12-day Capitals of Central Europe Tour
Marvel at the timeless beauty on this captivating 16-day journey through the heart of Central Europe, exploring Berlin and Munich in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, Bratislava in Slovakia, and Vienna in Austria. Revel in the enchanting beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of these iconic cities. Discover Berlin's modern pulse, Prague's fairy-tale charm, Bratislava's hidden gems, Vienna's imperial grandeur, and Munich's Bavarian allure. Each destination offers a unique blend of romance, mystery, and cultural splendor, making this tour an unforgettable adventure through some of Europe's most treasured capitals. Highest Elevation: 1,719 feet in Vienna, Austria. Walking Expectations: “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.
2025 Departure Dates | Price* | |
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Sep-01-2025 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,090 pp |
Tour Year 2025
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today begins your Capitals of Central Europe adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Eisenach.
Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on when and where to meet your Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel in Eisenach, nestled in the Thuringian Forest. Eisenach is known as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and the site of Wartburg Castle. After being exiled in 1521, Martin Luther hid in this castle while he completed his German translation of the New Testament. Get acquainted with your fellow tour participants during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Leipzig - Wittenberg - Berlin.
After breakfast,travel to Leipzig, birthplace of Richard Wagner and the home of Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death in 1750. Following a brief introduction to the city by your Tour Manager, visit the Thomaskirche, where Bach is buried. The New Town Hall, on the Burgplatz, is the site of the old citadel where Martin Luther delivered his momentous speech in 1519. After an independent lunch, board the motor coach and make your way to Wittenberg. It is here that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the All Saints’ Church (aka Schlosskirche), beginning the Protestant Reformation. Continue to the vibrant German capital of Berlin, where you will arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Berlin.
Start your day in Berlin with an informative sightseeing tour, featuring landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and the site of Checkpoint Charlie. The focal point of the city’s famous Kurfürstendamm Avenue, affectionately called Ku’damm, is the bombed tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a reminder of World War II. The remainder of the day allows time to visit one of Berlin’s outstanding museums or pursue other personal interests. Tonight, your vast selection of independent dining options includes everything from beer halls to world-class restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 - GERMANY . . Dresden & CZECH REPUBLIC. . Prague.
Depart Berlin for Dresden, situated on the River Elbe. An orientation tour will provide insight into the city’s history as a residence to royalty, a leading European center of art and culture, and a military garrison. Dresden was nearly destroyed during bombing raids in February of 1945. Although large areas of the city were reconstructed in a socialist modern style, many important and historic buildings have been rebuilt in their original design, including the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace and, as recently as 2005, the Dresden Frauenkirche. In the late afternoon, continue into the Czech Republic and the capital city of Prague. Dinner will be served at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague.
This morning, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Prague, including beautiful Staromestské Námesti (the most photographed square in the city), the Old Town Hall, and the Church of St. Nicholas in the Little Quarter (Malá Strana). Following the city tour, stroll along the Vltava River (also referred to as the Moldau River) until you reach the spectacular Charles Bridge. From the higher banks across the river, the enormous Castle overlooks the city, contributing to Prague’s characteristically mysterious atmosphere. Dinner tonight is independent, or join your Tour Manager for the optional Traditional Czech Evening excursion (see page 52) offering dinner and entertainment. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Kutna Hora & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
A short distance from Prague lies the city of Kutna Hora. Visit the unique Sedlec Ossuary, estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel. From here, continue south towards Vienna, your home for the next three nights. Dinner will be served upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
During a panoramic tour of Vienna, the local guide provides insight into this unconventional and avant-garde city of dramatic imperial palaces, cobbled alleyways and cozy coffee houses. Sightseeing is at your own pace for the remainder of the day. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse for a closer look at some of the city’s magnificent landmarks or venture into one of the museums in the popular Museumquartier (MQ). An independent dinner provides the flexibility to pursue individual interests, or join your Tour Manager for the optional Schönbrunn Palace & Dinner excursion (see page 51). (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - SLOVAKIA . . Bratislava & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
From Vienna, travel to Bratislava. the capital of Slovakia, where you will have time to enjoy an independent lunch in the old town (Stare Mestro). Depart Bratislava and return to Vienna for a mid-afternoon arrival, providing time to continue your exploration or take in one of the many classical concerts at venues throughout the city. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - AUSTRIA . . Melk - Linz & GERMANY . . Munich.
Along the banks of the Danube River lies the impressive Melk Abbey. Begin the day with a guided tour of this former Roman fortress turned abbey by 11th-century monks. From Melk, travel to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Linz is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern innovation. Pause for an independent lunch and try the famous Linzer torte, a traditional Austrian pastry made with rich buttery dough and filled with raspberry jam. This afternoon, continue into Germany and the Bavarian capital city of Munich. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - GERMANY . . Munich.
