Germany - Austria - Hungary - Slovakia In the Footsteps of the Habsburgs

Tour start date(s):	17-06-2025
Duration:	10 Days / 9 Nights
Location:	Munich (arrival, 3 nights) - Salzburg (1 night) - Graz (1 night) - Budapest (2 nights) - Vienna (2 nights, departure)
Price (including tax):	DBL $2530 USD; SNGL $3220 USD / Flights not included

Route: Munich (arrival, 3 nights) - Salzburg (1 night) - Graz (1 night) - Budapest (2 nights) - Vienna (2 nights, departure)

4 countries, 3 capitals, 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Habsburgs – one of the oldest and most powerful dynasties in Europe. They ruled half of Europe, were emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, rulers of Austria-Hungary, and kings of Spain and Portugal.

We begin our journey in Munich. The city was under the rule of the Habsburgs during their reign in the Holy Roman Empire, but later became a point of conflict between Austria-Hungary and Prussia. Next, we will travel to Salzburg, where Mozart was born, visit Graz, Bratislava, and of course, the magnificent "imperial" cities of Budapest and Vienna.

17.06.25 Munich
Arrival in Munich. Transfers to the hotel for any flights of any airlines.

In the evening: meeting with the guide, transfer from the hotel to the city center. Walking tour of Munich (approx. 2 hours). During the tour, you will see the Karlstor Gate (one of the three surviving medieval city gates), the Munich Cathedral Frauenkirche, the New and Old Town Halls, the churches of St. Michael and St. Peter (the oldest Catholic parish in Munich, with the tower referred to by locals as "Old Peter"), the Bavarian National Opera, and visit the squares Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz, the Hofbräuhaus - the famous "court brewery," learning about the history of the capital of Bavaria and the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled these lands for 7 centuries. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Munich.

18.06.25 Munich
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus and walking city tour of Munich (4 hours).

On the bus tour, you will see Viktualienmarkt, Deutsches Museum (the largest museum of natural science and technology in the world), the Bavarian National Museum, the Gasteig cultural complex (home of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra), the Maximilianeum (building of the Bavarian parliament), the Isar Gates, the Wittelsbach Bridge, the bronze statue "Angel of Peace" in Bogenhausen, Theresienwiese (site of the famous Oktoberfest), and the symbol of Bavaria - the statue of Bavaria.

Free time for lunch.

Visit Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque palace and park ensemble of Bavarian rulers, listed as a historical and cultural monument. Overnight in Munich.

19.06.25 Munich
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the Bavarian Alps. In the Bavarian Alps, near the Austrian border, stands the fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Neuschwanstein Castle was built on the ruins of two old fortresses. King Ludwig II reportedly ordered the destruction of rocks and the lowering of a plateau by eight meters to free space for the construction of this "fairy-tale" palace. The castle’s design was approved personally by the king, which led many to believe it was his personal creation. The castle includes a knight’s hall, a massive 90-meter tower with a church, a walking park with terraces and a fountain. Its decoration is inspired by illustrations of Wagnerian operas and ancient legends. The swan motif runs throughout the castle’s architecture.

Neuschwanstein later became the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.

Visit the Ettal Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery known for its healing herbal liqueurs and tasty beer brewed according to a recipe kept secret since the 14th century. Return to Munich. Overnight in Munich.

20.06.25 Munich-Salzburg
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and transfer to Salzburg (144 km, 1 hr 50 min).

Walking tour of the Old Town of Salzburg (2.5-3 hours). The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the tour, you will see Mirabell Palace and Gardens, the house where Mozart's family lived, St. Trinity Church, the house of the great physicist C. Doppler, the house where conductor Herbert von Karajan was born, the birthplace of W.A. Mozart, the University Church, the first university building, the world-famous Festival Hall, the St. Peter's Monastery (founded in 582 AD), an early Christian cemetery and catacombs (2nd-4th centuries AD), the largest castle in Europe - Hohensalzburg, Cathedral Square, and the Salzburg Cathedral. You’ll also explore Residenzplatz with two archbishops' residences, the Old Market Square, and take a stroll along the Salzach river. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Salzburg.

21.06.25 Salzburg-Hallstatt-Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and transfer to Hallstatt (80 km, 1 hr 20 min), a charming village on the lake. Its main attractions include a 12th-century Catholic Church, the town square, and the Evangelical Church.

Next, transfer to Vienna (290 km, 3 hr 30 min). Check-in at the hotel, free time. Overnight in Vienna

22.06.25 Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus and walking tour of Vienna, including a visit to the Vienna Opera House: we will drive along the Ringstrasse, passing the Vienna Opera, Parliament, City Hall, and other 19th-century architectural landmarks. At the Belvedere Palace, we will step into the Baroque era. At the Danube Canal, we will stop at one of the most original residential buildings in Europe, designed by architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. From here, we head to Prater Park, Vienna’s favorite amusement park and leisure area.

In the afternoon: free time for individual visits to museums, shopping, etc. Overnight in Vienna.

23.06.25 Vienna-Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, one of the largest examples of Austrian Baroque. Transfer to Budapest (250 km, 3 hr). Check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Budapest.

24.06.25 Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus and walking tour of Budapest, including Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy Avenue, Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church. You will climb Gellért Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Danube. The tour ends in Pest’s pedestrian zone.

In the afternoon: a walking tour of the historic center of Pest (2 hours). Overnight in Budapest.

25.06.25 Budapest-Bratislava-Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Budapest.

Check-out and transfer to Bratislava (201 km, 2 hr 20 min). Guided city tour of Bratislava, including the picturesque historical center, Bratislava Castle, the New Bridge, Fisherman's Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Old Town Hall.

Transfer to Vienna (79 km, 1 hr). Check-in at the hotel near Vienna airport. Overnight near Vienna Airport.

26.06.25 Vienna Airport
Departure from Vienna by any flight with any airline. The hotel is within walking distance of the terminal (200 m).

Accommodation on the route:

• 17-20.06.25 / Munich / Leonardo Hotel & Residenz Munich 4*
• 20-21.06.25 / Salzburg / Hotel Hubertushof 4*
• 21-23.06.25 / Vienna / NH Wien Belvedere 4*
• 23-25.06.25 / Budapest / Lion’s Garden Hotel 4*
• 25-26.06.25 / Vienna Airport / Moxy Vienna Airport 3+*

Tour price includes:

• Accommodation in specified hotels with breakfast.
• Modern coach for the entire route.
• All excursions in Russian according to the program.
• Airport-hotel transfers on arrival for any flights.
• Headsets for the entire route.
• Entrance tickets: Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg Residence, Vienna Opera House, Schönbrunn Palace.

Tour price does not include:

• Tips for the driver and guide.