A Gold Escorted Holiday

Experience the breathtaking Bohemian capital of the Czech Republic, the beautiful Pearl of the Danube and the great Imperial capital of the Hapsburg Empire, and pay a visit to striking, Slovakian Bratislava, as we reveal some of Europe's greatest cities on our great-value tour.

Our first two nights are spent in Prague, one of the most vibrant cities of 'New Europe'. Then we head through ancient Bohemia, via cosmopolitan Bratislava, to the magnificent 'twin' city Budapest. Two nights later, we travel west to glorious Vienna before returning through the Vienna Woods to Prague.

Day One

Fly to Prague and transfer to your hotel. Depending upon your arrival time, there may be time to explore. A delightful, pedestrianised city, Prague is crammed with bars and restaurants to suit most tastes and pockets.

Day Two

Join our tour of Prague to see its exquisite Old Town. Cross the River Vltava, by the Charles Bridge, to the Hradcany district dominated by the imposing castle, great St Vitus' Cathedral and the historic Royal Palace. Afterwards, go exploring perhaps in the city's many museums and galleries.

Day Three

Today we head through the forests of Bohemia to the Slovakian capital Bratislava: a cosmopolitan city of Baroque palaces and stunning churches. After a chance to explore, and our first glimpse of the 'Blue' Danube, we continue to Budapest where you may enjoy an evening visiting the famous cafes.

Day Four

Budapest is in fact two cities set astride the majestic Danube. One 'half' is Buda, an elegant hillside of opulent buildings; discover the medieval houses of the castle district, the frescoes in medieval Matyas Church, and the spectacular views from Fishermen's Bastion.

The other 'half' is Pest, a bustling hive of museums, galleries, thermal baths, restaurants and bars. See the Gothic Parliament beside the river and the colonnades and statues of Heroes' Square. Later, you may wish to join our folklore evening of traditional Hungarian music and food.

Day Five

This afternoon we reach Vienna, capital of the Habsburg Empire and site of the world-famous Hofburg - home to the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys' Choir. See the Baroque palaces, the cathedral and many museums, and wander the elegant arcades and famous Ringstrasse.

Day Six

Join today's optional excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace. The magnificent building was an Imperial summer home, and its great apartments and opulent saloons once echoed with the music of the young Mozart. Alternatively, experience Vienna's charms, such as the famous Landtmann Kaffeehaus once frequented by Sigmund Freud and Gustav Mahler.

Day Seven

Today we return to Prague through the wonderful South Bohemian countryside. This evening, why not take to the River Vltava for our optional dinner cruise and a final opportunity to enjoy Prague's stunning monuments? It's a perfect way to end a wonderful tour.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Prague's restaurants and bars cater to all tastes - especially if you are a fan of the famous Pilsner beer. There are plenty of soups, main dishes of beef or pork, and traditional carp and trout. When eating 'on the hoof', try Klobasy or Parky sausages.

Hungary's famous national dish, goulash, is widely available in Budapest's inexpensive restaurants, alongside favourites such as chicken paprika and homemade porkolt (stew). Hungarian wine is also worth trying, with vineyards such as Tokaji producing respectable red and white wines at reasonable prices.

There's never a shortage of food in Austria. Countless restaurants serve lunch (look out for the great-value Mittagsmenu) and dinner. Try authentic Wienerschnitzel followed by Sachertort, perhaps accompanied by a beer or light, fruity Austrian wine.

The following hotels are offered with this holiday (subject to availability and supplementary pricing)
Hotel Duo	Prague  The Hotel Duo is situated to the north of Prague, and has good access to the city centre by bus and metro.
Hotel Kaiser Franz Joseph	Vienna  Located in the elegant 19th District of Vienna, with easy access to the centre, the Kaiser Franz Joseph is close to a number of local wine taverns.
Superior Tulip Inn	Budapest  The comfortable, well-located Tulip Inn offers access to the centre of Budapest in approximately 15 minutes, from the nearby underground station.