Day 1
You should arrive at the airport for your flight to Prague. We then continue staying two nights with dinner at the smart four-star Hotel Clarion located on the edge of Ceske Budejovice ’s beautiful old town, in the heart of scenic Bohemia.

Day 2
After breakfast we take a short drive through some lovely countryside; dense, boar infested forests bisected by a series of mirror like lakes are alive with flocks of wildfowl and rolling meadows carpeted with colourful flowers completely surround you. Next we have a guided tour of historic Cesky Krumlov, probably the most exquisite of Czech towns with vanilla and rose-coloured houses clinging to steep lanes, winding to the foaming blue river, meandering in the gorge below. A magical view hardly changed for centuries, there is a compelling beauty here with much to see: there is the castle; the Rococo theatre complete with its original scenery; the arsenal; medieval fortifications; renaissance and gothic houses; tiny marketplaces and traditional shops with artisans busy at work. Most people are unaware of Cesky Krumlov and long may it be so, but it is astounding, with its haunting atmospheric old town, tangled tiny streets and undiscovered magical ambience.

Returning to 13th century Ceske Budejovice, or in German, Budweis is famous for its 700 year old brewing heritage and home of the original Budweiser. This is definitely not to be confused with the US brand of the same name (the subject of extensive legal conflict!) and you yourself can judge which is superior, as we sample the original, straight from the barrel during our fascinating visit of this historic brewery!

After dinner why not take the ten-minute stroll to the city’s undiscovered and stunningly attractive old town square, truly one of Central Europe’s finest, dating from medieval times.

Day 3
This morning we head south through picturesque, wooded countryside into Austria, soon descending to the legendary Danube, for a visit to Melk’s stunning monastery towering high above the valley. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this extraordinary and enormous building standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a palace it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th century, reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th, it has remained a monastic school and monastery to this day. It is famed for its astonishing gilded 200m long Emperor’s Gallery, its historic portraits of Austrian emperors, many fine rooms and a stupendous library of 80,000 priceless 17th century volumes, intricate medieval manuscripts, plus fragments of the famed Nibelungenlied manuscript immortalised by Wagner.

Just downstream we follow the Danube’s most beautiful stretch, the fabled Wachau; at its narrowest point, where the river funnels through steep, wooded and vine-clad cliffs, nestles tiny, enchantingly historic Durnstein. Stunningly beautiful and, superbly photogenic, its gorgeous sky blue basilica dominates the medieval centre, with the ruined castle above where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned whilst returning from the Crusades. Wander where your feet take you and perhaps enjoy a local speciality in a charming wine tavern before continuing through the Wienerwald hills to Vienna and two nights at the excellent centrally located, four-star Hotel Lindner.

Day 4
Ruling much of Central Europe for centuries until its demise at the end of the First World War was the vast, multinational Hapsburg Empire with its capital, Vienna. This morning we have a guided tour of this superbly civilised city which entered its golden age during the 17th century, and over the next two hundred years today’s showpiece of wonderful buildings, galleries, churches and palaces was built. First of all there is the Hofburg, the former royal court now a collection of museums, home to the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Spanish Riding School, the crown jewels and the world’s fourth largest art collection.

Then there are the Emperor’s apartments and outstanding medieval craftsmanship in the relics of the Holy Roman Empire including, allegedly, the crown of Charlemagne himself! The Ringstrasse, a collection of imposing imperial buildings, including the parliament and old law courts, remains seemingly unchanged by the passing decades. St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking multi-coloured roof has dominated the skyline since the 12th century and outside is the ideal spot to watch street entertainment: from fire-eaters to mime artists and even opera singers - not forgetting the designer shopping on the Graben and countless quieter areas too!

This afternoon you are free to explore as you wish. Explore this wonderful city’s cultural diversity, always at the crossroads of European history, take in one if its world class museums and galleries or perhaps just visit one of the city’s renowned coffee houses sampling those famous Viennese pastries.

During the evening, and for a real sense of theatmosphere of centuries past, you could visit one of the numerous classical concerts held in one of the city’s beautiful churches. Here you can listen to the sounds of the great composers such as Handel, Bach or Strauss, the memories of which will stay with you for many years.

Day 5
This morning we have a guided tour of the magnificent 18th century Schönbrunn, the Hapsburg’s summer residence and everything a palace should be: grandiose, fabulously decorated, crammed with priceless works of art, Chinese and Meissen porcelain, furniture, tapestries, lacquer-work, chandeliers and glassware. Look above and below, the intricate detail of the floors and ceilings is truly outstanding. The palace became the permanent home of Emperor Franz Josef, boasting an amazing 1441 rooms, including the parlour where a six-year-old Mozart played for Empress Maria Theresa! Outside, as you would expect, within the estate’s 435 acre plot are the equally impressive gardens, with a blend of regimented flowerbeds, fountains and sculptures.

