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An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewPrague, Český Krumlov, Salzburg, Vienna, and BudapestSeptember 01 – September 18, 2015
A Custom Itinerarydesigned by Go Real EuropeCopyright 2015
ITINERARY OVERVIEWMembers of the Travel Group: Jane Example and John Example1. 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 Overviewfrom the Old Town Hall Tower• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov• Guided Excursion to Třeboň, includingBrewery or Palace Tour
• Sound of Music Guided Bus Tour• Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’sInner City• Best of Budapest: Half-Day WalkingTour of Highlights & Hidden Finds
Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Salzburg toVienna• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest• Bus Tickets from Prague to ČeskýKrumlov• Shuttle Service from Český Krumlov toSalzburg
• Public Transport Tickets for Prague, Vi-enna, and Budapest• Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel• Private Transfer to the Bus Station inPrague• Private Transfer from the Budapest RailStation
Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast:• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague
• 2 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in ČeskýKrumlov
• 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Salzburg• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Vienna• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Budapest
Travel Information included in your itinerary:• City Maps of Prague, Vienna, and Bu-dapest • Point to point travel directions
• Destination information & travel advice
Total Trip Cost for AllTravelers: N/AePlease see payment detailsand travel conditions here.
• Free Skype calling to landlines world-wide, and to mobile phones in the U.S.and Canada
Total Trip Cost for AllTravelers: N/AePlease see payment detailsand travel conditions here.
ITINERARY CONTENTS1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery or Palace Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Visit to the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian Beer Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main Train Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . . . 21Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna on Westbahn Railways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . 21Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
13 September 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
14 September 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . 28Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
15 September 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 30Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
16 September 16, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 32Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Concert or Other Cultural Event in Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
17 September 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Visit to Gellért and Rudas Baths and Optional Hike to Gellért Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
18 September 18, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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DAY 1Arrive Prague
September 01, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to HotelTo Be Determined
We will schedule a pick up for your flight’s arrival time. You will be metin the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with yourname on it. Most of the drivers we use are ex-pats who will give yougood Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for yourparty only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride willbe included in your itinerary package.Included: Private Transfer to your hotel. Information on passportcontrol, customs, and other arrival info.Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town
Afternoon
TOP SITES:OLD TOWNHALL & CLOCK TOWER, KARLOVA STREET, CHURCHOF OUR LADY OF TYNA visit to Old Town (Staré Město) transports you to an entirely dif-ferent era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys sur-round Old Town Square, which has been Prague’s municipal centersince the Middle Ages. The Square is lined by magnificent churchesand imposing Renaissance palaces. Most notable are the Old TownHall, with its famed astronomical clock drawing large crowds at theturn of each hour, and the Tyn Church, with a multitude of spires thatseem to sprout like leaves from its towers. As you wander through theOld Town, you will discover numerous other delights, including severalbeautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and anoutdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages. You could explorefor days in this charming district and still not uncover all of its hiddenwonders.Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the OldTown Hall Tower5:00 - 6:30 PM
This tour begins with an ascent to the tower of the Prague Old TownHall by elevator. From there you will have a panoramic view of Prague’shistoric center. Your breath will be taken away as you admire the sightof the expansive Old Town Square below you and gaze down at the
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DAY 1Arrive Prague
September 01, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
surrounding red rooftops and the maze of tiny streets. The guide willorientate you to the city’s geography and give you a brief introductionto its history. After descending the tower the guide lead you on ahidden route through the courtyards of a former monastery to reachthe Charles Bridge. From there you will board a small boat for a shortcruise on the Vltava. There is perhaps no better way to get a true senseof Prague’s beauty than from a boat making its way down the VltavaRiver. Beautiful buildings crowd the river’s edge, a series of statelybridges cross it, and the imposing Prague castle and pretty forestedhills rise above it. As you enjoy a complimentary drink, you will havean opportunity to relax and soak it all in, appreciating magical Pragueat its grandest.Included: Guide services, entry and elevator tickets for Old TownHall Tower, short boat cruise in center of Prague (<1hr). Not Included:Long boat cruise, dinner cruise.
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DAY 2Prague
September 02, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and PragueCastle9:30 - 12:30 PM
On this charming guided walk you will explore the Prague Castle, thelargest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you willtrace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose“speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that hasoccurred there. You will pass through the enchanting Little Quarter,and take a tram up the hill to the nearly eleven hundred year old PragueCastle. Your tour will then take you through the castle courtyards andinto 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 ahundred 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, andStrahov Monastery
Early Afternoon
TOP SITES: ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, GOLDEN LANE, LOBKOWICZ PALACE,STRAHOV MONASTERY, LORETOPrague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and forgood reason. The castle’s history stretches back over a 1000 years,and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, HolyRoman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is now the seatof government of the Czech Republic, so you will encounter militaryhonor guards rigidly standing guard at the castle entrances. The cas-tle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing abreathtaking and romantic view. The castle is actually an entire com-plex of palaces, churches, and fortifications representing almost everyarchitectural period of the last millennium, including the dramatic St.Vitus Cathedral, the historical seat of Prague’s archbishop. In the cas-tle’s surrounding neighborhood, known as Hradčany, you will discoverbeautiful gardens, a dazzlingly restored monastery, and more.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 2Prague
September 02, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little QuarterLate Afternoon
TOP SITES: CHARLES BRIDGE, NERUDOVA STREET, ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH,WALLENSTEIN PALACE AND GARDENSThe Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightlynestled on the slope and river bank beneath the Prague Castle. Whileit may be small, the Little Quarter played an important role in Prague’shistory. It is filled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobilitywho wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesqueside streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architectureall abound within the Little Quarter. The Little Quarter is connected tothe rest of the city by the Charles Bridge, the city’s most well-knownicon. No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the bridge. Youwill also find the peaceful island of Kampa Park, which is a pleasantplace for a stroll and offers a great chance to take in a view of Praguefrom the river bank. Nearby, the Wallenstein Palace Gardens offer apeaceful yet fascinating retreat from the city bustle.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Amap marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interestin the area.
