Grand Imperial Cities of Europe

Step into the heart of Europe on this magnificent 13-day Grand Tour through the great imperial capitals of Central Europe, where centuries of history, culture and architectural splendour await around every corner.

Our adventure begins in the dynamic German capital of Berlin, a city where powerful history and vibrant modern life combine beneath grand boulevards and iconic landmarks. From here we continue to the enchanting city of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved historic capitals, where medieval streets, soaring spires and the famous Charles Bridge create an unforgettable skyline.

Following the course of the majestic River Danube, we travel to the elegant imperial city of Vienna, renowned for its magnificent palaces, classical music heritage and refined café culture. We then continue to the spectacular Hungarian capital of Budapest, often described as the “Pearl of the Danube”, where dramatic riverside architecture and sweeping bridges create one of Europe’s most breathtaking cityscapes.

Along the way we pause in the charming Slovak capital of Bratislava, a compact and picturesque city overlooked by its hilltop castle, before spending time in the attractive Austrian city of Linz. Our journey concludes with a delightful visit to the medieval canals and cobbled streets of Brugge, one of Belgium’s most beautifully preserved historic cities.

Combining grand capitals, imperial heritage and beautiful European landscapes, this carefully crafted itinerary offers the perfect balance of guided exploration and time at leisure. Travelling in comfort by coach and staying in carefully selected, centrally located hotels chosen for their comfort and quality, you can relax and enjoy the experience as we explore five fascinating countries and some of Europe’s most celebrated cities.

From magnificent palaces and historic squares to elegant boulevards and charming old towns, this remarkable tour offers the opportunity to experience the imperial heart of Europe on one unforgettable journey.

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HILTON BERLIN

Located in the heart of Germany’s vibrant capital, the Hilton Berlin enjoys a superb position on the historic Gendarmenmarkt Square, one of the city’s most beautiful locations. From here many of Berlin’s famous landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the elegant boulevard Unter den Linden, are within easy reach.

The hotel combines classic elegance with modern comfort, offering stylish and well-appointed guest rooms designed to provide a relaxing and comfortable stay. Bedrooms are spacious and tastefully furnished, featuring comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, television, telephone, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a hairdryer.

Guests can enjoy excellent on-site facilities including a restaurant and bar, providing a welcoming setting to relax and unwind during your stay in the city. Lift to all floors.

MGALLERY PRAGUE

The MGallery Prague is a charming blend of historic elegance and modern comfort, ideally located in the heart of Prague’s city centre. Set within a beautifully restored historic building, the hotel places many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, within easy reach.

This stylish boutique hotel reflects Prague’s rich cultural heritage while offering a welcoming and contemporary atmosphere. Guests can enjoy attractive public areas including a restaurant and bar, providing a pleasant setting to relax during your stay.

Bedrooms are tastefully decorated with unique design touches inspired by the city’s history and architecture. Rooms are comfortable and well appointed, featuring an en-suite bathroom, television, telephone, Wi-Fi and hairdryer. Lift to all floors.

RADISSON BLU CARLTON BRATISLAVA

The Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava is a historic and elegant hotel located in the heart of Bratislava’s charming Old Town, overlooking the attractive Hviezdoslav Square. This superb central location places many of the city’s historic streets, cafés and cultural landmarks within easy reach.

The hotel offers a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere with excellent facilities including the renowned Savoy Restaurant with terrace, the stylish Mirror Bar and a fitness and wellness centre featuring a sauna and steam room.

Elegantly decorated bedrooms provide a comfortable and relaxing stay, with all rooms featuring air conditioning, television, telephone, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and tea and coffee making facilities. Lift to all floors.

MARRIOTT BUDAPEST

The Budapest Marriott Hotel enjoys an outstanding central location on the Danube Promenade in the heart of Budapest. Overlooking the River Danube, the hotel offers spectacular views across the water towards the historic Buda side of the city, including the impressive Buda Castle.

The hotel offers excellent facilities including a stylish restaurant, lounge area and rooftop bar where guests can relax while enjoying views across the city skyline. A fitness and wellness centre with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room is also available.

Modern and comfortable bedrooms feature contemporary décor and are well equipped with air conditioning, television, telephone, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Lift to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast in Berlin.
Accommodation with breakfast in Prague.
Accommodation with breakfast in Bratislava.
Accommodation with breakfast in Budapest.
Accommodation with breakfast in Linz.
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Frankfurt.
Accommodation with breakfast in Brugge.
Overnight Ferry crossing from Hull to Rotterdam.
Guided tour walking tour of Berlin.
Guided tour walking tour of Prague.
Admission to Melk Abbey.
Evening cruise along the Danube River.
Ferry crossing from Calais to Dover.
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary.
Return coach travel from your local pick-up point.

