CROWN JEWELS OF EUROPE - PRAGUE, VIENNA & BUDAPEST

Day 1 Prague

Having arrived in the Czech Republic’s buzzing capital, settle in at your matchless hotel: The Augustine, which sits in the middle of Prague’s Lesser Town. Every luxury is afforded to its ample, minimalist rooms – although the heated marble bathroom floors would have surely been the stuff of fantasy for the monks who once lived in this 13th-century monastery. In fact, four Augustinian brothers still reside in another part of the complex, which guests can explore as well as an adjacent Baroque church.

Overnight: The Augustine

Day 2 Prague

The Lesser Town is also home to a vast 9th-century castle that looms impressively above. This morning, take a tour of its crown jewels, Christian relics and art historical treasures. Follow this with a private tour of the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, admiring its tracery and stained glass windows, before entering the Strahov monastery by a lesser known back entrance – prohibited for other visitors. Here, you will discover two mesmerising library rooms with more than 60,000 books dedicated to science, astronomy and geography. Your guide will regale stories as you pore over magnificent illustrations created hundreds of years ago, Baroque wood cabinets and frescoes. Take a short walk across the winsome Charles Bridge to explore the cobbled Old Town at leisure this afternoon, equally steeped in medieval history. In the main square famed for its astronomical clock, listen to a dozen apostles chime on the hour, every hour. Wander between storied churches, past colourful markets, learn the history of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that overthrew Communism here, and relax over coffee or a glass of beer at the 11th-century Ungelt merchants’ yard.

Overnight: The Augustine

Day 3 Prague to Vienna

Bid farewell to Prague, after a morning soaking up more fascinating architectural history or strolling around the quaint Kampa Island. Your afternoon train will whisk you first class on a scenic four-hour journey over the Austrian border to Vienna. Your second capital city hotel is a boutique haven with a formidable spa in the pedestrianised museum quarter. Its entrance hall chandelier sets the scene, made from hundreds of handmade porcelain leaves glimmering on pearl strings – this chic establishment and its supremely comfortable, stylish rooms put a thoroughly contemporary edge on Vienna’s historic, gilded finesse.

Overnight: Das Tyrol Hotel

Day 4 Vienna

Vienna is a city of historical and architectural wonders that rewards wandering feet. Explore the Old Town’s secret courtyards with your expert guide this morning, concealed behind the grand façades of townhouses and palaces. Visit the Gothic masterpiece of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with a spire and vibrant tiled roof that cannot fail to impress. After a break for a bite of Sachertorte – a classic, indulgent Viennese chocolate cake – continue to the stunning imperial palace of the Habsburgs’ rule, now the president’s residence and offices. Explore its majestic apartments and museum dedicated to Sisi, the wife of emperor Franz Joseph I. This evening, perhaps enjoy a performance by superb white Lipizzan horses at the Spanish Riding School. These stallions train for years before making their classical dressage debut.

Overnight: Das Tyrol Hotel

Day 5 Travel to Budapest via Bratislava

Your journey to Budapest will be punctuated by a stop in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. On a one-hour private walking tour, appreciate its Opera House and concert history, stroll down promenades, through squares and past the city’s oldest fountain.Arrive in Hungary at the Aria, Budapest, an imaginative boutique hotel that celebrates the city’s musical heritage. Modern, design-led rooms are spread across four wings dedicated to different genres: classical, opera, jazz or contemporary, with interior flourishes that express something of each style. It may be themed but the Aria’s tone is pitch perfect, and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar offers views of St. Stephen’s Basilica in every season.

Overnight: Aria

Day 6 Budapest

Cross the capital’s landmark chain bridge to get acquainted with the Buda side of the city this morning, where the royal castle complex has stood since 1265. Your private guide will take you through the centuries of destruction and rebuilding that Budapest has weathered since Mongolian invaders withdrew in 1242. Together you will also encounter the palace where Ludwig van Beethoven once lived, and the remains of a 15th-century synagogue. Finish your tour with a hilltop drive to admire the handsome city below.  Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps stepping inside incredible 13th-century churches, sailing along the River Danube or simply roaming cobbled streets and wondering at Budapest’s rich Gothic architecture.

Overnight: Aria

Day 7 Transfer to the airport for your flight home