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DAY 3Prague
September 03, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish QuarterMorning
TOP SITES: JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD-NEW SYNAGOGUE, SPANISH SYNA-GOGUE, CONVENT OF ST. AGNESSome of Prague’s earliest residents were Jewish, and their long his-tory in the city endowed it with a rich heritage of Jewish culture. Me-dieval church prohibitions against money-lending resulted in the Jewsplaying an important role in financing Bohemian kings and nobility, andthus an important role in the city’s economy. The Jewish ghetto, nowknown as the Jewish Quarter, was created in the twelfth century, asJews were forced by decree to live separately from Christians and closeto Old Town Square. Despite continued severe persecution, whichsometimes escalated to murderous mob attacks on the ghetto, theJewish community in Prague prospered over the long term. Sadly, onlya small minority of Prague’s Jews survived the Nazi occupation, andtoday’s Jewish community is only a shadow of its former self. They leftbehind, however, a lasting legacy for you to explore, including syna-gogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New TownAfternoon
TOP SITES: WENCESLAS SQUARE, MUNICIPAL HOUSE, SHOPPING ONNA PŘIKOPĚ STREETDespite being nearly 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město)is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made upMedieval Prague. In one sense however, the New Town is new. In thelate 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 marketsaround which it was planned - Wenceslas Square (Vaclavské Náměstí).The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, isthe 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. Youcan also visit one of the world’s most beautiful art-nouveau buildings -the Municipal House.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 3Prague
September 03, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Concert or Other Cultural Event in PragueEvening
A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treaton many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of theworld’s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obsessionwith the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one ofthe only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity,which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concertseats per resident than any other city in the world. With so muchof the city’s pride and wealth poured into their concert venues, theexquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make theexperience even more special and rewarding. A Prague concert guidewith information on choosing a performance and reserving tickets isprovided to Go Real Europe clients.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $17 USD booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied pertravel party, not per person). In cases where the ticket must be pickedup at a ticket office in advance and mailed to you, there is an additional$50 fee.
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DAY 4Prague
September 04, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self-Guided Excursion to Castle KarlštejnMorning / Early Afternoon
Karlštejn, i.e. Charles’ Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in theCzech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by KingCharles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It’s massive towers andwalls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the BerounkaRiver and commands striking views of the surrounding hills. The castleis located about 45 minutes from Prague, and is reached by a train tripthrough a scenic river valley. From the train station you take a windingpath up a hill, which is lined by shops, restaurants, and stands sellingtraditional Czech snacks, making the trip to the castle half the fun.Included: Detailed travel directions for a stress free train trip toKarlštejn Castle. Not Included: Round trip train fare (about $8), tourof castle interior (about $8-16).Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad
Late Afternoon
The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia’s kings from the 11thto the 12th centuries. The castle was founded in the 900’s AD andholds a strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River andthe city of Prague. Today its park-like grounds create a great place toget away from the crowds and experience Czech history in a naturalsetting. In the 17th century Vyšehrad became an important center forthe armies of the Habsburg Empire, and they built ramparts, walls, andgates around the fortress. Today walking along the ramparts affordswonderful views of the city and river, and you also have the option todescend beneath the ramparts to the huge cavernous halls were thetroops assembled. The fortress also contains a beautiful cemetery withan art-nouveau arcade. Many Czech national heroes are buried here,such as the composer Dvořák.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 5Prague to Český Krumlov
September 05, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departurefrom Prague8:10 AM
A car service will pick you up from the and deliver you to the Na Knížecíbus station, where you will catch your bus.Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov
09:00 – 11:55 by Bus
Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase of youritinerary for this approximately 3 hour trip on a comfortable, mod-ern bus. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easyand stress free will also be provided in your full itinerary. The busis equipped with bathroom and wi-fi internet access, and you will beoffered refreshments during the trip.Included: Bus tickets, seat reservations, and detailed directions fora stress free trip.Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in ČeskýKrumlov
11:55 AM
You will take a very short taxi ride to your hotel from the bus station.If you prefer you can also walk, most of our featured hotels are onlya short distance from the bus station. Details on how to call a taxiand how much to pay are provided with your full itinerary. Walkingdirections are also included for those who prefer to go by foot.Included: Information on ordering and taking a taxi. TAXI FARE ISNOT INCLUDED.Guided Walk through Český Krumlov
1:30 - 3:00 PM
Thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Český Krumlovto wander its narrow cobblestone lanes, visit its beautiful castle, andadmire its splendid Medieval and Renaissance architecture. But mostof them leave without ever understanding the town’s rich historicalbackground or discovering its hidden secrets. With this tour you willavoid this sad fate and have a good time in the process. You’ll learnwhy there are dozens of five pedaled roses carved into buildings spread13
DAY 5Prague to Český Krumlov
September 05, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
throughout the town, hear local legends which still echo today, and visitoften missed sites such as the Renaissance town hall, the former townbrewery, and the old orphanage and hospital.Included: 90-minute Private Guided Walking TourČeský Krumlov Castle
Afternoon
Český Krumlov was ruled by the powerful Rožmberk family during theMiddle Ages and Renaissance periods. As rivals to the Czech King, theRožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to have a castle which could com-pete with Prague Castle in its magnificence, so they poured tremen-dous wealth and effort into building the castle. During their long res-idence in the castle they conducted major renovations in the Gothic,High Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The resulting structure still domi-nates Český Krumlov today.The castle progresses uphill through a se-ries of five beautifully decorated courtyards, with carvings, colorfulsgraffito decorations, and fountains. The castle’s perfectly preservedBaroque theater, built in 1767, is open for tours from May to October.With still intact stage machinery, backdrops, and sets, it offers a uniqueand wonderful glimpse into the world of the 18th century. While at thecastle you can also visit the resident bears who live in the moat (don’tworry, it’s a moat complete with trees and a swimming pool). Abovethe castle you will discover its beautiful gardens. Maybe the best partof a visit to the gardens is the walk up to them, as you are rewardedwith beautiful views of the town.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in thearea. Not included: Tours within the castle interiors - approximately$10 USD.Note on winter closings: Castle interiors other than the CastleMuseum and Tower are closed from November to March, however thecastle courtyards can still be explored throughout the year.
Self Guided Tour of Český KrumlovEvening
Český Krumlov is the crown jewel of Southern Bohemia and its picture-perfect setting makes it a magnet for tourists and photographers fromaround the world. As the base of the powerful Rožmberk family fromthe 14th-16th centuries, it attracted great wealth, resulting in an abun-dance of medieval and Renaissance architecture delightfully huddledtogether between the twisting loops of the Vltava River. As rivals tothe Czech King, the Rožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to compare
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DAY 5Prague to Český Krumlov
September 05, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
with Prague in its magnificence. The five-petalled rose from their fam-ily crest can still be seen on buildings throughout the town. Krumlov’sbeauty is only enhanced by it setting amidst green hills and its stunningcastle perched on a rocky ledge above the town.Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 6Český Krumlov
September 06, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery orPalace TourMorning / Afternoon
On this guided excursion youwill discover the charming town of Třeboň.Třeboň lies within a natural landscape thoroughly shaped by the handsof men, but which is so beautiful and unique that the UN designatedit as a Biosphere Reserve. Since the Middle Ages inhabitants of thearea supported themselves with fish farming by creating lakes out ofthe original marshes and woods. The town has a long history as theeconomic and administrative center of the area, and the complex andefficiently run system of fish farms brought a great deal of wealthand pride to the town. This is reflected in its beautiful town square, aGothic church and abbbey, and a charming Renaissance palace. Afterexploring the town you can take a tour of the palace or of the town’shistoric but still functioning brewery. Those taking the brewery tour willhave a chance to taste some authentic Czech micro-brew, and perhapsenjoy some more in the brewery’s beer garden, which is a favoritegathering place of the locals.Important Note #1: If you would like to do the brewery tour,please inform us well in advance, otherwise it may be impossible toarrange.Important Note #2: If visiting between November and March, thepalace will be closed.Included: Transportation and from Třeboň, Private Guided Tourof the town, and guided tour of either the palace or brewery. Notincluded: Food and beverages.
