New Year in Vienna

Day 1 Budapest, Hungary        
Arrive into Budapest and transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace situated on the banks of the Danube for a luxurious two night stay. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner offering panoramic views across the river with your fellow travellers.    

Day 2 Budapest
Explore the romantic and historic Hungarian capital, Budapest, with a variety of sightseeing including the Royal Palace, St Mathias Church and the panoramic views of the city from Gellert Hill. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city or warm up with a visit to the city’s famous thermal baths.  

Day 3 Budapest to Keszthely, Hungary  
After breakfast, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to and begin the journey through the winter landscapes of Hungary towards Balaton Uplands National Park. Arrive in Keszthely, a city perched at the very western end of Lake Balaton, and tour the site of Festetics Palace, a lavish baroque home fit for royalty before continuing into Austria overnight.  

Day 4 Keszthely, Hungary to Vienna, Austria  
On arrival into Austria, begin exploring the fantastic city of Graz at the foot of the Austrian Alps with a short walking tour and a relaxed pumpkin seed oil tasting complete with traditional, locally made bread and wine in the Gasthaus Stainzerbauer. After lunch on board the train, travel to Vienna to begin the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This evening attend a special gala dinner to welcome in the New Year inside the stunning City Hall, Rathaus Vienna with a performance by the renowned Wiener Hofball Orchestra. Music and waltzing will take you through to midnight before enjoying incredible views of the fireworks.  

Day 5 Vienna  
Happy New Year! Start the day with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobbled streets to Palais Coburg for a celebratory brunch and enjoy a live transmission of the New Year concert from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This evening, re-join the train for dinner before leaving Austria behind and heading to the Czech Republic.
 
Day 6 Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic  
Begin your day in the stunning town of Cesky Krumlov, the town’s old charm will likely be enhanced by a dusting of snow, making for a beautiful stop on your journey. After exploring the town at leisure, return to the train for lunch and continue towards Prague, one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. An introductory tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings, 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a private classical concert.  

Day 7 Prague
Today you will have the full day to explore the city of Prague at your leisure. Perhaps, take a vintage tram to travel through the city to Prague Castle and the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, or visit the festive markets, before dinner on board the train as you journey into Slovakia.

Day 8 Kosice, Slovakia to Budapest
Spend the morning exploring, Koisce, a hidden gem within Central Europe with a vast oval shaped central square, filled with relics from the 15th and 16th century. After lunch on board the train, head back to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest for a farewell dinner this evening, the perfect time to reminisce on the amazing experiences of the last week.  

Day 9 Budapest  
After breakfast, this morning transfer to the airport.