Glory of the Habsburgs

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday March 13: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 14: Salzburg

Arrive in Munich, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and then take a short journey to Salzburg. Get your first taste of this fairy-tale city. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 15: Salzburg

See the enchanting sights of Salzburg on a guided sightseeing tour that will highlight many of the city’s “Sound of Music” sites including the lovely, manicured gardens in front of the Mirabell Palace, the Sound of Music Churchyard and the stunning Baroque Dom Cathedral. Next, visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum on the crowded shopping street, the Getreidegasse. The afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Residenzgalerie. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 16: Salzburg

This morning don the outfit of a miner during your visit to the Hallein Salt Mines, going deep underground to learn how this simple commodity was of great importance to the region. Return to Salzburg and enjoy a trip up the Festungsbahn Funicular to explore inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which dominates the city skyline and provides outstanding views over the city. Inside you’ll see the castle courtyard, the medieval regency rooms of the prince bishops, a torture chamber and more. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 17: Budapest

Journey to the lovely city of Vienna where you will have Lunch. Then continue to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Get oriented with the city during your free evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 18: Budapest

Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Budapest, that teaches you about the amazing 1,000-year history of this city, which is split in half by the Danube River—the Buda district on one side and the Pest district on the other (hence the city's name!). See Heroes' Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the spectacular Hungarian Parliament building, then cross one of the city's beautiful bridges to take in wonderful views from the neo-Roman Fisherman's Bastion, and enjoy entrance to Matthias Church. The afternoon is free to perhaps visit the Great Market Hall or reflect on the atrocities of the fascist and communist regimes at the powerful House of Terror museum. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 19: Prague

Drive across Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, full of streams and thick forests, to Prague for time to relax. Perhaps sample bramborák (a savory Czech potato pancake) at a coffee bar in the old town as you start to become acquainted with the local culture. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 20: Prague

Left virtually untouched by World War II bombing, Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities as you'll see during your guided sightseeing tour. A local expert will show us the quaint Malá Strana (Czech for “Lesser Quarter,” named for its location at the foot of Prague’s ancient castle) and the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century. We’ll also visit the fortress-like Hradčany Castle complex, perched high above the city. Later today, participate in a Czech workshop where you learn about Prague's proud traditional of glassworks and decorate your own delicate piece of art. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 21: Prague

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore. You may wander the checkerboard, cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town to watch the street performers in the main square. Then enjoy a river cruise on the Vlatva River. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 22: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)