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DAY 7Český Krumlov to Salzburg
September 07, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Salzburg9:00 AM
A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in ČeskýKrumlov, (Hotel T.B.D.), and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg,(Hotel T.B.D.). Your scenic journey to Salzburg should take about threeand a half hours. After leaving Český Krumlov, you will pass throughthe heavily forested countryside near the Austrian border. You willthen climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains whichseparate the Czech Republic and Austria. The passage over the borderitself is interesting when you consider that during Communism theborder was a closely guarded and heavily garrisoned no man’s land.You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countrysideof nothern Austria. On a clear day, you will be able to look south andsee the Alps in the distance. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the footof dramatic Alpine mountains.Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg
Early Afternoon
The Festung Hohensalzburg (roughly translated as the High SalzburgFortress) dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidableand enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtak-ing view of the city, and from the other a beautiful view of the nearbyAlps. A fortress has been located at this location since Roman times,although the current fortress dates its history back to the 11th cen-tury A.D. In the Renaissance the fortress was enlarged and its exteriorhas remained mostly unchanged since then. The state rooms of thefortress are richly decorated with intricate Gothic wood-carvings andRenaissance ornamental paintings. In addition to touring the fortressstate rooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Mu-seum, the torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more. An audiotour is available which covers many of these sites. The fortress wasnever taken by force, even though it was not for a lack of trying. Luckilyfor you, today you can easily reach the fortress by a steep funicularrailway that leaves from Salzburg’s Altstadt.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the sites andhistory of the fortress. Not Included: Cost of entry (8.00 EUR - 11.30EUR)Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town)
Late Afternoon
Filled with narrow lanes, elegant squares, and an abundance of ornate17
DAY 7Český Krumlov to Salzburg
September 07, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
baroque architecture, Salzburg is certainly one of Europe’s most beau-tiful towns. Although its growth was initially fueled by salt from nearbymines (Salzburgmeans salt mountain), the town is now associated withmusic, Catholic churches, and baroque architecture. For Americans, itwas made famous by the movie Sound of Music, but most Austriansremain completely unaware of the movie. An independent bishopricuntil becoming part of Austria in 1816, Salzburg has always had a keensense of local identity. Ironically however, its charm, hospitality, cul-tural heritage, and the beauty of its natural surroundings have made itinto a symbol of Austria as a whole.The Altstadt is where Mozart was born and music continues to beclosely associated with it. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroquebuildings due to the fact that during the 17th and 18th centuries itsbishop rulers focused on beautifying and enriching their town, andattempted to stay out of the foreign conflicts that often surroundedthem on all sides. A series of squares runs through the town, andyou will find that all the squares are dominated by a beautiful church.Throughout the Altstadt you will findmarkets, pleasant shops, and cozyrestaurants.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.
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DAY 8Salzburg
September 08, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion9:00 - 1:00 PM
In this approximately 4 hour tour by motor coach you will relive themost magical moments from the Sound of Music while taking in thebreathtaking beauty of Salzburg’s surroundings, including the land-scape which inspired Julie Andrews to burst into song at the beginningof the movie. As you enjoy the tour, you will relax and listen to theoriginal Sound of Music soundtrack, perhaps even singing along a bit.On the tour you will see the places where the movie was filmed, andwill also learn how these places tie into Salzburg’s history.Notable spots you will visit include the Mirabell Gardens, whereMaria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi”, the Leopoldskron Palace whichserved as the von Trapp family home, the pavillion where Maria andthe Captain fell in love, Maria’s abbey, and the wedding church. Youwill also see the picturesque lake district.Included: Cost of the guided bus excursion. THIS IS NOT A PRI-VATE TOURSelf Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell PalaceGardens
Afternoon
TOP SITES:MIRABELL PALACE AND GARDENS, LINZERGASSE (STREET),ST. SEBASTIAN’S CEMETERYOn the right bank of Salzach river lies the Neustadt, or New Townin English. Although it may be slightly newer than the Altstadt, it stillboasts hundreds of years of history in it’s winding and narrowMedievallanes. The Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1606 by thePrince Archbishop of Salzburg for his concubine, is the most famoussite in the Neustadt. As impressive as the palace and its interior are, theelaborate gardens surrounding the palace are more famous than thepalace itself. In the gardens you will find statues of pegasus, unicorns,lions and other exotic animals, a dwarf garden, grand staircases, andother picturesque spots. Sound of Music fans may remember thegarden from the movie, as this is where several parts of the “Do-Re-Me”song were filmed.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.
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DAY 9Salzburg
September 09, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Excursion to the Peak of the UntersbergMorning
The nearly 6,000 foot high Untersberg is Salzburg’s nearest AlpineMountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience theAlps without traveling too far. Don’t worry, there’s no need to bringyour climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base ofthe mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the wayto the limestone summit. There you will find a stupendous view ofthe Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, anetwork of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. If you aren’t inthe mood for a hike, you can just enjoy the view some more and havea meal or a drink in a mountain top restaurant.Included: Detailed travel directions and information for an easyand stress free trip. Not Included: Local bus fare (2.30 EUR), Lift tickets(21 EUR).Visit to the Hellbrunn Palace and Gardens
Afternoon
Built as a summer palace by Salzburg’s Prince-Bishop, the HellbrunnPalace is a picturesque palace surrounded by even more beautiful gar-dens. The early baroque palace was built exclusively for the purpose ofentertainment, as the Prince-Bishop would actually return to Salzburgin the evening. It can be toured with an audio guide and includes sev-eral beautiful frescoed ceilings. There is a great deal to discover inthe gardens - hidden grottos, clever statues, reflecting pools, as wellflora and fauna. What’s more, the gardens are also home to famousWasserspiele, trick water fountains that never fail to delight, astonish,and befuddle. The fountains were actually built with the express pur-pose of playing practical jokes on guests, and they continue to provideplenty of amusement today.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Entry to the gardens and palace (10.50 EUR)Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian BeerHall
Evening
Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, theMönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the high-est portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg,the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures,
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DAY 9Salzburg
September 09, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchantinglandscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg’s Altstadtbelow. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowdsof the city. At the foot of the Mönchsberg, in the village-like neighbor-hood of Mülln, lies Austria’s largest beer hall. Since 1621 it has servedthe famously delicious brew of the Augustinian monks. Although itattracts many visitors, it remains a favorite among locals. Even if youdon’t drink beer, it is still a great way to try some traditional Austriancuisine and mingle with locals in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Beer or meal in the beer hall.
