Women's Tour of The Gems of Central Europe, Budapest, Bratislava, Prague

An enchanting journey through Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic. Visit the magnificent cities of Budapest, Bratislava, and Prague, the gems in the crown of Central Europe. Explore their back roads with ancient villages, vineyards, medieval and Renaissance architecture, romantic rivers, spectacular scenery, and unexpected grandeur. Travel through the history and culture along this ancient route. A unique way to experience these Gems of Central Europe.

Memorial of the Russian Army.  Next visit Vorosmarty Square with the traditional Gerbeaud Cafe, continue to the pedestrian Vaci Street which takes us to the historical Market Hall.
A delicious treat awaits you at the Market Hall, a fun cooking class featuring classic Hungarian dishes.  This is followed by lunch where you can enjoy your cooking success in the Fakanal Restaurant.  The Market Hall itself offers lots of stalls with all types of foods and local specialty items from sausage to sweets, to traditional Hungarian clothing to arts and crafts, many handmade.
The afternoon's sightseeing will take you to Budapest's elegant  Andrassy Avenue with several monuments, like the beautiful Opera House, and St. Steven Basilica [inside visit].  The magnificent Heroes Square is bordered by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts Hall.  The focal point of the square is the Millennium Monument built for the 1896 celebration of 1000 years since ancestors settled in the Carpathian Basin.  A 188 ft. Corinthian column with Archangel Gabriel on top holding St. Stephen's Crown dominates the square. It is flanked by grand statues of chieftains of the Hungarian tribes who settled here.  It is an inspiring sight. Visit the Municipal Park with the Vajdahunyad Castle.  Welcome dinner in the Venhajo Restaurant at the foot of the Chain Bridge with the stunning panorama of Budapest.
Overnight in Budapest B L D

Day 3 -   ~ Buda Side Of Budapest
This morning explore the Buda side on a sightseeing tour that includes the Royal Castle, and Fishermen's Bastion,  sitting high above the river with its fascinating turrets offering magnificent views to the Pest side of the river.  View the imposing      1015 AD Romanesque style Matthias Church with its roof of multicolored tiles. These buildings sit on what is called Castle Hill.  Continue to the Gellert Hill, with the Citadel sitting at the top and the towering Liberation Monument visible from throughout the city.  The views of all the Danube bridges, the immense Parliament building, and the Royal Palace are all spectacular. Further down Gellert Hill is the famous Gellert Thermal Spa. 
The afternoon is at your leisure with many options, try the warm waters of the spa, do more exploring of Budapest, or do some shopping.  There is also an optional evening cruise on the Danube to enjoy all the famous buildings glowing in the darkness.
Overnight in Budapest    B

Day 4 -   ~ Budapest - Danube Bend - Bratislava - Bruno           
This morning say good bye to Budapest as you begin the trip to the Czech Republic, much of the time following the beautiful Danube and the Vltava rivers, admiring many interesting sights on the way.  You will love a stop at Szentendre, a picturesque village on the Danube, known for its many art galleries and fun shopping.  Next stop is Visegrad, a most romantic castle and former seat of Hungarian kings.  From the hill you will have beautiful views of the magnificent Danube.
Visit Esztergom, the ancient capital city of Hungary from the 10th to mid-13th century, at that time the center of Hungary's political and economic life.  The Basilica's huge dome is the symbol of Esztergom. Visit the ancient church, the largest in Hungary, with views of the Slovakian countryside across the river.  We leave Hungary here for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Stroll through the Old Town of Bratislava with a local guide, sharing the notable historical sights of the Opera House, the Reduta, seat of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the charming squares and narrow lanes, and the St. Michael Gate, preserved from medieval fortifications of 1300 AD.  Continue walking to the first Univeristy, St. Martin's Gothic Cathedral [coronation site 1500-1800's], Primatial Palace former seat of the Archbishop,and the Old Town Hall.  Late afternoon continue to Brno, second largest town in the Czech Republic. 
Overnight in Brno    B                            More on Visegrad Castle

Day 5 -  - Brno - Moravian Karst  
Enjoy a guided walking  tour of downtown Brno including St. James & St. Thomas Churches, Freedom Square, Klein's Palace, House of Lord of Lipa, and the Old Town Hall. Visit the Cabbage Market with its baroque fountain, the Holy Trinity Column, St. Peter & Paul Cathedral and Denis Park.  A special visit to the "Villa Tugendhat",one of the most influential houses of the 20th century built by Mies van der Rohe in 1930, and now acclaimed by UNESCO. 

