16-day Capitals of Central Europe Tour
Tour Map
| 2024 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| SOLD OUT | $4,540 pp | |
Tour Year 2024
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Eisenach.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your hotel in Eisenach, nestled in the Thuringian Forest. Eisenach is known as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and the site of Wartburg Castle. After being exiled in 1521, Martin Luther hid in this castle while he completed his German translation of the New Testament. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Leipzig - Wittenberg - Berlin.
After breakfast, travel to Leipzig, birthplace of Richard Wagner and the home of Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death in 1750. Following a brief introduction to the city by your tour manager, visit the Thomaskirche, where Bach is buried. The New Town Hall, on the Burgplatz, is the site of the old citadel where Martin Luther delivered his momentous speech in 1519. After an independent lunch, board the motor coach and make your way to Wittenberg. It is here that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the All Saints’ Church (aka Schlosskirche), beginning the Protestant Reformation. Continue to the vibrant German capital of Berlin, where you will arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Berlin.
Start your day in Berlin with an informative sightseeing tour, featuring landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and the site of Checkpoint Charlie. The focal point of the city’s famous Kurfürstendamm Avenue, affectionately called Ku’damm, is the bombed tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a reminder of World War II. The remainder of the day allows time to visit one of Berlin’s outstanding museums or pursue other personal interests. Tonight, your vast selection of independent dining options includes everything from beer halls to world-class restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 - GERMANY . . Dresden & POLAND . . Legnica.
Depart Berlin for Dresden, situated on the River Elbe. An orientation tour will provide insight into the city’s history as a residence to royalty, a leading European center of art and culture, and a military garrison. Dresden was nearly destroyed during bombing raids in February of 1945. Although large areas of the city were reconstructed in a socialist modern style, many important and historic buildings have been rebuilt in their original design, including the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace and, as recently as 2005, the Dresden Frauenkirche. In the late afternoon, depart Dresden and continue into Poland. You will have dinner at the hotel in Legnica. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - POLAND . . Krakow.
A morning drive brings you to Krakow, known as the leading scientific, cultural and artistic center of Poland. You will check in to your hotel just after lunch, leaving the afternoon available to begin your visit with independent sightseeing and dinner. Or, for a unique experience, join your tour manager on the optional Krakow Salt Mines & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - POLAND . . Krakow.
A local guide joins you for the first half of the day, to point out such sites as the beautiful Market Square, Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle. During the afternoon, you will have time to discover the interesting museums, art galleries, churches, cafés and shops in Krakow’s Old Town. Another choice is to accompany your tour manager on the optional Auschwitz-Birkenau excursion (see Optional Excursions). Return to your hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - SLOVAKIA . . Banská Bystrica & HUNGARY . . Budapest.
Today's drive is filled with scenic beauty. Soon after crossing into Slovakia, you will be in the High Tatras, one of the world’s smallest mountain ranges. Your afternoon stop is in Banská Bystrica, one of seven towns founded by German settlers who mined copper and silver from the nearby hills. Directly beyond the Slovak/Hungarian border, follow the river bend to Hungary’s sprawling capital city of Budapest, which claims both banks of the “Beautiful Blue Danube.” Dinner is served at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - HUNGARY . . Budapest.
The day begins with sightseeing of both Buda on the Danube’s west bank and Pest on its east bank. In Buda, your local guide introduces you to the much-photographed Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill. In Belvaros, the inner city of Pest, you will see the Vigadó (romantic concert hall) and the Gresham Palace (a splendid example of Art Nouveau architecture). After the city tour, join the local guide for the optional Parliament Visit excursion (see Optional Excursions), or explore Budapest independently. Your tour manager will also offer an optional Danube Dinner Cruise excursion this evening (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - SLOVAKIA . . Bratislava & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
From Budapest travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where you will have time to enjoy an independent lunch in the old town (Stare Mesto). Depart Bratislava for the short drive to the Austrian capital of Vienna. A mid-afternoon arrival at your hotel provides the opportunity to step out for a relaxing independent dinner or join the optional Schönbrunn Palace & Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
During a panoramic tour of Vienna, the local guide provides insight into this unconventional and avant-garde city of dramatic imperial palaces, cobbled alleyways and cozy coffeehouses. Sightseeing is at your own pace for the remainder of the day. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse for a closer look at some of the city’s magnificent landmarks or venture into one of the museums in the popular Museumquartier (MQ). An independent dinner provides the flexibility to pursue individual interests. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - AUSTRIA . . Melk & CZECH REPUBLIC . . Ceske Budejovice - Prague.
