Franz Josef’s palace. Vienna’s Innere Stadt, the city’s medieval heart, is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Explore the town’s twisting streets. See the iconic Stefansdom Cathedral, dating back to the 10thcentury, and the shops lining the pedestrian-only Graben. Visit the Museums Quartier complex, the City Hall (the Rathaus), and the Opera House (Staatsoper).
  • 7 Vienna sightseeing and attractions Vienna’s Gothic masterpiece Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), or Steffi (Little Stephan) as it’s locally called, symbolises Vienna like no other building. Take a tour of Schloss Schonbrunn with its grand rooms and background on the habits and quirks of Austria’s famous family. And visit the Hofburg Castle where the Habsburgs were based for over six centuries. See Vienna’s top sights in a fun and healthy way by bikeon a 3-hour bike tour. Ride through the city’s historic streets with a professinal guide past all of the top sights including the Opera House, Hofburg Palace, and the City Hall. And marvel at the colourful Hundertwasserhaus apartment building. The ring tram is a continuous hop-on, hop-off guided tour of the Ringstrasse with video screens and commentary on a clockwise route stoppingat 13 stations. Stop off at Figlmuller pub – this famous pub has some f the biggest and best schnitzels in the business. And, for a very special evening, the Staatsoper is the premiere opera and classical music venue in Vienna. The Viennese take their opera very seriously and dress up accordingly
  • 8 Budapest – Sightseeing and attractions This is Hungary’s capital and grandest city. Its down-at-heels quality gives it a scruffy charm. Split by the Danube, Buda’s rolling hills and Pest’s wide boulevards are easy to explore. A must-see is the Royal Palace that has been razed and rebuilt at least half a dozen times over the past seven centuries. There are two entrances, the first via the Habspurg Steps and the other via the Corvinus Gate. The Hungarian National Gallery is an incredible collection over four floors that trace Hungarian art from the 1thcentury to the present. And the Budapest History Museum looks at the 2000 years of the city on three floors. Restored palace rooms dating from the 15thcentury can be entered from the basement. Don’t miss a trip to the Szechenyi Baths with its dozen thermal baths and five swimming pools all set in a bright and clean atmosphere. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is the city’s oldest and probably most beautiful bridge. Named in honour of its initiator, Istvan Szechenyi, it was in fact built by a Scotsman. One of the best ways to see the city’s sights are at night on a combined walking tour and river cruise on the Danube. Budapest’s UNESCO World heritage magnificent buildings and monuments are brilliantly illuminated at night, making the city appear even more spectacular than by day.
  • 9 Budapest - sightseeing and attractions More time for sightseeing, and taking in St. Stephen’s Basilica Budapest’s neoclassical cathedral, and the Great Synagogue the largest Jewish house of worship in the world outside New York City. Stroll through Memento Park, home to almost four dozen statues, busts and plaques of Lenin, Marx, Bela Kun and ‘heroic’ workers. Take a bath in a ‘cathedral like’ atmosphere at the art-nouveau Gellert Baths, open to both men and women in separate sections. Relax with a coffee at the Muvesz Kavehaz – the Artist Coffeehouse – and people-watch at the 19thcentury city café. Walk out to the Buda Hills, there’s a comprehensive system of trails amongst the ‘peaks’ that rise up to 500m, with wonderful views across the city. Enjoy a coffee and pastry at Gerbeaud, located on the northern side of Pest’s busiest square, and dating back to 1858. It has been the most fashionable meeting place for the city’s elite size 1870.
  • 10 Depart
€ 2,200 per person (Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)

All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 4-6 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask).

Inclusions :

- Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels .

-Meals – breakfast in all destinations

- Internal Travel by rail - ferries - coach as applicable

-Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary

-First arrival and last departure transfers

Most Holidays are based on Independent Travel . Holidays could be Customised to your requirements and you could choose to upgrade to Selfdrive or Exclusively Private basis .

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  • Low Season
  • Shoulder Season
  • High Season

Capture summer magic in the lakes and mountains of Austria & Italy or take an iconic spring rail tour for a combination city and culture break. Walk in Slovenia’s Tatras mountains in the summer, and enjoy Slovakia’s rich medieval culture & charming rural landscapes from May to August. Not forgetting the stunning winter skiing in the Carpathian mountains as well as the magnificent Swiss & Austrian Alps. Add to this city breaks galore in Germany, Hungary & Poland, with spring Rhine cruises, year-round Budapest spas, and summer Polish cultural tours - central Europe is a must-visit destination all year-round.

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Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.
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About Us
Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.
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