Imperial Capitals by Rail
| Call Us | (888) 299-7515 | M-F: 7am-8pm, Sat: 8am-5:30pm, Sun: 9am-5:30pm |
| Visit Us | ||
| Request a callback | Get Started Now |
Package details include
With the train as your primary transport, navigate easily from city to city, all three of which feature UNESCO World Heritage sites. Begin in Vienna, where our suggested itinerary includes a tour of the imperial capital’s major sights. Highlights include Hofburg Palace, where beloved Empress Elisabeth once resided. You’ll also satisfy your curiosity on a visit to the gilded imperial apartments of Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ opulent summer residence.
In Budapest, take a guided tour of the city that includes the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square. Visit the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building, where the Holy Crown of Hungary is displayed. Then it’s on to Prague, the “city of a hundred spires,” where you'll soak up the legendary city’s atmosphere on a historical walking tour. Your expert guide leads you to Golden Lane, where alchemists are said to have tried to make gold, and to Prague Castle, Europe’s largest medieval castle. As your guide regales you with tales from the past, you’ll learn about the scandals and intrigues of Czech rulers and Bohemian princes.
Because 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 vacation further by pre-booking optional tours and spending fewer or more days in any location. This trip is a wonderful introduction to Eastern Europe and allows travelers plenty of time to explore each city in depth.
Price includes:
• 9 nights in 4-star hotels: 3 nights each in Vienna, Budapest and Prague
• Daily breakfast
• First-class rail transport from Vienna to Budapest and from Budapest to Prague
• Sightseeing tour in each city:
- Vienna Historical City Tour with Schonbrunn Palace Visit
- Budapest Sightseeing Tour with Parliament House Visit
- Prague Castle Walking Tour
• Comprehensive document package: Detailed itinerary, travel brochures and destination information
Note: Additional nights can be added in any city and additional sightseeing and/or private transfers are available. We recommend 4-star city center hotels but 5-star hotels can also be requested. Inquire at time of booking.
Day 1 - Arrive in Vienna, Austria
Transfer on your own into the city and to your selected hotel. In 2001, the city center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Tyrol or similar - 3 nights
Day 2 - Vienna Sightseeing
From the magnificent buildings of the Ringstrasse to the splendor of Schönbrunn Palace, you'll see all the highlights of Vienna on our suggested three-hour city tour. The tour gives you a thorough overview of Vienna's most significant historical sights, and focuses on the famous Schönbrunn Palace. See the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. The Hofburg, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth, is another highlight. The Empress is affectionately known as Sisi to the Austrians. Plus you'll see a host of other fine buildings, including the Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the University and the Votive Church. Your tour ends by the Südtiroler Platz, approximately a 10-minute walk from the city center. A complimentary transfer service is available to the State Opera House, should you wish to continue your sightseeing independently.
Day 3 - Vienna Day at Leisure
Enjoy Vienna and the surrounding areas on your own or add a sightseeing tour. Your AAA Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 4 - Vienna to Budapest, Hungary
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 ½ 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: 4-star InterContinental Zara Hotel or similar - 3 nights
Day 5 - Budapest Sightseeing
Today we suggest combining a comprehensive tour of Budapest sightseeing with a fascinating guided tour of the city's spectacular Parliament House, Hungary's largest building. Explore the magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament building, home of the Holy Hungarian Crown. Your guide will lead you through the splendid Session Room, the impressive central staircase and the wonderful Great Vaulted Hall. Along the way, you'll be entertained and informed by your guide's anecdotal and historical commentary. Your half-day tour includes entrance fees, hotel pickup and a local guide to point out all the important sights.
Day 6 - Budapest Day at Leisure
Enjoy Budapest and the surrounding areas on your own or add a sightseeing tour. Your AAA Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 7 - Budapest to Prague, Czech Republic
Take train from Budapest to Prague. The train ride takes approximately seven hours and there are direct trains. Since 1992, the extensive historic center of Prague has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Julian or similar - 3 nights
Day 8 - Prague Sightseeing
Today we suggest uncovering the secret of the magic Golden Lane, gaining insight into the Saint-George's Basilica ancestral convent, and learning about the story of the Black Tower in the renowned Prague Castle, Europe's largest medieval castle. Your expert guide will lead you the way on a guided 3 ½-hour historical walking tour that includes the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral and more.
Day 9 - Prague Day at Leisure
Enjoy Prague and the surrounding areas on your own or add a sightseeing tour. Your AAA Travel Counselor can provide a list of suggested tours in the area.
Day 10 - Depart Prague
Transfer on your own to the airport for your flight home.
Limitations & Restrictions
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Price given based on suggested itinerary for July 2013 departures; final price will depend on itinerary and dates requested, and on hotel and train availability. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuation until paid in full. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
