IMPERIAL CITIES

Prague, Vienna, & Budapest

and the Oberammergau Passion Play
10 Day International Tour
July 22 - 31, 2010
 
     

 

Tour Highlights

   
  • Budapest
  • Mathias Church
  • Renaissance Dinner
  • Schoenbrunn Palace
  • Danube River Cruise
  • Hradcany Castle
  • Old Buda
  • Heroes Square
  • Szentendre
  • Borzsany Mountain
  • Vienna Woods
  • Hungarian Horse Show
  • Fishermen’s Bastion
  • Vienna
  • Grinzing Evening
  • Prague
  • Oberammergau Passion Play
  • Gellert Hill
  • Millennium Monument
  • Danube Bend
  • Melk Abbey

 

  

Included in the Tour

   
  • Transportation Via Rustad’s to and from the airport
  • Round Trip Air from Mpls - St Paul  International Airport
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Meals as listed include:
    (B)  Breakfast -  8
    (L)   Lunch - 2
    (D)  Dinner - 5

 

  • Protection Plan Insurance
  • Hotel Transfers
  • Airport Taxes
  • All admissions to attractions mentioned
  • Baggage handling for one suitcase per person
  • All taxes and tips in connection with tour features
  • Services of a tour director

 


 
 

 

Day 1, Thursday – July 22, 2010 - Overnight Flight - Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and fabulous cultural elements await you on your amazing tour of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe. Your cultural experience of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2, Friday, July 23, 2010 Arrive Budapest, Hungary – You arrive in Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” and truly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged in terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the gentler opposite bank. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3, Saturday – July 24, 2010Budapest –Domonyvolgy (Horse Show) – Travel to the picturesque Hungarian countryside, called the “Puszta,” and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is “flat as water.” Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1,000 years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure. *Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian Feast, including goulash soup, in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy music. (B) (L)

Day 4, Sunday, July 25, 2010 Budapest – Szentendre – Visegrad - Budapest – An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings. You also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square, admire the imposing Millennium Monument, completed in 1904, which memorializes the 1000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. *This evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact the days of medieval times. Complete with wine and music, this evening is sure to delight. (B) (D)

Day 5, Monday – July 26, 2010 Budapest – Vienna, Austria – Your journey takes you to the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city tour features the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Touring Vienna’s city center, see the gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Tonight, enjoy a memorable evening with entertainment in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing. (B) (D)

Day 6, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 Vienna – Danube River – Melk - Vienna – Travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein where you board your boat for a scenic Danube River cruise. “Waltz” across one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the world, immortalized by Strauss, and travel through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods concludes this marvelous day. (B)

Day 7, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Vienna – Prague, Czech Republic – A scenic ride through the countryside takes you to Prague, variously called the “Golden City” or the ”The City of 100 Spires.” The remainder of your day is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures dating from the 11th century to the present. (B)

Day 8, Thursday, July 29, 2010 Prague – This morning begins with a panoramic tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle. Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful miniature houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka. View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge. This evening you are invited to a wonderful dinner of culinary delights at one of Prague’s historic restaurants. (B) (D)

Day 9, Friday, July 30, 2010 Prague – Oberammergau, Germany – Today, travel to the beautiful Bavarian village of Obermmergau. *This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play.* The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break of the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip (B) (L) (D)

Day 10, Saturday, July 31, 2010 Oberammergau – Tour ends. (B)

 

TOUR COST PER PERSON

Single $6,299  -   Double $5,549 

Included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $350 per person, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $430 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel transfers, Round Trip Air from Minneapolis St Paul Intl


 

   
 
 Tour Reservation Form
 For More Information Contact:
 Rustad Tours
 PO Box 346
 Kerkhoven, MN 56252
 800-525-0730 or 320-264-2987
 email: info@rustadtours.com