Trafalgar Tours: Imperial Europe
Day 1 - Welcome to Munich
The sophisticated city streets of Munich are your launch pad to an adventure through the capitals of Imperial Europe. Join your fellow travelers and your Travel Director this afternoon on an orientation tour, and spend some free time immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Bavarian capital. View the Marienplatz, the center of Munich city life since the 12th century, and its iconic Glockenspiel, before enjoying dinner together to kick-start your journey.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Westpark
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Journey to Medieval Regensburg and Prague
This morning, visit Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unspoiled medieval gem. Cross the Czech border and head to Prague, your home for the next two nights. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, an educational lecture with a local bee expert. You’ll have the evening to spend your way. Consider joining an Optional Experience to explore beautiful Prague by night with a Local Specialist
Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Discover Colorful Prague
Delve into centuries of history as you join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of Prague. View the impressive Gothic architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral in the grounds of the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, then cross the river on your walking tour to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock, with its hourly Walk of the Apostles. The afternoon is yours to experience the city on your terms. Savor the delicious flavors of Trdelník in the Old Town Square, pay tribute to the saints that line the Charles Bridge or consider a relaxing lunch cruise on the Vltava.
Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Onwards to Slovak Bratislava and Budapest
Cross the lush landscapes of Moravia and stop in Bratislava to admire its eclectic Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco architecture. Continue across the Hungarian border before arriving in Budapest, the 'Paris of the East'.
Accommodations: Novotel Danube
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Explore Riverside Budapest Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals
Admire the iconic and unexpected highlights of Budapest on a guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the famous Chain Bridge which connects the two ancient settlements that straddle the Danube, and the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district. Here, you can enjoy superb views across the Danube below to the imposing Parliament building. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before joining the Schieszl family for a hearty Hungarian dinner at our Be My Guest experience. Connect With Locals and hear the story of their winery.
Accommodations: Novotel Danube
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Venture to Vienna
A leisurely start to your morning could see you joining an Optional Experience guided tour of the magnificent Parliament Building. Cross the hilly landscapes of Transdanubia stopping in Gyor to soak up its baroque atmosphere. Arrive in Vienna for an evening at leisure to indulge in the captivating melodies, art and architecture of a city that was once home to famous composers.
Accommodations: Clarion Vienna South
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - See the Sights of Vienna
Explore the imperial splendor of Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour of Vienna with a Local Specialist. Admire Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Habsburg Dynasty, the grand State Opera House and Ringstrasse, a beautiful sweeping boulevard built in the 19th-century to replace the city walls. Then, see the ornate colorful roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the city's most beloved icons. Maybe, visit the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace with its tranquil gardens or enjoy Vienna's musical talents at one of the performances for which the city is famous.
Accommodations: Clarion Vienna South
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Off to Picturesque Salzburg
En route to Salzburg, we see the impressive Benedictine Melk Abbey perched on a rocky outcrop above the Danube and learn about its royal connections. Arriving in Salzburg, we embark on a leisurely walking tour of its Old Town with a Local Specialist. Dine in your hotel this evening.
Accommodations: Arcotel Castellani
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Return to Munich
Leave Austria behind, bound for the Bavarian Capital, Munich. This evening, we celebrate an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most memorable cities during dinner with your travel companions and Travel Director.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Farewell Munich
For now, it's time to say a fond Auf Wiedersehen to Germany, your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your exhilarating European experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace and "festival city" of breathtaking scenic beauty, "The Sound of Music" resonates in every alleyway and picture perfect street of Salzburg. One of the most famous cities in the world, Salzburg used to be called "Rome of the North" - because of Italian influence on its architecture and because it was for centuries the major center of religious power in the German world. Today, it is perhaps the best existing example of a Baroque city, a riotously decorative style of architecture. Salzburg's most important attraction is still music and the two festivals, Festpielhause and Easter Festival, which annually transform the city into a music-lovers paradise.
Vienna
Vienna is dominated by imperial castles and places: Schonbrunn, the magnificent summer residence, the Imperial Coach Collection, the Palm House, the Butterfly House, Belvedere Palace, magnificent state rooms in Hofburg, and the imperial crown in the Treasury. Stop by Ringstraße - the showplace of the monarchy built where Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the demolition of city walls. Important buildings include the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall and Vienna University. The world capital of music. A long line of great composers Johann Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Mahler and Schonberg all worked here. A city with splendid concert halls, such as the Golden Hall, from which the Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert is broadcast annually. International stars love to appear here in the State Opera, Volksoper, Konzerthaus, and at festivals like the Vienna Festival, the Klangbogen concerts during the Musical Summer, the Jazz Festval and the Haydn, Mozart and Schubert festivals.