This afternoon you are in for a visual treat as we drive to the Moravian Karst, a natural wonder of Karstified Devonian calcite both above and below ground where we will visit the Punkva Caves and boat ride on the underground river.
Overnight in Brno   B


Day 6 -   - Brno - South Moravia - Wine Country
Today we will be exploring the wine region of South Moravia.  In Mikulov, a small historical town, visit the Castle Wine Cellars with the biggest wine barrel in Europe.  Continue to Lednice, the summer residence of the famous Liechtenstein family and listed in USESCO's World Heritage Sites. In its park like setting, visit the Castle and historical green house with its tropical plants. 
Lunch on your own in Valtice, former winter seat of the Liechtenstein family. Then on to Cejkovice, a small wine village located in the middle of luscious vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting in the Cooperative Wine Cellars founded in the 11th century by the French Templars Order.  Dinner in the Wine Restaurant at Templars, drinks included. 
Overnight Brno   B D

Day 7 -  - Brno - Telc - Trebon - Cesky Krumlov
This morning's drive is to South Bohemia. On the way we will stop in Telc, a picturesque city with Renaissance architecture.  The beautiful main square is surrounded by arcaded houses - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Renaissance castle of Telc.

Our next stop is Trebon, established around the middle of the 12th century.  It is a historical spa town in a protected area with lakes, deep woods and meadows.  Visit the Regional Museum in the Castle of Trebon. 
Late this afternoon arrive in medieval Cesky Krumlov, a real pearl of Southern Bohemia.  
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov   B 




Day 8 -  - Cesky Krumlov - Vyssi Brod
Stroll through the completely preserved 16th century Renaissance  town of Cesky Krumlov, whose old town was added to the UNESCO list of protected cultural monuments.  Visit the second largest castle  of the country (after the Prague Castle) and its restored baroque gardens. The garden holds an extensive bridge over a deep gap in the rock upon which the castle is built.

After lunch drive along the river Vltava to Vyssi Brod to visit the Cistercian Monastery and its unique library with its large collection  of bibles. 

The former medieval jail "Satlava" is the site of our special dinner this evening.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov   B  D 



 Day 9 -   - Cesky Krumlov - Ceske Budejovice - Hluboka - Prague
This morning we depart Southern Bohemia for Prague with some interesting stops along the way.  First is the capital of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, and home of the famous Budweiser Beer.  Visit the brewery for some beer tasting.  Then visit the historical center with the largest main square of the country, surrounded by beautiful arcaded houses.Then on to the village of Hluboka dominated by the castle of the Schwarzenberg family .  Visit the castle Hluboka and its beautiful park, then continue on to Prague.
Overnight in Prague  B


Day 10 -   - Prague
A professional local guide will lead us on a historic walking tour of fascinating Prague. Start at Venceslas Square, them on to the pedestrian street of Prikopy and the Powder Tower and the Municipal house, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau Style. On Celetna street discover the Black Madonna, in 1911 one of the first examples of cubist architecture in Prague.  Pass the Estate Theatre where Amadeus Mozart gave his premiere of the opera Don Giovanni, and nearby the historical building of the Charles University. Arrive at the Old Town Square with the famous astronomical clock. Enter the representative halls of the City Hall and the chapel where you can admire the 12 apostles from the interior of the astronomical clock.
This afternoon visit the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe.  End the tour with a stop for coffee or tea with a desert at the Cafe of the Municipal House.
Overnight in Prague   B  Coffee/tea/desert


Day 11 -   - Prague
Today we will visit the Castle Quarter sitting on a hill in Prague.  First visit the Strahov Monastery founded in the 12th century with the largest monastic library in the country.  Next visit the imposing Prague Castle whose history stretches back to the 9th century (870 AD).  Inside the grounds visit the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, tiny little houses of bright colors, and the beautiful Castle gardens.  The historical Neruda Street filled with shops and restaurants is the site for lunch on your own.  This afternoon visit the Lesser Town and the Church of Our Lady Victorious housing the famous Prague Child Jesus (Bambino di Praga). Continue on to our hotel via the renown Charles Bridge lined with 30 statues.  The Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in the city, built in the 14th & 15th centuries, spanning the Vltava River.  
This evening you will be treated to a Farewell Dinner Cruise on the Vltava River where you can enjoy the lights of the city. 
Overnight in Prague  B Farewell Dinner


Day 12 -   - Departure
Today bid farewell to your tour companions and the fascinating Central European countries you have enjoyed.  
Transfer to the International Prague Airport.

Or - You may wish to extend your stay in Prague, visit Vienna or visit other European countries.  We will be happy to accommodate your further travel wishes.

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