Iceland Nature-Immersion Luxury Private Tour: Including Our Beloved Deplar Farm!
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Luxury Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic Private Tour
Why You Should Go
We love Budapest’s amazing setting where the Danube narrows to flow beneath the steep escarpment of the Buda Hills. Up until 1840, when the first permanent bridge was constructed, the city was made up of two distinct towns: “Buda” built atop a fortified ridge and “Pest” laid out on the floodplain opposite. Buda is home to the Royal Palace and Castle District (+ many converted Gothic and Renaissance restaurants/shops) while Pest includes the ornate Opera House and the colossal St. Stephen’s Basilica.
While Paris is our favorite city in all of Europe, Prague remains our favorite destination in Central Europe. In fact, we feel these two beautiful, artistic cities have much in common: both Paris and Prague were nearly undamaged from WWII, both cities offer a striking range of architecture from Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Neo-classical and Art Nouveau, and both places evoke a historic romantic nostalgia that is truly unique. Perhaps you may think of Prague as a somewhat more Bohemian, less-pretentious version of Paris. Did we mention that Prague’s beer is considered the best in the world!?
Best Travel Time: Spring Summer
*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.
Sample Itinerary
13 Days
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our global “Air Lady,” Marta, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Budapest
Our global “Air Lady,” Marta, may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Day 2
Arrive Budapest
Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be privately transferred to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace.
Meals: —
Accommodation: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Day 3
Full Day Budapest Private Tour
Following breakfast, embark on a full day Budapest private tour, beginning with a two-hour walking tour along the Pest side of the river focusing on the period of Hungarian coffeehouses and literary culture.
The tour continues with a viewing of the Crown Jewels in the Parliament Building, the House of Terror, and Matthias Church, which has witnessed the coronation of many Hungarian kings. Enjoy stunning panoramas of the city and river from the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellért Hill.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Day 4
Half-Day Danube Bend Private Tour Excursion
Today’s half-day private tour focuses on the picturesque Danube Bend area of Hungary. The excursion includes the preserved Baroque town of Szentendre, a flourishing artist’s community with a profusion of cobbled streets, church spires and colorful Baroque houses. Then, visit the Margit Kovács Museum which displays many of the artist’s best pieces from fine ceramics to life-size sculptures, and the Blagovestenska Church, a red roccoco masterpiece.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Day 5
Private Transfer to Vienna
Following breakfast and checkout, transfer by private vehicle to Vienna (approximately 2.5 hours). En route, stopover at Pannonhalma to tour the 1000-year old Benedictine Abbey which is still inhabited by monks to this day!
Upon arrival in Vienna, transfer to Hotel Sacher Wien for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sacher Wien
Day 6
Full Day Vienna Private Tour
Following breakfast, embark on a full day Vienna private tour, beginning with a walking tour of the Imperial City of Vienna. The walking tour includes the famous “Ringstrasse” with its 19th century buildings, Hofburg Palace complex, and Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Following lunch, the tour continues with a drive to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Walk through the lush, beautiful garden grounds with fountains, trees, and alleyways, before touring the palace staterooms to view the Hall of Mirrors, where a young Mozart performed for Empress Maria Theresa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sacher Wien
Day 7
Full Day Sound of Music Private Tour
Today’s private tour focuses on various scenes in the iconic “Sound of Music” film. Privately transfer to Salzburg, a city that is inseparably linked to the Von Trapp family. Walk through the gorgeous area and stop at original film locations, including Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain (dancing scene with Maria and the children), Leopoldskron Palace (where the family lived in the film), Hellbrunn Palace (song scenes), Nonnberg Convent (where Maria lived as a young novice), St. Gilgen / Wolfgangsee (opening scene in the movie), and Mondsee Church (wedding scene).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sacher Wien
Day 8
Full Day Danube Valley Private Tour
The picturesque 24 mile Wachau Valley stretch of the Danube is a physically and culturally rich area, hence its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We feel that the medieval castle ruins in Burgruine Dürnstein are particularly interesting as this is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned while waiting for his ransom from England.
