An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Berlin, Prague, and Budapest September 01 – September 12, 2015
A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015
ITINERARY OVERVIEW Members of the Travel Group: Jane Example and John Example 1. This is only a summary of your trip! Full-length itineraries include destination information, travel directions, maps, pictures, tips, and other details. 2. Select “Hotels” on your client dashboard to see hotel pictures and descriptions.
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities: • Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower
• Guided Excursion to the Medieval Town of Kutná Hora by Train
• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Castle and the Royal Coronation Route
• Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds
Pre-Paid Transportation: • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin to Prague • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Budapest • Public Transport Tickets for Prague and Budapest
• Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel • Private Transfer to the Rail Station in Prague • Private Transfer from the Budapest Rail Station • Transfer to Budapest Airport by Private Car
Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast: • 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Berlin
• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Budapest
• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague
Travel Information included in your itinerary: • City Maps of Prague and Budapest • Point to point travel directions
• Free Skype calling to landlines worldwide, and to mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada
• Destination information & travel advice
Total Trip Cost for All Travelers:
N/A e
Please see payment details and travel conditions here.
ITINERARY CONTENTS 1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station . . . . . . . Rail Journey from Berlin to Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel . . Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower .
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5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague .
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7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . Rail Journey to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and Radáy Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 3
12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Transfer to Budapest Airport by Private Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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DAY 1 Arrive Berlin
September 01, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi To Be Determined For your arrival in Berlin we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will also provide advice on taking a taxi to your hotel, including an estimate of the cost and time of the ride to your hotel. We will also provide some very basic directions for taking bus service into central Berlin to save on the taxi fare. Included: Arrival and transfer advice. Not Included: Taxi fare (about 25 EUR)
Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) Afternoon The Dorotheenstadt lies in the historic heart of the city and the political center of Germany. The Reichstag, the building which houses the German Parliament, is located here. It is topped by a egg-shaped glass dome which is open to the public. You can look down on the debating lawmakers beneath, or look out upon beautiful views of the city. You will encounter the city’s most iconic image, the Brandenburg Gate. Once the main entrance to Berlin, then later a symbol of its division, it is now a symbol of the city and nation’s reunification. At nearly 200 foot tall it is an impressive site to behold. The gate leads into the Unter den Linden. This tree-lined boulevard is Berlin’s central axis and is crowded with important and historic buildings. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.
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DAY 2
September 02, 2015
Berlin
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten Morning Once the hunting ground of the Prussian dukes and kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. In the center of the park lies the Victory Column. Built as a memorial to Prussian victories in the 19th century, it is now a visitor favorite. A 285-step climb leads up to a viewing platform with unobstructed views of the park and the city. Germany’s oldest zoo is also located in the Tiergarten, and is well worth a visit. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.
Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church Afternoon In the 1920’s the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin’s nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, film stars, and artists. Once Berlin was divided by Communism the Kurfürstendamm became the commercial heart of West Berlin; the city’s own Champs-Élysées. Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it remains a favorite destination for Berliners for shopping, dining, and cafés, and in some ways is still the true center of Berlin. At the east end of the Kurfürstendamm, you will discover a chilling reminder of the destructiveness of war. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gadächtnis-Kirche, is a former church originally built as a memorial to the Kaiser Wilhelm I. The church was mostly destroyed in World War II, and what remains now is the tower, jaggedly shorn of its upper reaches. Nearby you will also discover the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of Western market capitalism during the Cold War. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.
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DAY 3
September 03, 2015
Berlin
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz Morning In the middle of the Spree River lies one of the world’s most impressive collections of museums - Berlin’s Museum Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to five museums. A must for any history lover is the Pergamon Museum. It holds a spectacular collection of ancient and classical art and architecture, including whole reconstructed buildings! To the east of the Museum Island lies the Alexanderplatz. This square was once the center of East Berlin, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s as a showcase of Communist urban planning and architecture. Towering above the Alexanderplatz is the Fernsehturm, a 1,200 foot tall television tower provides incredible panoramic views of the city. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.
Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie Afternoon Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s hippest new areas. Historically it was one of the most important commercial and entertainment centers of Berlin, but it was completely leveled during World War II. It was then bisected by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, becoming a lifeless area. When the wall came down, Potsdamer Platz became a symbol of the reunited Berlin, and a tremendous amount of investment went into its rebuilding. Today you can find restaurants, shopping malls, bars, and other establishments that constantly attract locals to the area. A highlight is the Sony Center, a complex of entertainment, shopping, and office buildings surrounding a plaza covered by a unique, tentlike roof. About half a mile from the Potsdamer Platz you will find Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. Along the way you will see remnants of the Berlin Wall, and although it is not well signed, the WWII command bunker where Hitler met his end is also located here. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.
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DAY 4
September 04, 2015
Berlin to Prague
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station 8:00 AM Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instructions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.
Rail Journey from Berlin to Prague 08:46 – 13:25 by Rail Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately 5 hour rail journey are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free are also included in the Full Itinerary. The itinerary will also tell you which sights to look out for on this voyage through the scenic regions of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Bohemia. Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel information.
Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel 1:26 PM We will schedule a pick up for your train’s arrival time. You will be met in the station by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The drivers will give you good Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to pay the driver, unless you choose to offer a small tip. Included: Private Transfer to Your Hotel
Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town Afternoon TOP SITES: OLD TOWN HALL & CLOCK TOWER, KARLOVA STREET, CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF TYN A visit to Old Town (Staré Město) transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surround Old Town Square, which has been Prague’s municipal center since the Middle Ages. The Square is lined by magnificent churches 8
DAY 4 Berlin to Prague
September 04, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
and imposing Renaissance palaces. Most notable are the Old Town Hall, with its famed astronomical clock drawing large crowds at the turn of each hour, and the Tyn Church, with a multitude of spires that seem to sprout like leaves from its towers. As you wander through the Old Town, you will discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages. You could explore for days in this charming district and still not uncover all of its hidden wonders. Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower 5:00 - 6:30 PM This tour begins with an ascent to the tower of the Prague Old Town Hall by elevator. From there you will have a panoramic view of Prague’s historic center. Your breath will be taken away as you admire the sight of the expansive Old Town Square below you and gaze down at the surrounding red rooftops and the maze of tiny streets. The guide will orientate you to the city’s geography and give you a brief introduction to its history. After descending the tower the guide lead you on a hidden route through the courtyards of a former monastery to reach the Charles Bridge. From there you will board a small boat for a short cruise on the Vltava. There is perhaps no better way to get a true sense of Prague’s beauty than from a boat making its way down the Vltava River. Beautiful buildings crowd the river’s edge, a series of stately bridges cross it, and the imposing Prague castle and pretty forested hills rise above it. As you enjoy a complimentary drink, you will have an opportunity to relax and soak it all in, appreciating magical Prague at its grandest. Included: Guide services, entry and elevator tickets for Old Town Hall Tower, short boat cruise in center of Prague (<1hr). Not Included: Long boat cruise, dinner cruise.
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DAY 5 Prague
September 05, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle 9:30 - 12:30 PM On this charming guided walk you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that has occurred there. You will pass through the enchanting Little Quarter, and take a tram up the hill to the nearly eleven hundred year old Prague Castle. Your tour will then take you through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex. The tour ends up with a spectacular panoramic view of the city of a hundred spires. Included: 3-hour Private Guided Walking Tour, Entry into part of St. Vitus Cathedral. Not Included: Entry into the palace interior.
Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery Early Afternoon TOP SITES: ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, GOLDEN LANE, LOBKOWICZ PALACE, STRAHOV MONASTERY, LORETO Prague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and for good reason. The castle’s history stretches back over a 1000 years, and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is now the seat of government of the Czech Republic, so you will encounter military honor guards rigidly standing guard at the castle entrances. The castle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking and romantic view. The castle is actually an entire complex of palaces, churches, and fortifications representing almost every architectural period of the last millennium, including the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral, the historical seat of Prague’s archbishop. In the castle’s surrounding neighborhood, known as Hradčany, you will discover beautiful gardens, a dazzlingly restored monastery, and more. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
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DAY 5
September 05, 2015
Prague
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter Late Afternoon TOP SITES: CHARLES BRIDGE, NERUDOVA STREET, ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, WALLENSTEIN PALACE AND GARDENS The Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightly nestled on the slope and river bank beneath the Prague Castle. While it may be small, the Little Quarter played an important role in Prague’s history. It is filled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobility who wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesque side streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architecture all abound within the Little Quarter. The Little Quarter is connected to the rest of the city by the Charles Bridge, the city’s most well-known icon. No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the bridge. You will also find the peaceful island of Kampa Park, which is a pleasant place for a stroll and offers a great chance to take in a view of Prague from the river bank. Nearby, the Wallenstein Palace Gardens offer a peaceful yet fascinating retreat from the city bustle. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. A map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
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DAY 6
September 06, 2015
Prague
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter Morning TOP SITES: JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD-NEW SYNAGOGUE, SPANISH SYNAGOGUE, CONVENT OF ST. AGNES Some of Prague’s earliest residents were Jewish, and their long history in the city endowed it with a rich heritage of Jewish culture. Medieval church prohibitions against money-lending resulted in the Jews playing an important role in financing Bohemian kings and nobility, and thus an important role in the city’s economy. The Jewish ghetto, now known as the Jewish Quarter, was created in the twelfth century, as Jews were forced by decree to live separately from Christians and close to Old Town Square. Despite continued severe persecution, which sometimes escalated to murderous mob attacks on the ghetto, the Jewish community in Prague prospered over the long term. Sadly, only a small minority of Prague’s Jews survived the Nazi occupation, and today’s Jewish community is only a shadow of its former self. They left behind, however, a lasting legacy for you to explore, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town Afternoon TOP SITES: WENCESLAS SQUARE, MUNICIPAL HOUSE, SHOPPING ON NA PŘIKOPĚ STREET Despite being nearly 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. In one sense however, the New Town is new. In the late 19th century much of the New Town was demolished and rebuilt, giving it a distinctly different look and feel than the Old Town. Today, the heart of New Town is still one of the three original central markets around which it was planned - Wenceslas Square (Vaclavské Náměstí). The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, is the commercial center of Prague, and is busy nearly 24-hours a day. In the New Town you will find a great variety of shops, restaurants, nightspots, and pubs, as well as churches, cultural sites, museums. You can also visit one of the world’s most beautiful art-nouveau buildings the Municipal House. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. 12
DAY 6
September 06, 2015
Prague
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague Evening A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treat on many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obsession with the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one of the only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity, which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concert seats per resident than any other city in the world. With so much of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and wealth poured into their concert venues, the exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make the experience even more special and rewarding. A Prague concert guide with information on choosing a performance and reserving tickets is provided to Go Real Europe clients. Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you select a performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee and a $17 USD booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travel party, not per person). In cases where the ticket must be picked up at a ticket oďŹ&#x192;ce in advance and mailed to you, there is an additional $50 fee.
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DAY 7
September 07, 2015
Prague
(Hotel T.B.D.)
Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train Morning / Afternoon On this full day guided excursion you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and after an hour long train ride through the pretty countryside, you will begin exploring the medieval town. Due to nearby silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site. Your visit will include stops at the incredible Gothic church of St. Barbara, the Royal Mint, and if you choose, the famous “Bone Church”. Formally known as the Church of All Saints, the interior of the “Bone Church” is decorated with the bones of thousands of victims of a plague epidemic and the Hussite Wars. Another fascinating but hair raising option is to descend into the narrow shafts of the Medieval silver mines. Included: PrivateGuide Services, Transportation, Entry into St. Barbara’s Church and the Bone Church. Not Included: Entry into the Silver Mines or other sites, Lunch
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DAY 8 Prague to Budapest
September 08, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station 8:50 AM A private transfer service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Prague Main Train Station (Praha hl.n). Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress free. Included: Private transfer to the train station, Instructions on finding your train.
Rail Journey to Budapest 09:42 – 16:35 by Rail Tickets and seat reservations for this nearly seven hour journey to Budapest are included with purchase of an itinerary. You will also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets, allowing you to relax and enjoy this journey through three countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary). Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel information.
Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel 4:35 PM Upon your arrival in Budapest your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver. Included:Cost of the private transfer to your hotel, Arrival information.
