AAA Hoosier - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Explore three of Europe’s most historic cities - each renowned for its architecture, arts and culture, and each a former capital of once-mighty empires - on an independent and completely customizable vacation by rail. This trip is a wonderful introduction to Eastern Europe and allows travelers plenty of time to explore each city in depth.

With the train as your primary transport, navigate easily from city to city, all three of which feature UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Vienna, you may choose to attend an evening concert at the Schönbrunn Palace or embark on a city tour. In Budapest, see the famed Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest underground line in the world. And consider spending a day touring the Hungarian countryside or exploring the artists’ village of Szentendre. Then it’s on to Prague, the “city of a hundred spires,” where you can take a Prague Castle walking tour, see ancient sites like Hradcany Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral, and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Vltava River.

BudapestBecause you’re traveling independently, what you do and what you see at each destination are up to you. You’ll enjoy two full days in each city and can customize your holiday further by adding optional tours and choosing to stay fewer or more days in any location.

Price includes:
• 9 nights accommodations in 4-star hotels: 3 nights each in Vienna, Budapest and Prague
• Daily breakfast
• First-class rail transportation from Vienna to Budapest and from Budapest to Prague
• Comprehensive document package: Detailed itinerary, travel brochures and destination information

Note: Can be customized to add fewer or more nights in any city and additional sightseeing is also available. See below for a sampling of optional tours. Upgraded hotels can also be requested. Inquire at time of booking.
Day 1 - Arrive in Vienna, Austria
Transfer on own into the city and to your selected hotel. In 2001, the city center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Vienna hotel - 3 nights

Day 2 - Vienna
Your day is free day to spend as you wish. We suggest a Belvedere Palace visit and an evening classical concert at the Schönbrunn Palace. The heart and historical center of Vienna was once surrounded by walls as a defense from potential attackers. The walls were razed in 1857 and a broad boulevard called the Ringstrasse was built. The Ringstrasse now houses the Rathaus (town hall), the Burgtheater, the University, Parliament, the twin museums of natural history and fine art, and the Hofburg, the former imperial palace.

Day 3 - Vienna
Another free day in Vienna. We suggest a full-day city sightseeing tour, visits to art museums, etc.

Day 4 - Vienna / Budapest
Take the train from Vienna to Budapest (approx. 3-hour ride on direct train). Or, take the hydrofoil on the Danube where you can see scenic villages, castles and beautiful countryside. The ride takes approx. 5 1/2 hours and operates daily from May to September. Budapest is divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections (“Buda” and “Pest”).
Accommodation: Centrally-located Budapest hotel - 3 nights

Day 5 - Budapest
Enjoy a free day in Budapest. We suggest a Parliament and city tour. Budapest’s extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in Europe. Budapest is also home to the largest thermal water cave system, the second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Day 6 - Budapest
Another free day to explore Budapest. We suggest an excursion to the artists' village of Szentendre or a day tour in the Puszta (Hungarian countryside) which includes a typical Hungarian meal and entertainment.

Day 7 - Budapest / Prague
Take the train from Budapest to Prague. The direct train ride takes approx. 7 hours. Since 1992, the extensive historic center of Prague has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Prague hotel - 3 nights

Day 8 - Prague
Enjoy a free day in Prague. We suggest a Grand City tour that includes Prague castle and a boat cruise.

Day 9 - Prague
Another free day in Prague. We suggest an excursion to Karlstejn Castle, one of the most outstanding medieval castles in Europe, or a tour to the Pilsen Brewery and Koneprusy Caves. In the evening, we suggest a folklore evening with dinner.

Day 10 - Depart Prague
Transfer on your own to the airport for flight home.

Optional Tours in Vienna

• Vienna Heurigen Show
• Vienna Woods & Mayerling
• Vienna City Tour
• Zoo & Giant Ferris Wheel
• Museum of Natural History
• Belvedere Palace
• Schonbrunn Concert with or without Dinner
• House of Music
• Treasury & Museum of Fine Arts
• Strauss & Mozart Concert

Optional Tours in Budapest

• Half-day City Tour
• Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube
• Szentendre Artists’ Village Tour
• Hop-on/Hop-off Tour
• Parliament and City Tour

Optional Tours in Prague
• Beer Walk with or without Dinner
• Discover Prague Walking Tour
• Vltava River Cruise with Dinner
• Franz Kafka’s Prague & Charles Bridge Walking Tour
• Ghostly Prague Walking Tour
• Prague Castle Walking Tour
• Bohemian Glass Factory
• Staropramen Brewery Walking Tour
• Cesky Krumlov & Ceske Budejovice Day Tour
• Evening Prague Walking Tour
• Folklore Party with Dinner
• Grand City Tour: Prague Castle & Boat Cruise or Prague Castle & Charles Bridge
• Jewish Quarter & Old Town Walking Tour
• Kutna Hora Half-day Tour
• Terezin Memorial Half-day Tour
• Vltava River Cruise with or without Lunch