Vienna & Budapest, Two Imperial Cities
Overview
Vienna and Budapest, are iconic "Imperial Cities" of Central Europe, once centers of the vast Habsburg Empire, showcasing opulent palaces (like Schönbrunn), grand architecture (St. Stephen's Cathedral, Parliament), rich history, and cultural fusion, making them popular destinations for exploring Europe's regal past.
They boast stunning Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture, world-class museums, concert halls and thermal baths, reflecting centuries of imperial rule and diverse influences.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Austria
- Vienna
- Hungary
- Budapest
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Vienna
- 7 nights of accommodation, including buffet breakfast daily.
- Private airport transfers, arrival and departure in Vienna
- Train tickets, 2nd Class, Vienna – Budapest – Vienna
- More Moments activities included:
- Hop On Hop Off in Vienna (72 hours)
- Regular guided tour by coach in Vienna with entrance to Schönbrunn Palace (Approx. 3 hours)
- Shared Vienna Old Town walking tour, with coffee house (Approx. 2 hours)
- Shared walking tour of Budapest including entrances to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church.
- Day ticket for public transportation is included (Approx. 3 hours)
- Day cruise with prosecco on the Danube
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Depart on your flight to Vienna.
Day 2
Welcome to Vienna and Austria
Upon arrival take a private transfer to your hotel, where you will spend the next 3 nights.
Spend the remainder of your day exploring at your own pace. Over the next 3 nights you will have plenty of time to explore this outstanding city and venture to neighbouring areas to experience the true essence of authentic Austria.
Vienna, Austria's capital, features rich history, stunning Baroque architecture, and vibrant arts and music scene. Visitors can explore Schönbrunn Palace and the Habsburg Imperial family's history, admire the Ringstrasse's grand buildings, or enjoy the iconic Vienna Giant Wheel at the Prater amusement park.
Day 3 – 4
Sightseeing
Take advantage of the More Moments excursions included in your package.
Days and times of actual activities will be confirmed with your final itinerary.
More Moments Activities Included
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Hop On Hop Off Vienna
Use your 72-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass to see all the city's highlights. A map and audio guide are included to give you an explanation of the main sights.
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Regular guided tour by coach in Vienna with entrance to Schönbrunn Palace
Using your 24-hour unlimited public transportation ticket, it will be easy to reach the city center. At the Ringstrasse you will see the Vienna State Opera, the Parliament, the grand Hofburg Palace, the acclaimed Burgtheater, the striking City Hall and more. After the "inner-city" tour, you’re in for a treat: your guide will lead you through the impressive Schönbrunn Palace. This magnificent palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vienna’s most visited attraction.
Approx. 3 hours
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Vienna Old Town Walking tour, with coffee house
Step into the timeless charm of Vienna’s historic heart on this captivating 2-hour walking tour through the First District (Innere Stadt). With your local guide, your journey begins at the grand Vienna State Opera. Stroll along the lively Kärntner Strasse, until you reach the breathtaking St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s iconic Gothic masterpiece. Continue through narrow cobblestone lanes and picturesque squares to the impressive Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Pass by the world-famous Spanish Riding School, the elegant Albertina Museum, and the beautiful Michaelerplatz, where Roman ruins lie beneath Baroque grandeur. As the tour winds down, enjoy a true Viennese tradition, a relaxing coffee break in a charming café on Kärntner Strasse. Savour the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and perhaps a slice of Sachertorte while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Approx. 2 hours
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5 – 7
Budapest
Make your own way to the train station and board your train to Budapest. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel where you’ll spend the next 3 nights.
Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a historic European city bisected by the Danube River, known as the "Paris of the East" for its stunning architecture, rich culture, vibrant nightlife (ruin bars), and famous thermal baths. Take advantage of the More Moments excursions included in your package. Days and times of actual activities will be confirmed with your final itinerary.
More Moments Activities Included
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Walking tour of Budapest including including entrances to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church. Day ticket for public transportation is included
The tour starts from your hotel. On the Buda side, stop in the Castle District and see the main attractions of the area. Walk to the Matthias Church and to the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the Pest side, see the Parliament, the St. Stephens Basilica and many other sights. On the way to the Heroes’ Square, see the Adrássy Avenue with the Opera House, the House of Terror and many luxury shops. Then your guide will drive you to the City Park, where you’ll pass by the Vajdahunyad Castle, Europe’s largest thermal spa (Széchenyi Bath), the Budapest Zoo and the Once Upon a Time Park.
Approx: 3 hours
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Day cruise with prosecco on the Danube
Hop on this laid-back Budapest prosecco cruise along the Danube's gorgeous waters as the sun paints the sky with breathtaking colours. The Danube banks are famous for a reason, and you'll see why as you kick back and enjoy the ride under the warm hues of twilight.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Budapest – Vienna
Make your own way to the train station and board your train back to Vienna. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel where you’ll spend your last night.
Enjoy the remainder of your day and evening in Vienna.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Return home
Time to say goodbye to Vienna. You will be picked up from your hotel by our driver, who will take you to the airport.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
4-Star accommodation 2nd class Train
Location
Hotel
Room details
The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Where “or similar” is indicated, guests will stay at a hotel of the same star rating. The hotel accommodation will be communicated to the consumer or travel agent prior to departure.
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (2 adults + 1 child)
Ideal for
Multi-country tours
Book once, check two or more destinations off your bucket list! Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- More Moments activities or excursions (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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Daily, year-round
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Not included:
- Meals, unless specified
- Transfers to and from excursion meeting and drop off points
- Additional activities and excursions, entrance fees
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Porterage
- Hotel/city taxes
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- Private airport transfers
- Train, 2nd Class
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- The order of the itinerary could vary including the number of consecutive nights per city; days of excursions and times are confirmed with final confirmation and itinerary. This itinerary is for reference only.
- Excursions: operate in English
- Excursions could be replaced with alternate options. Due to operational reasons, weather, seasonal changes, civil interruptions
- Train ticket is 100% non-refundable once booked
- Train segments could require a connection
- Infants do not occupy seats on trains and excursion transportation