Excursions
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Budapest
Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.
Excursions
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
- State Opera (outside)
- St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
- Parliament Buidling (outside)
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.
Highlights:
- Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
- Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
- Matthias Church (inside visit)
- Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
- Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Budapest's Castle Hill
- Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
- Holy Trinity Square
- Hess András Square
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Prague
Amid Prague's cobblestone streets and gold-tip spires, galleries, cafes, and clubs teem with young Czechs and "expatriates." New shops and restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach beyond the traditional roast pork and dumplings. The arts and theater also thrive in Prague. Young playwrights regularly stage their works, weekly poetry readings are standing room only, and classical music maintains famous standards, while the clubs are jammed. The arts - nonverbal theater, "installation" art, world music - are as trendy in Prague as in any European capital but possess distinctive Czech flavor. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering churches and centuries-old bridges and alleyways. Prague achieved much of its glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Moravia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles established a university in the city and laid out the New Town, charting Prague's growth. Prague Castle is the most popular sight and is the largest ancient castle in the world with three courtyards.
Excursions
Tour of downtown Prague
Tour of downtown Prague
Walking tour of downtown Prague
This walking tour will lead us through the former commercial heart of the city where the ancient roads of the Czech Kingdom and from abroad used to cross. We will visit two ancient Prague districts - Old Town and New Town, briefly touching Prague Jewish Quarter. This tour is a perfect introduction to discover the entire city.
Exploring the puzzle of medieval streets we will soon reach the Old Town Square where we can admire most of the Prague Old Town monuments, the stunning Old Town Hall with its mysterious Astronomical Clock, vertical gothic beauty of the Tyn Church and many other historical houses and former noble family palaces.
The time is passing by and not only the Astronomical Clock offers a live view of the movements of the universe, but it also gives us a short spectacle of the twelve apostles marching every hour on the hour, while a skeleton and human vices are nodding their heads. From the Astronomical Clock our steps will take us to the Tyn Church where gothic verticality and relative austerity of the exterior meets with its opulent baroque interior. On our way to the former city entrance we will pass through the medieval miniature Tyn fortress – Ungelt where foreign merchants used to do their business. Passing by the St. James´ Church we will take a shortcut to get to Celetna Street which will lead us to the mighty Powder Tower, which was once one of the major entrances into the city. Yes, it used to be right there where the city walls with a deep moat protected the City of Prague and where king Vaclav IV. built his city palace. Many things have changed but the Powder Tower still stands here. The city walls are gone, the moat changed into a shopping street and where there used to be the king´s palace you will now find the flamboyant Municipal House, a real jewel of art nouveau architecture.
Returning to Old Town Square via Na Prikope Street we will make a short stop at Wenceslas Square, nowadays a commercial and shopping heart of the city. From there we will proceed to the Estates Theater where a young genius music composer W.A. Mozart conducted his operas, including the world premiere performance of Don Giovanni.
On our way to the Charles Bridge we will briefly touch the Jewish Quarter, which definitely deserves a special tour. Therefore we will only walk through seeing the monuments from the outside. We will pass by the famous Old New Synagogue, Old Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish cemetery. Along the Vltava embankment our steps will lead us towards the Charles Bridge, the most famous statue gallery in Central Europe which connects the two sides of Prague like a diamond ring offering unforgettable views of Prague Castle, Lesser Town and Old Town.
The tour takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes
Prague castle complex tour
Prague castle complex tour
Your private guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will take you for a half day tour with a vehicle support. You will see the Prague Castle complex with the famous St. Vitus cathedral, Royal palace and the Golden Lane as well as the Strahov Monastery. Short overview drive around Prague will get you oriented of the city layout and you will see a few more intersting sights such as the Dancing house, Rudolfinum concert hall, etc.
Munich
Home of tworld-famous Oktoberfest, the Hofbrauhaus and beergarden-experience, Munich has become one of the most modern and prosperous cities in post-war Germany. Munich offers museums, art galleries, concert halls and historical buildings, beergarden athmosphere on a warm summer night and the hottest dance hall scene in Germany. The area around Munich has mountains, lakes, fairy-tale-castles, wintersport centers and treasures like the monastery-and-brewery of Andechs. Among "must-sees" in Munich, are a walk on the high-level-shopping mile of Maximilianstrasse, a visit of Monopterus building and the "Chinesischer Turm" beergarden on a warm summer day, a match of two main local soccer clubs in Olympic stadium, a visit to "Deutsche Museum", a beer in the students' pubs, and an afternight breakfast in the cafe "Schmalznudel" at Viktualienmarkt. For history, go to a museum, visit the castle of Nymphenburg or get confronted with the dark side of German history in Dachau concentration camp memorial site.
