From the spires of Prague and the castles of Kraków to the palaces and cathedrals of Vienna, explore the legendary landmarks of the Habsburg Empire and Central Europe on this exclusive new luxury travel program. While visiting the magnificent cities of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Kraków, as well as the historic castles and natural beauty of the Wachau Valley, travelers will enjoy fine accommodations at some of the region’s best hotels and aboard the deluxe M.S. Amadeus Classic while cruising the legendary Danube. In addition, travel between Kraków and Budapest will be aboard the elegant Majestic Imperator, a faithfully restored reproduction of Emperor Franz Joseph II’s personal train car. Throughout the program, expert guides will lead the excursions and tours of central Europe’s most famous palaces, castles, cathedrals and museums.
From $3,470 per person land/cruise program.
Airfare from the U.S. available.
This trip is offered in cooperation with Thomas P. Gohagan & Company.
Detailed Itinerary
Day One—U.S./In Transit
Travel from the U.S. to Munich, Germany.
Day
Two—Munich, Germany
Arrive in Munich and transfer by motorcoach to Passau. Board the M.S. Amadeus Classic. This evening, meet fellow tour members at a welcome dinner.
Day
Three—Melk, Austria
Rising above a bend of the Danube River, Melk Abbey, a triumph of Baroque architecture, glows in mustard-yellow hues from the top of a high granite bluff. The original monastery dates from 1089; in the 18th century, local architect Jakob Prandtauer was commissioned to create the present structure, a repository for valuable relics, 100,000 medieval volumes and magnificent artwork.
Day
Four—Vienna, Austria
Seat of the Hapsburg Empire and an open-air museum of Baroque architecture, Vienna owes its present appearance to Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef, who demolished the city's defenses in order to create the Ringstrasse, which showcases some of the city's finest architecture.
Day
Five—Budapest, Hungary
For centuries, the twin cities of Buda and Pest have faced one another across opposite banks of the Danube River. When the Hapsburg Archduke Joseph, son of Leopold II, became Palatine of Budapest in 1796, he embarked upon a building program of unprecedented scope. By the time of his death in 1847, Budapest was well on its way to becoming an imperial capital of the first rank alongside Vienna. Experience Pest's Neoclassical and neo-Gothic monument and pass through Hero's Square during a sightseeing tour. Cross over the Chain Bridge to the high Castle Hill of ancient Buda. Visit Matthais Church and Fishermen's Bastion and other landmarks.
Day
Six—Poprad and Vlkolinec, Slovakia
Disembark M.S. Amedeus Classic and transfer by motorcoach to Poprad, stopping en route in Vlkolinec. Vlkolinec was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This fascinating village of 32 inhabitants is one of the most traditional mountain villages in Central Europe. In Poprad, board the Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe and begin your journey through the scenic countryside of Poland.
Day
Seven—Kraków, Poland
For more than a thousand years, Kraków has been the cultural and spiritual capital of Poland. Kraków is the only major city of Poland to escape World War II unscathed, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour of the sights and monuments as you learn more about this city's fascinating history. Stay at the Kraków Sheraton Hotel.
Day
Eight—Prague, Czech Republic
Continue your journey through the beautiful countryside of Poland en route to Prague. Transfer to your hotel in Prague, the Praha Palace Hotel.
Day Nine—Prague, Czech Republic
In 1989, as the Velvet Revolution swept over Prague, Czechs raised the playwright-philosopher Vaclav Havel to the newly independent republic's presidency. Since bursting out of four decades of communist domination, Prague has regained its position as one of the classic imperial cities of Central Europe, dedicated to the arts, sciences and the triumph of the human spirit. Stroll through the Old Town and Josefov, the old Jewish Quarter, and visit historic Hradcany, the ancient castle complex surrounding the 14th-century St. Vitus' Cathedral.
Day Ten—Return to U.S.
Depart from Prague to return to the U.S.
Launched in 2001, the M.S. Amadeus Classic is one of the finest vessels operating on the waterways of Central Europe. Her sleek lines, impeccable construction and state-of-the-art technology bear witness to the expertise of her Dutch builders. All 69 tastefully appointed outside cabins are more spacious that those typically found on other river-cruising passenger vessels. Each cabin features twin beds (convertible to a queen-sized bed upon request), private facilities with shower, individual climate control, direct-dial telephone, color satellite TV and a writing desk.
The reign of Franz Josef coincided with the Great Age of Rail, when magnificent trains traversed the European countryside. Foremost among these was the Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe, the imperial train of the Hapsburgs. Today the Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe rolls once again through the heartland of Central Europe. These vintage carriages have undergone meticulous restoration based on the original train plans. Anticipate a red-carpet welcome, followed by a reception with sparkling wine before you settle in to your assigned carriage. Relax with musical selections by Vienna's most famed composers, while traveling past vineyards, ancient forests and picturesque fortresses. As you travel aboard this living piece of history, enjoy tastefully prepared cuisine and delight in an exclusive journey truly made for the emperors.
