Trip Itinerary

Berlin to the Imperial Cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest

Join us for a customized tour of four fabulous cities in Europe: Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. These great imperial capitals welcome first-time—and repeat—visitors with a panoply of cultural and historical gems.

From the Medieval to the Baroque, Gothic to Rococco, ancient ruins to recent transformations, each of these cities has a distinct feel and atmosphere. Start in Berlin, one of Europe’s most dynamic cities and changing so fast that even if you have been there before, there’s always more to see! In addition to seeing the highlights of the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and the magnificent new Reichstag building with its high dome, we’ll take bikes to Potsdam and leisurely explore the World Heritage Center of Sans Souci, Frederick the Great’s marvelous palace, and Schloss Cecilianhof, site of the Potsdam Conference. En route to Prague we’ll stop in Dresden for lunch, with time to admire the literal renaissance of this lovely German city.

In Prague, the heart of Europe literally and metaphorically, we encounter the juxtaposition of old and new in a fascinating blend of charming and seedy, bold and withdrawn, mystical and prosaic. A country that elected a writer, Vaclav Havel, to the presidency clearly values the arts: Think of Kafka, Klima, Seifert and Kundera; Smetana and Dvorak. We’ll have time to wander through Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, visit the famed castle, and saunter across the iconic Charles Bridge, with its many Baroque sculptures lining the original Gothic structure.

Next, we drive to Vienna, renowned city of classical music but also hosting a lively cultural scene and contemporary art and architecture. Staying near the city center, we’ll have time to explore the Kunsthistoriches Museum and St. Stephens, as well as Schonbrunn Palace. Another day to explore by bicycle for those who wish, and an opportunity to enjoy a classical concert of Mozart’s music in the city which has been home to more composers than any other in the world.

From Vienna we travel through Bratislava, Slovakia, for lunch before arriving in Budapest. In Budapest we’ll have time to tour the marvelous Matthias Church and Castle District along with the Hungarian Opera House, as well as venture out of the city to Szentendre. Settled by Romans, invaded by Mongols and then Turks, and finally occupied by Serbians, Hungarians, Germans, Greeks and Romanians, exploring this now-Baroque-appearing city is a fine final day to contemplate the mix of cultures we’ve seen. Toast the end of our journey with a dinner cruise on the Danube.