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DAY 10Salzburg to Vienna
September 10, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main TrainStation for Rail Departure9:00 AM
Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you.Salzburg taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper thana pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more informationon ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating thetrain station and finding your train, making the whole process simpleand stress free.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna on WestbahnRailways
09:52 – 12:22 by Rail
Tickets and seat reservations for this scenic two and a half hour jour-ney to Vienna are included with purchase of an itinerary. The journeyis aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi. The verdant rollingcountryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and onclear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance. Youwill also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a trans-lation and explanation of your tickets.Included: Tickets, seat reservations (in an open seating system),and detailed travel information.
Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transferto Hotel by Public Taxi12:22 PM
Upon arrival in Vienna, you will exit the rail station and proceed tothe taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers.Taxis in Vienna are generally reliable and honest, and are less expen-sive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to theHotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxiare provided in the Full Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.Included: Arrival information and instructions. TAXI FARE IS NOTINCLUDED
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DAY 10Salzburg to Vienna
September 10, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt)Afternoon
TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL, THE GRABEN, MOZART HOUSE,CHURCH OF ST. PETERWhen the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talk-ing about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds toVienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defen-sive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. Awarren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space be-tween the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets thatremains to this day. Now these narrow lanes hum with constant ex-citement as a tremendous assortment of restaurants, cafes, bars, andfashionable shops fill the ground floors of beautiful historic buildings.Among many other historic attractions, the Inner City is home to themagnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephan (Stephansdom), which hasbecome the most lasting and recognized symbol of the city.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City5:00 - 6:30 PM
This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stoodwithin the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginningsof Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one ofthe most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna’searly inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city andits beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Yourguide will discuss illustrious former residents such as Emperors andEmpresses, but will also tell stories of ordinary Viennese who helped tocreate a great city of trade and commerce. You will also learn about thetragic end of Vienna’s Medieval Jewish community. At the end of yourtour, your guide will give you his or her personal recommendations forrestaurants in Vienna which capture its sense of history and charm.Included: 90-minute Private Guided Walking Tour.
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DAY 11Vienna
September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to Imperial ViennaMorning
TOP SITES: SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, IMPERIAL TREASURY, ALBERTINAMUSEUM, BURGGARTEN, STATE OPERA HOUSEIn this area of Vienna you will discover the very heart of the Habs-burg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Much of thisdistrict is consumed by the vast Hofburg Palace complex, once hometo Austria’s emperors and their administrators. Majestically stunning,the buildings of the Hofburg still evoke awe in the observer even if theEmpire they were built for is now long gone. Within the Hofburg youwill find many of the city’s top attractions, including the nearly 500 yearold Spanish Riding School, which stages equestrian performances bythe famous Lipizzaner Stallions. You can also visit the imperial apart-ments, gaze upon the imperial crown and other treasures, or browsethrough the imperial silver collection.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. For those interested in the Spanish Riding School entry toMorning Exercises costs 14 EUR.
Self Guided Visit to the RingstrasseAfternoon
TOP SITES: RING STREET TRAMS, CITY HALL, NATURAL HISTORY MU-SEUM, ART HISTORY MUSEUMThe Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna’s old townwhere the city walls once stood. The Austro-Hungarian Empire wasat the height of its prosperity when the monumental buildings whichline the Ringstrasse were built in the late 19th century. In this sectionof the Ringstrasse, you can see some of the most impressive of thesebuildings, including the neo-Gothic town hall, which is particularly mag-nificent when lit up in the evening hours. The large park and square infront of the town hall also serves as one of the city’s favorite gatheringplaces. A visit to the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum or theNaturhistorisches Museum (Natural History) Museum, both of whichare both located on the Ringstrasse, is particularly rewarding. Anotherfun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of theRingstrasse. From the strassenbahn line you can relax and soak in thefull richness of the spectacle.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 11Vienna
September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg QuarterEvening
One of most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spit-tleberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditionalrestaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the1600’s, when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants fromHungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’scourt. Other immigrants were drawn to work in the nearby silk fac-tories. They built charming burgher homes which still line the Spittel-berggasse and nearby streets, lending a particular quaint atmosphereto the area. Several streets are fully pedestrianized, making it easy tostroll at leisure. Restaurants also take advantage of the absence ofautos to set up tables directly in the street. Throughout the district youcan also find crafts shops and art galleries.Included: Restaurant recommendations, Travel information on thearea
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DAY 12Vienna
September 12, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt andMuseum QuarterMorning
