Austria – Hungary – Czech Republic with SATO TOURS
Travelling through Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic without encountering the constant footprint of the Habsburg Monarchy is impossible, as the aristocratic line, which partly led these three cities for several centuries, has left deep traces in art, culture and society.
This imperial charm accompanies us throughout the journey, which today we can undertake from Vienna through Budapest to Prague.
Vienna – the lavish city
We begin our journey in Vienna, the residence of the Habsburgs from the 15th to the beginning of the 20th century. Before dedicating ourselves to the city’s architectural monuments and jewels, we allow ourselves to enjoy a typical Austrian dinner at the famous Marchfelderhof restaurant in Deutsch-Wagram. Here each customer is greeted as an emperor – with red carpet and welcome committee included. This recalls collected memories not only of the well-known Habsburgs, Napoleon also salutes at the entrance of the place where a battle was fought not far away. In addition, its long history and adherence to tradition make the restaurant an attraction for illustrious characters. Enjoy what fascinated Liz Taylor and Clarke Gable among others!
Already refreshed we immerse ourselves the next day in a first class tourist program. We will tour the Ring to admire Vienna’s Historic Opera, the State Opera, the Parliament, the City Hall, the Burgtheater, and Maria Theresia seated on her throne (at least as statue) between the Museums of Art and Natural History. This walk will become even more imperial when we are in front of the Hofburg, where the last Emperor of the Habsburgs and famous workaholic addict, Franz Joseph I, had his office. Today this building houses impressive museums, the National Library and the headquarters of the Austrian Head of State. It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure up the time this monarchy reigned. The typical Horse drawn cabs (Fiaker in Viennese) project the charm of centuries past, too.
We will complete our tour with a walk through the impressive garden of Belvedere Palace. Do not miss the opportunity to take a photo of the famous “Canaletto view”, which our guides will point out during the visit.
Our third day in Vienna gives us a break, while you have the possibility of getting to know the unique landscape of the Wachau including a boat tour on the Danube or taking the day off. If you decide for the second option, we can offer you a couple of suggestions:
VISITS TO VIENNESE CAFES
Vienna is not unfairly regarded as the coffee capital of the world. Anyone who wants to find the atmosphere of the old days and the pleasure of typical specialties (such as Sacher cake), will do so, for example, in Café Central, Hawelka, Sacher, Demel or Diglas. Stephansplatz Underground Station is all a short walk away.
FOLLOWING SISI’S FOOTSTEPS
Are you interested in the Bavarian princess who became the Austrian Empress? Then you can take advantage of your day off to visit the Sisi museum in the Hofburg and discover this mythicized Empress.
SHOPPING IN VIENNA
An exclusive experience offered by the main shops of international brands surrounding Stephansplatz (K.R.N.Strasse) and the Opera House (Karlsplatz underground stop). Directly on the Ring, the Calls Galleries on the Ringstrasse invite you to purchase some souvenirs. It is also worth exploring the many small boutiques on the adjacent streets of Vienna’s city centre.
Budapest – the enigmatic city
The next stop of our trip is also located directly on the banks of the Danube: Budapest. The city, in which we will arrive at approximately noon, we will meet at night in a particularly bright way. It is not possible to forget the beauty of the illuminated building of Parliament in neo-Gothic style. Our foray into the two parts of the city “Buda” and “Pest” has many impressions in store for us. We will visit the famous Fisherman’s Bastion located on the castle hill on the site of the fish market in the Middle Ages. Have your camera ready as the panoramic view from this point is unique.
On the castle hill we will also visit thechurch of Matthias, which belongs to the cultural heritage of humanity of UNESCO and takes us back to the imperial theme, since here the coronation ceremony of Emperor Franz Joseph I took place. Moreover, the church has a rather moving past, since after the conquest of Buda by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it was served as a mosque for 150 years. Our SATO guide will be able to tell you and show you what’s left of that era today.
Our second day in the Hungarian capital is characterized by enjoyment: we will visit the Great Market and immerse ourselves in the typical gastronomy of the country – from the world famous Tokajer wine to the paprika or the fine spirits. In this market you will find products for all tastes.
Prague – the gilded city
Before arriving at the destination of our trip, the golden Prague, we’ll stop in the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The free time we spend in this city will be well invested in a walk through the historical center of the ancient city. Pay attention also to the ground, otherwise some of the highlights may be lost. Of course, we don’t want to reveal anything else here.
We’ll get to Prague during the afternoon , where we will immediately begin our walk, which here also becomes majestic, as we follow in the footsteps of the medieval kings, taking the path that these had to go after their coronation. As we cross Charles Bridge over the Vltava, the statues of the saints on both sides seem to follow us with their eyes.
Our first exploration of the old town continues the next day with a look at the city’s contemporary history: we’ll visit Wenceslas Square, commemorated as a place of resistance to the communist regime in 1989. Then we’ll go back to ancient times, because a trip to Prague should not end without a visit to Prague Castle which dominates the city. Nor should the church of Tyn be missed in the Old Town Square as well as a stop at the Czech National Theatre, for which about 90 million euros were raised in the Bohemian territory during the 19th century. We’ll meet imperialism here again, the fact that the monarch denied an injection of money for its construction caused the imperial box to be unusually placed in the theatre, namely not in the centre but on the edge, amongst the worst places.
The day before your departure you can enjoy free time, join us on an excursion to the bohemian village of Cesky Krumlov or continue to get to know the city on your own. If you take the second option, we also offer you on this occasion a couple of suggestions:
– Those who approach thechocolate shop “Cervena zidle”can take the opportunity to try their own cocoa creations with a typical Czech touch.
– Those interested in history will be delighted with the visit to the Museum of Communism near Wenceslas Square.
– If you want to know more about the famous Bohemian cuisine, you must not miss the local dishes such as Czech sirloin (Svickova). This tasty meal is best accompanied with beer, which enjoys great popularity in the Czech Republic.
On the ninth day of our trip we’ll say goodbye with a hearty breakfast from the golden city. One thing is certain: We´ll take home truly imperial memories.
Do you want to travel with us not only virtually?
Our tour “Vienna – Budapest – Prague” can be booked through almost all travel agencies.
