Compare Taste of Eastern Europe by Expat Explore vs Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1: Munich

Welcome to Munich! The first day of the tour is our arrivals day. Meet your fellow travellers, and, depending on what time you arrive, head into Munich and see the sights ahead of the start of your tour. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, you’ll find a wealth of cultural hotspots in Munich. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Tonight, we’ll take you to a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German culture. Prost!

Experiences
Munich orientation tour: your tour leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.
German Beer Hall: tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional beerhall. Dishes include typical German favourites, such as a sausages with sauerkraut, chicken with potato salad, and potato dumplings with sauerkraut (vegetarian option).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

Today, we're off to Innsbruck, stopping first at the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. With turrets soaring high above the surrounding woodland, this is a castle that will bring all those familiar fairy tales to mind. We'll take a tour, allowing you to get up close and personal to this outstanding European landmark. Following that, we'll head to Oberammergau for a comfort stop. This town is famous for its passion play, which is re-enacted every 10 years in commemoration of the vow made by the town's citizens in 1634. Next, we'll make our way to Innsbruck in nearby Austria. This is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. It's not everywhere that offers extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps), fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions, too. Once we arrive in the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore this fascinating Austrian city.

Experiences
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and embark on a tour of the castle interior. 
Comfort stop in the German town of Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play.
Explore the fascinating Austrian city of Innsbruck.
Optional Excursions
Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
AlpinPark Hotel Innsbruck
Other Foods to try
Wiener Schnitzel, beef soup and Apfelstrudel.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Salzburg - Vienna

From Innsbruck, we head for the grandeur of Vienna, stopping on the way for a comfort stop in Salzburg. On arrival in Vienna, we’ll take a driving tour of the city – which ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and artworks by masters like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, cheerful, bustling pubs and bars, and a host of clubs and music venues in which to dance the night away.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
Enjoy a guided tour of Vienna.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Fourside Hotel Vienna City Center
Courtyard by Marriott Wien Schoenbrunn
Other Foods to try
Schnitzel - a boneless meat, thinned with a meat tenderizer, coated with flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs, and then fried. Similar to the French dish escalope, it is typically made from chicken, beef, turkey or pork.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Budapest

Today, we’re off to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty (it straddles the Danube River) as well as baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, this is a city to behold. Get a good overview of it all with our Budapest driving tour when you arrive. Starting on the Pest side of the Danube, head across the river and stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please.

Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: we meet the local guide who takes you on a driving tour of this fabulous city pointing out places of interest and imparting their local knowledge and history. You will experience amazing views from Gellert Hill and the Citadel, drive through the city to include a stop at Heroes Square, see Budapest Parliament, St Stephen Basilica, the State opera, Castle District and then drive along Andrassy Avenue crossing the river to stop at Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion area.
Optional Excursions
Danube Evening Cruise €18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Budapest City
Ibis Budapest Centrum
Other Foods to try
Hungarian Goulash - a soup or stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and other spices
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Bratislava - Prague

Today, we're off to Prague, stopping on the way in Bratislava for a comfort stop. On arrival in Prague, we’ll take a walking tour of this incredible city, which, since freeing itself from communism, has joined other European jewels like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to take its place as one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Famous for its art, architecture, cobbled lanes and ancient chapels, this is also home to some of Europe’s finest beer. For dinner, experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Bratislava: Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on a orientation tour of the city where you will see the Old Town, Primatial Palace, Michael’s Gate, the Main Square, Old Town Hall, Slovak National Theatre and Reduta.
Local walking tour of Prague: enjoy a local guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower), Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague, the history of this restaurant dates back hundreds of years, and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech Beer. Budweiser anyone?

Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Other Foods to try
Tonight you can try svíčková na smetaně - a typical Czech dish consisting of beef sirloin in a cream sauce, commonly served with dumplings, cream and cranberries.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Prague - Free day

