The Heart of Central Europe
Itinerary – October 2023
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12 OCT |
Fly from Australia to Budapest. | |
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13 OCT |
Budapest – Arrive in Budapest this afternoon. The Marriott is the only city hotel that boasts magnificent views of the Danube and the hills of Buda from every room. There are two nights to soak up the history of this vibrant city. Settle into your spacious room, later join fellow travellers and meet your Journey Leaders at a cocktail reception. Accommodation: Marriott Budapest (or similar) – (D) |
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14 OCT |
Budapest – Budapest spills across the Danube and divides into two parts – Buda and Pest. Today we explore both faces of this spectacular city – filled with a dramatic history and eye-popping architecture. We’ll embark on a walking tour around the Buda Castle District, with spectacular views from the Citadel. Drive along the two kilometre Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square, marveling at the incredible architecture of the Basilica and the Opera House.
A La Carte options Dine tonight with more splendid views as we cruise the Danube on a private dinner cruise ship Accommodation: Marriott Budapest (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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15 OCT |
Zagreb & Ljubljana – The beauty of a private train means that we set the schedule according to our needs. And your comfort is assured with first class carriages, two dedicated dining cars and separate bar car. Today we set off from Hungary, stop off in Croatia and conclude the day’s journey in Slovenia.
From Budapest we trace Lake Balaton while enjoying a leisurely lunch aboard. Relive the pleasure of a meal in The Diner, accompanied by some excellent wines – included of course, as is the Constellation way. After lunch we arrive in the lively capital of Zagreb – where a private tram awaits. After a rambling ride through the city, local guides escort us up the short funicular before they walk us past Zagreb’s highlights including the Upper Town and the Dolac Market. Returning to our private train we continue to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Dinner aboard offers you another chance to enjoy the spoils of The Diner and affords you time to get to know fellow travellers. On arrival in Ljubljana we make our way to the nearby InterContinental. Accommodation: Intercontinental Ljubljana (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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16 OCT |
Ljubljana – Ljubljana packs all the best bits of Europe into one neat package. Canals, cobblestone paths, charming cafes and a castle on a hill. A morning walking tour takes you over the arched bridges and across public squares, all the while discovering the art noveau masterpieces.
A funicular elevates you to the castle district, where Ljubljana Castle has kept watchful eye over the city for 900 years. This evening we take a short walk to dinner in an ancient building for traditional Slovenian fare and entertainment. Head back to the luxury of your hotel after dinner or stay on awhile in the city, soaking up its lively atmosphere. Accommodation: Intercontinental Ljubljana (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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17 OCT |
Lake Bled & Ljubljana – You would be hard pressed to find a site anywhere in Europe more idyllic than Lake Bled. With the summer crowds gone and winter not yet in descent, October is a fantastic time to visit. The colours of autumn are in full flight and the mirror like surface of the blue lake absorbs the red and orange hues.
Explore the imposing hilltop Bled Castle, with its grand views over the lake and surrounding Alpine mountains. Dating from 1011 the medieval castle exudes a fairytale like quality and contains a replica of one of the world’s oldest printing presses. Enjoy a traditional Slovenian lunch before heading to the lake for a relaxing boat ride to the medieval church on the small island in the lake’s centre. After returning to Ljubljana, dinner is sure to be a highlight. We’ll dine at the Michelin plated ‘B Restaurant’ on the 29th floor of our hotel. Accommodation: Intercontinental Ljubljana (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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18 OCT |
Postojna Caves & Verona – The friendly crew of our private train welcome you back aboard. A short hop delivers us to the magnificent Postojna Caves, where 20km of karst caves await your exploration. The cave complex is enormous and reaches depths of 115m. An electric train takes us through a 4km long labyrinth, stop and test the acoustics of the Concert Hall. Back onboard our train for a delightful lunch, accompanied by excellent wines, there will be time relax and watch the scenery unfold outside your window. Passing into Italy we arrive in Verona early this evening and enjoy dinner at our hotel – the luxurious Due Torri Hotel. Accommodation: Due Torri Hotel (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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19 OCT |
Verona – ‘In fair Verona’ we sightsee today. Made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of Italy’s most charming – and often overlooked – cities.
A walking tour introduces us to the city’s many virtues including the Roman Arena (Amphitheatre) and Piazza Bra. Take a peek at Juliet’s House and the Palace of the Scala Family, who ruled Verona for 100 years from the late 13th century. Explore at leisure this afternoon. We recommend sampling the gelato at Venchi or if fermented grapes are more your thing there are many wine bars in which to try the region’s exceptional Amarone wines. And watching tortellini being made in the window of a pasta shop is always worth pausing for. This evening you are treated to dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants, Ristorante Emanuelle – overlooking the Roman Arena. Accommodation: Due Torri Hotel (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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20 OCT |
Milan & Lake Como – A morning journey aboard our train leads us to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, if not the world. Milan is also home to the 600 year old cathedral, Duomo di Milano – an impressive sight and one of Italy’s largest churches.
