Starts | Munich, Germany |
---|---|
Ends | Budapest, Hungary |
Region | Europe |
Duration | 9 days |
Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Munich
Welcome to Germany. You will be taken to our centrally located joining hotel (details are in your travel documents) from Munich airport. There are no activities planned on your first day other than a welcome meeting at 6 pm and group dinner that follows. It's a great way to experience dining ion local beer hall. You will find details of the meeting at the hotel reception or on a noticeboard nearby. Keep in mind that you will need to bring your insurance details to the meeting. You will usually join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant after the meeting. If you arrive early, get out and explore Munich, a great city of art, history, architecture and music. Perhaps take a stroll through the must-see Englischer Garten, one of the biggest urban parks in the world.
Day 2 - Starting: Prague & Finishing: Prague
Take a private minibus to Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. After arrival take the opportunity to explore the city on a guided tour. Prague’s many historic buildings and other enchanting sights have earned this city the nickname 'Paris of the east'. Note the contrast between the grand Middle Ages architecture and buildings like the avant-garde Dancing House on the banks of the Vltava. The reminder of the day is yours to spend as you please. As night falls, you'll see a completely different side of Prague. The Old Town really comes alive in the evening, and the nightlife here is excellent, with many underground beer taverns, absinthe bars and jazz clubs to discover.
Day 3 - Starting: Prague & Finishing: Prague
Visit the Prague Castle, the biggest castle in the Czech Republic. This is where you will find the famous St Vitus Cathedral and colourful alleyway of the Golden Lane. The rest of the day is then free. A bike tour through the city is highly recommended – it's a great way to see many of the city's attractions in a short period of time. You certainly do not have to be an experienced cyclist to do so. The Museum of Communism is well worth a visit, as is the Old Town Hall and clock tower. Wander through the Jewish Quarter. Perhaps pay your respects at the Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. Alternatively, if you would like to venture further afield, take a day trip to the region of Bohemia and visit Kutna Hora. This is where you'll find the eerily beautiful Sedlec Ossuary, home to a chandelier made of human bones, among other things.
Day 4 - Starting: Cesky Krumlov & Finishing: Cesky Krumlov
Depart Prague by private mini bus today and travel to another Bohemian town – Cesky Krumlov (approximately 3 hours). The name of the town translates literally to 'crooked meadow', thanks to the town’s location in the sharp bend of the Vltava River. This 13th-century city is quite beautiful, with a fairytale-like castle perched on a hill that looms over the town below. Explore the profusion of winding cobbled lanes and old architecture on a guided walking tour. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a storytelling session at a hidden location. Sip on sparkling wine while listening to thrilling legends of murders, plots and romances in medieval Cesky Krumlov. The evening is yours to explore the town as you please. Your accommodation in Cesky Krumlov is an authentic and stylish Hotel Peregrin located in a house of medieval origin dating back to the 15th century. Unique value of the building combined with modern design creates an original and harmonic fashion. You will find a solid hardwood floors and custom-made wooden doors in the hotel as well as made-to-measure stylish furniture in each room. Please note that old buildings may have slightly lower ceilings, narrower corridors and smaller windows, but that is certainly a part of their charm.
Day 5 - Starting: Cesky Krumlov & Finishing: Cesky Krumlov
Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps have another walk around the town and extend it by climbing the castle's tower for expansive views or even go on an optional guided tour of the castle. Alternatively, explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle, visiting tiny hamlets and crossing rolling hills (approximately 2 hours). If there is time, and if the weather holds, an equally great option is to take a canoe or raft trip on the river that winds through town (approximately 2–3 hours).
Day 6 - Starting: Vienna & Finishing: Vienna
Travel to Vienna by minivan (approximately 3.5 hours). Vienna is a cosmopolitan city with the air of a rich cultural heritage and golden past. It is also known for its delicious culinary delights. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. This will take you from the Gothic splendour of St Stephens Cathedral to the neo-classical grandeur of the Graben, and then on to Hofburg Palace, where Habsburg emperors once resided in winter. You will have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the beauty of the monument dedicated to Empress ‘Sisi’ Elizabeth in the Volksgarten. From here you will journey on to the Ringstrasse. Your walking tour will come to an end at the State Opera House, one of the most important opera institutions in the world, home to the heart of classical Viennese culture. The rest of the afternoon is yours.
Day 7 - Starting: Vienna & Finishing: Vienna
Today is free for you to explore Vienna's many possibilities. Art enthusiasts can choose from a number of great museums, from the Albertina to the vast array found in the Museum Quarter. You should also consider visiting the Leopold, home to an important Egon Schiele collection as well as major works by Oskar Kokoschka and Gustav Klimt. Perhaps take a short walk over to Belvedere Palace to see Klimt's famous painting 'The Kiss', or head to the Secession Building (a classic example of Viennese Art Nouveau) to see his panorama 'Beethoven Frieze', inspired by the composer's Ninth Symphony. You might like to climb the 343 steps to the top of the tower of St Stephen's Cathedral. Schoenbrunn Palace is well worth a visit, and offers a good guided audio tour (avoid the queues by pre-booking tickets at www.schoenbrunn.at). Another excellent way to enjoy the afternoon is to take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel. A must-see for horse lovers is the Spanish Riding School – you'll need to book advance tickets to see the Lipizzaners (Phone: +43 (0)1 505 77 66 55 or e-mail info@viennaticketoffice.com). Note that the Spanish Riding School shuts down over the summer.
Day 8 - Starting: Budapest & Finishing: Budapest
Leave Vienna and head to Budapest by private minivan (approximately 4 hours). Budapest has truly come into its own since the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Its beautiful grand boulevards and opulent architecture evoke an old-world charm, while the plethora of new-age stores and restaurants lend it an air of cosmopolitan elegance. Cycling is perhaps the best way to get around here. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Statue Park. The thermal baths that are dispersed around the city are not to be missed – you can indulge in anything from opulent indoor pools to more simple outdoor baths. In the late afternoon, visit a cellar underneath Buda Castle and enjoy a wine tasting tour in this spectacular location. Allow a sommelier to guide you through a variety of wines, including Hungary’s famous Tokaji dessert wine. Finish this exciting day with a farewell group dinner.
Day 9 - Starting: Budapest & Finishing: Budapest
Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart at any time. As there's limited time to explore Budapest we recommend spending an extra day or two in this location. Please speak to our reservation team for any help with booking extra services.
View Dates