TOP SITES: NASCHMARKT, LEOPOLD MUSEUM, THE MUSEUM QUAR-TERThe Naschmarkt is a long narrow market which has occupied thisarea since the 1500’s. The market is over a kilometer long and is filledwith a delightful variety of booths and small shops selling cheeses,meats, fresh fruits & vegetables, spices, and other exotic foods fromaround the world. You can also find souvenirs and other interestingtidbits. If you need a break from shopping, a number of nice sit-downcafes and restaurants are located within the market. On Saturdays themarket is extended even further by a huge flea market. In the fleamarket you will find paintings, beer steins, heirlooms, and other greatfinds to make your friends back home jealous.Near the market you will find perhaps the most fun spot in all ofVienna - the Museumsquartier. Once home to the Imperial Stables,the Museumsquartier is now home to several museums. In typicalViennese fashion, the courtyard of the Museumsquartier has beentransformed into an open air entertainment district. A delightful mix ofunpretentious cafes and bars attracts visitors to the Museumsquartierlong after the museums have all closed.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and BelvederePalace
Afternoon
TOP SITES: KARLSKIRCHE (CHARLES’ CHURCH), BELVEDERE PALACESAND GARDENSoutheast of the Ringstrasse you will find two of Vienna’s great-est treasures - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles’sChurch). More than just a Viennese treasure, the Belvedere and Karl-skirche are actually two of the Europe’s most significant examples ofBaroque architecture. The Belvedere is actually two palaces connectedby a formal 3-level garden designed in the French style. A visit to thegarden offers many delights to the senses with its playful fountains,multi-tiered design, and setting amidst the two elaborate palaces. Thepalaces now house works of art, including a permanent exhibitionwhich includes the most famous works of Gustav Klimt, such as “TheKiss”.
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DAY 12Vienna
September 12, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Many consider the Karlskirche second only to St. Peter’s Basilicaamong baroque churches. What makes a visit to the Karlskirche espe-cially notable is that you can ride an elevator up into the cupola of thechurch and then climb stairs up to the very top of the church, whereyou can examine the dome’s magnificent frescoes up close.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map-marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthearea. Not Included: Entry fee to visit the palace (approx. 11 EUR) orchurch (8 EUR) interiors.
Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of GrinzingEvening
Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughlytranslated as coziness) than the wine villages and vinyards which hugthe gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to winetaverns known as Heurigen. The Viennese come to the Heurigen towhile away warm evenings drinking wine, listen to musicians play tra-ditional Viennese tunes (Wienerlieder), and enjoy each other’s conver-sation and company. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing,which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its close-ness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you tothe countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create acharming village atmosphere.Included: Directions to Grinzing (including tram tickets), Tips onordering wine and food. Not Included: The cost of meals and drinks.
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DAY 13Vienna
September 13, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and ParkMorning / Early Afternoon
The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously asso-ciated with the Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded byher administrators, retainers, and 16 little archdukes and duchesseswho also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace,you will see numerous reminders of Maria Theresa, as well as many ofits other past imperial residents. The grounds surrounding the palaceform a beautiful park with a mix of formal gardens and woodlands.Throughout the park you will find enchanting fountains and statues.On a rise opposite the palace sits the Gloriette pavilion. From thereyou can take in a wonderful view - the meticulously groomed greenpark draws your eye to the graceful yellow Schönbrunn Palace, andthen to the red roofs of the city stretched out beyond.If you have kids, you will definitely want to visit the labyrinth and itsadjoining playground, although even without kids it can be great fun.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Cost of entry into the palace interior (about $15 USD) orlabyrinth (about $6 USD). Entry to the park is free.Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater
Late Afternoon
TOP SITES: Hundertwasserhaus, Wiener Riesenrad (FerrisWheel), Schweiz-erhausThe charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria’sarchitectural highlights. This extraordinary building was constructedbetween 1983 and 1985 as an imaginative apartment house and fea-tures a roof covered with soil and grass, trees growing from inside therooms and a colorfully decorated exterior facade. Nearby is the Prater,a large and pleasant public park. There you can find a towering ferriswheel called the Wiener Riesenrad, one of Vienna’s symbols and mostpopular tourist attractions since its construction in 1897. A fifteenminute ride is like a trip back in time with breathtaking views over theroofs of the city. The Riesenrad is a part of a famous amusement park,which houses also carousels, swings, roller coasters, ghost trains and anumber of coffee houses and restaurants, such as the Schweizerhaus.This traditional restaurant has arguably themost beautiful beer gardenin the city.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Cost of a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad (8 EUR), cost of aride on the Liliputbahn (2.20 EUR), cost of meals and drinks at theSchweizerhaus.
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DAY 14Vienna to Budapest
September 14, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s WestbahnhofStation for Rail Departure9:00 AM
Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you.Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than apre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information onordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the trainstation and finding your train, making the whole process simple andstress free.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest
09:48 – 12:49 by Rail
Tickets and seat reservations for this roughly three hour journey toBudapest are included with purchase of an itinerary. In most cases,the journey will be aboard one of Central Europe’s nicest and mostmodern trains - the RailJet. You will also receive detailed instructionsfor the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets.You can relax and enjoy the pleasant scenery, while reflecting on thefact that you are effortlessly passing through a border which you wouldhave risked your life to cross during the Cold War.Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel informa-tion.Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, &Check into Hotel
12:49 PM
Upon your arrival in Budapest your driver will meet you on the plat-form. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver willdrop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of thepickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have topay the driver.Included:Cost of the private transfer to your hotel, Arrival informa-tion.
