Meet your guide in the afternoon and begin your walking tour of Bratislava's historic center. First, receive a short, basic introduction about Bratislava and Slovakia. Listen as the guide sheds light on the history of one of the youngest capital cities and states of Europe. Hear about the ancient history of Slovakia, when the old Slavs, the predecessor of modern Slovaks, inhabited Slovakia and created the Great Moravia Empire.  Follow along as your guide share legends from the time when Bratislava was the capital city of the Hungarian Kingdom and Hungarian kings and queens were crowned there. The story continues to the time of Czechoslovakia. Hear about the dark times during Slovak communism and also about the hope which brought upon the Velvet Revolution, eventually leading to Slovakia's 2004 membership in the European Union.  Discover the Opera House and the House of Reduta as you continue to the main square, passing by Old Town Hall. On Franciscan Square, see the oldest building in Bratislava, the Franciscan Church. Head onto Biela Street and Michalska Street to Michael's Gate. Pass by historical buildings and palaces on Venturska Street and Panska Street. Your tour ends at St. Martin's Cathedral. Afterward, walk up to the iconic Bratislava Castle located above the city. Your guide will give you an introduction about the castle and then you will explore the most significant symbol of Bratislava on your own.

Following pickup from your hotel in Vienna, sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy your short ride through the Austrian countryside. Admire beautiful landscapes as you cross the border into Slovakia. Visit some of Bratislava's most famous sights such as St. Michael's Gate and Tower and the Rococo-style Grassalkovich Palace, which is the residence of the President of Slovakia. Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the city on your own. Try out the local cuisine before driving back to Vienna in the afternoon.

See 2 countries and the meeting point of 2 important rivers on an excursion to the ruins of an imposing castle that’s just a 20-minute drive from Bratislava. Strategic Devin Castle is now in ruins as it was blown up in an attack by Napoleon’s army. On this 3-hour guided tour you’ll explore the Devin Castle ruins and admire the views from its commanding position. During the tour you’ll also have a chance to taste local wine made from currants as well as other local products such as honey with ginger. The Castle offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding area, with views all the way to Austria. Please Note: from November till March Devin Castle may be closed due to snow/bad weather conditions.

Meet your guide at 12:00 PM in front of the main entrance to Park Inn Danube Hotel and receive a short introduction to Bratislava. As you walk through the historical city center, learn about the ancient history of Slovakia. Learn about the origins of the city when the old Slavs, the predecessors of modern Slovaks, inhabited the area and created the Great Moravia Empire. Learn also about Bratislava´s importance as a city in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Hear stories from the time when Bratislava was the capital city of Hungarian Kingdom.  Walk to Michael's Gate, only remaining gate of former city wall, the Main Square, the Old Town Hall, and the Bratislava Primatial Palace. Your guide will explain the role of Bratislava through the years of World War II, and the years of communism in the latter half of the 20th century in Slovakia and the subsequent Velvet Revolution. Continue to Reduta before the walking part of the tour ends at the Cathedral of St. Martin, where 19 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned. The next part of the tour is taken by car. Pass by the Presidential Palace and the Palisady district, a district full of villas from the beginning of the 20th century, built in a functionalist style. Next is the main highlight of Bratislava, Bratislava Castle, which provides excellent views of the city. Pass by the building of Slovak Parliament and finish with a visit to Slavín Monument, dedicated to Soviet soldiers who liberated Bratislava at the end of WWII.  The last stop is the ruins of Devin Castle, one of the oldest buildings in Slovakia, built in times of Great Moravia Empire. Hear of the patrons of the arts who lived here, as well associated stories and legends of the site. After exploring the site, be returned back to Bratislava.

Be picked up from the lobby of your hotel and embark on the journey towards the Small Carpathian Wine Region. This area is located on the south-eastern slopes of the Small Carpathians and is one of the eight winegrowing regions of Slovakia. Arrive at the Red Stone Castle, one of the most romantic castles of Slovakia, with vast cellars which were once used as warehouses for copper. To enter, you can pay an additional fee. Continue towards the historical town of Modra. Modra is famous for being the birthplace of Slovakian national hero Ludovit Stur, who fought for the autonomy of Slovakia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stur also had a significant influence on the revival of the Slovak language and introduced the Slovak language standard. Learn more about his importance in Slovak history as you wander around the medieval town center. Next, visit Pezinok, the capital city of Slovak wine production. Enjoy a walking tour in the historical city center of Pezinok with the option of entering the Majolica Pottery Factory. Continue towards the small town of Svaty Jur to discover its charming streets. Finally, visit a local vineyard and see the traditional production of local wine, free from colorants or additives, by local farmers. Sample this local fine wine with a small snack before returning to Bratislava at approximately 6:00 PM.

Once placed behind the Iron Curtain, Slovakian capital Bratislava is now a welcoming city offering unique insight to European history, from medieval times to the Cold War. Enjoy the day in visiting picturesque Bratislava by booking a tour offering: - pick up at any hotel/accommodation in Vienna - private transportation and guide - flexible itinerary - knowledgeable local guide in Bratislava - walking tour with local guide - transfer from Bratislava to Devin Castle - transfer from Devin Castle to your hotel/accommodation in Vienna