For decades, the wonderful cities of Central Europe were often overlooked in favor of more traditional favorites like Rome and Paris. While those destinations are certainly spectacular, visitors who’ve made their way to the gems of Central Europe will tell you that these often less-crowded cities are equally as magnificent. Our 10-day tour highlights three marvelous Central Europe destinations – Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – all offering not only wonderful sights but also excellent accommodations, delicious cuisine, and much more.

Budapest, Hungary, home to some 1.7 million residents, is split down its center by the Danube River, with Pest on the east and Buda on the west bank. Once an important center of the Renaissance, parts of the city have earned UNESCO World Heritage site status, recognized for their beauty and historical value. A private sightseeing tour will take you to such picturesque spots as the acclaimed Buda Castle District, Matthias Church, and Gellért Hill, where guests can enjoy an amazing view of the city. In Pest, you can view the largest synagogue in Europe, the beautiful City Park, and the Central Market Hall with its three stories of stalls offering everything from food and flowers to local crafts. You’ll also pass the Opera House, Heroes Square, and the magnificent neo-Gothic House of Parliament as well as many other notable sights.

After an exciting visit to Budapest, you’ll board a train and head to vibrant Vienna, Austria, a city known for its rich musical heritage as well as for its stunning architecture and excellent culinary scene. During a private sightseeing tour you’ll be treated to the sights of the city, including the Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera House, the Belvedere Palace, St. Stephan’s Cathedral, and more. In addition, you’ll enjoy free time to explore, a perfect opportunity for visits to musical gems such as the homes of Beethoven or Haydn or the Mozart Memorial. You’ll also have ample time to explore some the city’s great museums including the Museum of Fine Arts, Lichtenstein Museum, Leopold Museum, and the Haus der Musik. Be sure to save time for shopping – the jewelry is especially exquisite – and to browse through the Naschmarkt, where visitors can purchase creamy Austrian cheeses, decadent pastries and desserts, and wares from local artisans, like porcelain or other artworks.

After a wonderful stay in Vienna, make your way to the jewel of the Czech Republic…beautiful Prague. Travel by train to this lovely city, where you’ll be treated to a sightseeing tour by a local guide and plenty of time to explore on your own. Though Prague has certainly seen its share of turmoil, you’ll nonetheless marvel at the sights in this so-called “City of a Thousand Spires.” You’ll find that Prague is a cacophony of architectural masterpieces, with building styles ranging from Baroque or Art Deco. But it’s also much more. There are many magnificent places of worship, first-class museums like the National Gallery, beautiful parks and gardens, and – of course – amazing Prague Castle featuring the beautiful Romanesque-style St. George’s Basilica and many other structures. It’s a city that’s sure to beckon you to return.