Fly to Prague, and upon arrival meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel. Dependent upon your arrival time, there may be the opportunity of a first exploration of the Czech capital. A delightful walkabout city, Prague is crammed with bars and restaurants.

Get to know Prague, one of Europe's most beautiful capitals, which has miraculously survived the turbulent centuries unscathed. Join our guide for a walking tour, which will introduce you to the exquisite Old Town, or Stare Mesto, the city's heart since the 13th Century. Cross the River
Vlatva by the famous cobbled Charles Bridge, with its blackened statues, into the steeply sloping left bank and the Hradcany district, dominated by the imposing mass of Prague's ancient castle. Beneath this magnificent building, home to great St Vitus' Cathedral and the historic Royal Palace, are the narrow, sloping cobbled streets of Mala Strana, or Little Quarter.

Following the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. This evening, why not join our optional river cruise with buffet dinner?

Explore the fascinating city at your leisure today, or join the optional excursion to Dresden, former Eastern Germany's Baroque gem. See its restored glories, including the stupendous Frauenkirche, which lay in ruins from 1945 until its rebuilding following reunification, the surrounding altstadt, Baroque Theaterplatz, the Residenzschloss - seat of Saxon kings and home to a priceless jewel collection - and the pavilions and courtyards of the Zwinger buildings, all south of the River Elbe. On the northern bank, Neustadt and its neighbouring Aussere Neustadt quarter brim with life, and are also home to several fascinating museums. Don't miss the view of the altstadt from Neustadt's riverside meadows.

After a fascinating day, return to spend a last evening in Prague.

Take your leave of Prague to head south into Bohemia, a rolling, romantic region of dense forests, medieval towns and hill-top castles. By early afternoon you will have crossed into Austria, and will arrive in the great Imperial city of Vienna.

Enjoy a guided introduction to the magnificent seat of the Hapsburg Empire, with its imposing Baroque palaces and cathedral. The world famous Hofburg Palace is home to the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys' Choir, several museums and the Austrian President, and the Old Town, or Innere Stadt, is a labyrinth of streets humming with the buzz of shops and cafes. Vienna is famous as the home of the Kaffeehaus, and no doubt during your visit there'll be time to sit and enjoy coffee and cake in one of several celebrated Viennese meeting places.

This morning, explore the city once again, or join the optional excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace, Imperial summer home and one of Austria's greatest treasures, a magnificent building that once echoed with the music of the young Mozart.

Bid farewell to the Austrian capital and cross into picturesque Slovakia and its wonderful capital, Bratislava, delightfully set on the River Danube close to the point where Austria and Hungary converge. A cosmopolitan mix of Central European influences, Bratislava boasts glorious Baroque palaces and some stunning churches. After a fascinating few hours in the city, re-board the coach to make the onward journey into Hungary and its glorious, Danube-side 'twin' capital Budapest, for a last two-night stay.

An included guided tour this morning introduces the 'twin' city, set astride the river. On one side sits Buda, an elegant hillside of opulent buildings, while opposite Pest is a bustling hive of museums, galleries, thermal baths, restaurants and bars. Discover the former's castle district, with its delightful medieval houses and the fascinating Matyas Church with its medieval frescoes, and take a look at the spectacular vista from Fishermen's Bastion. In Pest, the vast Gothic Parliament lining the river and the grandiose Heroes Square, with its imposing columns and statues, are just two of the highlights.

Later this afternoon, you will enjoy an included river cruise, while this evening, you have the chance to join our optional folklore evening of traditional Hungarian music and food.

Transfer to Budapest airport for your return flight.