By Bobbi P. Markowitz, Founder and Publisher
About Tauck World Discovery // Established in 1925, Tauck World Discovery is a third generation family owned and operated premium luxury tour company. The philosophy of providing ultimate vacations through creative itineraries, registering at the world's finest hotels, offering culinary excellence, allowing leisure time and including all necessary expenses, - all result in each traveler enjoying a carefree journey that far exceeds their expectations.
World Wide Itineraries // Itineraries are enriching cultural experiences that include a variety of innovative air, land and sea vacations via motorcoach, rail, jet, helicopter and small ship. Ranging from one week to 21 days, over 100 destinations throughout the world include United States and Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, Europe, China and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Antarctica. All Tauck Tours are fully escorted by professional and experienced tour directors accompanied by local guides.
Highlighted Tour // A Week in Eastern Europe Two nights each in the imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna and Prague One night in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia
Day 1 Tour begins in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest Hilton
H- 1014 Budapest, Hess A. ter 1-3
Tel: 36 1488 6600
Fax: 3614886644
e-mail:hiltonhu@hungary.net
hilton.com
A gorgeous panoramic view from our Hilton Hotel room featured a sweeping vistas of the Danube, Pest, The Parliament buildings, St. Margaret's Island and the Chain Bridge. The tour begins with a luncheon cruise along the Danube to the small town of Szentendre. Local guides are brimming with information, intuitively answering questions before they are asked. Leisure time to stroll and shop before returning by motorcoach to the hotel. An elegant evening meal acclimates guests with each other.
Day 2 Sightsee Budapest
A full breakfast is followed by a walking tour of the Fisherman's Bastion and the unique Matthias Church. By motorcoach the tour is transported to Heroes Square; the State Opera House; the synagogue at Dohany, reported to be the world's largest; Chain Bridge; the Neo-Gothic Parliament Building, symbol of the city; and Gellert Hill. A spontaneous walk through the Central Market is enhanced with commentary by a local guide who offers visitors from the US a wonderful overview of culinary delicacies used in Hungarian cuisine. The evening's dinner features Hungarian specialties and local entertainment.
Day 3 Sightsee Vienna
Hotel Sacher Wien
Philharmonikerstrasse 4,
A - 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tel: 43 1 51 456 0
Fax: 43151456800
e-mail: hotel@sacher.com
sacher.com
Buffet breakfast at the Hilton culminates our stay in Budapest. Throughout, the journey, tour director Rachel Cirincione offers an overview of the history and culture of the region. Lunch at the famous Kunsthaus gives us a first hand look at the wonderful cubist architecture of Hundertwasser. Here we sample authentic Wiener Schnitzel, a true Viennese culinary delight. An afternoon sightseeing tour of Vienna and our arrival at the elegant, antique filled, family-owned Sacher Hotel, where we'll stay for the next two nights. Ideally located, The Sacher is across the street from the State Opera House. Renown for its decadently chocolate sachertorte, at the Sacher, we freshen up for the evening ahead. Dinner at lovely local restaurant is followed by a lively chamber music concert that features the rich and distinctive melodies of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss.
Day 4 Schonbrunn Palace
Old world refinement sets the backdrop for a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Sacher Hotel. Afterwards, a short ride over to the elegant Schonbrunn Palace where our local guide leads us on a walk through this lavish summer residence. Commissioned by the Maria Theresa, who was inspired by Versailles, Schonbrunn became the symbol of Vienna's Habsburg Empire. The grand tour includes a visit to the State Apartments; the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart gave a command performance at the age of six. A walk around the beautiful palace gardens leaves us in awe. An afternoon on our own gives us a chance to peruse the Fine Art Museum and sample a sweet hand made delicacy with coffee mit schlag ( whipped cream) at Demels (www.demel.at) the Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner. We strolled in the chi chi pedestrian shopping area and enjoyed an hour viewing the crown jewels. This evening we enjoy a hearty dinner at boisterous Figlmuller (www.figlmueller.at) for the best Wiener Schnitzel yet.
Day 5 Cesky Krumlov
Hotel Ruze
Horni 154, 381 01
Cesky Krumlov Czech Republic
Tel.: +420 337 772100
Fax:: +420 337 713146
e-mail: info@hotelruze.cz
hotelruze.cz
Traveling through the scenic wine-growing Wachau region along the Danube River, our destination is the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in the heart of Europe. Lunch at the base of the hilltop town includes Viennese dumplings and strudel. Local guide and interpreter, Bryce Belcher, an American living in Cesky Krumlov offers us a comprehensive tour of the ancient streets, Krumlov Castle and the baroque castle theater. We check in to the delightful Hotel Ruze. Formerly a 16th century Jesuit Monastery, the hotel has been decorated in Renaissance luxury. Spectacular views of this beautiful hamlet, outstanding dining and an extraordinary opportunity after dinner presents us with a chance to meet and talk with local town officials.
Day 6 Bohemia/Prague
Hotel Inter-Continental Praha
Nam Curieovych 43/5, 110 00 Praha 1
Tel.: 420 2 2488 111
Fax:: 420 2 2481 1216
e-mail: prague@interconti.com
interconti.com
Traveling through the bucolic farmland and forested hills of the Czech countryside en route to Prague, we pass through Cesky Budejovice, home of the original ³Budweiser² Beer. Arriving in Prague we disembark at the centrally located Hotel Inter-Continental. A walking tour of the Old Town, the Charles Bridge; the astronomical clock is followed by lunch in the hotel. The afternoon tour consists of a stroll through the Josefov District, The Jewish Quarter and includes a visit to the Old-New Synagogue - founded in the 13th century, still in use today. Visits to Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery are followed by a wonderful fresh meal at a charming sidewalk cafe in Old Town Square.
Day 7 Sightsee Prague
With one day left, there is still much to see in Prague which has been so beautifully preserved through the ages. Highlights included Wenceslas Square, Hradcany Castle and Castle Square, the Library at Strahov Monastery and the immense Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. An exquisite farewell dinner in the hotel penthouse, overlooking the bridge, culminated in a toast to our excellent tour guide, Rachel.
Tips // Layers of comfortable, casual clothing is the norm. Gentlemen, one jacket ( no ties ), ladies, for evening a nice pantsuit is more than acceptable.
Shopping // Hungary, is world renown for Herend China; Austria for Bohemian Crystal. Check your products and prices before you leave home. Taxes and shipping costs might not make it worth the effort.