The day is yours to treat yourself to the fairy tale magic of Prague - often aptly described as the "Jewel in the Crown" of central Europe, and maybe revisit some of the places you saw on yesterday’s walking tour. The majestic Prague Castle, the famous Charles Bridge (you need to also see the views from the bridge at night - simply stunning), the old town and the Jewish Quarter are all worth seeing. There is also a ‘Secret Garden’ that leads to a man-made grotto - see if you can find it! Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. There are numerous beer halls in which to sample a local brew, and for those who wish to put your stamp on the city, why not visit legendary Lennon wall - a tribute to John Lennon and words of peace, which is added to on a daily basis by the thousands of visitors to the city. Did we mention ‘fairy tale’ city earlier? Maybe it is worth noting that Prague is the home of the "green fairy”, which is better known as absinthe.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Charles Bridge Towers Daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 90, Children CZK 25
Prague Castle Daily 09:00-4:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 250, Children CZK 125
St. Vitus Cathedral Feb-Mar: Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00 | Sun: 12:00-16:00 / Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00 | Sun: 12:00-17:00 Free
Old Jewish Cemetery - Jerusalem Synagogue - Jewish Museum Daily Sun-Sat 9:00 am - 9:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 480, Children (6-15 yrs) CZK 320
Museum of Communism Daily 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (All year) Adults CZK 180, Children (under 10) Free with paying adult
Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower) Nov-Feb: 10:00-18:00 | Mar & Oct: 10:00-20:00 | Apr-Sep: 10:00-22:00 Kč 100
The Dancing Building
Wenceslas Square Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 150
Optional Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening €35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 7: Nuremberg - Munich

On our way back to Munich, we'll stop at Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city. Famous for its dark beer and frenetic energy, you'll have a chance to look around before we make our way to Dachau Concentration Camp. In operation from 1933 to 1945, Dachau was a Nazi concentration camp that was responsible for the imprisonment of around 200 000 people. We'll gain more of an understanding of this dark side of German history, and then finally make our way back to Munich. Tonight is your last night on tour, so be sure to make the most of it!

Experiences
Comfort stop in Nuremberg: see the medieval castle and get a chance to explore the old town.
Visit to Dachau: opened in 1933 by Heinrich Himmler,  Dachau was the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany and was originally intended to hold political prisoners.  Situated near the medieval town of Dachau , about 16 km from Munich, this is a fascinating insight into the conditions and brutal treatment and imprisonment of Jews, ordinary German and Austrian criminals, and eventually foreign nationals from countries which Germany occupied or invaded. It was finally liberated in 1945. 

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Currywurst - German sausage covered in a mixture of ketchup, Worcester sauce, and curry powder.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: End of tour

Today, our tour ends after breakfast. Be sure to share details with your fellow travellers, so that you can stay in touch! We hope you've enjoyed the tour!

Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Munich after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 8 incredible days exploring the very best of Eastern Europe!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Please note:

If you are arriving in Budapest a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $105 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Budapest

Upon arrival in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Ferenc Liszt International airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Budapest, the city of bridges and thermal baths. Known by its youthful atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Budapest is with good reason nicknamed “Paris of the East”. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. Overnight.

Day 2 / Leisure day: Budapest Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will set off on a tour (walking and driving) around Budapest. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture, it is nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’. Thanks to their cultural and architectural significance, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Budapest sightseeing tour will show you all the major landmarks of the city: Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, the Castle District with Matiass Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion with the beautiful panoramic views, Gellért Hill (Citadel) with the most spectacular view of Budapest, Elisabeth Bridge, the Central Market Hall, the largest synagogue in Europe, the City Park, Heroes’ Square with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes, the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building and many others.

Optional excursion in Budapest :

Danube Cruise: Experience the beautiful sights of Budapest from a different perspective, during a 1.5 hour cruise along the Danube River. On board you can enjoy a welcome drink and one glass of wine, with the option of a traditional Hungarian buffet dinner.

Day 3: Budapest – Vienna

Breakfast. Drive to Vienna with expected arrival around noon.

Visiting Vienna is an architectural dream! You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The sightseeing tour starts with buildings and attractions within Ringstrasse, which are excellent examples of 16th and 17th century architecture. After passing the old university, your attention will be caught by Vienna City Hall, a building in the neo-Gothic style. The Parliament building, Burgtheater, Naturhistorisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Hofburg Imperial Palace all give you the impression that you are travelling through history. Walking along the main pedestrian street, you will see the newer and renovated part of Vienna, before you reach Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important Gothic structure in Austria. Continuing along the street from Stephenplatz, right after Hotel Sacher and the famous Albertina museum, you will stumble upon the impressive Vienna State Opera, considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world and the home of the famous Vienna Opera Ball.

In the afternoon and evening, use your free time to explore the city further, or visit some of its great museums, or try the famous Wiener Schnitzel and other local specialties in one of the many traditional restaurants.