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DAY 14Vienna to Budapest
September 14, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok)Early Afternoon
TOP SITES: CENTRAL MARKET HALL, VÁCI STREETThe Vásárcsarnok Market, or Central Market Hall, is a mezzanineshopping arcade first opened in 1897. Today the Central Market teemswith activity, as small shops and stands offer a remarkable assortmentof goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fish, flow-ers, and Hungarian specialties. There are also many (mostly kitschy)souvenirs available on the second floor of the market. The market isboth a visitor attraction and a true city market, bringing a constantstream of locals to its shops as well as visitors. The Market standsat the southern end of Váci street, which is home to Budapest’s mostexpensive commercial real estate. You will find an assortment of bigname brand stores and cute boutiques, as well as stores selling Hun-garian crafts and artwork. The area surrounding Váci street containsmany of Pest’s most interesting architectural monuments, as well asseveral historic churches.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area, Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
Self Guided Visit to Central PestLate Afternoon
TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, GRESHAM PALACE, CHAIN BRIDGEIn the year 1800, Pest was a sleepy little town of a few thousandpeople, still unconnected to the Buda side of the river by a perma-nent bridge. 100 years later, Buda and Pest had merged to becomeBudapest, and the majority of the city’s nearly one million residentscould be found in Pest. This period of rapid growth endowed Pest witha tremendous architectural legacy. Exploring central Pest today youwill encounter grand apartment houses, Secession-style architecturalgems, and imposing monumental buildings. Two of the focal pointsyou will see are the neo-classical St. Stephen’s Basilica, which dramat-ically rises above the surrounding city, and the nearby Chain Bridge,which regally spans the Danube. You can also make a stop in the fa-mous Café Gerbeaud, which may be the best spot in Budapest to relivethe elegant café culture of the old days.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 15Budapest
September 15, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour ofHighlights & Hidden Finds9:30 - 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 andstoried history. Considering all this, it would be difficult for even themost seasoned traveler to successfully discover all of Budapest’s tophighlights without the help of a knowledgeable local. On this half-dayguided walking tour the challenge is overcome, as your guide takes youto Budapest’s best destinations and provides the perfect introductionto the city.During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city fromthe Fisherman’s Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle Dis-trict, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen’s Basilica, travelalong the city’s most elegant avenue with the help of Europe’s oldestsubway, and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a localdoes, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry (ortwo), 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 GALLERYThe historic Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Buda’s hilltopCastle District makes it feel like a quaint step back in time. Indeed, inthe little squares and narrow lanes of the Castle District you will findthe heart of historic Hungary. Numerous points in the Castle Districtalso provide breathtaking views over the Danube and the Pest sideof the city. Especially breathtaking is the view from the neo-GothicFishermans’ Bastion. The historic Buda old town shares the hill witha castle which has been home to the Hungarian Royal Palace sincethe late Middle Ages. The most glorious period of the castle’s historywas the reign of King Mátyás (1458-1490), who rebuilt the palace inthe Renaissance style and made it a center of European learning andculture. A stroll through the castle reveals imposing courtyards anddelightful statues and fountains. Also worthwhile is a visit to the superbHungarian National Gallery.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 15Budapest
September 15, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the DanubeEvening
In many ways, the Danube River defines Budapest. It divides themetropolis into two distinct city environments - Buda and Pest. It isalso spanned by a succession of beautiful bridges which are some ofthe city’s most well known landmarks. On the Pest side, a mix of 19thand 20th century buildings line the river bank, providing you with asense of the vibrancy lying beyond. The river also offers a perfectview of the neo-Gothic Parliament Building’s massive dome and flam-boyant spires and towers. On the Buda side, the dramatic Castle Hilllooms above, creating the perfect romantic backdrop to the watersof the river. An evening river cruise is a relaxing way to take in thesesights, as the brightly lit buildings cast their reflections on the waterand stately bridges pass overhead. A simple walk along the river prom-enade where the cruises depart also provides beautiful views, andwithout 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 16Budapest
September 16, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, theBudapest Zoo, & Heroes’ SquareMorning
TOP SITES: SZÉCHENYI BATHS, FINE ARTS MUSEUM, HEROES’ SQUARE,ZOO, VA JDAHUNYAD CASTLEBudapest is famous for its thermal baths fed by the city’s abun-dant supply of thermal springs and underground water. The SzéchenyiBaths are the largest and the most popular of all the city’s baths. Witheighteen indoor and outdoor pools and impressive neo-Baroque archi-tecture, the baths make for an unforgettable visit. You can even geta massage. The baths are located within the pleasant Városliget Park,which makes a wonderful location for a stroll after your bath. Withinthe park you will find the fascinating Vajdahunyad Castle, a complex ofbuildings created to represent Hungary’s historic architectural styles.Also within the park is Budapest’s delightful city zoo. Where the parkmeets Andrássy Avenue, you will discover Heroes’ Square, where a dra-matic group of monuments tells a 1,000-year tale of Hungarian historyin 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 withattractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. NotIncluded: Cost of entry into the baths (about $20 a person).