Along the banks of the Danube River lies the impressive Melk Abbey. Begin the day with a guided tour of this former Roman fortress turned abbey by 11th century monks. From Melk, travel north into the Czech Republic and make a mid-afternoon stop in Ceske Budejovice. As this is home to the original "Budweiser" brewery, you may wish to order the Czech beer to accompany your independent lunch. Dinner will be served upon arrival at your hotel in Prague. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague.
This morning, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Prague, including beautiful Staromestské Námesti (the most photographed square in the city), the Old Town Hall, and the Church of St. Nicholas in the Little Quarter (Malá Strana). Following the city tour, stroll along the Vltava River (also referred to as the Moldau River) until you reach the spectacular Charles Bridge. From the higher banks across the river, the enormous Castle overlooks the city, contributing to Prague’s characteristically mysterious atmosphere. Dinner tonight is independent, or join your tour manager for the optional Traditional Czech Evening excursion (see Optional Excursions) offering dinner and entertainment. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg - Bavaria.
A mid-day arrival into Nuremberg provides time to see the charming half-timbered architecture of the Old Town and the site of Hitler’s Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Transfer to your hotel in the scenic and festive state of Bavaria for an overnight stay and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - GERMANY . . Würzburg – Rüdesheim.
Stop in Würzburg, one of the loveliest baroque cities in Germany and the starting point of the "Romantic Road." Continue to your hotel in Rüdesheim, situated along the Rhine River. Known for its fine wines and festive atmosphere, this is a fitting location for tonight’s “Farewell Dinner.” (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Eisenach.
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport. Meet your tour manager and transfer (2½ hrs) to your hotel in Eisenach in central Germany. In the afternoon, explore the old village of Eisenach. Tonight, enjoy a "Welcome to Europe" dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Leipzig - Wittenberg - Berlin.
Motor (2½ hrs) to Leipzig for a city tour, sightseeing and independent lunch. Then travel (1½ hrs) to visit the town of Wittenberg. Continue (2½ hrs), to your hotel in Berlin. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Berlin.
Full day in Berlin. Morning sightseeing tour by coach (3 hrs including a few stops). Afternoon free time for personal exploration. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 - GERMANY . . Dresden & POLAND . . Legnica.
Travel (2½ hrs) to Dresden for sightseeing and independent lunch. Continue (1½ hrs) to the border and then travel (1½ hrs) into Poland and on to your hotel in Legnica. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - POLAND . . Krakow.
After breakfast, head east (2 hrs). After a morning stop, continue (2½ hrs) to Krakow. Join the optional Krakow Salt Mines & Dinner excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - POLAND . . Krakow.
Morning city tour (2½ hrs) by coach and on foot. The rest of your day is free in Krakow or take the optional Auschwitz-Birkenau excursion (1½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - SLOVAKIA . . Banská Bystrica & HUNGARY . . Budapest.
Travel (1½ hrs) from Krakow to the Slovak border for a brief stop. Continue (2 hrs) to Banská Bystrica for a lunch stop. The remainder of your drive takes you (1¾ hrs) to the Hungarian border and on (1½ hrs) to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - HUNGARY . . Budapest.
