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Exquisite Antiquities Abound in (Europe) for Two Nights at the K & K Hotel Fenix in Prague, Two Nights at the K & K Palais Hotel in Vienna, and Two Nights at the Exe Budapest Center Hotel in Budapest for Two, Including Railway Transfers, a Strahov Library and Castle Tour in Prague, a Walking Tour and Pastry Tasting in Vienna and a Dinner Cruise on the Danube in Budapest (Land Only)

You can't go wrong visiting three of Europe's most popular capital cities, starting with the unspoiled architecture, art, music, and unique style of the once forbidden city of Prague! The baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces of Vienna beckon you to explore the city's history of music, magnificent museums and decadent desserts. And in Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, you'll find a rich history that dates back to the Old Stone Age!

Walk the historic halls and peruse one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe at the Strahov Monastery, which features curiosities and rare artifacts from the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. Established for the Premonstratensians, followers of the teachings of St. Augustine, the library is over 800 years old, and still stands after being ransacked by invading armies. Your guide will impart the history of the monastery as you tour the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall, both crowned with exquisite frescoes. You'll also see the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary where Mozart used to play the organ during his Prague visits, before leaving to explore the charming New World area, a little town outside Prague Castle where time stood still. Admire the Archbishop's palace and the main entrance to the Castle complex, then continue on foot to see the St. Vitus Cathedral with its stained-glass windows, the Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall and the unforgettable and quaint Golden Lane. From the 10th century, Prague Castle has been not only the seat of the head of state, the princes, later kings and nowadays presidents, but also of the highest representative of the church, the Prague bishop.

Tucked away in the winding streets of the golden city, K+K Hotel Fenix offers a warm and friendly welcome and a place to stay that feels like a home away from home in the beautiful and historical center of Prague. Ideally situated steps from Wenceslas Square, the hotel is the perfect base to explore the city by foot and is within walking distance of Prague's prominent shopping, museum, and arts districts. After a day exploring the romantic city, relax at K+K Hotel Fenix Bar & Bistro and sample local dishes washed down with great Czech beers. Then, get a restful night sleep in the warm and welcoming guest rooms, each with top quality mattresses and down duvets.

Next you'll visit Vienna, Austria's capital, which offers a blend of imperial traditions, music, and endearing charm! Nestled on the banks of the Danube, Vienna dazzles with its magnificent architecture and rich history. The former capital of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Vienna is one of the great cultural centers of Europe and one of the most romantic cities in the world. Famous for its operas, beautiful Baroque architecture, music, the Prater, the Jugendstil, lovely parks and rich Sachertorte chocolate cake, composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn have also left their mark on the city. Taste your way through the city on your private half-day walking tour when you visit Naschmarkt, Vienna's best-known market featuring rows and rows of open stalls selling delicious food to take away, snacks to munch on, and full sit-down meals. Pass through the historic city center with its cathedral and the Hofburg, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty, as well as the Plague Column, the huge gilded, baroque sculpture that serves as a memorial to the worst plague in Viennese history - the Great Plague.

K+K Palais Hotel's central location in the historic center of the city puts you within walking distance of Vienna's best sights, opera houses, and shopping boulevards. The former palace of Emperor Franz Joseph, the hotel has been beautifully modernised. Behind the exquisitely preserved original façade, you will find state-of-the-art facilities, elegantly furnished rooms, and staff trained to deliver superior service.

Sail past the beautiful sights of Budapest on a dinner cruise along the Danube River! As you dine, you'll see famous landmarks and architectural wonders of the Hungarian capital, including the Castle district, the Citadella, the House of Parliament, or the Chain Bridge, which connects the eastern and western sides of the city. Buda Castle, the massive Baroque palace, makes a stunning backdrop. It's one thing to view these attractions in the daylight, and another to see them lit up at night! Enjoy your meal and let the breathtaking scenery of evening Budapest delight you as you feast on an a la carte candlelit dinner featuring the finest food, live music entertainment and professional service.

In the heart of Budapest stands a modern establishment of light and elegance that was erected upon what was originally an imposing Soviet building. After a full renovation, the Exe Budapest Center now exudes innovation, modernity and comfort from every touchpoint. Its large inner courtyard, which is overlooked by most of the rooms, is a relaxing space in which you can unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel represents the ideal venue for all kinds of events in the Hungarian capital, and boasts a relaxing sauna and a well-equipped gymnasium, as well as an excellent location within a three-minute stroll of the National Museum, the Great Synagogue and the Astoria Metro Station.

Your trip for two includes:
3 days/2 nights accommodations at the K & K Hotel Fenix in Prague
3 days/2 nights accommodations at the K & K Palais Hotel in Vienna
3 days/2 nights accommodations at the Exe Budapest Center Hotel in Budapest in a superior double room
Breakfast daily
Private transfer from Prague Airport to the hotel
Private half-day Castle Tour & Strahov Library in Prague, including entrance fees and private one way transfer from the hotel
Private transfer from Prague hotel to train station
First class train tickets from Prague to Vienna
Private transfer from Vienna train station to the hotel
Private half-day walking tour, including the historic city center with the outside cathedral and the Hofburg and the ditch with the plague column and tasting of local pastries at the famous Naschmarkt.
Private transfer from Vienna Hotel to train station
First class train tickets from Vienna to Budapest
Dinner cruise on the Danube River, including a la carte dinner, welcome drink and round-trip transfers from the hotel
Room-related taxes (including VAT)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Tours run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Entrance fees and transportation for Half-day walking tour in Vienna not included. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.