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Day 1
Arrive Prague
Day 1
Arrive Prague
To Be Determined:
Airport Transfer
Mid-Day/Afternoon:
New Town
Late Afternoon/Early Evening:
Old Town
Day 2
Prague
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Maltese Square & Lennon Wall
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourSee a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.
The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.
Prague Castle
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourPrague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.
The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Maltese Square & Lennon Wall
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourSee a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.
The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.
Prague Castle
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourPrague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.
The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Day 3
Prague
Chapel of the Holy Rood
Highlight of Karlštejn CastleTour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.
The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.
Chapel of the Holy Rood
Highlight of Karlštejn CastleTour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.
The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.
Chapel of the Holy Rood
Highlight of Karlštejn CastleTour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.
The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.
Chapel of the Holy Rood
Highlight of Karlštejn CastleTour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.
The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.
Chapel of the Holy Rood
Highlight of Karlštejn CastleTour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.
The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.
Day 4
Prague
Mill Colonnade
Highlight of Karlovy VaryTaste the famed waters of Karlovy Vary beneath a neo-Renaissance collonade.
This beautiful collonade overlooking the river contains five springs, of varying temperatures, flowing with therapeutic waters which can be tasted by the visitor. It also hosts orchestras and is a favorite spot for photos.
Diana Funicular Railway
Highlight of Karlovy VaryRide an inclined railway to a scenic overlook above Karlovy Vary.
The funicular takes you up to a wooded hill overlooking the city. You can ascend the Diana Lookout Tower for a particularly breathtaking view. This is also a good place from which to take a hike. You can explore an animal preserve, discover more look out points, and experience a wooden boardwalk above a pristine meadow.
Moser Glass Factory
Highlight of Karlovy VaryTour the factory floor of the world-famous Moser crystal company.
The tour gives you a first-hand view of how its worker's handcraft their prized Bohemian crystal. The factory also hosts a museum of crystal which is included in the tour.
Mill Colonnade
Highlight of Karlovy VaryTaste the famed waters of Karlovy Vary beneath a neo-Renaissance collonade.
This beautiful collonade overlooking the river contains five springs, of varying temperatures, flowing with therapeutic waters which can be tasted by the visitor. It also hosts orchestras and is a favorite spot for photos.
Diana Funicular Railway
Highlight of Karlovy VaryRide an inclined railway to a scenic overlook above Karlovy Vary.
The funicular takes you up to a wooded hill overlooking the city. You can ascend the Diana Lookout Tower for a particularly breathtaking view. This is also a good place from which to take a hike. You can explore an animal preserve, discover more look out points, and experience a wooden boardwalk above a pristine meadow.
Moser Glass Factory
Highlight of Karlovy VaryTour the factory floor of the world-famous Moser crystal company.
The tour gives you a first-hand view of how its worker's handcraft their prized Bohemian crystal. The factory also hosts a museum of crystal which is included in the tour.
Mill Colonnade
Highlight of Karlovy VaryTaste the famed waters of Karlovy Vary beneath a neo-Renaissance collonade.
This beautiful collonade overlooking the river contains five springs, of varying temperatures, flowing with therapeutic waters which can be tasted by the visitor. It also hosts orchestras and is a favorite spot for photos.
Day 5
Prague
Petřín Rose Garden
Highlight of Konopiště Chateau, GuidedThe Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.
During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.
Petřín Rose Garden
Highlight of Konopiště Chateau, GuidedThe Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.
During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.
Petřín Rose Garden
Highlight of Konopiště Chateau, GuidedThe Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.
During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.
Petřín Rose Garden
Highlight of Konopiště Chateau, GuidedThe Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.
During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.
Petřín Rose Garden
Highlight of Konopiště Chateau, GuidedThe Rose Garden is one of the most visited places of Petřín.
During late summer a large rose garden blooms here. Adjacent to the garden is a small planetarium.
Day 6
Prague to Vienna
Day 7
Vienna
Day 8
Vienna
Dürnstein
Highlight of Wachau ValleyExplore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.
Named for the castle that overlooks it, Dürnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks, it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.
