Central Europe Budapest, Vienna and Prague Tour

Meeting Budapest

We meet at the Türk Hava Yolları counter in the International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we depart for Budapest at 08.25 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1035. Upon arrival at 09:45 local time, we begin our Budapest city tour. Sights on the panoramic tour include Heroes’ Square, Octagon Square, the Historic Ice Skating Hall, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrassy Avenue and the Opera House. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Budapest Masterpieces and Danube River Boat Tour, organised by our guide at an extra cost (35 Euro). The boat tour on the Danube River, a symbol of the city lined with important historic buildings, lasts 1 hour. During the tour, we take photographs of the city while enjoying the drink served on board. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and stay overnight.

Castle District and Szentendre option

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Budapest Step by Step and Szetendre tour at an extra cost (60 Euro). Our tour begins in the centre of Budapest. First, we visit the Castle District and walk along Lords Street to Fisherman's Bastion. From here, we see the Danube River and the Parliament building. We then continue to Vörösmarty Square, Parliament and the shopping street Váci Utca. There is free time during this part of the tour.

We then depart for Szentendre. With its narrow, winding streets, stone houses and colourful balconies reminiscent of Mediterranean towns, Szentendre brings art and history together. Located at the entrance to the summer holiday area known as the Danube Bend, the town is a place where Budapest residents come to relax and artists find inspiration. As you walk around, you can browse shops selling handmade tablecloths, glass and porcelain ornaments, traditional Hungarian dolls, folk costumes and wooden souvenirs. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional Hungarian Night tour at an extra cost (70 Euro). Traditional dishes are served at a Hungarian restaurant with unlimited wine, water and local soft drinks. Throughout the evening, we watch traditional dances and performances accompanied by Romani music. After this programme offering an introduction to Hungary's culture, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Bratislava and Vienna

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Vienna. On the way, we take the Bratislava Tour. The Bratislava tour is included in the tour price. During our tour of Slovakia's capital, we see Bratislava Castle, known for its architecture and panoramic views of Bratislava; the Old Town (Stare Mesto), the city's cultural and historical centre; the City Clock Tower, which reflects the city's history; the Gothic St. Martin Cathedral; and the Cumil statue, believed to bring good luck.

After the tour, we continue to Vienna. Austria's capital brings together its imperial heritage and contemporary cultural life. Known as one of the centres of classical music, the city is among the places where works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss are performed. With its opera houses, palaces and broad boulevards, it has played an important role in art and culture throughout history. On our city tour, we see Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), the Kunsthistroisches Museum, which houses one of the world's leading art collections, Staatsoper (Opera House), the Baroque Karl Church and Maria Teresa Square.

Afterwards, guests who wish can join the optional Vienna Step by Step Tour at an extra charge (50 Euro). On this tour, we see the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, the Hundertwasser House and its arcade, known for their distinctive architecture, Hofburg Palace from the imperial era, and the historic Heroes' Square. Schönbrunn, the summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty, is one of Austria's important historic buildings. The palace contains works of art.

After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional Classical Music Concert Tour arranged by our guide at an extra charge (60 Euro). This tour offers a chance to experience Vienna's musical life through a live concert. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Hallstatt and St Wolfgang option

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Austria's Hidden Treasures and Lake District (Hallstat & St Wolfgang) Tour (110 Euro). The first stop will be Hallstatt, on the shores of Lake Hallstätter in Austria's Upper Austria region. This town at the foot of the Alps is on the World Heritage List. Its colourful historic houses, scenery reflected in the lake and surrounding mountains shape its appearance. Its history linked to salt mining goes back 7000 years. The prehistoric period known as the Hallstatt Culture also takes its name from this town.

Our next stop will be St. Wolfgang, on the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee in Austria's Salzkammergut region. The town has medieval buildings, wooden houses decorated with flowers and narrow streets with lake views. St. Wolfgang Church in the centre is known for its Gothic and Baroque altars. According to legend, the church was built in the 10th century through a miracle performed by Saint Wolfgang. Cafés reflecting traditional Austrian culture, boutique hotels and the historic Gasthof Weißes Rössl hotel are also among the town's well-known places.

After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Grinzing Tour arranged by our guide at an extra cost (60 Euro). The village of Grinzing, where grapes are grown and which is particularly known for its white wines, attracts visitors with its traditional buildings and local restaurants. We will dine to the accompaniment of accordion and violin music in Grinzing, near Vienna. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Arrival in Prague

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Prague. Guests who wish can join the optional Cesky Krumlov Tour along the way at an extra cost (40 Euro).

Cesky Krumlov, which looks like an island amid the bends of the Vltava River, is a medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Highlights of our tour include St. Vitus Church and Cesky Krumlov Castle, built in the 13th century. You can view the entire town from the castle.

After the tour, we continue to Prague. Upon arrival, our panoramic city tour takes us past Karlova Street, the Prime Minister's Office, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock and Paris Street. After the city tour, guests who wish can join the optional Vltava River Boat Tour with Dinner at an extra cost (60 Euro). During this tour, we will enjoy views of Prague as we cruise along the Vltava River and have a buffet dinner on board. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Karlovy Vary option

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Prague Masterpieces and Karlovy Vary Tour at an extra charge (70 Euro). Founded in 1358 by King Charles 4, Karlovy Vary is a world-renowned thermal spa town. During free time here, you can take a walk and shop for souvenirs. After the visit, we return to Prague. On the Prague Masterpieces Tour, we see the gardens of the Old Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace, and the Lobkowicz and Rosenberg palaces. We then explore the Mala Strana district, which retains Prague's historic character. At the end of the tour, you have free time before a transfer to the hotel. In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional Czech Night Tour (Dinner Included) at an extra charge (70 Euro). At a local restaurant, we sample Czech cuisine while watching local dances and performances. After the tour, a transfer to the hotel is provided. We spend the night at the hotel.

Dresden option

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Terezin Camp tour, including museum admission (50 Euro), and the optional Dresden tour (80 Euro). Terezin is the largest Nazi camp in the Czech Republic. Built in 1780 as a small fortress, it was converted into a concentration camp when German forces entered Czechoslovakia during World War 2. Jews, Roma and anyone who opposed the Nazi regime were detained here under the guise of a labour camp. After visiting Terezin, our first stop will be Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony. The city is known for its cultural heritage and architecture. Sights we will see during the tour include the Baroque Frauenkirche Church, Zwinger Palace, Brühl’s Terrace, which stretches along the Elbe River and offers panoramic views of the city, and the Royal Palace. Afterwards, there will be free time for shopping. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Flight home

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport at the time set by the guide. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we will depart for Istanbul Airport at 14.45 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1772. Our tour will end upon arrival at 19.30 local time.