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, Wednesday July 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday July 22: 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, Friday July 23: 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 Hohensalzburg Fortress, located 400 feet above the city center, or the collection at the Residenzgalerie. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday July 24: Vienna

Journey east to picturesque St. Gilgen, known for some of the finest chocolate making in the world. You’ll learn to make your own Mozartkugel (a small chocolate ball filled with pistachio paste) and receive a diploma for your confectionery achievements. Continue to Vienna and begin to explore this city known for its rich musical heritage—Beethoven, Strauss and Haydn are some of the composers who have drawn on its quaint streets, lively squares and Baroque façades for inspiration. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday July 25: Vienna

On our morning sightseeing tour of Vienna, an expert local guide shows you the glory of the former Imperial capital including the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace complex, Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Then enjoy time to explore more of Vienna at your own pace, perhaps by checking out the Belvedere Museum, delighting in the uniquely colorful architecture of Hundertwasserhaus or savoring some mélange coffee and Sachertorte at one of the many glittering cafés.(B,D)

Day 6, Monday July 26: Budapest

This morning journey through rich orchards and vineyards to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Get oriented with a Danube cruise through the city, regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday July 27: 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 the famous Chain Bridge 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 8, Wednesday July 28: 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. Later you may choose an optional Czech glass gallery visit and workshop where you learn about Prague's proud traditional of glassworks and decorate your own delicate piece of art. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday July 29: 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. Your afternoon is free to perhaps explore the Prague Ghetto, which contains Europe's oldest Jewish cemetery. This evening, we'll wander the checkerboard, cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town to watch the street performers in the main square. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday July 30: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Discover the wonders of Bavaria on a two-night extension to Munich, including sightseeing. (B)