Day 1 - Friday, Aug 29 DEPARTURE FROM HOME

Departure from home, overseas flight to Prague, Czech Republic.  Upon arrival, clear customs and make your way to our hotel.  Prior to the departure of our tour we will give you a few options on various ways to get to the hotel from the airport.  Our hotel is the lavishly quaint hotel 987, located between the modernity of the Wenceslas Square and the tradition of the historical city of Prague,

Morning arrival in Prague. You have the morning to rest from your trip.  We meet in the hotel lobby at 3pm for a guided walking tour of Old Prague  which includes the  famous Old Town square, home to the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and the largest Baroque church, St. Nicolas. We then walk through the Jewish town.  This evening we meet in the lobby for a welcome dinner celebration to get better acquainted with one another.  (D)

We continue our walking sightseeing tour of Prague with a visit to Prague  Castle which is over 1000 years old. The castle was the original seat of the Czech princes and kings and has since become a presidential residence in 1918. We visit St. Vitus’ Cathedral, as well as St. Wenceslas and St. Vojtech’s chapels. This afternoon and evening are free to further explore the city or perhaps join your new friends at a local restaurant for some Czech beer. (B)

We leave Prague and travel to Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO world  heritage site and one of the most visited towns in the Czech republic.  The city  with its medieval town and gothic castle date back to  1250. We enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the town including a visit to the castle. The afternoon is free to relax and further explore the town on your own. This evening we gather for a dinner of local fare at a historic restaurant. (B, D)

We have free time this morning to further enjoy Cesky Krumlov. Late morning we leave the beauty of the Vltava river and Cesky Krumlov behind and continue our journey to Vienna, a city well known for its elegance & glamour. This evening you may wish to join your tour members for an optional dinner at a trendy restaurant and check out Vienna’s gay nightlife.  (B)

We have a local guided orientation tour of the city, the Ringstrasse, the Vienna state opera house, Hofburg palace, the Parliament and the city hall. This afternoon is free to to enjoy Vienna to its fullest, perhaps get in some shopping, sit in a historic café with an apfel strudel and take in the Viennese atmosphere. We will organize a short optional tour to the famous Schonbrunn Palace. (B)

Today we embark on a full-day excursion to Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. We will have a locally guided tour of the old town, including a visit to the castle.  Afterwards we continue our journey to Budapest, the Paris of the East! Why not join fellow travelers on a cruise along the Danube and see Budapest lit up at it’s finest. (B)

Today we start with a guided tour of Budapest.  We visit the Parliament and Royal Castle, then off to Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. Afterwards we climb the Gellert Hill and cross the Elisabeth-Bridge. Finally we drive to Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s cathedral. The afternoon is free to either put your feet up and enjoy a well-deserved rest or perhaps check out a Hungarian landmark and unwind at a typical Hungarian spa indulging in a relaxing massage. This why not check out the local gay scene.  (B)

Today is free for you to continue to explore the wonders of Budapest or take an optional trip along to Danube bend and visit the Basilica of Esztergom. The town’s origins date back to Celtic times where Christian Hungary was founded in the year 1000. We also visit the town of Szentendre a town dating back to Roman times. The town’s colorful houses and narrow crooked streets full of shops selling the local best buys make it an ideal destination for a pleasant town stroll and bargain hunting. This evening Hermes Tours will host a farewell dinner!.(B, D)

This morning is the end of our tour.  You are free to make your return flight for any time today.  (B)