From the moment we arrived in Prague, our experience was nothing short of exceptional. Everything was meticulously taken care of, starting with a private transfer from the airport to our hotel. As we stepped out of the vehicle, we were warmly greeted by Tomas, our knowledgeable tour guide, who provided us with maps and additional information about the city.
Once we had checked in, we were given some free time to settle into our new surroundings before the much-anticipated welcome meeting. Later in the evening, we gathered at a charming local restaurant for a delightful meal, immersing ourselves in the flavours of Prague.
The following day began with a captivating tour of the Castle district, led by a local guide. We marveled at the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, explored the grandeur of Prague Castle, and strolled along the iconic Charles Bridge, absorbing its timeless beauty. In the afternoon, we opted to join a tour of Prague's old Jewish Quarter, delving into its rich history and cultural significance.
With another day of exploration ahead, we were granted free time to discover more of Prague at our own pace. Later in the day, we reunited with the group for a memorable traditional Czech folklore evening, immersing ourselves in the vibrant local traditions and captivating performances.
Reluctantly, the time came to bid farewell to Prague, as we embarked on the next leg of our journey towards Vienna. However, before reaching our destination, we made a delightful stop in the picturesque medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. This enchanting place welcomed us with its towering Baroque architecture, creating a truly magical ambiance.
Arriving in Vienna during the evening, we found ourselves with precious free time to venture out and explore the city. The following day, we met a knowledgeable local guide who accompanied us on a captivating tour of the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. As we strolled through its opulent halls and immaculate gardens, we couldn't help but marvel at the splendor of this summer retreat that had served the Habsburg dynasty for over two centuries.
Following our visit to the palace, we boarded the coach for a tour of Vienna's city centre. The architectural marvels, scenic parks, and gothic spires that unfolded before our eyes left us in awe of the city's beauty. As the day transitioned into evening, we were treated to a remarkable experience—a sumptuous meal accompanied by a classical concert featuring the timeless works of Mozart and Strauss. Despite it not being something we would typically choose, we were immensely grateful for the opportunity, as the performance proved to be nothing short of breath-taking.
On our last day of the tour, we decided to embark on the included Danube cruise—a serene journey down the river. The cruise commenced in the medieval town of Durnstein, allowing us to soak in the captivating atmosphere and charming architecture. Our voyage eventually led us to the venerable Melk Abbey, which has been inhabited and diligently tended to by Benedictine monks since 1089. The abbey's rich history and stunning architecture left a lasting impression on us.
Participating in the Collette Tour alleviated all the usual stresses associated with traveling between different cities. We were able to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, knowing that we wouldn't miss any significant highlights thanks to our incredibly informative tour guides. The combination of guided tours and ample free time allowed us to explore the cities at our own pace—a perfect balance that made our journey truly unforgettable.