Day One

Join us as we board our comfortable coach at your local pick-up point and begin our journey to Hull. Here, we’ll embark on an overnight ferry to Rotterdam, enjoying the onboard facilities as we sail towards our first destination.

Day Two

After disembarking in Rotterdam, we journey through the Netherlands and Germany, arriving in Berlin by late afternoon. Berlin is renowned as one of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities. Upon arrival, we check in to the Hilton Berlin and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore or relax after the day’s travels. Perhaps take a stroll through the city, soak up the atmosphere at a local beer garden, or try a classic Berliner Currywurst.

Day Three

After breakfast, we’re joined by a local guide for a fascinating morning tour of Berlin. Discover the city’s rich history as we visit iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the historic Reichstag Building, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery. Our guide will bring the city’s past to life, from its imperial roots to its dramatic 20th-century history. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Wander through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Berlin, visit world-class museums on Museum Island, or enjoy some downtime in one of the city’s beautiful parks.

Day Four

We depart Berlin and head towards Prague, making a scenic lunch stop in the charming city of Dresden. After a relaxing break, we continue our journey to Prague, arriving in the early evening. The rest of the evening is at leisure to begin exploring this magical city. Known for its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and rich history, Prague will captivate you with its fairy-tale charm from the moment you arrive.

Day Five

This morning, we’re joined by a local guide for a fascinating tour of Prague. Explore the majestic Prague Castle, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Old Town Square, with its vibrant atmosphere and historic buildings. The afternoon is free for you to discover more of Prague at your own pace—perhaps visit the Jewish Quarter, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Vltava River, or shop for souvenirs in the quaint shops lining the city’s cobbled streets.

Day Six

We depart Prague and journey towards Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, nestled along the banks of the Danube River. Upon arrival, we check in to the Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Wander through the medieval Old Town, admire the views from Bratislava Castle, or relax in one of the city’s cosy cafés. Bratislava is a city where history meets modernity, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Day Seven

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria. Marvel at the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, stroll through the historic city centre, and soak in the musical heritage of this imperial city. You’ll also have time to explore the renowned Ringstrasse and visit the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After a day of sightseeing, we return to Bratislava for a relaxing evening.

Day Eight

We leave Bratislava behind and head to Budapest, one of Europe's most stunning cities. Upon arrival, check in to the luxurious Marriott Budapest, where you'll be treated to views overlooking the majestic Danube River at the spectacular rooftop bar. In the evening, embark on a magical night cruise along the Danube, taking in the illuminated skyline of Budapest with its iconic landmarks, such as the Parliament Building and Buda Castle. The rest of the night is yours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife or relax by the riverfront.

Day Nine

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure in Budapest, a city filled with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively cultural scene. You may wish to explore Buda Castle and its picturesque surroundings or take a relaxing dip in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi Baths or Gellért Baths. Alternatively, you could visit Heroes' Square or the Great Market Hall for a taste of local life and Hungarian delicacies.

Day Ten

Today, we depart Budapest and head towards Linz, making a scenic stop at the spectacular Melk Abbey along the way. Perched high above the Danube River, this Benedictine monastery is an architectural masterpiece, known for its stunning baroque design and breathtaking views. After a guided tour of the abbey, we continue our journey to Linz, arriving in the early evening. Once checked in, you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy this charming Austrian city, perhaps taking a leisurely walk along the Danube or exploring the historic centre

Day Eleven

We begin our day by leaving Linz and travelling through scenic Germany, with stops in the historic cities of Nuremberg and Würzburg. In Nuremberg, explore its medieval old town, where you can visit the impressive Kaiserburg Castle or stroll through the main market square. Continuing, we stop in Würzburg, known for its Baroque architecture and the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a day filled with history and culture, we arrive in Frankfurt in the evening, where we’ll check in to our hotel.

B, D

Day Twelve

After breakfast, we depart Frankfurt and begin our journey to Brugge, the enchanting medieval city in Belgium. Along the way, enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque countryside, before arriving in Brugge in the late afternoon. Known for its charming canals, cobbled streets, and medieval architecture, Bruges feels like a step back in time. Once checked in, you’ll have the rest of the evening to explore at leisure. Wander through the historic centre, visit the famous Belfry Tower, or simply relax with a coffee by the canals, soaking in the beauty of this fairy-tale city.

Day Thirteen

After breakfast, we take the short journey to Calais, where we board the ferry to Dover. From here, we continue our coach journey home, bringing back unforgettable memories of our imperial adventure.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bangor, Pontio Centre	Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Northop	Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop