An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewSalzburg, Vienna, and BudapestSeptember 01 – September 12, 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:• Sound of Music Guided Bus Tour• Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’sInner City

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

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Salzburg toVienna• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest

• Public Transport Tickets for Vienna andBudapest• Private Transfer from the Budapest RailStation

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

• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Budapest

Travel Information included in your itinerary:• City Maps of Vienna 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.

ITINERARY CONTENTS1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Arrival in Salzburg Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian Beer Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Excursion to the Königssee (King’s Lake) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Excursion to Berchtesgaden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main Train Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . . . 9Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna on Westbahn Railways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Concert or Other Cultural Event in Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . 16Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and Radáy Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 22Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Concert or Other Cultural Event in Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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DAY 1Arrive Salzburg

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

Arrival in Salzburg Airport and Transfer to Hotel byPublic TaxiTo Be Determined

For your arrival in Salzburg we will provide information on the customsand passport procedures. We will also provide advice on whether to or-der a fixed price taxi or to take a metered taxi, and provide an estimateof the cost and time of the ride to your hotel.Included: Arrival and transfer advice. Not Included: Taxi fare(about 15 EUR)Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg

Early Afternoon

The Festung Hohensalzburg (roughly translated as the High SalzburgFortress) dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidableand enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtak-ing view of the city, and from the other a beautiful view of the nearbyAlps. A fortress has been located at this location since Roman times,although the current fortress dates its history back to the 11th cen-tury A.D. In the Renaissance the fortress was enlarged and its exteriorhas remained mostly unchanged since then. The state rooms of thefortress are richly decorated with intricate Gothic wood-carvings andRenaissance ornamental paintings. In addition to touring the fortressstate rooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Mu-seum, the torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more. An audiotour is available which covers many of these sites. The fortress wasnever taken by force, even though it was not for a lack of trying. Luckilyfor you, today you can easily reach the fortress by a steep funicularrailway that leaves from Salzburg’s Altstadt.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the sites andhistory of the fortress. Not Included: Cost of entry (8.00 EUR - 11.30EUR)Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town)

Late Afternoon

Filled with narrow lanes, elegant squares, and an abundance of ornatebaroque architecture, Salzburg is certainly one of Europe’s most beau-tiful towns. Although its growth was initially fueled by salt from nearbymines (Salzburgmeans salt mountain), the town is now associated withmusic, Catholic churches, and baroque architecture. For Americans, itwas made famous by the movie Sound of Music, but most Austrians

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DAY 1Arrive Salzburg

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

remain completely unaware of the movie. An independent bishopricuntil becoming part of Austria in 1816, Salzburg has always had a keensense of local identity. Ironically however, its charm, hospitality, cul-tural heritage, and the beauty of its natural surroundings have made itinto a symbol of Austria as a whole.The Altstadt is where Mozart was born and music continues to beclosely associated with it. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroquebuildings due to the fact that during the 17th and 18th centuries itsbishop rulers focused on beautifying and enriching their town, andattempted to stay out of the foreign conflicts that often surroundedthem on all sides. A series of squares runs through the town, andyou will find that all the squares are dominated by a beautiful church.Throughout the Altstadt you will findmarkets, pleasant shops, and cozyrestaurants.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.

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DAY 2Salzburg

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

Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion9:00 - 1:00 PM

In this approximately 4 hour tour by motor coach you will relive themost magical moments from the Sound of Music while taking in thebreathtaking beauty of Salzburg’s surroundings, including the land-scape which inspired Julie Andrews to burst into song at the beginningof the movie. As you enjoy the tour, you will relax and listen to theoriginal Sound of Music soundtrack, perhaps even singing along a bit.On the tour you will see the places where the movie was filmed, andwill also learn how these places tie into Salzburg’s history.Notable spots you will visit include the Mirabell Gardens, whereMaria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi”, the Leopoldskron Palace whichserved as the von Trapp family home, the pavillion where Maria andthe Captain fell in love, Maria’s abbey, and the wedding church. Youwill also see the picturesque lake district.Included: Cost of the guided bus excursion. THIS IS NOT A PRI-VATE TOURSelf Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell PalaceGardens

Afternoon

TOP SITES:MIRABELL PALACE AND GARDENS, LINZERGASSE (STREET),ST. SEBASTIAN’S CEMETERYOn the right bank of Salzach river lies the Neustadt, or New Townin English. Although it may be slightly newer than the Altstadt, it stillboasts hundreds of years of history in it’s winding and narrowMedievallanes. The Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1606 by thePrince Archbishop of Salzburg for his concubine, is the most famoussite in the Neustadt. As impressive as the palace and its interior are, theelaborate gardens surrounding the palace are more famous than thepalace itself. In the gardens you will find statues of pegasus, unicorns,lions and other exotic animals, a dwarf garden, grand staircases, andother picturesque spots. Sound of Music fans may remember thegarden from the movie, as this is where several parts of the “Do-Re-Me”song were filmed.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.