Dürnstein Castle Ruins
Highlight of Wachau ValleyHike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.
The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.
Melk Abbey
Highlight of Wachau ValleyTour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.
Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.
Spitz
Highlight of Wachau ValleyStop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.
Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.
Dürnstein
Highlight of Wachau ValleyExplore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.
Named for the castle that overlooks it, Dürnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks, it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.
Dürnstein Castle Ruins
Highlight of Wachau ValleyHike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.
The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.
Melk Abbey
Highlight of Wachau ValleyTour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.
Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.
Spitz
Highlight of Wachau ValleyStop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.
Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.
Day 9
Vienna
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Day 10
Vienna to Budapest
Schönbrunn Zoo
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceJoin local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.
With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.
Schönbrunn Gardens
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceGet lost in the huge imperial gardens.
The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.
Schönbrunn Zoo
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceJoin local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.
With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.
Schönbrunn Gardens
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceGet lost in the huge imperial gardens.
The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.
Schönbrunn Zoo
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceJoin local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.
With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.
Schönbrunn Gardens
Highlight of Schönbrunn PalaceGet lost in the huge imperial gardens.
The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.
Day 11
Budapest
Day 12
Budapest
Promenade
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetDiscover why this pedestrian walkway along the Danube River, with it's beautiful views of the river and castle, is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.
This promenade above the river embankment was the place to see-and-be-seen in 19th century Budapest. Cafes and luxury hotels lined the promenade, taking advantage of stunning views of the castle. They were destroyed in WWII and replaced with large modern hotels, eliminating some of the charm. The view, however, is still incredible.
Central Market Hall
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetShop in a huge market hall built in the late 19th century.
This restored neo-gothic Market Hall is a favorite with visitors but also still visited by locals for its outstanding food stands and grocery stalls on the ground floor. On the upper levels, you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Hungarian goods & crafts.
Váci Street (Váci utca)
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetWalk one of Budapest's main pedestrian thoroughfares, which is very popular with shoppers and tourists.
The street is lined by shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Many elegant buildings line the street, most dating to the late19th century. Numerous courtyards and passageways branch off from the street. Although touristy, it is an integral part of the city and an interesting place to stroll.
Promenade
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetDiscover why this pedestrian walkway along the Danube River, with it's beautiful views of the river and castle, is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.
This promenade above the river embankment was the place to see-and-be-seen in 19th century Budapest. Cafes and luxury hotels lined the promenade, taking advantage of stunning views of the castle. They were destroyed in WWII and replaced with large modern hotels, eliminating some of the charm. The view, however, is still incredible.
Central Market Hall
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetShop in a huge market hall built in the late 19th century.
This restored neo-gothic Market Hall is a favorite with visitors but also still visited by locals for its outstanding food stands and grocery stalls on the ground floor. On the upper levels, you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Hungarian goods & crafts.
Váci Street (Váci utca)
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetWalk one of Budapest's main pedestrian thoroughfares, which is very popular with shoppers and tourists.
The street is lined by shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Many elegant buildings line the street, most dating to the late19th century. Numerous courtyards and passageways branch off from the street. Although touristy, it is an integral part of the city and an interesting place to stroll.
Promenade
Highlight of Central Market & Váci StreetDiscover why this pedestrian walkway along the Danube River, with it's beautiful views of the river and castle, is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.
This promenade above the river embankment was the place to see-and-be-seen in 19th century Budapest. Cafes and luxury hotels lined the promenade, taking advantage of stunning views of the castle. They were destroyed in WWII and replaced with large modern hotels, eliminating some of the charm. The view, however, is still incredible.
Day 13
Budapest
Fő tér (Fő Square)
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA colorful pedestrian square in the heart of the town.
You will find restaurants and shops lining the cobblestoned square. Also on the square is the Szentendre Gallery, which is located in the ground floor of a building dating back to 1720. The Orthodox church adjacent to the square is also definitely worth a look.
Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA Hungarian folk culture open-air museum
The museum consists of an entire village, taking visitors back in time to 18th- to 20th-century rural and farming life. You can see reconstructed farm dwellings and a museological collection.
