Central Europe Vienna, Prague and Budapest Tour

We meet at the Sun Express Airlines counter in the International Departures Terminal at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Budapest at 06:30 on Sun Express Airlines flight XQ856. Following our arrival at 06:50 local time, we leave for Vienna in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Along the way, we take a tour of Bratislava. 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; the Gothic St. Martin Cathedral; and the Cumil statue, believed to bring good luck. After the tour, we depart for Vienna. Austria’s capital, Vienna, brings together its imperial heritage and contemporary cultural life. Known as a centre of classical music, the city has hosted performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss. Its opera houses, palaces and wide boulevards reflect its long history of art and culture.

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). Our 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 historic, colourful houses, reflections in the lake and surrounding mountains shape its landscape. Hallstatt’s history of salt mining dates 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 architecture, 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 by Saint Wolfgang. The town is also known for its cafés, boutique hotels and the historic Gasthof Weißes Rössl hotel, which reflect traditional Austrian culture.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Vienna. On the way, guests who wish can join the optional Cesky Krumlov Tour at an extra cost (40 Euro). On this tour, we explore the town, which looks like an island among the bends of the Vltava River. Cesky Krumlov is a medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage List. St. Vitus Church and Cesky Krumlov Castle, built in the 13th century, are two of the town’s important landmarks. From the castle, you can see the entire town. After the tour, we set off for Prague. Upon arrival, our panoramic city tour includes sights such as 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 the boat trip on the Vltava River, we enjoy a buffet dinner on board while taking in the views of Prague. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

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 health resort. During free time here, you can walk around the town 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 preserves Prague’s historic character. At the end of the tour, there is free time before we head to our 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, we return to our hotel. We spend the night at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Terezin Camp tour (50 Euro), with museum admission included, and the optional Dresden Tour (80 Euro), each at an extra charge. 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 the Germans entered Czechoslovakia during World War 2. Jews, Roma and anyone who opposed the Nazi regime were held here under the guise of a labour camp. After the Terezin tour, our first stop will be Dresden, the capital of the state of Saxony in Germany. The city is known for its cultural heritage and architecture. During the tour, we will see the Baroque Frauenkirche Church, Zwinger Palace, Brühl's Terrace, which runs 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.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Budapest. On arrival, our panoramic tour includes sights such as Heroes’ Square, Octagon Square, the Historic Ice Skating Hall, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrassy Avenue and the Opera House. In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional Budapest Masterpieces and Danube River Boat Tour, arranged by our guide at an extra charge (35 Euro). Our boat tour on the Danube River, a symbol of the city lined with Budapest’s important historic buildings, lasts 1 hour. During the tour, we take photos of the city while enjoying the drinks served on board. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. We spend the night at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Budapest Step by Step and Szetendre tour at an extra cost (60 Euro). Our tour starts in central Budapest. We first visit the Castle District, passing along Lords Street to reach 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, followed by free time. After our Budapest tour, we depart for Szentendre. With its narrow, winding streets, stone houses and colourful balconies, Szentendre resembles a Mediterranean town and lies at the entrance to the summer retreat area known as the Danube Bend. The town is known as a place where Budapest residents come to relax and artists find inspiration. While walking here, you can browse shops selling handmade tablecloths, glass and porcelain ornaments, authentic Hungarian dolls, traditional folk costumes and wooden souvenirs. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Hungarian Night tour at an extra cost (70 Euro).

After checking out of the hotel early, we transfer to the airport. Following baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for İzmir at 07:40 on Sun Express Airlines flight XQ857. Our tour ends upon arrival at 11:50 local time.