54ab10f5e28f6 berlinpragueviennaandbudapest2015 1 5

An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewBerlin, Prague, Vienna, and BudapestSeptember 01 – September 15, 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:• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

• Best of Budapest: Half-Day WalkingTour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague toVienna• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest

• Public Transport Tickets for Prague, Vi-enna, and Budapest• Private Transfer from the Rail Station toYour Hotel• Private Transfer to the Rail Station inPrague• Private Transfer from the Budapest RailStation

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

• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Vienna• 3 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• 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Rail Journey to Prague with a Stop in Dresden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and the Funicular Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Rail Journey from Prague to Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Arrival in Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Rail Station) and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . 14Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . 21Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

13 September 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

14 September 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 25Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

15 September 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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DAY 1Arrive Berlin

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

Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by TaxiTo Be Determined

For your arrival in Berlin we will provide information on the customsand passport procedures. We will also provide advice on taking a taxito your hotel, including an estimate of the cost and time of the ride toyour hotel. We will also provide some very basic directions for takingbus service into central Berlin to save on the taxi fare.Included: Arrival and transfer advice. Not Included: Taxi fare(about 25 EUR)Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte)

Afternoon

The Dorotheenstadt lies in the historic heart of the city and the politi-cal center of Germany. The Reichstag, the building which houses theGerman Parliament, is located here. It is topped by a egg-shaped glassdome which is open to the public. You can look down on the debat-ing lawmakers beneath, or look out upon beautiful views of the city.You will encounter the city’s most iconic image, the Brandenburg Gate.Once the main entrance to Berlin, then later a symbol of its division, itis now a symbol of the city and nation’s reunification. At nearly 200 foottall it is an impressive site to behold. The gate leads into the Unter denLinden. This tree-lined boulevard is Berlin’s central axis and is crowdedwith important and historic buildings.Berlin is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Berlin.

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DAY 2Berlin

September 02, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the TiergartenMorning

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian dukes and kings, the Tier-garten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderfulescape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You willdiscover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached throughan extensive and well maintained network of trails. In the center of thepark lies the Victory Column. Built as a memorial to Prussian victoriesin the 19th century, it is now a visitor favorite. A 285-step climb leadsup to a viewing platform with unobstructed views of the park and thecity. Germany’s oldest zoo is also located in the Tiergarten, and is wellworth a visit.Berlin is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Berlin.Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to theMemorial Church

Afternoon

In the 1920’s the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürsten-damm was the center of Berlin’s nightlife and leisure scene, attractingwriters, film stars, and artists. Once Berlin was divided by Communismthe Kurfürstendamm became the commercial heart of West Berlin; thecity’s own Champs-Élysées. Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, itremains a favorite destination for Berliners for shopping, dining, andcafés, and in some ways is still the true center of Berlin. At the eastend of the Kurfürstendamm, you will discover a chilling reminder ofthe destructiveness of war. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gadächtnis-Kirche, isa former church originally built as a memorial to the Kaiser Wilhelm I.The church was mostly destroyed in World War II, and what remainsnow is the tower, jaggedly shorn of its upper reaches. Nearby youwill also discover the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department storewhich served as a symbol of Westernmarket capitalism during the ColdWar.Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Berlin.

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DAY 3Berlin

September 03, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island andAlexanderplatzMorning

In the middle of the Spree River lies one of the world’s most impres-sive collections of museums - Berlin’s Museum Island. This UNESCOWorld Heritage site is home to five museums. A must for any historylover is the Pergamon Museum. It holds a spectacular collection of an-cient and classical art and architecture, including whole reconstructedbuildings! To the east of the Museum Island lies the Alexanderplatz.This square was once the center of East Berlin, and was rebuilt in the1960’s as a showcase of Communist urban planning and architecture.Towering above the Alexanderplatz is the Fernsehturm, a 1,200 foottall television tower provides incredible panoramic views of the city.Berlin is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Berlin.Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and CheckpointCharlie