From the spiritual to the material we walk along Via Dante to Le Galleries for some window shopping in stores like Fendi, Dior and Gucci. Lunch on the local favourite, Risotto alla Milanese, before rejoining our train for the short journey to Lake Como and the panoramic views from Hilton Lake Como. Cocktail’s on the roof terrace with views over Lake Como will set the scene for our stay. Accommodation: Hilton Lake Como (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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21 OCT |
Lake Como & Bellagio – Lake Como, with its lakeside towns and neoclassical villas is absolutely stunning. And knows it too! Sports cars weave in and out of narrow roads, luxury boutiques adorn the cobblestone streets and the beautiful people come here to see and be seen.
Live the life of a movie star as we cruise to postcard perfect Bellagio this morning. Pass the luxury villas owned by the uber wealthy and notably famous. Keep an eye out for Hollywood A listers like George Clooney who owns a compound of villas by the lake. Enjoy an Italian lunch in the charming town of Bellagio before returning to our hotel. Tonight we dine on regional specialties at the delightful ‘Il Vapore’, with sunset views of Lake Como Accommodation: Hilton Lake Como (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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22 OCT |
Lake Como & Lucerne – This morning we have the chance to further embrace the beauty of this special place.
A La Carte options From the passionate embrace of Italian culture we enter Switzerland this afternoon, traversing the famous Gotthard Pass – with its bridges, viaducts and stunning views of the Alps Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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23 OCT |
Lucerne & Mt Pilatus – A day to remember. We drive the short distance to Alpnachstad and commence the steep climb aboard the world’s steepest cog railway, with a 48% incline in its ascent to Mt Pilatus. Spectacular scenery abounds at every angle, keep your camera handy. Breathe the fresh air and enjoy lunch at 2,2128m high. Returning to our hotel there will be time to unwind before dinner at Chateau Gutsch, overlooking the city
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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24 OCT |
Lucerne – Join a walking tour of this captivating town where everything is within easy reach – perhaps too easy when you consider the sheer number of chocolatiers! The medieval Old Town is extremely well preserved and demands further exploration, an excellent way to walk off any chocolate indulgences. After lunch at our hotel, choose from one of our A La Carte options.
A La Carte options Late this afternoon we join a private cruiser for an exclusive dinner on Lake Lucerne. Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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25 OCT |
Lucerne to Zurich & Salzburg – Zurich epitomises every Swiss stereotype – efficiently run, remarkably clean and abundantly attractive. A short train journey lands us in Zurich, where a walk to the tree lined park of Lindenhof offers views over the Old Town and river – you might even find yourself tempted by a game of chess with local masters.
We rejoin our train train and as we progress to Salzburg, the afternoon offers you a chance to catch up on some reading and watch the passing scenery as you unwind to the rhythms of the train, or join fellow travellers for a laugh or two in the Bar Car. Dinner will be served before arrival in Salzburg. Accommodation: Sacher Hotel (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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26 OCT |
Salzburg – The hills are alive with the sound of music. Not only was the famous film shot in and around Salzburg, the city is the birthplace of Mozart, which we visit today on a walking tour. Setting a leisurely pace we continue our discovery of Salzburg including the Mirabell Gardens and the medieval Fortress Hohensalzburg, one of the largest and best preserved in Europe.
Dinner this evening is in our hotel’s Wintergarden conservatory, with views of the river and the old town of Salzburg. Straddling the Salzach River, overlooked by the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is a place befitting of a fairytale. Accommodation: Sacher Hotel (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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27 OCT |
Halstatt & Vienna – Travelling by Private Train enables us to make a side trip to Hallstatt, where a private boat delivers us to the heart of this delightful town. Autumn colours complement the bright reds and yellows of Hallstatt’s 16th century architecture. Flower boxes drape windows in geraniums and ivy. Cobblestone streets connect charming cafés, ornate churches and Alpine inns. After watching life unfold in this small Austrian village we rejoin our train for the onward journey to Vienna in time for dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Imperial (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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28 OCT |
Vienna – Rich in history and culture, perfectly positioned on the Danube and at the edge of the Austrian Alps, the beauty of Vienna has romanced travellers for centuries. Local experts guide us through the streets of Vienna, pausing to step inside St Stephen’s Cathedral and wander the luxury boutiques of Kartner Strasse and Graben.
After lunch we are driven around Ringstrasse, Vienna’s grand circular boulevard, arriving at the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace – the summer residence of Habsburg emperor renowned for its magnificent gardens. Later choose from one of the following A La Carte options. A La Carte options This evening a very special mode of transport is used to reach the destination of our gala dinner. Celebrate the journey of a lifetime with newfound friends before parting ways tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Imperial (or similar) – (B,L,D) |
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29 OCT |
Vienna – It’s time to depart but you will take the memories and friendships created along the way with you. Depart this afternoon bound for home, or speak to one of our Travel Specialists about extending your stay in Europe. (B) | |
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30 OCT |
Arrive Australia |
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