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Imperial Weekend - Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava

Oct 7 2026 - Oct 12 2026


7-12 October | 2 nights in Budapest, 2 nights in Vienna
 

Discover the Glory of the Grand Imperial Capitals This October!

Make the most of your long holiday weekend by checking three magnificent European capitals off your bucket list. You will travel in comfort on our overnight bus, waking up in the heart of Budapest. After an expert-led orientation of the Hungarian capital, you will check into your premium hotel with plenty of free time to explore the city's famous thermal baths, majestic parliament building, or vibrant culinary scene.

Your imperial journey continues with guided excursions through the colorful riverside enclave of Szentendre and the historic Slovakian capital of Bratislava. The grand finale of your adventure awaits in Vienna. After checking into your next four-star property, an introductory tour will reveal Austria's opulent history. With your major travel logistics completely handled, you are free to discover the Imperial Hofburg, admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace at your own pace.

Trips to the historic Hapsburg capitals are always popular. Skip the stress of driving, paying for gas and tolls, and navigating international borders by letting Army Outdoor Recreation handle the details. With convenient departures from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks, your perfect autumn getaway is waiting for you. But don't wait too long! Our early bird discount applies only to the first 26 seats soldReserve yours today!

Price, Seats 1-26

  • Double Occupancy: $999 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $1249

Price, Seats 27-46

  • Double Occupancy: $1099 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $1349
     
  • Bus seat assignment preference in rows 2-5: $50 per seat - Does not guarantee a specific seat.

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, August 18 may be subject to hotel rebooking fees.

  • Children aged 2-11 in triple room with 2 paid adults: $799
  • Children under 2 sharing existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $349

Trip Includes:

  • Round trip tour bus transportation from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
  • Free on-post parking
  • 4 hotel overnights 
    • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel NH Budapest City**** or equivalent
    • 2 overnights with breakfast buffet at hotel LYF Schönbrunn Vienna**** or equivalent
  • Guided tour of Budapest
  • Guided visit to Szentendre
  • Guided tour of Bratislava
  • Guided tour of Vienna 
  • QuietVOX Audio Guide
     
  • Pay in US Dollars
  • Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes & clothing
  • Credit/Debit Card or both Euro and Hungarian Forints
  • Military ID and Passport
     
  • Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler

Departure:

  • 5 p.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
  • 6 p.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Monday Night

Estimated Itinerary

Wednesday Night: Departure for the Hapsburg Capitals

Your multi-city adventure begins this evening when you board the bus at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks. After settling into your seat, lean back and relax as your comfortable coach whisks you across the continent toward Hungary. Remember to pack your overnight essentials. Blankets, pillows, power banks, and drinks will help you sleep soundly so you wake up refreshed and ready to explore Budapest tomorrow morning.

Thursday: Budapest

Upon arriving in Budapest, you will drop off your luggage at your four-star hotel and immediately dive into the city's rich history with an included guided tour. You will discover how the capital was forged by uniting two distinct cities: Buda, with its royal castle high on the hill, and Pest, the bustling commercial center across the Danube River. Following the tour, the afternoon is entirely yours. Stroll the vibrant Vaci Utca shopping district, relax in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, or enjoy the scenic riverside promenade. History buffs and fans of the James Bond film GoldenEye will definitely want to seek out Memento Park, the final resting place of dozens of Soviet-era statues removed at the end of the Cold War.

Friday: The Artists' Village of Szentendre

Today features an optional visit to Szentendre, a picturesque town located just outside of Budapest along the banks of the Danube. Known as the artists' village of Hungary, this charming destination is famous for its colorful Baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone alleys, and vibrant arts scene. A guided tour will introduce you to its unique Mediterranean atmosphere. After returning to the city, you will have one last evening in Budapest to sample authentic Hungarian goulash and nightlife.

Saturday: Bratislava & Transfer to Vienna

After enjoying your final breakfast in Budapest, you will check out of your hotel and journey toward Austria. Along the way, you will stop in Bratislava, the beautiful capital city of Slovakia and a former imperial hub. A city tour will guide you through its charming pedestrian-only Old Town, filled with pastel-colored buildings and overlooked by the imposing Bratislava Castle. This afternoon, you will complete the short drive to Vienna. After checking into your second four-star hotel, your evening is free to enjoy your first taste of Austrian culture and cuisine. This is your perfect chance to taste the delicious difference between the everyday pork or turkey schnitzels you find back in Germany and an authentic, traditional Wiener Schnitzel.

Sunday: Imperial Vienna

Welcome to Vienna, the grand capital of Austria and the historic seat of the Hapsburg Empire. Today, you will step back in time to the 19th century. Following an included orientation tour of this elegant city, you are completely free to customize your imperial experience. Explore the sprawling Hofburg Palace complex, marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or ride the famous Ferris wheel at the Prater amusement park. Classical music and equestrian fans can try to catch a performance by the Vienna Boys' Choir or see the majestic Lipizzaner Stallions at the Spanish Riding School.

Monday: Return to Germany

Enjoy a final Austrian buffet breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Relax as your coach travels back through Austria and the rolling Bavarian countryside. You will arrive back at your starting point in Germany later tonight, carrying unforgettable memories of your grand imperial weekend.

Registration Information

All reservations must be made through Army Outdoor Recreation. Sign up today by contacting either:

Army Outdoor Recreation, Kaiserslautern Community
Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905

Army Outdoor Recreation, Baumholder Community
Smith Barracks, Bldg. 8167

Cancellation Policy:

  • 10% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or prior to Monday, August 17
  • 35% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Tuesday, August 18
  • 55% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Tuesday, September 15
  • 70% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Tuesday, September 22
  • 90% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Tuesday, September 29
  • 100% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Sunday, October 4
     
  • In the event that a customer cancellation results in a fee charged to Outdoor Recreation, regardless of the date of or reason for that cancellation, the total sum of those fees will be passed along to the customer.
Program
Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation

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