Old World Cities with historian Joe Valencic 2019 Tour

Duration: Sep 18, 2019 - Sep 30, 2019

Price: $2,825

Included Features
Itinerary
Dates & Pricing
Hotels
Gallery

- Accommodation at first class hotels, taxes included
- Breakfast daily
- 6 dinners
- 2 lunches
- Entrances and inclusions indicated with bold letters
- Services of a Professional Tour director throughout
- Transportation by modern A/C motorcoach
Day 1, Sep 18

Departure home cities for Prague

Day 2, Sep 19 – arrive Prague, Thursday

You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then your time is free to begin exploring. Tonight, dinner with a folklore performance in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Sep 20 – in Prague, Friday

Cross the Vltava River to see the Royal Castle of Hradcany and visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. On into the old part of the city to view the Old Town Square, the famous Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, St. Nicholas Church, Charles Bridge and more. The rest of the day free, to visit some of the famous breweries and taste famous Czech beers. (B,D)

Day 4, Sep 21 – to Vienna, Saturday

Travel by motor coach to the town of Cesky Krumlov, picturesquely situated above the meandering valley along the upper Vltava River. The town has enormous appeal as an urban unity, and has been included among the monuments on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. You will visit the castle and the old centre of the town. Continue on to Durnstein for a short stop and on to Vienna, the “City of the Waltz.” In the evening enjoy dinner with entertainment in typical “heurigen”, or wine tavern. (B,D)

Day 5, Sep 22 – in Vienna, Sunday

On a morning sightseeing tour, visit the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Then view the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other reminders of the city’s Imperial History. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 6, Sep 23 – to Bratislava and Budapest, Monday

Drive to Bratislava, Slovakia, for a guided tour featuring major sites: views of St. Martin’s cathedral, a massive gothic church, and a Franciscan church, which is the oldest preserved building in Bratislava, Bratislava castle and St. Michael’s gate, Continue on to Budapest. Check in, to your hotel. Overnight. Dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Sep 24 – in Budapest, Tuesday

Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of the decorative Parliament building, seat of the National Assembly; Vaci Utca, a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants; Heroes’ Square with the Millennium Column, a 118-foot-high Corinthian column topped with a statue of the archangel Gabriel, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, we focus on the Buda sidethe Castle Hill area. You’ll visit the 13th-century Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion and see the Royal Palace. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 8, Sep 25 – Budapest – Ljubljana – Bled, Wednesday

After breakfast, journey to Bled via Ljubljana. Enjoy a walking sightseeing tour of Ljubljana old town and the Three bridges area. Continue on to Bled, check in to your hotel. Dinner. Overnight. (B,D)

Day 9, Sep 26 – Bled, Thursday

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Bled. Visit the Bled castle for a view over Lake Bled and let’s not forget to taste the famous Bled cream-cake (kremsnita). Continue towards Bohinj and take a cable car to Mt. Vogel. Light lunch on the mountain is included (goulash type), free evening. Overnight. (B, light lunch)

Day 10, Sep 27 – Ljubljana – Postojna – Lipica Stud Farm – Piran, Friday

In the morning drive to Postojna and visit the world’s famous attraction, Postojna caves. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the cave. Drive to Lokev and have a lunch at restaurant Hisa Krasna. The Karst cuisine is famous for its full flavours, something Krasna aspires to. Guests will enjoy Karst treats, which lead the traveller into both the tradition and the modernity of the Karst under the watchful eye of the chef. Continue to Lipica and start a relaxing walk in the grounds of the Lipica Stud Farm accompanied by a friendly guide. Before heading to the Slovenian cost stop at Lisjak homestead for a wine tasting. In Piran have a sightseeing tour of this picturesque town with your Tour director. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Bernardin. (B, L)

Day 11, Sep 28 – Piran, Saturday

A day in leisure. Evening sunset cruise. Overnight. (B)

Day 12, Sep 29 – Piran – Venice/Mestre, Sunday

After breakfast drive to Mestre suburb of Venice and check in to your hotel. Then, transfer to Venice island and St. Mark’s Square, for the walking tour, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and enjoying views of the Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Some free time before dinner in a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the night. (B,D)

Day 13, Sep 30 – Depart Venice, Monday

Transfer to Venice airport for your flight home (1 transfer). (B)
Departure Date and Price

Start date End date Per person in twin Single Room Supplement

18 Sep 2019 30 Sep 2019 $ 2,825 $ 600
- Prague: Angelo by Vienna House
- Vienna: Ananas
- Budapest: Radisson Blu
- Bled: Park / Rikli Balance
- Piran: Bernardin
- Mestre/Venice: Antony