European Capitals: History and Culture

Discover the historical treasures of Budapest over the course of this expansive city tour. Drive by the imposing Parliament House and the iconic Margaret Bridge as you cross the stately Danube River. Arrive at the Buda side of the city where the prime attraction is the Royal Castle Complex, rich in historical monuments, quaint houses, romantic walkways and even intimate cafes. Stroll across the Fisherman’s Bastion and take in the ornate exteriors of the Matthias Church, after which it is time to head up the Gellért Hill for a breathtaking view of the entire city. The beautifully wrought Elisabeth-Bridge leads to Heroes’ Square, a vibrant promenade on the Andrassy Avenue. Witness the majesty of the statue complex that honors Magyar chieftains and other national heroes. As you head back to your hotel, watch out for the Neo-Renaissance splendor of the Opera House as well as the magnificence of St Stephens’ Basilica, one of the most enduring landmarks of Budapest. (Shared Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hrs; Fitness level: easy)

Visit the Great Market Hall, a late 19th century landmark building located on the waterfront at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge, in Budapest. Admiring the beautiful facade, step inside to experience the expansive local market spread across three floors, under a tiled roof of Zsolnay porcelain. In the company of an expert guide, learn about Hungarian food culture and browse the vibrant produce along rows of stalls, while interacting with friendly vendors. Apart from Hungary’s favorite paprika seasoning, find artisanal cheeses, fresh meats, raw milk, foraged truffles, homemade pickles, lavender goodies and more. Having worked up an appetite, try local Hungarian favorites such as lángos, gulyás, lecsó, and unicum shots. In addition to the culinary delights, you can shop for crafts and souvenirs including textiles, toys, and home decor items. Also, head to the building’s backyard to see the reseller farmer’s market, especially busy during weekends. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; No Transfers; Tasting included; Fitness level: Easy)

Head out at a convenient time to soak in the grandeur of Budapest at your own pace. Start your day with a ride up to Castle Hill on the world’s second-oldest funicular. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the old town area with its historic landmarks. Mingle with the locals as you browse the stalls at the indoor Great Market Hall located at the heart of the city or in the open-air Ecseri flea market on the city outskirts. Take your pick of authentic Hungarian delicacies at the food stalls and find something to munch on as you explore. Afterward, rejuvenate with a soak in one of the thermal spa baths that the city is famed for! End your day on a high note by popping into one of the famous shabby chic ‘ruin’ bars. Savor your favorite drink at one of these popular watering holes set up in deserted buildings and sporting slightly worn-out furniture. Or, you could enjoy a classical music concert at a famous venue. (Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)

Discover the cultural and gastronomic delights of Budapest, the ‘Paris of the East’ over the course of an evening. Around dusk, drive along the Danube River and spot the Parliament building, the Royal Palace, and the Liberty Bridge. Make your way to a traditional Hungarian restaurant on the romantic Buda side of the river. Start off with aperitifs and then settle down to a three-course meal featuring an assortment of Hungarian specialties, paired with a fine selection of regional wines. Witness a traditional gypsy dance performance, accompanied by live music. Take in the lively spectacle of colorful whirling skirts and feisty moves. Later, stop by Gellért Hill’s Citadella in the Castle District and for a glorious view of the illuminated cityscape. (Duration: 4 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Dinner included; Fitness level: Easy)

Enjoy a lesson in Austrian history as you explore the landmarks in the heart of Vienna. Armed with a local guide, listen to anecdotes of the Habsburg Empire while strolling across the compact old town, connected by imperial streets. Setting out along the Ringstrasse, admire the superb architecture of the neoclassical Vienna State Opera, the Austrian Parliament Building, the Burgtheater and the Vienna City Hall. Drop by the sprawling Hofburg palace complex and the soaring Gothic-style St Stephen’s Cathedral. Later, head to the art and cultural district of MuseumsQuartier, where traditional architecture meets contemporary design. Visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, nestled amid manicured baroque gardens dotted with fountains, statues, and monuments. Apart from the maze, zoo, orangery, and museums outside, step in to see several guest rooms and halls, lavishly decorated in Rococo style. Finally, pass the Baroque Belvedere complex which houses the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s works. (Duration: 3.5 hrs; Shared Activity; No Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