An informative morning walking tour highlights Munich’s Old Town including the Church of our Lady, the Old Town Hall and the Viktualien Market. For lunch, we suggest a taste of Oktoberfest at the famous Hofbräuhaus. Spend your afternoon visiting one of Munich’s many museums and attractions such as the Residenz, the BMW Headquarters or the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science museums. Another choice for the afternoon is to join your Tour Manager for the optional Dachau excursion (see page XX). Gather with your fellow tour companions this evening for a “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Munich Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Frankfurt Airport - Eisenach.
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport. Meet your tour manager and transfer (2½ hrs) to your hotel in Eisenach in central Germany. In the afternoon, explore the old village of Eisenach. Tonight, enjoy a "Welcome to Europe" dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Leipzig - Wittenberg - Berlin.
Motor (2½ hrs) to Leipzig for a city tour, sightseeing and independent lunch. Then travel (1½ hrs) to visit the town of Wittenberg. Continue (2 ½ hrs), to your hotel in Berlin. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - GERMANY . . Berlin.
Full day in Berlin. Morning sightseeing tour by coach (3 hrs including a few stops). Afternoon free time for personal exploration. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 - GERMANY . . Dresden & CZECH REPUBLIC. . Prague.
Travel (2½ hrs) to Dresden for sightseeing and independent lunch. Continue (2 hrs) to the border into the Czech Republic and on to your hotel in Prague. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague.
Transfer (½ hr) into the Old Town center for a sightseeing tour of Prague on foot followed by free time for independent sightseeing. Optional Traditional Czech Evening excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - CZECH REPUBLIC . . Prague & AUSTRIA . . Vienna
After breakfast, head southeast (1½ hrs) for a morning stop in silver mining town of Kutná Hora, continue (2½ hrs) for a stop near Brno to stretch your legs. End your evening (2½ hrs) with dinner at your Vienna hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
Morning sightseeing tour of Vienna (3 hrs including a few stops). Free time in the afternoon to pursue your own interests. Dinner is independent or join the optional Schönbrunn Palace & Dinner excursion (¾ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - SLOVAKIA . . Bratislava & AUSTRIA . . Vienna.
Travel (1½ hrs) across the border, to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. After an independent lunch, transfer (1½ hrs) back to your hotel in Vienna. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - AUSTRIA . . Melk & GERMANY . . Munich
Drive along the banks of the Danube River (1½ hrs) to visit Melk Abbey. Continue (1½ hrs) to an independent lunch in Linz. In the afternoon, travel (3½ hrs including a comfort stop) to the Bavarian capital of Munich for your overnight stay. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - GERMANY . . Munich.
Begin the day with sightseeing around Munich (3 hrs) and independent lunch. Join the afternoon excursion (1 hr) to Dachau. Complete your day (1 hr) at your Munich hotel for a "Farewell Dinner". (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer (1 hrs) to Munich Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
- Visit sites significant to composers such as Bach, Wagner and Strauss
- Pose in front of Checkpoint Charlie in the German capital of Berlin
- Admire Dresden’s Zwinger Palace, famous for its baroque architecture
- Enjoy the Bohemian atmosphere of Prague in the Czech Republic
- Study the unique decor of the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora
- Tour Schönbrunn Palace in Austria’s imperial capital of Vienna
- Experience the bustle of Bratislava’s 18th century Old Town
- Marvel at the frescoed ceiling of the impressive Melk Abbey
- Pause in quiet contemplation at Dachau Concentration Camp
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 10 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance
Jim & Debra T.
September 6, 2023Roy & Debra B.
September 7, 2022Michael & Debra A.
September 7, 2022The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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Upcoming Departures
Hotel Glockenhof
Eisenach, Germany- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Catalonia Berlin Mitte
Berlin, Germany- hairdryer
- TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
NH Prague City
Prague, Czech Republic- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- mini-bar
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- sauna
- steam bath
Leonardo Hotel Vienna
Vienna, Austria- Hair dryer
- television
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- wellness area
Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre
Munich, Germany- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness room
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
TRADITIONAL CZECH EVENING
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $80.00The small castle of the Folklore Garden has created a lively medieval village ambiance within its dining hall. Staff in traditional costumes serve regional specialties while introducing Czech Folklore through entertaining stories, song and dance. You are invited to join the singing and dancing.
DACHAU
1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. $40.00A short distance from Munich lies the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and Visitors Center. Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks. An audio guide allows for quiet reflection while you gain greater understanding.