This tour offers an authentic insight into the life of the rich and royals in the old times. After an hour drive, the coach arrives at Godollo Royal Palace, which is the largest baroque palae building complex in Hungary. This magnificent edifice was built by the rich landlord and royal treasurer, Count Antal Grassalkovich I. In the 17th century; later it was given to Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph as a retreat on the occasion of his coronation as Hungarian King. Francis Joseph and Queen Elisabeth, the much admired, beautiful Sissi, spent many of their summers in this mansion surrounded by spacious gardens. Empress Elisabeth, who was famous for her modern thinking, spentmore time hre than in Shonnbrunn. During the guilded tour of the beautiful premises, like emperor's and the queens apartments, you will be acquainted with the everyday life of the royal couple when they were "off duty."

A scenic journey back in time, into the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hollókó. Here life follows the same patterns it did centuries ago. The houses are built in a medieval style with whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs. The locals still honor age-old customs and dress in embroidered traditional clothing on special occasions — such as your arrival. You’ll be greeted with singing, dancing, and a snack of Hungarian garlic bread. Then, in small groups, you’ll be invited into a home for lunch — a wonderful way to meet the people of Hungary. After lunch, take a walking tour along the village’s cobbled streets.

Prague Castle, the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings, is a must-see destination for any visitor to Prague. Join us on this comprehensive tour for a fascinating guided walk through the palaces, churches, towers, and fortifications that make up the castle. From your hotel we’ll drive by the State Opera House and Wenceslas Square. Then, as we enter Prague Castle, our first visit is to magnificent Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Crypt; coronation and burial place of the once mighty Czech kings. You’ll then continue through the castle grounds to learn the history of the main castle buildings, followed by a stroll in the Royal Gardens. Along the way we enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the whole of Prague and observe the Changing of the Guard at the entrance to the castle. After a final view of the city, you’ll descend the 101 steps of the Old Castle Stairs, then visit charming Golden Lane. Dating from the 15th Century, this small street is lined by 11 historic houses exhibiting medieval armory and textiles.

The evening begins with a 45-minute scenic boat cruise on the Vltava River through the heart of Prague. With a complimentary glass of wine in hand, you’ll toast exceptional views of Prague’s greatest landmarks — Charles Bridge, the Parliament, the National Theater, Vysehrad, romantic Kampa Island, the picturesque roofs and charming spires of Lesser Town and Old Town, and Prague Castle.

Disembarking, continue to Prague’s Municipal House, which houses the beautiful Art Nouveau Francouzka Restaurant — named one of the five best restaurants in Prague and the Czech Republic. Amid exquisite surroundings, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous repast prepared by Chef Jiri Kral, who with three of his staff is a member of the National Team of Cooks and Confectioners of the Czech Republic. It’s certain to be a night to remember!

The cultivated Vienna we see today with its stately buildings, classical concerts, and well-tended public spaces is a far cry from the Vienna of 1945-1955. Just after World War II, the city was in ruins. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Opera House, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the historic Ferris Wheel all lay devastated by Allied bombing. Food and medicine were in short supply. Like Berlin, Vienna was divided into four Allied Zones, with the Americans, Soviets, French, and British each holding jurisdiction over a quadrant. The movie “The Third Man,” based on the story by Graham Greene and starring Orson Welles, takes place in the Vienna of time of intrigue and shadows. It’s a history that even few Austrians are familiar with.

On this tour, which has been exclusively arranged by Vantage, you’ll be guided by an Austrian historian and expert on this grim but fascinating era. You’ll begin with a panoramic tour to such sites as the Ferris Wheel, which lay in the Soviet Zone, the headquarters of the Soviet and American Zones, the site of an informal black market, and places where the marks of WWII are still visible. The highlight of your tour, however, is a visit to the private museum that your guide has created to archive his post-war Vienna collections. In it you’ll see memorabilia of a very different Vienna, including Allied uniforms, posters, photographs, and letters that bring that world to life. This unique tour vividly recalls a historic era that many of us will remember, and it should not be missed!