After dinner at the Cafe Residenz, enjoy a delightful evening listening to the Schönbrunner Palace Orchestra in the historic Orangery Schoenbrunn. The second largest Baroque orangeries in the world after the Palace of Versailles, this venue was established in the mid-18th century. Since then, it has hosted frequent festivities and musical concerts organized by no less than the Habsburger emperor himself, including a concert conducted by Amadeus Mozart! The only one of its kind in Austria today, your VIP evening experience here will include overtures, arias and duet from Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and Magic Flute from Mozart. Also included are beloved waltzes and polkas such as the Danube Waltz and the Radetzky Marsch from Strauss, celebrated as the King of Waltz. Immerse yourself in music performed by the orchestra and accompanied by opera singers – a soprano as well as a baritone – as you watch a couple perform ballet. (Evening Activity; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity; Not included: Guide & Transfers; Dinner is included)

Set off at a convenient time to explore the cultural hub of Vienna. Take your pick of splendid museums overflowing with displays of masterpieces by renowned artists. After you have had your fill of art, make your way to one of the many famous venues to catch a live music performance by talented virtuosos. Enjoy a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at the entrance to Pater amusement park for bird’s eye’s views of your surroundings. Amble around the sprawling MuseumsQuartier dotted with hip bars, charming cafes, and restaurants. Sample some of Vienna’s renowned culinary delights such as freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats ranging from chocolates to dainty pastries. If it’s wine and cheese you seek, head to Naschmarkt, the bustling 16th century open air market. You could then wind down your day with a refreshing dip in one of the many outdoor swimming pools including Krapfenwaldlbad that offers stunning city views from its vantage hillside location! (Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)

Discover the historical gems of Prague on foot, in this tour of a historical and cultural hub of central Europe. Start your walk at the famed castle complex in the city center and let your guide take you around picturesque towers, churches, houses and quaint courtyards. A major attraction is the St. Vitus Cathedral with its intricate stained-glass windows and St Wenceslas chapel, whose paintings date back to the 14th century. Stroll across the Charles Bridge, a beautiful Gothic structure, to reach the Old Town, one of Europe’s most beautiful city squares. Check out Prague’s famous astronomical clock on the Town Hall tower. Built in 1410, the elaborate clock doesn’t actually tell the time, but instead marks the phases of the moon, the seasons and even holidays. Take the narrow steps to the top of the Town Hall tower to get a great view of the red roofs of the old town. If you wish you can also opt for a walking tour of the Jewish Town where the synagogues, Ceremonial Hall and Jewish Cemetery tell the story of their culture and resilience. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Morning Activity; Time: 0900 hrs; Fitness level: easy; Guests are requested to wear comfortable walking shoes; Please note that entrance fees to monuments are not included)

Savor a feast of Czech flavors over the course of a gastronomical tour that takes you across bustling marketplaces, authentic kitchens and lush vineyards. Set off from your Prague hotel for a traditional Czech market that lays out a spectrum of culinary colors, smells, tastes and textures. Follow your Chef for the day as he or she shops for ingredients and describes typical fruits, vegetables, spices and dairy used in Czech cooking. Put all that learning and shopping to good use at the Chefparade Cooking Studio. Learn more about the history and processes of Czech cooking before you get down to business. Rustle up a three course meal, beginning with your choice of a flavorful soup, moving on to a hearty main course and finish with a scintillating dessert. Pamper your senses still further with a tasting of three local wines, selected by your chef to perfectly complement your meal. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Morning Activity; Time: 0900 hrs; Fitness level: easy; Please note that tour includes Cooking lesson with Lunch, Market Visit & Wine Tasting)

Embark on a leisurely exploration of Prague at your own pace. Uncover the hidden gems of this beautiful city as you wander down the cobbled side streets off the UNESCO-listed old town area. Chance upon quaint chapels and charming cafes as you navigate the network of alleys. You could then take the funicular up to Petrin Hill and spend the day in verdant surroundings as you savor stunning views of the city. Take along a picnic lunch to make it a fun outing. Alternatively, you could stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge pausing to take splendid photographs of the cityscape. When hunger strikes, relish flavorful Czech cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants that dot the city. Afterwards, make your way to the lively Wenceslas Square with its statue of King Wenceslas and welcoming storefronts. For the perfect end to the day, head to one of the trendy bars and nightclubs in the vicinity and unwind with a cold pint of excellent Czech beer. (Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)