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An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Prague, Budapest, and Krakow September 02 – September 12, 2015 A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015
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Page 1: 54aad4b6a0273 praguebudapestandkrakow2015 1 5

An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewPrague, Budapest, and KrakowSeptember 02 – September 12, 2015

A Custom Itinerarydesigned by Go Real EuropeCopyright 2015

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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

• Best of Budapest: Half-Day WalkingTour of Highlights & Hidden Finds• Walking Tour of Krakow’s Historic Center• Guided Bus Excursion to the Salt Minein Wieliczka

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague toBudapest• Train Tickets from Budapest to Krakow• Public Transport Tickets for Prague andBudapest• Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel

• Private Transfer to the Rail Station inPrague• Private Transfer from the Budapest RailStation• Private Transfer from Krakow Rail Sta-tion to Your Hotel

Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast:• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague• 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Budapest

• 2 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Krakow

Travel Information included in your itinerary:• City Maps of Prague and Budapest• Point to point travel directions• Destination information & travel advice

• 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.

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ITINERARY CONTENTS1 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Rail Journey to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 17Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Overnight Rail Journey to Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

9 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Arrival at Krakow Glowny Train Station and transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Guided Walking Tour of Historic Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Visit to Wawel Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

10 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Guided Bus Excursion to the Salt Mines of Wieliczka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self Guided Tour of Kazimierz - Krakow’s Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and the Former Jewish Ghetto . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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11 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self-Arranged Drop off at Airport by Taxi, Depart Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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DAY 1Arrive Prague

September 02, 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 02, 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 03, 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 03, 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 04, 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 04, 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 05, 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 Budapest

September 06, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station8:50 AM

A private transfer service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) anddeliver you to the Prague Main Train Station (Praha hl.n). Your itinerarywill provide detailed information on navigating the train station andfinding your train, making the whole process simple and stress free.Included: Private transfer to the train station, Instructions on find-ing your train.Rail Journey to Budapest

09:42 – 16:35 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this nearly seven hour journey toBudapest are included with purchase of an itinerary. You will alsoreceive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a translationand explanation of your tickets, allowing you to relax and enjoy thisjourney through three countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, andHungary).Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel informa-tion.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 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.Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube

Evening

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 19th

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DAY 5Prague to Budapest

September 06, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

and 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 6Budapest

September 07, 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

Early 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 6Budapest

September 07, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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 7Budapest

September 08, 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 7Budapest

September 08, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok)Late 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.

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DAY 8Budapest

September 09, 2015

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 8Budapest

September 09, 2015

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station7:10 PM

Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you and cangive you an estimate of the price so you can avoid overpaying. Youritinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well asdetailed information on navigating the train station and finding yourtrain, making the whole process simple and stress free.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Overnight Rail Journey to Krakow

20:05 – 06:56 by Rail

Tickets and sleeper reservations will be included with the purchaseof your itinerary for this overnight rail journey. Detailed directionsand instructions that make the trip easy and stress free will also beprovided in your full itinerary.Included: Tickets, Sleeping Car Reservations, Detailed Instructions.

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DAY 9Krakow

September 10, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Arrival at Krakow Glowny Train Station and transferto Hotel6:56 AM

Upon your arrival in Krakow your driver will meet you on the platform.He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop youoff at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup isalready included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay thedriver.Included: Cost of the private transfer to your hotel, Arrival infor-mation.Guided Walking Tour of Historic Krakow

9:00 - 12:00 PM

On this 3 hour guided walking tour, you will discover the history andlegends of old Krakow and gain an excellent overview of the city. Themany layers of the city will be revealed to you as your guide pointsout medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and also showsyou some of the city’s most well-known as well as most-overlookedchurches and squares. You will learn about not only Krakow’s glorydays many centuries past, but also about its more recent strugglesduring Nazism and Communism oppression, and how they left a markon the city and its inhabitants.Included: Cost of the Private Guided Walking Tour.Visit to Wawel Castle

Early Afternoon

Krakow’s dramatic castle is situated on top of Wawel Hill, a limestonehill rising above the Vistula River and the city. During the earliest daysof Polish history a castle was built here and throughout the Medievaland Renaissance era it was an important residence of Poland’s rulersand a center of Christian influence. In addition to residing in the castlethere, Polish kings were also coronated and then buried in the castle’sbeautiful cathedral. Much of the carefully restored Royal palace isnow open for tours, and you will also find several important historical,archeological, and artistic collections within the castle. As the Medievalcapital of Poland and the resting place of so many of its past rulers,Wawel Castle represents for many the very heart of the Polish nation.Krakow is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Krakow. Entry costs into the interiors of sites is not included.

