Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Explore the great cities of Central Europe on a culturally rich independent journey, enjoying a private visit to the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, a tour of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and a visit to the Jewish Quarter in Prague.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 1
Arrive in Budapest, a city occupying both sides of the Danube River and founded when right-bank Buda and Óbuda joined left-bank Pest in 1873. Budapest’s broad avenues and turn-of-the-century architecture have earned it the name, “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” Like Paris, it is a cultural mecca for writers, artists and musicians. Transfer by private car to your hotel; your day is at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
DAY 2
Discover Pest, starting with a private exploration of the Liszt Academy of Music. Founded in 1875 by the famed pianist and composer Franz Liszt, this attractive Art Nouveau building is home to a several valuable books and manuscripts from Liszt’s private collection, not to mention the most prestigious music university operating in Hungary. Soak up the rich atmosphere as your eyes are drawn to the stunning frescoes, Zsolnay porcelain and grand chandeliers at this top concert venue. Continue to the ornate Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. See Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Then, visit the Central Market Hall to see a vast array of food and crafts on sale, with time for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the Parliament building, and then step back in time to experience the charming period of fin-de-siècle Hungarian coffeehouse culture with a stop at a classic coffeehouse. Enjoy a coffee or soft drink and a piece of delicious torte or cake, just as one of Hungary’s literary greats might have done, in a setting restored to its early-20th-century splendor.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Today, explore the Buda side of this city. Visit Matthias Church, the 13th-century coronation cathedral of Hungarian kings, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering spectacular views of the city. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Drive to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, and join a local guide for a walking tour of the attractive Old Town, once a jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stroll the cobblestone streets, admiring the Baroque architecture. Then, after time for lunch at leisure, continue to Vienna, Austria.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
Join your local guide for a walking tour of marvelous Vienna. At the Hofburg Palace — former seat of emperors and current residence of the president of Austria — visit the Treasury to admire its glittering collection of Imperial regalia. Continue to the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. View the colorfully patterned, double-eagle mosaic on its steeply inclined roof and marvel at the spectacular interior, adorned with intricate stone sculptures. This afternoon, tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former residence of Habsburg monarchs.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna, viewing the Prater and its giant Ferris wheel. See the Secession Building and the famous Hundertwasser House, and then visit the Belvedere Gallery, where you find works by the brilliant and controversial symbolist artist Gustav Klimt, including The Kiss. Lunch and the afternoon are at your leisure to shop and explore independently.
Hotel Sacher Wien
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Board a train to Prague and travel in comfort and convenience with A&K’s Concierge Rail Service, which offers assistance at the station. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. This region has a history of human habitation dating to the fifth millennium BC. Prague itself has long been a European center of politics, economics and culture. In the 15th century, it was a seat of the Habsburg dynasty and played a leading role during the Protestant Reformation. Through the First and Second World Wars, followed by Communist rule and the eventual formation of an independent nation, Prague has endured the changing fortunes of the 20th century, while remaining a top travel destination.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
Walk in Josefov, the city’s Jewish quarter, which was once a walled ghetto. Visit the Old New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Wander through the charming Old Town Square and pause to admire the 15th-century astronomical clock adorning the façade of the Gothic Town Hall. If you wish, stroll across the 14th-century Charles Bridge. Then, privately visit the Smetana Concert Hall, part of the Municipal House and home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Behold this architectural masterpiece; a mix of carved white stone and gold featuring Karel Spillar’s stunning frescos adorning the walls, all beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lights.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
Today, take a step back in time as you explore the historic Hradčany Castle District. See the impressive Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, once the site of coronations of Czech kings and queens. On the Golden Lane, view the small, colorful houses that once were homes to alchemists. Admire the collection of religious artifacts at the Loreto Chapel, an important place of pilgrimage. Privately visit the Baroque library halls of the Strahov Monastery, with its gilded shelves and incredible frescoes. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
Today, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Uncover Germany’s past and present, a fusion of medieval romance, breathtaking greenery and twinkling modern cities. Visit the Reichstag, the new home of the German Parliament, as well as historic Potsdamer Platz; immerse yourself in dramatic history and rich German heritage; and observe the largest remaining intact section of the Berlin Wall, a memorial for freedom and a potent symbol of the Cold War.
4 days from $3,795 per person
May–Sep; Priced from $3,995
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov; Priced from $3,795
Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published for 2023 travel, and subject to availability.
Pricing reflects A&K's recommended months of travel of this itinerary. Supplements may apply over holiday periods, festivals, special events and due to high demand. International air not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at Berlin's airport, where you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Hotel de Rome
DAY 2
Set out with your local guide to explore Berlin. Start with a visit to the Reichstag, the new home of the German Parliament, with its stunning Norman Foster-designed dome. Continue to the newly created Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. After lunch at leisure, travel to Museum Island, where you peruse the collection of ancient artifacts and antiquities at the Pergamon Museum. Afterward, see Berlin Cathedral with its vast dome and then return to your hotel.
Hotel de Rome
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Dating from 1695, Charlottenburg Palace was restored to its original Baroque elegance following World War II. The vast and beautiful structure is now home to the most richly decorated interiors and artifacts in Berlin and features an English-style garden. Spend a morning exploring Charlottenburg with your guide. After sightseeing, return to the hotel where you have time at leisure. You might wish to explore the East Side Gallery, the largest remaining, intact section of the Berlin Wall. Now a memorial for freedom, the gallery is covered by approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world, making it the largest open-air gallery in the world.
Hotel de Rome
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Transfer to the airport in Berlin for your departing flight.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Hotel Sacher Wien
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