Belgrade Church, Szentendre
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA baroque Orthodox church and museum with stunning Orthodox icons and other religious art.
The museum features art collected from Hungary's formerly Serbian churches. The churches were closed as Serbs emigrated to Serbia or integrated into the Hungarian population, and the finest art from the churches was saved and sent to Szentendre. An 800 HUF admission covers both the church and the museum – you may even have the museum to yourselves.
Templom tér
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA square overlooking the town that is missed by many visitors.
The Templom square above Fő square provides a nice viewpoint from which to admire the town, and the Church of St. John is also worth a peak if open. Also on the square is a small art museum dedicated to Béla Czóbel (1883-1976), a Hungarian avant-garde painter.
Fő tér (Fő Square)
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA colorful pedestrian square in the heart of the town.
You will find restaurants and shops lining the cobblestoned square. Also on the square is the Szentendre Gallery, which is located in the ground floor of a building dating back to 1720. The Orthodox church adjacent to the square is also definitely worth a look.
Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA Hungarian folk culture open-air museum
The museum consists of an entire village, taking visitors back in time to 18th- to 20th-century rural and farming life. You can see reconstructed farm dwellings and a museological collection.
Belgrade Church, Szentendre
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA baroque Orthodox church and museum with stunning Orthodox icons and other religious art.
The museum features art collected from Hungary's formerly Serbian churches. The churches were closed as Serbs emigrated to Serbia or integrated into the Hungarian population, and the finest art from the churches was saved and sent to Szentendre. An 800 HUF admission covers both the church and the museum – you may even have the museum to yourselves.
Templom tér
Highlight of Szentendre ExcursionA square overlooking the town that is missed by many visitors.
The Templom square above Fő square provides a nice viewpoint from which to admire the town, and the Church of St. John is also worth a peak if open. Also on the square is a small art museum dedicated to Béla Czóbel (1883-1976), a Hungarian avant-garde painter.
Day 14
Budapest
Former Museum of Ethnography
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyThis building once housed the Hungarian Supreme Court and the Ethnographic museum. The museum is relocating to City Park and will open in 2022.
It was the second place winner in the competition to design the Hungarian Parliament. Many believe it is as beautiful at the Parliament, especially it's interiors.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyReflect at a waterside sculpture of shoes memorializing the victims of fascism who died at this spot.
This moving memorial consists of empty shoes by the riverbank. Near the end of World War II a fascist party took control in Hungary. Jews were lined up along the river bank, forced to step out of their shoes (so they could be collected later), and then machine gunned into the river.
Hungarian Parliament
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyTour this massive and stunning Gothic Revival–style edifice with a guide.
The Parliament is ostentatious, but undeniably grand and beautiful. A teeming mass of spires, arches, and towers surrounds the central dome, beneath which the royal crown of Hungary lies under armed guard. Tours of the lavish interiors include the crown, parliament chambers, and grand entry hall. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended as they often sell out well in advance.
Former Museum of Ethnography
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyThis building once housed the Hungarian Supreme Court and the Ethnographic museum. The museum is relocating to City Park and will open in 2022.
It was the second place winner in the competition to design the Hungarian Parliament. Many believe it is as beautiful at the Parliament, especially it's interiors.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyReflect at a waterside sculpture of shoes memorializing the victims of fascism who died at this spot.
This moving memorial consists of empty shoes by the riverbank. Near the end of World War II a fascist party took control in Hungary. Jews were lined up along the river bank, forced to step out of their shoes (so they could be collected later), and then machine gunned into the river.
Hungarian Parliament
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyTour this massive and stunning Gothic Revival–style edifice with a guide.
The Parliament is ostentatious, but undeniably grand and beautiful. A teeming mass of spires, arches, and towers surrounds the central dome, beneath which the royal crown of Hungary lies under armed guard. Tours of the lavish interiors include the crown, parliament chambers, and grand entry hall. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended as they often sell out well in advance.
Former Museum of Ethnography
Highlight of Hungarian Parliament & NearbyThis building once housed the Hungarian Supreme Court and the Ethnographic museum. The museum is relocating to City Park and will open in 2022.
