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An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Budapest and Vienna June 01 – June 08, 2015 A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015
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Page 1: 54aaea70128d4 budapestandvienna2015 1 5

An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewBudapest and ViennaJune 01 – June 08, 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:• Best of Budapest: Half-Day WalkingTour of Highlights & Hidden Finds • Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Budapestto Vienna• Public Transport Tickets for Budapestand Vienna

• Private Transfer from the Budapest Air-port to your Hotel

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

Travel Information included in your itinerary:• City Maps of Budapest and Vienna• 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 June 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Arrival in Budapest and Transfer by Private Car to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 June 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 June 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 8Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 June 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Rail Journey from Budapest to Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Arrival in Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Rail Station) and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . 10

5 June 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 June 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 June 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8 June 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Vienna Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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DAY 1Arrive Budapest

June 01, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Arrival in Budapest and Transfer by Private Car toHotelTo Be Determined

We will schedule a pick up for your flight’s arrival time. You will be metin the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. Theride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The costof the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to paythe driver.Included: Private Transfer to your hotel. Information on passportcontrol, customs, and other arrival info.Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok)

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 residents

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DAY 1Arrive Budapest

June 01, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

could 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 2Budapest

June 02, 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 2Budapest

June 02, 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 3Budapest

June 03, 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).

Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew)Afternoon

On this self-guided excursion you will travel by train to the little, cobble-stoned town of Szentendre, charmingly nestled alongside the DanubeRiver. Szentendre means St. Andrew in English, and the town is lo-cated only about ten miles north of Budapest, but with its idyllic villageatmosphere it could not be more different. Nearly every building inthe town dates back to the period of Baroque architecture, includingchurches, burgher townhouses, and pleasant courtyard homes typicalof the Hungarian countryside. The twisting lanes and riverbank prome-nade make Szentendre a perfectly pleasant locale to wander and soakin the ambiance. If you have the time, you can also visit a fascinatingopen air museum where you will see re-created traditional peasantvillages, providing an authentic opportunity to see and experience howthe Hungarian people once lived in the countryside.Included: Detailed travel directions and background informationfor a stress-free independent excursion to Szentendre. Not Included:Transportation (only about 5 EUR a person roundtrip by train), OptionalEntry into Sights

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DAY 4Budapest to Vienna

June 04, 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

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 4Budapest to Vienna

June 04, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station4:10 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.Rail Journey from Budapest to Vienna

17:10 – 19:45 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately two hour, 45minute journey to Vienna, Austria are included with purchase of anitinerary. You will also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, aswell as a translation and explanation of your tickets. You can relax andenjoy the pleasant scenery, while reflecting on the fact that you are ef-fortlessly passing through a border which you would have risked yourlife to cross during the Cold War.Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel informa-tion.Arrival in Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Rail Station)and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi

7:45 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 5Vienna

June 05, 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.

Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City1:30-4:00 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: Private Guided Walking Tour.Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt)

Evening

TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL, THE GRABEN, MOZART HOUSE,CHURCH OF ST. PETER11

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DAY 5Vienna

June 05, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

When 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.

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DAY 6Vienna

June 06, 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 6Vienna

June 06, 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 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 7Vienna

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

Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and ParkMorning

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.Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse

Afternoon

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 7Vienna

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

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 8Depart Vienna

June 08, 2015

Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the PraterDeparture Time Allowing

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.Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Vienna Airport

To Be Determined

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaperthan a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pickup for you. If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, youshould have plenty of time to catch your flight. If you are leaving duringrush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.Included: Advice on taking a taxi and contact information for afixed price taxi service, as well as advice on ordering a pre-arrangedprivate transfer for those who wish to do so. TAXI FARE IS NOT IN-CLUDED

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