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

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."

The Golden City PRAGUE Guided sightseeing includes the Astronomical Clock and the Hradcany Castle grounds. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The capital city of the Czech Republic which spans the Vltava River is often called the "City of a Hundred Spires," or "The Golden City." See the beautiful Old Town Square, with vibrant Baroque buildings,
Gothic churches, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, delighting passers-by each hour. Stroll around the exquisite grounds at Hradcany Castle, considered to be the world's largest ancient castle complex.

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