Join us for seven wonderful days and six nights in Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria... learning about the complex histories of two spectacular European capital cities.... and discovering two extraordinary proud cultures.

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Our adventure begins in Budapest staying our first three nights in a signature/luxury hotel situated in the heart of the historic city center.

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We'll spend two full-days with our local historian guide discovering and learning about the Hungarian capital's architecture, politics, history, and culture... ​and learn about Hungarian politics and everyday life with the purpose to better understand the truths and historical context of the country’s contemporary situation.

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• With Hungary culturally and geographically bridging between East and West, we'll learn about the differences between “western” and “eastern” European democracies... about political notions of "left" and "right"... and learn about the different meanings of Hungarian liberalism, conservatism, and nationalism.​

 

• We'll see the Budapest's stunning architecture... from Art Nouveau to Baroque to the Neoclassical... including the Hungarian Parliament Building... Andrassy Avenue... Heros Square... St. Stephen’s Basilica... Hungarian State Opera... House of Music... Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

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• We'll visit Pest's Jewish Quarter, learning about the Jewish culture in the city from the Middle Ages to WWII to the present day. We'll visit Dohany Synagogue (The Great Synagogue)... the largest synagogue in Europe and 2nd largest in the world.

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• We'll visit Buda's Castle District with the stunning panorama of the Danube River as a backdrop. We well visit Fisherman’s Bastion, the exterior of Matthias Church, and the Buda Castle complex, where we'll learn about the Hungarian monarchy and the strategic and symbolic importance of this historic district. 

 

• ​Take a Danube River Cruise to marvel at the beauty and century old grace of Budapest.

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Mid-week we'll board a train traveling 1st-class from Budapest to Vienna, for an approximate three hour train ride to Austria's capital city and the former capital of the Habsburg Empire for over 600 years.

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We'll spend the next three nights based in Vienna staying in a luxury boutique hotel located in historical heart of Vienna, with activities to include:

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• A morning introduction to Vienna walking tour with our local historian guide... learning about the many of layers of Viennese history over the centuries - from its ancient Celtic roots... to the grandeur of the Roman era... to the legacy and opulence of the Habsburgs... and discussing Viennese culture and what drew artists, musicians, and authors to Vienna.

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• Tour of Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens, the stunning 1,500 room palace that was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. We'll walk through the labyrinth of residential and ceremonial rooms, and learn about the Habsburg Monarchy and its historical importance for Europe.

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• Visit to Belvedere Palace - Once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Belvedere Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, home to stunning gardens and housing one of Austria’s most important art collections, including Gustav Klimt’s iconic The Kiss. 

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• Tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral - Visit inside Vienna’s magnificent cathedral, an architectural marvel of Gothic design and an icon of the city’s centuries of survival. 

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• ​Attend Spanish Riding School Practice - We'll witness the morning exercise at Vienna's renowned Spanish Riding School, set to the graceful strains of classical Viennese music.

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• Tour Vienna State Opera - We'll have a guided tour inside the world-famous Renaissance Revival design Vienna State Opera, considered one of Europe's most beautiful opera houses.

 

• Take a ride on Wiener Riesenrad, Vienna's famous giant ferris wheel, an iconic landmark that offers riders a breathtaking view of the city.​​​​​​

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• Personal free time for seeing additional Vienna sites, museums or time for shopping or relaxing. Ideas are:

  • Visit the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace to see the extraordinary Austrian Crown Jewels, including the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the world’s largest cut emerald.

  • Visit a world-class museum such as -- Albertina, Leopold Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum or Wein Museum.

  • Visit to the Sisi Museum to learn about the beautiful and celebrated Empress Elisabeth.

  • Shopping along Graben, Kärntner Strasse, or the Goldenes Quartier

  • Taking a romantic Fiaker (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the Old Town

  • Relaxing in a charming courtyard café with a glass of wine and a book

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We'll have a welcome dinner in Budapest with Hungarian cuisine & wines... and a farewell gala dinner in Vienna with Austrian autumn cuisine & wines.

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The trip is ideal for friends, couples and single travelers desiring a fun and WORRY-FREE autumn vacation! ​​

 

Budapest & Vienna Combination Discovery Tour is Designed to Provide:

• Fabulous vacation to see the "The Best of Budapest & Vienna" during one very special seven day trip!

• Friendly and fun small group environment limited to 12 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• A week packed with activities -- private tours with local historian guides... visits to both Buda and Pest sides of the Danube River in Budapest... visits to Vienna's most famous landmarks and sites... having a "local Hungarian & Austrian experience" meeting and interacting with local residents... going to local patronized restaurants, winestubs and coffee houses.

• Free personal time to discover and enjoy Budapest & Vienna at your own pace.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by Tom Harter, WalkEurope president.

• Recommendations of local restaurants to explore on your own... yet everyone is invited to join local cuisine group meals each evening at personal selected restaurants.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!​ 

 

What's Included:

• Six nights in premiere/signature traditional-styled hotels located in the historic city centers of Budapest and Vienna, to provide a local Hungarian and Austrian experience for guests.

• Daily hotel breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception/Dinner - featuring Hungarian cuisine and wines -- an opportunity to meet fellow tour guests and review the week's activities.

• Farewell Gala Dinner - featuring traditional Austrian autumn cuisine.

• Tour of Budaest's major landmarks with a local historian guide, visits to... both the Buda and Pest sides of the Danube River...  Castle District and Buda Castle complex... Matthias Church... the Jewish Quarter and Dohany Synagogue... Parliament Building... Chain Bridge...  Fisherman’s Bastion... Danube River Cruise

• Tour of Vienna's major landmarks with a local historian guide, visits to... Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens... Belvedere Palace... Spanish Riding School Practice... Saint Stephen's Cathedral... Vienna State Opera House.​

• Personal time to explore Budapest and Vienna on your own.

• Palace, castle, cathedral and museum entrance fees - for all group activities and day trips.

• Optional before breakfast group morning pleasure walks.

• 1st-class train ticket from Budapest to Vienna.

• Ground transportation for all group activities. 

• Concierge service & support.

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Arrival/Departure Cities & Airports:  

• Arrival - Budapest, Hungry (BUD)

• Departure - Vienna, Austia (VIE)

 

Trip Cost:

Premiere/Signature Hotel Accommodations

• $5,975 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $1,400

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​Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour. Limited to 12 Guests.