Another of our favorite stopovers is Melk and its historical Benedictine Abbey, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. First established in the 11th century, Melk Abbey has housed monks for over 900 years! We recommend the quaint, truly beautiful wine town of Dürnstein as your final Danube excursion point. This fairytale-like setting is home to the ruins of a castle fortress.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sacher Wien
Day 9
Třebíč Excursion + Private Transfer to Prague
Following breakfast and check out at your hotel, embark on a Třebíč excursion accompanied by a private guide and driver. Though this mid-sized Moravian city was not so well known in the past, its 2003 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has made Třebíč a critical cultural stopover. Its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Jewish Quarter, with its two synagogues dating back to the 14th century, and St. Procopius Basilica, which still shows signs of the Gothic renovation from 1260.
After the excursion, privately transfer (approximately three hours) to Prague for check-in at the Aria Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aria Hotel
Day 10
Full Day Prague Private Tour
Today’s full day Prague private tour begins with a 15-minute drive to the imposing Český Šternberk Castle. This 13th century Bohemian Castle (Gothic) is perched on top of a cliff and offers spectacular views of the entire city.
Upon returning to the city center, embark on an afternoon tour of Prague’s Castle District. Visits include Prague Castle, the seat of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors, Cathedral of St. Vitus, one of the finest and most richly endowed in central Europe, and the Basilica of St. George which was founded in 905.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Aria Hotel
Day 11
Half-Day Prague “Foodie” Private Tour
A highlight of Prague is its niche culinary traditions! Today’s comprehensive private tour includes a review of the cultural history of Prague, insights into the Czech local cuisines, and local trips to the best restaurants and cafes in the city.
Typical Czech meals consist of meat dishes served with potatoes in all forms, dumplings, rice or pasta. Czech desserts include a wide range of sweet delicacies. A “must” today will be tasty “Ovocné knedlíky”, tasty dumplings willed with fruit, served with cream and sugar. This should be a fun afternoon!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Aria Hotel
Day 12
Prague Free Day
Enjoy discretionary use of a private guide and driver to explore Prague independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Aria Hotel
Day 13
Fly Prague/Home
Hotels
Along with the Four Seasons Milan, this is our favorite Four Seasons property in all of Europe. Set in an ornately restored 100-year old landmark palace, the 179-room Four Seasons has a perfect location at the foot of the Charles Bridge, on the banks of the Danube River. We love the room aesthetics here, all with art deco style, vaulted ceilings and up-dated modern amenities (think iPad for room controls!) Three big draws of the Four Seasons Gresham are its comprehensive all inclusive spa, it’s quite impressive, well equipped gym, and the 40 ft. indoor infinity edge pool on the top floor. We like the hotel’s restaurant/café that serves Hungarian and Italian food. Enjoy this beautiful place!
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
View More InfoAlong with the Four Seasons Milan, this is our favorite Four Seasons property in all of Europe. Set in an ornately restored 100-year old landmark palace, the 179-room Four Seasons has a perfect location at the foot of the Charles Bridge, on the banks of the Danube River. We love the room aesthetics here, all with art deco style, vaulted ceilings and up-dated modern amenities (think iPad for room controls!) Three big draws of the Four Seasons Gresham are its comprehensive all inclusive spa, it’s quite impressive, well equipped gym, and the 40 ft. indoor infinity edge pool on the top floor. We like the hotel’s restaurant/café that serves Hungarian and Italian food. Enjoy this beautiful place!
Though we have also used the luxury Hotel Bristol and Sans Souci, the 149-room, 5-Star Hotel Sacher Wien is our Vienna favorite. Originally opened in 1876, the Hotel Sacher is located in the city center, opposite the Vienna Opera House and near the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, museums and shopping. The property’s rooms are quite spacious, all decorated with historical paintings, authentic Baroque furniture and various antiques. You should especially like the Jr. Suites and their updated bathrooms (tubs, separate showers, and heated floors (!)). Being a “The Third Man” fan, Andy, an interesting fact is that Graham Greene was inspired to write the script for the 1949 noir film while staying here. Other amenities here include a very nice spa and full-service fitness center. Of special note is that Hotel Sacher is the birthplace of the Sacher-Torte, perhaps the world’s most famous chocolate cake, made from a recipe conceived in 1832.