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DAY 2Salzburg

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

Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian BeerHallEvening

Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, theMönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the high-est portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg,the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures,romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchantinglandscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg’s Altstadtbelow. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowdsof the city. At the foot of the Mönchsberg, in the village-like neighbor-hood of Mülln, lies Austria’s largest beer hall. Since 1621 it has servedthe famously delicious brew of the Augustinian monks. Although itattracts many visitors, it remains a favorite among locals. Even if youdon’t drink beer, it is still a great way to try some traditional Austriancuisine and mingle with locals in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Beer or meal in the beer hall.

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DAY 3Salzburg

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

Self Guided Excursion to the Königssee (King’s Lake)Morning

The breath-takingly beautiful Königssee (King’s Lake) is the deepestlake in the Alps and is surrounded by steep mountains. Taking acruise on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The boat will takeyou to the red-onion domed Kloster St. Bartolomä (Monastery of St.Bartholomew), where you then take a relaxing and enchanting walkalong the forested lake shore, gazing up at the majestic mountains sur-rounding you. For serious hikers, you can also continue on the boat tothe far end of the lake, and then take a hike to a dramatic waterfall. Forthose who don’t want to spend money on the cruise, you can simplytake a short walk to an overlook offering a perfect view of the lake. Ifyou want to spend more time in the area, you can also take a cable carup into the mountains and explore the rocky alpine peaks and enjoyamazing panoramic views.Included: Detailed travel directions to and from Königssee. NotIncluded: Cost of the bus ticket (approx 8 EUR), boat cruise (approx.14 EUR - optional), or cable lift pass (approx. 16 EUR - optional).Self Guided Excursion to Berchtesgaden

Afternoon

About 20 miles from Salzburg, just across the German border, liesBerchtesgaden. This charming Bavarian town is nestled amidst a dra-matic Alpine valley, and is actually located within a national park. Inadditional to natural beauty, it is also blessed with 900 years of his-tory, and its control of nearby salt mines allowed it to create a surpris-ingly rich architectural legacy. Berchtesgaden boasts charming marketsquares, imposing churches, and even a Medieval palace. There arealso plenty of traditional Bavarian restaurants and shops selling localcrafts and art, making Berchtesgaden a great destination for thosewishing to combine the best of all worlds in a relaxed and bucolic set-ting.Included: Detailed directions to and from Berchtesgaden, andbackground information on the town.

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DAY 4Salzburg to Vienna

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

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main TrainStation for Rail Departure9:00 AM

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you.Salzburg taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper thana pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more informationon ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating thetrain station and finding your train, making the whole process simpleand stress free.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna on WestbahnRailways

09:52 – 12:22 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this scenic two and a half hour jour-ney to Vienna are included with purchase of an itinerary. The journeyis aboard a comfortable, modern train with wi-fi. The verdant rollingcountryside of northern Austria makes for a pleasant voyage, and onclear days, you can also enjoy a view on the Alps in the distance. Youwill also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a trans-lation and explanation of your tickets.Included: Tickets, seat reservations (in an open seating system),and detailed travel information.

Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transferto Hotel by Public Taxi12:22 PM

Upon arrival in Vienna, you will exit the rail station and proceed tothe taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers.Taxis in Vienna are generally reliable and honest, and are less expen-sive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to theHotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxiare provided in the Full Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary.Included: Arrival information and instructions. TAXI FARE IS NOTINCLUDED

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DAY 4Salzburg to Vienna

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

Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt)Afternoon

TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL, THE GRABEN, MOZART HOUSE,CHURCH OF ST. PETERWhen the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talk-ing about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds toVienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defen-sive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. Awarren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space be-tween the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets thatremains to this day. Now these narrow lanes hum with constant ex-citement as a tremendous assortment of restaurants, cafes, bars, andfashionable shops fill the ground floors of beautiful historic buildings.Among many other historic attractions, the Inner City is home to themagnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephan (Stephansdom), which hasbecome the most lasting and recognized symbol of the city.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

Evening Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City5:00 - 6:30 PM

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stoodwithin the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginningsof Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one ofthe most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna’searly inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city andits beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Yourguide will discuss illustrious former residents such as Emperors andEmpresses, but will also tell stories of ordinary Viennese who helped tocreate a great city of trade and commerce. You will also learn about thetragic end of Vienna’s Medieval Jewish community. At the end of yourtour, your guide will give you his or her personal recommendations forrestaurants in Vienna which capture its sense of history and charm.Included: 90-minute Private Guided Walking Tour.