Along Andrássy AvenueAfternoon
TOP SITES: STATE OPERA HOUSE, TERROR HOUSEAndrássy Avenue is Budapest’s most prominent street and a WorldHeritage Site since 2002. In fact, the avenue was considered so refinedand pleasant in the late 19th century that the city’s residents wouldn’tallow a streetcar line to be built on the avenue, even though it wasdesperately needed. To preserve the elegant atmosphere they insteadbuilt continental Europe’s first subway, which today provides an excel-lent means of exploring the avenue. The avenue is lined by imposingneo-Renaissance palaces and buildings, including several museums.This includes the superb House of Terror Museum, which focuses onthe horrors inflicted by totalitarian regimes in the 20th century. An-drassy Avenue is also the musical heart of Hungary, as the breathtak-ingly beautiful State Opera House is located on the avenue.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.
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DAY 16Budapest
September 16, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Concert or Other Cultural Event in BudapestEvening
A trip to a concert or other performance in Hungary is a treat onmany levels. Hungarian musicians, dancers, and actors are some ofthe world’s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obses-sion with the arts. Much of the city’s pride and wealth was devotedto building beautiful concert venues such as the State Opera House.The exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make theexperience even more special and rewarding.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $15 booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travelparty, not per person).
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DAY 17Budapest
September 17, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Self Guided Visit to the Jewish QuarterMorning
TOP SITES: GREAT SYNAGOGUE & HOLOCAUST MEMORIALBudapest was once the site of one of Europe’s largest and mostvibrant Jewish communities and contains the world’s second largestsynagogue – the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Grand orGreat Synagogue). In the late 19th century the city became known forits relative tolerance, and as the result Budapest’s Jews become highlyassimilated into the city’s population, making tremendous contribu-tions in literature, science, and other fields. Tragically, in the unsettledtimes of the 20th century conflict and prejudice reemerged in horriblefashion. In the Jewish Quarter, you can explore the contrasting legaciesof Jewish achievement and tragedy in Budapest. A visit to the GrandSynagogue is an impressive reminder of the wealth and influence theJewish community in Hungary once possessed. Although many Jewsemigrated after World War II, a small but vibrant Jewish population stillinhabits the Jewish Quarter today.Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Entry into the Great Synagogue
Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and itsSurroundingsEarly Afternoon
TOP SITES: HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT, ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUMThe Hungarian Parliament building is a magnificent sight as it risesabove the waters of the Danube, and the interior is also quite jaw-dropping. As a visitor you may even feel a bit overwhelmed by thesumptuous décor and attention-to-detail. You could be forgiven forexpecting a queen to arrive or an aristocratic ball to break out at anymoment. Visits to the interior can be made on a guided tour, whereyou will see a spectacular grand staircase, the historic Holy Crown ofHungary, an imposing debating chamber, and much more.Included: Background information on the Parliament and tips onpurchasing 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 Hun-garian Forints (about $20 USD).
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DAY 17Budapest
September 17, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)
Visit to Gellért and Rudas Baths and Optional Hike toGellért HillLate Afternoon
TOP SITES: THE CITADEL & LIBERTYMONUMENT, GELLÉRT BATHS, RUDASBATHSThose with the energy to make the rigorous walk up to the top ofGellért Hill are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Budapest,including the castle and both sides of the river. There’s plenty to doin the area without needing to walk up the hill though. At the base ofthe hill you can find two of the city’s best thermal baths – the RudasBaths and the Gellért Baths. Housed within the Art-Nouveau-styleGellért Hotel, the Gellért baths offer a true variety of experiences -such as swimming in the elegant colonnaded main pool, exploring thethermal baths, and swimming in an outdoor wave pool. The nearly 500year old Rudas Baths are one of several baths built by the Turks whenthey ruled Hungary. Relaxing in the waters beneath the Rudas Baths’ancient stone cupoloa, where thin strands of dim light filter throughcolored stain glass, is truly an unforgettable experience.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Cost of entry into the baths (about $25 USD)Note: Gellert baths are always mixed-sex, but the Rudas baths aremen only on Mon & Wed-Fri, women only on Tue, and mixed sex onthe weekends.
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DAY 18Depart Budapest
September 18, 2015
Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest AirportTo Be Determined
Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you and can giveyou an estimate of the price and contact information for the officialairport taxi line so you can avoid overpaying. If you are picked up threehours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch yourflight. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budgetan extra fifteen minutes or so. If you prefer for us to book a privatetransfer, you can request this service, however it is about twice asexpensive as taking the official airport taxi service.Included: Explanation of how to take the official airport taxi carrierusing fixed rates. Not Included: Cost of the taxi fare
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