It was the second place winner in the competition to design the Hungarian Parliament. Many believe it is as beautiful at the Parliament, especially it's interiors.
Day 15
Depart Budapest
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Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. From the Romans to the Communists, each occupier left its flavor profile in Budapest, evident in the famous spicy Hungarian stew known as 'goulash.' Budapest is a melting pot of history, culture, and taste, from the magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic architecture to the Turkish thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Budapest has a flavor to satisfy any taste.
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Cesky Krumlov is a charming little town in South Bohemia. It might be small, but it’s full of whimsical character and mystery. Walking through the narrow streets and across the bridge, the views of the medieval Cesky Krumlov Castle will take your breath away. At night, street musicians serenade visitors on the bridge where you can dance beneath the stars and the watchful eye of the magnificent tower. Dozens of unique local artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants are woven among the winding streets. In the summer, the city is lush with life and greenery. Rafters race down the river, stopping in the center along the way to enjoy a hearty meal before continuing their journey. In the winter, the main square transforms into a magnificent Christmas market and light blankets of snow cover the rooftops. This quaint little town will exceed your expectations and you may never want to leave.
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Nearly every wall and rooftop in Dresden seems to be finished with a flourish. Defined by its ornamental baroque architecture, a power statement of Saxon royalty, Dresden is made all the more miraculous considering the city was leveled by firebombing in WWII. After the war, the city was reconstructed, brick by painstaking brick. Even under East German-Soviet rule, which usually eschewed frivolous design, buildings like the Semper Opera House were pieced back to their former glory. Restoration of the majestic Zwinger Palace and bell domed Church of Our Lady slowly followed, with the Frauenkirche only fully repaired in 2005. Arguably there is no other city in Europe that cherishes its hard-won architecture as much as Dresden. Although it is a compact city, so many of its buildings will stop you in your tracks that architecture fans will easily lose a whole day in the Old Town area. Especially during the winter months, Dresden sparkles with a joyous, uplifting ambiance. The city is recognized as having the best-ever Christmas market in all of Europe. Between the twinkling lights, the scent of hot wine and gingerbread, and the towering Christmas tree, it’s worth going out of your way to see Dresden at this time of year.
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One of the most authentic, storied German destinations, Nuremberg's picturesque old town, glorious castle, and buzzing Christmas Market makes this city a time-true classic. The ideal gateway to old Bavaria, Nuremberg offers a primer in German history before you embark on the lovely journey through old Bavaria, known as the Romantic Road. Considered the capital of the Holy Roman Empire in the middle ages, Nuremberg would have felt like the center of the world as a procession of kings and emperors passed through its magnificent gates. When the German Renaissance came, Nuremberg was at its heart. Albrecht Dürer, the great German master artist, was born here, and Martin Luther called Nuremberg Germany's 'eyes and ears'. Skip forward a few centuries, and the city took a dark turn, as Nuremberg became a gathering point for the German National Socialists. Slightly outside of town, you can still find the Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, a sobering reminder of the not so distant past. If it all gets too heavy, you can end the day with a glass of rotbier (red beer) and mull it over. Nuremberg is a must-see for anyone who wants to delve into Germany's past.
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The city of Prague is indisputably the gem of Central Europe. Full of history, culture, and classic Czech pubs around every corner, Prague is teeming with nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered. The narrow cobblestone streets and warm red rooftops give the city a homey feel, while the well-preserved medieval architecture transports you back in time. Walking across the Charles Bridge with the view of the Prague Castle will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, and you might as well be. As an up-and-coming destination, Prague is a perfect mix of classic and modern. New trendy cafes and bistros are always popping up, and you can always find a group of lively locals chowing down on goulash and quaffing pivo (the best beer in Europe!) at traditional Czech restaurants across the city. The clash of modernity and tradition, preservation and innovation, gives this city a mysterious air that you won’t soon forget.
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Artistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel. Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life.
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Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. From the Romans to the Communists, each occupier left its flavor profile in Budapest, evident in the famous spicy Hungarian stew known as 'goulash.' Budapest is a melting pot of history, culture, and taste, from the magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic architecture to the Turkish thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Budapest has a flavor to satisfy any taste.
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