Songkran Eastern Europe Tour 2566 (2023): Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, April 8-14, 2566 (2023) (travel days not included)

We welcome you at Vienna Airport and take you on a tour of Austria's capital, the city of music. In modern terms, it has been voted the most livable city in the world thanks to its excellent city planning, parks, arts, and entertainment. Vienna is a classic city of art, with clean houses, charming living spaces, and a seamless blend of art and modernity.

You will explore 20 rooms of Schönbrunn Palace and stroll through the beautifully designed palace gardens. Enjoy lunch at the city's historic market, Naschmarkt, featuring a wide variety of international cuisines, local specialties, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Then travel to the heart of Vienna, the plaza in front of the Hofburg Palace, home to St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Kärntner Straße shopping street, lined with numerous boutiques, trendy souvenirs, and luxury brand stores. End this beautiful day with must-visit sights such as the Gothic Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), Burgtheater, and the Parliament Building.

Travel to the Hallstatt region, a World Heritage lakeside town of pristine beauty. Fall under the spell of historic wooden houses cascading down the mountainside—a true dreamscape. It is the most beautiful town in Austria and the filming location for the famous Korean drama Spring Waltz (China even replicated this town along a lakeside in Huizhou at immense cost, marking the world's first town cloning).

This area is the Salzkammergut region, a natural wonderland encompassing picturesque lakes and majestic mountains along the route, interspersed with peaceful roadside villages that make this drive truly memorable throughout the trip. It is beautiful in every season, and several sections served as filming locations for The Sound of Music.

Hallstatt is the oldest town in Austria and a World Heritage Site. We will take you on a walk through the town and take photos at the most picturesque spots. Great shopping items in this region include salt and salt-based cosmetics, as ancient salt mines are located here.

Then travel to Salzburg. Overnight in Salzburg.

In the morning, follow in the footsteps of the musical The Sound of Music with a visit to Mirabell Gardens, a famous filming location offering spectacular views of the city. Stroll across the bridge over the emerald-green Salzach River, rich in salt minerals that gave Salzburg its name as a historic center of the salt trade.

Take a walk along Getreidegasse, renowned for its elaborately crafted wrought-iron guild signs. Visit the birthplace of world-renowned composer Mozart at No. 9 on this street. A must-buy specialty of the city is Mozart chocolate.

In the afternoon, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Český Krumlov, the second most important tourist destination in the Czech Republic and a charming medieval gem. The town is embraced by a meandering river bend with a grand castle perched atop the highest hill, voted one of the most charming towns in Europe.

Travel to Prague, Czech Republic. We'll take you to explore the heart of Prague in the Old Town, home to the most picturesque square and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock dating back over 600 years. Then stroll across Charles Bridge, lined with 30 statues of saints on both sides, creating an unforgettable and enchanting setting unlike anywhere else.

Visit Prague Castle, known as the largest castle in the world and the historic and modern seat of power in the Czech Republic. Explore the Golden Lane, a charming lane of petite, picturesque cottages originally built for castle guards and later home to alchemists, earning it the name Golden Lane. It is celebrated as the loveliest street in Prague with its delightfully quaint, tiny houses.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time for shopping in the luxury designer boutique district and the New Town area.

Today, explore the heart of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Visit the Radio and Television Slovakia building, famous for its inverted pyramid design, featuring a small ground-floor radio equipment exhibition and a spacious courtyard in front reminiscent of an old park. The Slovak Radio building was constructed in Socialist Realist style during the Czechoslovak communist era and was once listed by The Telegraph among the world's 30 ugliest buildings.

Visit the Presidential Palace, a Rococo-style architectural masterpiece dating from 1760 that serves as the official residence of Slovakia's president, earning it the moniker Slovakia's White House. In the past, the palace hosted grand celebrations for the Habsburg court. Visit the Blue Church (Church of St. Elisabeth), a Roman Catholic church built in 1913 in the Art Nouveau style by Hungarian architect Ödön Lechner in honor of Princess Elisabeth, daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary. See the Slovak National Theatre, built in the Neo-Renaissance style and open since 1886, renowned for hosting world-famous operas—where George W. Bush also delivered an address in 2005. See Most Apollo bridge, constructed between 2002 and 2005, an impressive modern landmark awarded the prestigious OPAL Award for civil engineering in 2006. Visit the Old Town Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral, standing over 700 years as the largest and most significant cathedral in Bratislava, having served as the coronation site for 11 Hungarian monarchs, including Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. The cathedral is located close to Most SNP bridge, topped by its iconic UFO-shaped flying saucer structure housing an observation restaurant with 360-degree panoramic views. Finally, take in Bratislava Castle.

In the morning, travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary—a city with a lower cost of living than other stops on the trip and one of the most mesmerizingly beautiful cities in Europe. The Danube River flows right through the heart of the city, dividing it into Buda and Pest. Upon arrival, we'll assist you with currency exchange at the central market, where you can browse affordable local specialties.

Take in the panoramic views from Gellért Hill, another breathtaking scenic viewpoint especially in the evening when the city lights come alive.

Afterward, head to the new town area for shopping, then take a scenic drive past the Hungarian Parliament Building, a Gothic-style landmark along the riverbank widely regarded as the most beautiful parliament building in the world. Visit the historic Heroes' Square memorial and stroll along the grand boulevard by the Opera House, home to the city's premier luxury boutiques.

In the evening, embark on an enchanting Danube River night cruise. Overnight in Budapest.

In the morning, head up to Castle Hill, home to Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion—the most breathtaking scenic viewpoint over the city, surrounded by grand palaces and museums perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Take you shopping at Designer Outlet Parndorf on the outskirts of Vienna, offering designer brands at discount prices such as Prada, Gucci, Armani, and more. Enjoy lunch at the outlet.

Depart for Vienna, Austria—the grand imperial capital and the city of music.

Transfer to Vienna International Airport according to your scheduled flight departure.