11 days from $2359*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

Imperial Capitals of Central Europe: Budapest, Vienna, Prague & Berlin

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to visit four beautiful and historic Central European Capitals: Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin. You'll explore this complex, multicultural arena of historic, artistic, scientific, industrial and commercial importance, dating back to the Roman Empire. These cities are among today's hottest travel destinations, and if you visit them with Friendly planet, you will enjoy all their charm, beauty and culture without paying a king's ransom. But don't wait too long, because at these prices, our Central European Capitals tour will sell out quickly.

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart New York. Your fascinating journey begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight bound for Budapest, Hungary.

Day 2: Arrive Budapest. The capital of modern Hungary, Budapest is a lively and lovely city which lies on—and is divided by—the Danube River. Collect your luggage and set out on an orientation tour of the city. Continue to your centrally located hotel for check-in, then join your fellow travelers this evening for a glass of wine and a welcome briefing, followed by dinner. Atrium Fashion Hotel (B,D)

Day 3: Budapest. Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most fascinating cities, a large urban center that manages to strike a nice balance between nature and development. Hills, islands and parks coexist with theaters, cafes, monuments and other buildings in an eclectic array of architectural styles. Your morning sightseeing begins on the Buda side of the city on Castle Hill, where you'll find Buda Castle, which houses the National Gallery, the city's history museum and a contemporary arts museum.

Continue to the easily recognizable and colorful roof of Matyas Templom, Saint Stephen's Basilica, the largest church in the city, and the cone-shaped towers and terrace Fishermen's Bastion. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. Consider taking the funicular (Siklo) up from Clark Adam Ter near the Chain Bridge or take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Buda. You'll also find many wonderful bathhouses, left behind by the Ottoman Turks who occupied the city for nearly 150 years, including the Gellert Baths in the historic Gellert Hotel, a favorite of locals and visitors alike. (B)

Day 4: Budapest, Szentendre, & Vienna, Austria. After breakfast, depart from budapest for the scenic Hungarian countryside and the charming artist's town of Szentendre, gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend region, whose charming, Mediterranean-style architecture of the town centre makes it a popular site for tourists. Szentendre is a town of arts and museums that has attracted more than 100 artists who live and work there.

After your visit to Szentendre, board your coach and drive west to the border. Cross into Austria. and continue to Vienna, often called the "cultural capital" of Europe and known throughout the world for centuries as the city of great music. Vienna was home to such greats as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss, and its outstanding musical heritage continues to the present day through it's Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna Boys' Choir and others. Hilton Danube
or similar. (B)

Day 5: Vienna. Experience the city's glorious past on your panoramic morning tour, taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace, center of the Habsburg empire for over 600 years and the main residence of the imperial family and the ornate State Opera, one of the world’s leading opera houses. Arrive at the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence built for the Hapsburgs and one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria and a World Cultural Heritage Site since 1972.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore on your own and relax in a charming Viennese cafe. (B).

Day 6: Vienna & Prague, Czech Republic. After breakfast, leave beautiful Vienna by coach and drive to the quaint town of Duernstein, situated in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley on the banks of the Danube. Continue across the Czech border and drive through the rich farmlands and pastoral countryside of Moravia to the graceful Renaissance town of Telc, a World Cultural Heritage Site located at the midpoint of an ancient provincial route leading from Vienna to Prague. Enjoy time to explore this lovely old town before continuing to Prague, one of Europe's most vibrant and colorful cities. Diplomat Hotel or similar. (B,D)

Day 7: Prague. The stunningly beautiful city of Prague was built on seven hills and served as a former capital of the Roman Empire. While the capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, Prague survived intact, and today, tourists and foreign expatriates descend on the City of a Hundred Spires to experience a dynamic city in the midst of transition to a fully modern society while framed in the beauty of past times.