Afternoon

Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s hippest new areas. Historically it wasone of the most important commercial and entertainment centers ofBerlin, but it was completely leveled during World War II. It was thenbisected by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, becoming a lifelessarea. When the wall came down, Potsdamer Platz became a symbol ofthe reunited Berlin, and a tremendous amount of investment went intoits rebuilding. Today you can find restaurants, shopping malls, bars,and other establishments that constantly attract locals to the area. Ahighlight is the Sony Center, a complex of entertainment, shopping,and office buildings surrounding a plaza covered by a unique, tent-like roof. About half a mile from the Potsdamer Platz you will findCheckpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. Along theway you will see remnants of the Berlin Wall, and although it is not wellsigned, the WWII command bunker where Hitler met his end is alsolocated here.Berlin is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Berlin.

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DAY 4Berlin to Prague

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

Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station8:00 AM

Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than apre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure,you should have plenty of time to catch your train.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Rail Journey to Prague with a Stop in Dresden

08:46 – 10:53 by Rail and 17:07 – 19:25 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this rail journey are included in thepurchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructionsthat make the trip easy and stress free are also included in the FullItinerary. The itinerary will also tell you which sights to look out for onyour journey through three scenic regions - Brandenburg, Saxony, andBohemia. As an added bonus, we will purchase tickets for the Berlinto Dresden and Dresden to Prague legs separately, meaning you willseveral hours to explore the enchanting Saxon capital of Dresden. Thecity had a long history as a royal residence of the Kings of Saxony, whowere prince electors of the Holy Roman Empire. They transformed theirhome over the centuries into a splendid architectural jewel. Becauseof its fascinating baroque and rococo city center, Dresden was oftencalled “Florence on the Elbe”.Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed information onyour train journey. Detailed travel information about Dresden is alsoprovided.Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel

7:25 PM

We will schedule a pick up for your train’s arrival time. You will be metin the station by an English speaking driver holding a sign with yourname on it. The drivers will give you good Prague tips during your rideto the hotel. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing avehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you willnot have to pay the driver, unless you choose to offer a small tip.Included: Private Transfer to Your Hotel

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DAY 5Prague

September 05, 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 5Prague

September 05, 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 6Prague

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

Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old TownMorning

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.

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 6Prague

September 06, 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 7Prague

September 07, 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.

Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and theFunicular RailwayEarly Afternoon

Petřin Park is Prague’s most prominent park, as it is located on theside of a large hill overlooking the city. The park is filled with cherryorchards, beautiful forests, and lawns, and is crisscrossed by numerouspaths as well as the medieval Hunger Wall built by Emperor Charles IV.At the top of the park is an Eiffel Tower-like observation tower whichprovides an unobstructed view of the city. To reach the ObservationTower, you will ride a funicular railway that climbs up the side of thehill, allowing you to look down upon the city as you make your way upto the top of the park.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 7Prague

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

Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of VyšehradLate 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 8Prague to Vienna

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

Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station9:50 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 from Prague to Vienna

10:42 – 14:52 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this nearly five hour journey to Viennaare included with purchase of an itinerary. You will also receive detailedinstructions for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanationof your tickets. You can relax and enjoy the pleasant scenery, whilereflecting on the fact that you are effortlessly passing through a borderwhich you would have risked your life 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

2:52 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 NOTINCLUDEDSelf Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt)

Late Afternoon

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

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DAY 8Prague to Vienna

September 08, 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 9Vienna

September 09, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City9:30 - 12:00 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 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 9Vienna

September 09, 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 10Vienna

September 10, 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 Karlskirche and BelvederePalaceAfternoon

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”.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.

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DAY 10Vienna

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

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 Grinzing

Evening

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 11Vienna

September 11, 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 12Vienna to Budapest

September 12, 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 12Vienna to Budapest

September 12, 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 13Budapest

September 13, 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 13Budapest

September 13, 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 14Budapest

September 14, 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 15Depart Budapest

September 15, 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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