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DAY 5Vienna

September 05, 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 5Vienna

September 05, 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.

Concert or Other Cultural Event in ViennaEvening

Perhaps no city is more famous for its cultural scene than Vienna. Youcan enjoy a wide variety of performances in settings of exquisite beautyand elegance. Opera, ballet, and symphony are just some of yourchoices you will discover in the home of Strauss and the Waltz. Threeof Vienna’s concert halls are regularly ranked among the top ten venuesin the entire world for both their aesthetic appeal and their fine acous-tics, and of course the city’s musical companies are also consideredamong the best in the world. For those looking for a more affordableexperience, the Volksoper (People’s Opera) provides an opportunity tosee excellent performers in a nice setting.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $15 booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travelparty, not per person).

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DAY 6Vienna

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

Self Guided Visit to Imperial ViennaMorning

TOP SITES: SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, IMPERIAL TREASURY, ALBERTINAMUSEUM, BURGGARTEN, STATE OPERA HOUSEIn this area of Vienna you will discover the very heart of the Habs-burg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Much of thisdistrict is consumed by the vast Hofburg Palace complex, once hometo Austria’s emperors and their administrators. Majestically stunning,the buildings of the Hofburg still evoke awe in the observer even if theEmpire they were built for is now long gone. Within the Hofburg youwill find many of the city’s top attractions, including the nearly 500 yearold Spanish Riding School, which stages equestrian performances bythe famous Lipizzaner Stallions. You can also visit the imperial apart-ments, gaze upon the imperial crown and other treasures, or browsethrough the imperial silver collection.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. For those interested in the Spanish Riding School entry toMorning Exercises costs 14 EUR.

Self Guided Visit to the RingstrasseAfternoon

TOP SITES: RING STREET TRAMS, CITY HALL, NATURAL HISTORY MU-SEUM, ART HISTORY MUSEUMThe Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna’s old townwhere the city walls once stood. The Austro-Hungarian Empire wasat the height of its prosperity when the monumental buildings whichline the Ringstrasse were built in the late 19th century. In this sectionof the Ringstrasse, you can see some of the most impressive of thesebuildings, including the neo-Gothic town hall, which is particularly mag-nificent when lit up in the evening hours. The large park and square infront of the town hall also serves as one of the city’s favorite gatheringplaces. A visit to the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum or theNaturhistorisches Museum (Natural History) Museum, both of whichare both located on the Ringstrasse, is particularly rewarding. Anotherfun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of theRingstrasse. From the strassenbahn line you can relax and soak in thefull richness of the spectacle.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 6Vienna

September 06, 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 7Vienna

September 07, 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 8Vienna to Budapest

September 08, 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 8Vienna to Budapest

September 08, 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 9Budapest

September 09, 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 9Budapest

September 09, 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 10Budapest

September 10, 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 10Budapest

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

Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and RadáyStreetLate Afternoon

TOP SITES: NATIONAL MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF APPLIED ART, RÁDAYSTREETThe National Museum is Hungary’s largest museum and relatesHungary’s long and very turbulent history. Renovated in the 1990’s,it is a modern and highly accessible museum, and showcases a widerange of artwork and artifacts from Hungary’s past, such as crowns,jewels, clothes and weapons. Nearby the Budapest Public Library ishoused in a gorgeous neo-Baroque palace. Once one of Budapest’smost luxurious residences, it has been transformed into an enchantinglabyrinth of books. The nearby Museum of Applied Arts is also housedin a stunning building. If you need to relax after the serious affairs ofvisiting the museum and library, or if you just want to skip straight tothe relaxing, Budapest’s favorite locale for the young and the youngat heart to socialize is only steps away. Ráday street, also known asBudapest Soho, is lined by hip cafes, galleries, restaurants, and pubs.It is an ideal place to people watch and enjoy the atmosphere.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Museum entry.

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DAY 11Budapest

September 11, 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 11Budapest

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

Concert or Other Cultural Event in BudapestEvening

A trip to a concert or other performance in Hungary is a treat onmany levels. Hungarian musicians, dancers, and actors are some ofthe world’s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obses-sion with the arts. Much of the city’s pride and wealth was devotedto building beautiful concert venues such as the State Opera House.The exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make theexperience even more special and rewarding.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $15 booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travelparty, not per person).

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DAY 12Depart Budapest

September 12, 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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