On this morning's tour, visit the 12th century Strahov Monastery which contains the Museum of National Literature housing Bohemia's most important collection of ancient manuscripts. Continue on to the impressive Prague Castle, the city's top tourist attraction, which is really more of a district (called Hradcany) than a building. Within the castle walls are Spanish Hall, with paintings by Brueghel, Durer, Holbein, Leonardo da Vinci and Titian. St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague's largest church, with its brilliant stained-glass windows and gargoyles, the Romanesque St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane with rows of tiny houses once occupied by craftsmen are also found at Hradcany.

This afternoon is at leisure to visit the 14th-century Charles Bridge and explore the charming Old Town on your own. (B)

Day 8: Prague. A day at leisure to relax at an outdoor cafe, shop the bustling markets or explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter on your own. (B)

Day 9: Prague, Dresden & Berlin, Germany. After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to the "Golden City" as you board your coach for the drive across the border into Germany. Your first stop is Dresden, once known as the "Florence of the North" before it was devastated in fire-bomb raids at the end of World War II. However, in celebration of its 800th anniversary celebrated in 2006, many of its architectural gems have been restored.

During your tour, you'll view some of the city's finest architectural gems such as the magnificent Semper Opera House, the recently restored Frauenkirche church, and the Zwinger, a late-baroque complex of heavily ornamented pavilions. Enjoy the pleasant views from the Bruhlsche Terrasse, a raised promenade along the Elbe River then continue driving north to the German capital of Berlin. Hotel Excelsior (B,D)

Day 10: Berlin. The lively city of Berlin blends historic charm with contemporary flair. This morning's panoramic tour features both historic and modern city highlights such as the Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin's most beautiful plaza; Charlottenburg Palace, the oldest remaining Prussian palace; Brandenburg Gate, the symbolic site of the German division; the Olympic Stadium and much more. After your tour, enjoy a leisurely, sightseeing cruise on the River Spree. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 11: Berlin/USA. This morning, bid Auf Wiedersehen to Berlin as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey ends as you touch down in New York. (B)

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Hungary, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Austria, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Czech Republic, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Germany, click here.

Budapest, Vienna, Prague
& Berlin
Included Features

• Round trip flights from New York via Swiss or Lufthansa (other gateways available upon request) including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)

• All intra-Europe ground transporation via luxury touring coach

• Superior First Class hotel accommodations with private bath

• 12 meals including 9 buffet breakfasts and 3 dinners

• All group transfers with assistance and porterage

• Professional, English-speaking tour director throughout

Shop & Compare

Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.

No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our Central European Imperial Cities tours. You'll stay in Superior First Class, centrally located hotels that are noted for their amenities and service.

Included Features: Your transfers are all included, not expensive extras as in other tours.

Credit Cards or Cash: You asked, and we listened! Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price on this tour is the same. No extra cost to charge your dream vacation to Central Europe. Credit Card Authorization Form.

Personal Service: Most important of all, the extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA and our representatives in Central Europe —is completely free of charge. Compare our Central Europe programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.

TourCode: d-000

Imperial Capitals of Central Europe Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Jul 29 After Jul 29 2008 DEPARTURES Nov 17 Nov 27 $1959 2009 DEPARTURES Mar 16 Mar 26 $2359 Apr 20 Apr 30 $2759 May 4 May 14 $2759 Aug 18 Aug 28 $3099 $3499 Sep 14 Sep 24 $2759 $3159 Oct 19 Oct 29 $2759 $3159 Nov 9 Nov 19 $2359 $2759

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by July 29, 2009. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $170.

Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee +$170

Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Single room supplement   Mar 16, Nov 9 +$475 All other departures +$675

Departure Airport: This tour departs from New York Kennedy International (JFK).

Coming from somewhere else? Ask us about availability and prices for flights from other cities.

Travel Insurance: Our comprehensive policy is available for only $99-$159 per person (depending on total trip cost) and is recommended to protect your investment.

Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided. Individual, private transfers can be arranged at a supplement in price. Taxis and other forms of transportation are also available and may cost less than private transfers. If you wish to arrange private transfers, please request this service at the time of reservation.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Waitlisting on Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000