Hotel Sacher Wien
View More InfoThough we have also used the luxury Hotel Bristol and Sans Souci, the 149-room, 5-Star Hotel Sacher Wien is our Vienna favorite. Originally opened in 1876, the Hotel Sacher is located in the city center, opposite the Vienna Opera House and near the Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School, museums and shopping. The property’s rooms are quite spacious, all decorated with historical paintings, authentic Baroque furniture and various antiques. You should especially like the Jr. Suites and their updated bathrooms (tubs, separate showers, and heated floors (!)). Being a “The Third Man” fan, Andy, an interesting fact is that Graham Greene was inspired to write the script for the 1949 noir film while staying here. Other amenities here include a very nice spa and full-service fitness center. Of special note is that Hotel Sacher is the birthplace of the Sacher-Torte, perhaps the world’s most famous chocolate cake, made from a recipe conceived in 1832.
Yes, we also like the larger 161-room Four Seasons Prague. However, we feel the smaller, boutique 5-Star 51-room Aria offers a higher degree of personal service and a more intimate sense of the local Czech culture. The Aria is ideally located in the quaint Malá Strana (Little Quarter), just a few minutes’ walk to the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. We like the Aria’s sleek modern room designs, with the Jr. Suite rooms being our preferred. A fun, quirky part of the Aria’s identity is its music-themed presence throughout the public areas, even going so far as having its own impressive music library (Molly should enjoy!). Nice small spa and a rooftop (4th floor) restaurant with extraordinary views of the surrounding historical areas. Do not miss the cleverly designed 18th century baroque Vrtbovská Gardens, directly behind the Aria—Enjoy!
Aria Hotel
View More InfoYes, we also like the larger 161-room Four Seasons Prague. However, we feel the smaller, boutique 5-Star 51-room Aria offers a higher degree of personal service and a more intimate sense of the local Czech culture. The Aria is ideally located in the quaint Malá Strana (Little Quarter), just a few minutes’ walk to the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. We like the Aria’s sleek modern room designs, with the Jr. Suite rooms being our preferred. A fun, quirky part of the Aria’s identity is its music-themed presence throughout the public areas, even going so far as having its own impressive music library (Molly should enjoy!). Nice small spa and a rooftop (4th floor) restaurant with extraordinary views of the surrounding historical areas. Do not miss the cleverly designed 18th century baroque Vrtbovská Gardens, directly behind the Aria—Enjoy!
Request Custom Itinerary
Thank you for your interest in Kipling & Clark. We look forward to serving you!
Please note we specialize in global private luxury travel, including private guides and drivers throughout, high-quality accommodations, inclusive of safari lodges and ryokans, in-country rail/air, and all taxes/service fees.
Dependent on destination and seasonality, our comprehensive private tour costs are upward of USD 4K-6K per couple per day.
(312) 351-3121
rlynch@kiplingandclark.com
Overview
Temperature
Highs: Mid 70’s
Lows: Low 50’s
Area
83,884 SQ KM
32,388 SQ MILES
Capital
Vienna
Population
9,255,000
Language
German
Currency
Euro
Temperature
Highs: High 70's
Lows: High 70's
Area
93,030 SQ KM
35,920 SQ MI
Capital
Budapest
Population
9.6 Million
Language
Hungarian (locally called Magyar)
Currency
Hungarian Forint
Temperature
Highs: High 70's
Lows: High 50's
Area
78,871 SQ KM
30,452 SQ MI
Capital
Prague
Population
10.9 Million
Language
Czech
Currency
Czech Koruna (CZK)
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