Morning sightseeing tour (3 hrs including a few stops) of Budapest followed by free time. Optional Parliament Visit excursion and optional Danube Dinner Cruise excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - SLOVAKIA . . Bratislava & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
Travel west (2 hrs). After the morning break, continue (1 hr), across the border, to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. After an independent lunch, transfer (1½ hrs) to your hotel in Vienna. Dinner is independent or join the optional Schönbrunn Palace & Dinner excursion (¾ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
Morning sightseeing tour of Vienna (2½ hrs including a few stops). Free time in the afternoon to pursue your own interests. (Breakfast)
DAY 12 - AUSTRIA . . Melk & CZECH REPUBLIC . . Ceske Budejovice - Prague.
Drive along the banks of the Danube River (1½ hrs) to visit Melk Abbey. Continue (2½ hrs) north, crossing into the Czech Republic and stopping for an independent lunch in Ceske Budejovice. In the afternoon, travel (2½ hrs) to the Czech capital of Prague for your overnight stay and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague.
Transfer (½ hr) into the Old Town center for a sightseeing tour of Prague on foot followed by free time for independent sightseeing. Optional Traditional Czech Evening excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg - Bavaria.
Departing Prague, travel (1½ hrs) before making a morning stop. Continue (2 hrs) across the border to the German town of Nuremberg. An early afternoon arrival provides an opportunity for sightseeing and leisure. Transfer (¼ hr) to your Nuremberg hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - GERMANY . . Würzburg – Rüdesheim.
Travel (1 hr) to Würzburg. After sightseeing and independent lunch, proceed (2½ hrs) to the Rudesheim hotel for a "Farewell Dinner". (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer (1¼ hrs) to Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
- Visit sites significant to composers such as Bach, Wagner and Strauss
- Pose in front of Checkpoint Charlie in the German capital of Berlin
- Admire Dresden’s Zwinger Palace, famous for its baroque architecture
- Take a guided tour inside a 900-year old salt mine in Krakow
- Study the eye-opening exhibits at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp
- Marvel at Hungary’s Budapest on the “Beautiful Blue Danube”
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace in Austria’s imperial capital of Vienna
- Enjoy the Bohemian atmosphere of Prague in the Czech Republic
- Stand in contemplation at Hitler’s Nuremberg Rally Grounds
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 14 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance
Jim & Debra T.
September 6, 2023Roy & Debra B.
September 7, 2022Michael & Debra A.
September 7, 2022The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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Upcoming Departures
Göbels Sophien Hotel
Eisenach, Germany- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WI-Fi
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- spa
- sauna
- fitness center
- safety deposit box at reception
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
Berlin, Germany- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- TV
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurants
- bar
- fitness center
Qubus Hotel Legnica
Legnica, Poland- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurants
- bars
Hotel Wyspianski
Krakow, Poland- hairdryer
- TV
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
NH Budapest City
Budapest, Hungary- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in room safe
- free WIFI
- Elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- sauna
- fitness center
Leonardo Hotel Vienna Otto-Wagner
Vienna, Austria- Hair Dryer
- Mini-Bar/Fridge
- Free WIFI
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- TV
- Lift Accessible
- Bar
- Fitness Center
Hotel International Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
Seminaris Hotel Nuremberg
Nürnberg, Germany- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
Hotel Felsenkeller
Rüdesheim, Germany- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- safety deposit box at reception
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
KRAKOW SALT MINES & DINNER
3:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $90.00In the neighboring town of Wieliczka, descend into salt mines which have been worked for over 900 years. A guide will take you on a two-kilometer walk through passages, giant caverns, underground lakes and chapels. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner of Polish specialties at a nearby restaurant.
DANUBE DINNER CRUISE
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. $110.00Glide down the "Beautiful Blue Danube" River on a private boat with a local guide who will point out interesting sights and landmarks. This is one of the best ways to view Budapest’s architectural masterpieces. While on board, enjoy a lavish buffet dinner including champagne. Then, slip out on deck to experience Budapest’s evening illumination while you savor dessert and coffee.
TRADITIONAL CZECH EVENING
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $80.00The small castle of the Folklore Garden has created a lively medieval village ambiance within its dining hall. Staff in traditional costumes serve Czech specialties while you are entertained with stories, song, dance and folklore. You are invited to join the singing and dancing.