This City Getaway tour combines three absolutely spectacular Central European countries - each one with its own unique vibe! The laid back atmosphere of Bratislava is a perfect place to sit back, sip a coffee, enjoy the architecture and watch the world go by. Budapest is much more energetic and will keep you moving the whole time you're there! To say that Prague is jaw-dropping is not an exageration as you will soon see as you meander through its medieval streets.  

Most people are blown away when they see Prague for the first time - we sure were! It's an unforgettable experience and an unforgettable city. Gothic spires and incredible Renaissance, baroque, neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and (Prague's own) cubist architecture await you at every turn. Get your walking shoes ready because this city will make you want to get out and explore every inch of it!

Just wandering through Prague's maze of streets and admiring the architecture is enough to make a visit to Maticka Praha (Little Mother Prague) worthwhile. But we can't just leave it at that…

We'll start our day by crossing the Charles Bridge over the Vltava River from Stare Mesto (Old Town) to Mala Strana (Little Quarter) to see the spectacular baroque church of St. Nicholas which houses the largest ceiling fresco in Europe!

Next we're on to Prague's star attraction, Prazsky hrad, or Prague Castle. Prague Castle is in the Guinness World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world and covers an area larger than seven football fields!

After a hearty Czech lunch, why not make our way up Petrin hill for some outstanding views of the city on the funicular railway. Or maybe a museum would be more your style. How about the Prague city museum or the museum of communism? As night comes the city takes on a different character. Opportunities abound for strolling around and imbibing the atmosphere!

Our second day will be spent in the narrow bustling streets of the Old Town and will begin with a tour of the Municipal House. After that we're on to the Old Town Square, one of the largest in Europe and home to the fascinating Astronomical clock, Tyn church, Old Town Hall, and several towers that provide wonderful views of the surrounding spider web of streets!

Another hearty Czech lunch will be necessary for the energy we'll need to visit Wenceslas Square and Nove Mesto (New Town) - which was only new way back in 1348 when it was founded - and Josefov, Prague's former Jewish ghetto. Josefov, with its synagogues, Jewish museum, and Jewish cemetery, was left intact by the Nazis who intended to use it as a “museum of an extinct race.” Fortunately, things didn't work out the way they planned and they inadvertently left it for us! In the evening why not take in a bit of classical music to top off your visit to the “Queen of Music?”

Prague's fascinating astronomical clock!

With so much to see and do in the “City of a Thousand Spires” your three days will fly by! However, the impression that Prague makes will last a lifetime!

The parliament building on the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary!

Day four will start in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Many westerners are unaware of what a spectacular city Budapest is but the secret is out in Europe and Budapest has become a hot destination! You will soon see why as you view the city and the awe-inspiring Parliament building from Castle Hill on the Buda side of the Danube on day one. The views from the castle heights and Gellert Hill are breathtaking!

Today we will visit all the sites in Buda: the Citadella, Cave Chapel, the funicular railway, Mathias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion and the Royal Palace before crossing the mighty Danube on the Lanchid or Chain Bridge! Sound like a full day? It is! After day one you will be thinking, "what more could there be to see in Budapest?"

Day two in Budapest will clarify any questions you may have as we take a fascinating tour of the striking Parliament building, visit Szent Istvan Bazilika (St. Stephen's Basilica) including a climb to the top for wonderful views of the city (again!), stroll the promenade and do some shopping on Vaci Utca all the while passing through several beautiful squares including Heroes' Square!

But the attractions in Budapest don't stop there! Budapest is also home to many fine museums which can be visited...if you still have the energy! In the evening why not take in an opera or soak away your aches and pains in one of Budapest's famous thermal water baths, a true Budapest experience!

Hungarian cuisine is unique and varied. Breads and soups abound, as does the paprika, and yes, we will try some true Hungarian goulash! Hungary also produces some very good internationally acknowledged wines including wines from the Tokaj region and the Egri Bikaver or Eger Bull's Blood wine!  

After two days in Budapest we're on to surprising Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia! But on the way why not check out some of the sights? North of Budapest lies an area known as the Danube Bend, one of the prettiest stretches of the Danube River. Beautiful vistas and three medieval towns, Szentendre with its many church spires, Visegrad and its medieval hilltop citadel, and Esztergom and its huge basilica (the largest in Hungary) await you as we make our way to Bratislava in Slovakia, Hungary's neighbor to the north.

It's “no cars allowed” in Bratislava's central area, making this a pedestrian paradise, especially when you factor in the wonderful 18th century architecture awaiting you at every turn and the plethora of European cafes! As if this wasn't enough, Bratislava castle looms over the city and a walk around its ramparts is a must.

For over a thousand years Slovakia was almost completely swallowed up by the Austro-Hungarian empire. After this the Slovaks formed part of Czechoslovakia along with what is now the Czech Republic. Independent since 1993 and a member of the European Union since 2004, Slovakia is on its way up and its capital, Bratislava is a fascinating place to visit!

Three wonderful cities in six days...wow! By the time your trip is over you'll be so enthralled with this part of the world that you'll already be thinking about your next trip here!