This afternoon we take the pleasantly scenic journey through rolling hills, crossing the former Iron Curtain and you can just define where theborder once was. We soon arrive in that other great Imperial city – Prague, staying three nights at the centrally-located, four-star Jury’s Inn. The hotel is ideally located, just one mile from the medieval centre, opposite a tram and metro station allowing easy exploration.

Day 6
Often described as Europe’s most beautiful city, Prague’s unique ambience is rooted in a historic past and a vibrant present- an apparently effortless and heady combination unrivalled anywhere. Centuries of royal patronage have created this masterpiece and this morning is dedicated to an in depth guided tour of Prague’s wonderful medieval old town. Its plethora of architectural splendours includes the classic Charles Bridge with its fascinating turrets, Tyn Church, the Powder Tower, the old Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square and the magnificent11th century Staromestske Namesti – literallyone of the world’s most beautiful squares with its legendary 15th century astronomical clock and stunning buildings. This afternoon perhaps wander slowly back to your favourite spot to explore further or perhaps take a scenic cruise along the River Vltava for a different perspective on the city.

Day 7
This morning we have a guided visit of Hradcany, Prague’s spectacular Castle and Cathedral complex and the centre of political power for a thousand years. Perched on a cliff towering over the city you’ll learn about the great history of royal rulers, medieval warfare and differing religions and politics resulting in an intriguing mix of palaces, churches and fortifications covering seven hectares.

Amongst the many fascinating buildings are the Spanish Hall, with its amazing art featuring Brueghel, Dürer, Holbein, Da Vinci and Titian; Golden Lane, a delightful collection of tiny craftsmen’s houses and the Romanesque St George’s Basilica and the stupendous Cathedral with its brilliant stained glass. The view from here is simply breathtaking - the stunning panorama of historic rooftops spread out before you is quite literally, the City of a Hundred Spires. This afternoon you are free to explore as you wish; stroll down to the medieval city or relax over a well earned refreshing drink, before continuing to enjoy its many delights as you wish for the rest of the day. This evening we dine at a charming restaurant overlooking the city with an amazing panoramic view where you can reflect on the wonders of this diverse and culturally rich corner of Europe.

Day 8
Today you will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.

Bohemia - The four-star Clarion hotel is ideally situated less than a ten minute stroll from Ceske Budejovice’s charming central square and old town which are a true reflection of old Bohemia. Purpose built and fully air-conditioned, the whole property has benefitted from an extensive recent re build incorporating the most modern design styles to create an extremely comfortable hotel . The large reception and restaurant are very bright and airy featuring a convenient bar whilst the pastel coloured rooms themselves are large with fine Italian fabrics and duvets, flat-screen TV’s and marble bathrooms. The higher floors feature extensive views over the old town with the hotel being an ideal base for our series of visits.

Vienna - The excellent quality four-star Lindner is superbly located in Vienna’s centre allowing very easy independent exploration. Extremely comfortable, fully air-conditioned, modern and professionally managed in true Viennese tradition this hotel overlooks the botanical gardens giving a really relaxed atmosphere whilst the rooms themselves reflect the contemporary and tasteful theme. The two restaurants feature Austrian and international cuisine to a high standard and the bar is perfect to relax in after sightseeing. Everything about this lovely hotel is ‘just right’ – the food is good, the decor modern and tasteful, the breakfast are full and hearty with huge range, the beds are large and comfortable, the showers are powerful and invigorating, even the area is one of Vienna’s most attractive – in short, it’s ideal for our stay in this wonderful city.

Prague’s Jury’s Inn is an excellent four-star hotel and superbly located, on the edge of the medieval old city opposite a metro station making exploration very simple. Opened in 2010 its modernity and attention to detail are evident as soon as you arrive. The reception and bar are very spacious with nests of two seat settees and armchairs throughout, creating an ambience blending contemporary and tradition. The rooms are bright and spacious featuring the latest minimalist design with laminate flooring, TV, safe and minibar and of course everywhere is air-conditioned. The restaurant offers international and Czech classics and the bar is the perfect place to unwind. Just outside though, approaching the old town is such a host of bars and restaurants you are spoilt for choice. An excellent base to visit Prague both on the included tours and under your own steam.