9D8N Bohemian Dreams (RF)

Welcome to Budapest! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

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The Pearl of the Danube BUDAPEST Follow a guided sightseeing featuring Heroes Square, a panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion and a visit to the Synagogue. Free afternoon and evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT History suggests Fisherman’s Bastion owes its name to a medieval fishermen’s guild, who lived under the castle walls, and was responsible for preserving this part of the city. A visit to Budapest is not complete without a stop here to take in the most enchanting views of the capital of Hungary.

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Capital Cities ESZTERGOM Guided walking tour of Hungary’s former capital includes a visit to the Basilica and Treasury. BRATISLAVA Guided walking tour includes a visit St. Martin’s church. Also see the medieval fortifications, Hlavne Namestie square and the Town Hall. (B) 127mi / 205km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Situated on the Danube River with the Little Carpathian Mountains as its backdrop, Bratislava is a real gem, a capital city with a local vibe. Watch out for “Cumil” one the city’s most photographed residents – the bronze statue of a worker peering from a manhole at passersby.

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The City of Music VIENNA Guided sightseeing features a drive along the famous Ringstrasse and a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This afternoon, [LF] enjoy an exclusive waltz dancing lesson in the city of Strauss. (B) 68mi / 110km LOCAL FAVOURITE ICONIC STEPS Literally meaning “to revolve,” the waltz has its origins dating back to the 13th century where a form of it was danced by German peasants. Over time it evolved, becoming more widely popular, though considered inappropriate by some, earning the nickname “the forbidden dance,” due to the close hold of the dancing partners. Famous composers such as Johann Strauss II wrote accompanying musical pieces such as the Blue Danube, and today the image of the waltz is one of an elegant and classic ballroom dance.

Sweet Traditions VIENNA [LF] Join the locals at an historic local Cafe for Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake). (B) LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTES The Viennese coffee house culture has roots dating back to the end of the Ottoman siege on Vienna and the coffee beans that were left behind. The coffee houses that opened around the city became popular as places to socialize, or as inspiration for literary artists. Famous for their atmosphere, elegant decor, and delicious pastries, the Viennese coffee house culture has been listed by UNESCO as an “intangible Cultural Heritage.”

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Medieval Gem CESKY KRUMLOV Follow your local guide on a walking tour to see the main sights of this medieval town. (B,D) 130 mi / 210 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The name Cesky Krumlov is thought to mean “crooked meadow” and originates from the town’s location on a bend of the Vitava River. Its most distinct architectural feature is the castle complex, one of the largest in Central Europe, consisting of 40 buildings and palaces. Now a state-owned property, it was owned by different noble families through the centuries and has many fascinating tales to tell.

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What’s in a Name? HLUBOKA NAD VLTAVOU Visit Hluboka Castle. CESKE BUDEJOVICE Visit the Budvar (Budweiser) Brewery followed by a light lunch. PRAGUE Free time this evening. (B,L,D) 112 mi / 180 km LOCAL FAVOURITE LOCAL TASTE The town of Ceske Budejovice was once called Budweis, and ever since it was founded in the 13th century beer brewing has been an important industry. In the 16th century this beer became known as the “Beer of Kings.” When Adolphus Busch and Carl Conrad visited Budweis in the 19th century, they decided to produce their own version of the beer back home in the USA and named it “Budweiser” “of Budweis,” and gave it the motto “King of Beers.”

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The Golden City Spend your day your way in Prague. PRAGUE Guided sightseeing includes the Astronomical Clock. Explore more of Prague with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. TAKE YOUR PICK HISTORIC TRIUMPHS: Delve into the history of former Czechoslovakia, whose people endured communist rule for decades under the the Soviet regime. Join a Local Guide who shares personal experiences of the era, having lived and worked through this period under government control. Follow your guide to Wenceslas Square, where the historic Velvet Revolution began, and hear fascinating and moving stories about life in Prague during the communist era and its emergence as a democratic republic today. CASTLES & TOASTS: Enjoy an afternoon of amazing history and architectural beauty on this memorable guided walking tour through the largest castle complex in the world, Prague’s 1,100-year-old Castle District. Join an expert guide and see the baroque Mala Strana Quarter, 9th-century Prague Castle, Old Royal Palace, and the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica. Stroll along the cobblestones of the Golden Lane with its pastel cottages that once housed soldiers, alchemists, and castle servants. You’ll also enjoy an inside visit of St. Vitus’ Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest churches and coronation site of Czech kings and queens throughout the centuries. Later, taste St. Wenceslas wine in the vineyards at the foot of the castle while enjoying the breathtaking view of Prague’s iconic spires – a truly a remarkable experience! Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

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Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

breakfast