Self Guided Visit to Central Pest Evening TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, GRESHAM PALACE, CHAIN BRIDGE In the year 1800, Pest was a sleepy little town of a few thousand people, still unconnected to the Buda side of the river by a permanent bridge. 100 years later, Buda and Pest had merged to become 15
DAY 8 Prague to Budapest
September 08, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Budapest, and the majority of the city’s nearly one million residents could be found in Pest. This period of rapid growth endowed Pest with a tremendous architectural legacy. Exploring central Pest today you will encounter grand apartment houses, Secession-style architectural gems, and imposing monumental buildings. Two of the focal points you will see are the neo-classical St. Stephen’s Basilica, which dramatically rises above the surrounding city, and the nearby Chain Bridge, which regally spans the Danube. You can also make a stop in the famous Café Gerbeaud, which may be the best spot in Budapest to relive the elegant café culture of the old days. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
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DAY 9 Budapest
September 09, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds 9:30 - 1:00 PM Budapest is a city of nearly two million people, the capital of Hungary, a cultural and architectural Mecca, and the possessor of a long and storied history. Considering all this, it would be difficult for even the most seasoned traveler to successfully discover all of Budapest’s top highlights without the help of a knowledgeable local. On this half-day guided walking tour the challenge is overcome, as your guide takes you to Budapest’s best destinations and provides the perfect introduction to the city. During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen’s Basilica, travel along the city’s most elegant avenue with the help of Europe’s oldest subway, and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry (or two), and soaking in the ambience of Budapest’s most elegant cafes. Included: Private Guided Walking Tour.
Self Guided Tour of the Castle District Afternoon TOP SITES: MATTHIAS CHURCH, FISHERMAN’S BASTION, ROYAL PALACE, NATIONAL GALLERY The historic Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Buda’s hilltop Castle District makes it feel like a quaint step back in time. Indeed, in the little squares and narrow lanes of the Castle District you will find the heart of historic Hungary. Numerous points in the Castle District also provide breathtaking views over the Danube and the Pest side of the city. Especially breathtaking is the view from the neo-Gothic Fishermans’ Bastion. The historic Buda old town shares the hill with a castle which has been home to the Hungarian Royal Palace since the late Middle Ages. The most glorious period of the castle’s history was the reign of King Mátyás (1458-1490), who rebuilt the palace in the Renaissance style and made it a center of European learning and culture. A stroll through the castle reveals imposing courtyards and delightful statues and fountains. Also worthwhile is a visit to the superb Hungarian National Gallery. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
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DAY 9 Budapest
September 09, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube Evening In many ways, the Danube River defines Budapest. It divides the metropolis into two distinct city environments - Buda and Pest. It is also spanned by a succession of beautiful bridges which are some of the city’s most well known landmarks. On the Pest side, a mix of 19th and 20th century buildings line the river bank, providing you with a sense of the vibrancy lying beyond. The river also offers a perfect view of the neo-Gothic Parliament Building’s massive dome and flamboyant spires and towers. On the Buda side, the dramatic Castle Hill looms above, creating the perfect romantic backdrop to the waters of the river. An evening river cruise is a relaxing way to take in these sights, as the brightly lit buildings cast their reflections on the water and stately bridges pass overhead. A simple walk along the river promenade where the cruises depart also provides beautiful views, and without the cost of a boat ticket. Included: Cruise schedules and information on purchasing tickets, Travel directions to the boat docks. Cruise tickets are not included tickets average about 10-20 EUR.
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DAY 10 Budapest
September 10, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square Morning TOP SITES: SZÉCHENYI BATHS, FINE ARTS MUSEUM, HEROES’ SQUARE, ZOO, VA JDAHUNYAD CASTLE Budapest is famous for its thermal baths fed by the city’s abundant supply of thermal springs and underground water. The Széchenyi Baths are the largest and the most popular of all the city’s baths. With eighteen indoor and outdoor pools and impressive neo-Baroque architecture, the baths make for an unforgettable visit. You can even get a massage. The baths are located within the pleasant Városliget Park, which makes a wonderful location for a stroll after your bath. Within the park you will find the fascinating Vajdahunyad Castle, a complex of buildings created to represent Hungary’s historic architectural styles. Also within the park is Budapest’s delightful city zoo. Where the park meets Andrássy Avenue, you will discover Heroes’ Square, where a dramatic group of monuments tells a 1,000-year tale of Hungarian history in the form of towering statues of national heroes. Included: Detailed step-by-step instructions for visiting the baths. Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Not Included: Cost of entry into the baths (about $20 a person).