Day 4: Schönbrunn Palace – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast. For visiting royal city of Vienna one day is not enough! Start your second day in Vienna with a visit to the astonishing Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in all of Austria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the palace and its gardens spans over 300 years and reflects the changing tastes and aspirations of Austria’s monarchy. While you are visiting the former imperial summer residence, you can feel how the imperial family once lived. At the end of the tour, you will have time to take a stroll through the palace labyrinth gardens or to enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.

In the afternoon, Bratislava is waiting for you. Start the tour with a visit to the most important and historical sights of the city, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea – the modern city centre, the National Theatre, the Art Nouveau church and others. The tour will stop at Bratislava Castle for you to take pictures, as well as at the Slavín memorial monument, which not only highlights the tragedy of war but also offers fantastic views.

Drive to Prague. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5 / Leisure day: Prague Sightseeing

Breakfast. Prague – a European city of culture, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Towers – is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold towers and church domes, situated on the river Vltava. It has the best preserved medieval town centre in Europe and all the attributes of one of the most modern European cities. Start your sightseeing at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the most popular attraction and officially the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries. Listen to interesting stories and walk around Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of Saint George and other historical gems inside the walls. Before heading down to the old city, you will stop at two viewpoints with amazing views over Prague. Below the castle, cross the amazing Charles Bridge and feel like you are in a medieval storybook. Wander through the small, charming streets of the old town until you arrive at Old Town Square, the location of the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest clocks in the world and a symbol of Prague.

Optional excursion in Prague:

Vltava Cruise with dinner: Sip a glass of Moravian plum brandy, sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Prague’s illuminated attractions. On the leisurely 3 hour cruise, feel the magic of Prague by night and taste different Czech specialties from the delicious buffet.

Day 6: Prague – Regensburg – Munich

Breakfast. Drive to Regensburg, one of the top 10 sights and travel attractions in Germany. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testimony of the city’s status as the cultural centre of southern Germany in the middle Ages. The old stone bridge over the Danube, the cathedral and Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of Saint John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, Heuport house and the historic Adler Pharmacy are Regensburg’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The evening is reserved for Munich, famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Germany’s unofficial southern capital, proud of its pretzels, BMW and football club Bayern Munich, is considered the most liveable city in Germany. Walking around the centre of the city, you will see some world-class sights and typical Munich architecture with alpine influence. Sights on your tour include the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colourful outdoor stalls and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 7: Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Villach

Breakfast. Continue your journey with a visit to Salzburg, a cultural hub of Austria, famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque old town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best preserved city centres in the German-speaking world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing walk with your guide, listen to unheard stories and see the Mirabell Gardens, Mozarteum – a music academy, the Marionette and Regional Theatres, Markart Square, Blasius Church, Mozart’s Square… and many more! Make the most of your time in the city by taking a walk along the Salzach River or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, and don’t forget to try the popular Mozartkugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan balls inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart.

The next stop in Austria will be the breathtaking village of Hallstatt. With pastel-coloured houses that cast shimmering reflections onto the glassy waters of the lake and with towering mountains on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty alone would be enough to guarantee it fame. Boats chug tranquilly across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian village of Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, this beautiful village is easily accessible and willing to show its main attractions: the Kalvarienberg Church, Market Square, numerous archaeological artefacts, Hallstatt Museum, The Charnel House in Michael’s Chapel with 1200 skulls, among others.

The small Austrian tour will be finished with an evening visit to Villach, the second largest Austrian city, well known for its legendary carnival. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, close to one of the crossroads of central Europe, the city attracts many visitors. In this so-called walker’s paradise, you will see Villach Main Square with Trinity Column, Holy Cross Church, the Parish Church of Saint Jacob and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 8: Villach – Bled – Ljubljana

Breakfast. Start the Slovenian daily tour with a visit to Bled. This alpine lake with its beautiful island (the most photographed sight in Slovenia) has been a world renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, wealth of legend and reported special powers believed to help restore wellbeing. You will get to try the famous Bled cream cake and rest your soul looking at the picture-postcard in front of you – emerald green mountain lake that is decorated with island and a church in the center of it, and the medieval castle on a top of the rocky cliff, which reflects in the lake in order to complete this lifelong memory.

Proceed to Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take a lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

Check-in at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.

Please note:

If you are departing from Ljubljana a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $100 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.