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DAY 9Krakow

September 10, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old TownLate Afternoon

Krakow’s Old Town is the part of the city once contained within thehistoric Medieval walls. While the walls are now mostly gone, you willstill discover a rich heritage of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque archi-tecture. The Market Square is one of the largest and most breathtakingtown squares in all of Europe, and is lined by colorful Gothic buildingswith Baroque facades. The two most famous attractions on the MarketSquare are St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. The magnificent 600year old basilica was built from a combination of red brick and stone,creating a striking appearance both in its exterior and interior. TheCloth Hall sits in the very center of the square, and today merchantssell hand made goods and souvenirs there.Krakow is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Krakow.

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DAY 10Krakow

September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Bus Excursion to the Salt Mines of Wieliczka8:30 - 12:00 PM

Wieliczka has been the site of Salt Mines since the Middle Ages. Overthe centuries, miners created a subterranean world so fascinating thatthe mines are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will exploremine shafts, cavernous chambers, and underground saline lakes, allspread out over nine different levels reaching of depth of over 1000feet. You will see the beautiful carving and statues the miners hewninto the salt rock, even visiting one cavern where a chapel was formedout of the rocky walls. You will also learn how mining technology hasdeveloped over time. This tour is not recommended for those who areclaustrophobic or have difficult walking.THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE TOURIncluded: Guided bus excursion, Standard visit to the Mines, El-evator passage out of the Mines, and Headphones. Not included:Elevator passage into the mines.Self Guided Tour of Kazimierz - Krakow’s JewishQuarter

Early Afternoon

Krakow was once home to one of Europe’s largest and most influentialJewish communities - numbering over 60,000 residents at its height.While most of its residents were tragically killed in the Holocaust, theyleft behind a rich historical legacy, including numerous beautiful syna-gogues now open for visitors. The greatest concentration of Jewish her-itage in Krakow is in the district known as Kazimierz. Originally foundedas a separate town from Krakow, Kazimierz grew to become Krakow’sJewish Quarter, although Christians have also always lived there aswell. While most residents today are no longer Jewish, the remainingstructures left behind by the Jewish community still indelibly mark thedistrict as Krakow’s Jewish Quarter. Today, the quaint architecture andnarrow streets of the district make it a popular locale for social life,and it offers an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and shops. You canalso visit the Galacia Jewish museum, which attempts to recreate thedistinct Jewish culture that left such a deep mark on southern Poland.If your itinerary does not include it separately, you may also want tofit in a visit to the outstanding Schindler Factory Museum across theriver.Krakow is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Krakow.

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DAY 10Krakow

September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and theFormer Jewish GhettoLate Afternoon

During World War II Oscar Schindler saved the lives of more than 1,100Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory in Krakow. Untilrecently still used as a factory, the building now houses one of Europe’smost impressive new museums. It tells not only the story of Schindlerand the Jews he protected, but of the wider experience of Krakow dur-ing World War II. You will experience the history from the perspectiveof the persecuted Jewish community in Krakow, as well as from theexperience of other residents of Krakow, who also experienced terrorand oppression during the war. You will even see some events fromthe perspective of the German occupiers. Using a combination of im-ages, videos, music and street sounds, interviews, and artifacts, theexperience of visiting the museum is both chilling and enlightening. Itis a must for those interested in World War II history. Nearby, you canwalk the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto, and also see how localslive today in the neighborhood of Podgórze. Just above the neighbor-hood, the pleasant forested park of Bednarskiego provides a respitefrom the city, and for those with extra energy, a walk up to the KrakusMound provides an excellent view of the city.Krakow is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Krakow. Entry to the museum is not included.

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DAY 11Depart Krakow

September 12, 2015

Self-Arranged Drop off at Airport by Taxi, DepartKrakowTo Be Determined

Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you and can giveyou an estimate of the price. If you are picked up two hours and 45minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catchyour flight. If you are leaving during rush hour, youmay want to budgetan extra ten to fifteen minutes. TheIncluded: Recommended Taxi Company, Information on taking ataxi or train to the airport. Not Included: Cost of the taxi or train fare.

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