Along Andrássy Avenue Afternoon TOP SITES: STATE OPERA HOUSE, TERROR HOUSE Andrássy Avenue is Budapest’s most prominent street and a World Heritage Site since 2002. In fact, the avenue was considered so refined and pleasant in the late 19th century that the city’s residents wouldn’t allow a streetcar line to be built on the avenue, even though it was desperately needed. To preserve the elegant atmosphere they instead built continental Europe’s first subway, which today provides an excellent means of exploring the avenue. The avenue is lined by imposing neo-Renaissance palaces and buildings, including several museums. This includes the superb House of Terror Museum, which focuses on the horrors inflicted by totalitarian regimes in the 20th century. Andrassy Avenue is also the musical heart of Hungary, as the breathtakingly beautiful State Opera House is located on the avenue. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.
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DAY 10 Budapest
September 10, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and Radáy Street Evening TOP SITES: NATIONAL MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF APPLIED ART, RÁDAY STREET The National Museum is Hungary’s largest museum and relates Hungary’s long and very turbulent history. Renovated in the 1990’s, it is a modern and highly accessible museum, and showcases a wide range of artwork and artifacts from Hungary’s past, such as crowns, jewels, clothes and weapons. Nearby the Budapest Public Library is housed in a gorgeous neo-Baroque palace. Once one of Budapest’s most luxurious residences, it has been transformed into an enchanting labyrinth of books. The nearby Museum of Applied Arts is also housed in a stunning building. If you need to relax after the serious affairs of visiting the museum and library, or if you just want to skip straight to the relaxing, Budapest’s favorite locale for the young and the young at heart to socialize is only steps away. Ráday street, also known as Budapest Soho, is lined by hip cafes, galleries, restaurants, and pubs. It is an ideal place to people watch and enjoy the atmosphere. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Not Included: Museum entry.
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DAY 11 Budapest
September 11, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)
Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings Morning TOP SITES: HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT, ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM The Hungarian Parliament building is a magniďŹ cent sight as it rises above the waters of the Danube, and the interior is also quite jawdropping. As a visitor you may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the sumptuous dĂŠcor and attention-to-detail. You could be forgiven for expecting a queen to arrive or an aristocratic ball to break out at any moment. Visits to the interior can be made on a guided tour, where you will see a spectacular grand staircase, the historic Holy Crown of Hungary, an imposing debating chamber, and much more. Included: Background information on the Parliament and tips on purchasing tickets, a map of the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Not Included: Entry into the Parliament - tours cost 4,000 Hungarian Forints (about $20 USD).
Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) Afternoon On this self-guided excursion you will travel by train to the little, cobblestoned town of Szentendre, charmingly nestled alongside the Danube River. Szentendre means St. Andrew in English, and the town is located only about ten miles north of Budapest, but with its idyllic village atmosphere it could not be more different. Nearly every building in the town dates back to the period of Baroque architecture, including churches, burgher townhouses, and pleasant courtyard homes typical of the Hungarian countryside. The twisting lanes and riverbank promenade make Szentendre a perfectly pleasant locale to wander and soak in the ambiance. If you have the time, you can also visit a fascinating open air museum where you will see re-created traditional peasant villages, providing an authentic opportunity to see and experience how the Hungarian people once lived in the countryside. Included: Detailed travel directions and background information for a stress-free independent excursion to Szentendre. Not Included: Transportation (only about 5 EUR a person roundtrip by train), Optional Entry into Sights
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DAY 12
September 12, 2015
Depart Budapest
Transfer to Budapest Airport by Private Car To Be Determined A car service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Budapest Airport for your ďŹ&#x201A;ight departure. This is a private transfer just for your travel party, and you will not need to pay the driver for the transfer, as it is already included in the cost of the itinerary. Included: Private transfer by car to the Budapest Airport
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