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An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Prague, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest June 02 – June 19, 2015 A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015

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Page 1: 54aafdb63e027 praguemunichsalzburgviennaandbudapest2015 1 5

An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewPrague, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and BudapestJune 02 – June 19, 2015

A Custom Itinerarydesigned by Go Real EuropeCopyright 2015

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ITINERARY OVERVIEWMembers of the Travel Group: Jane Example and John Example1. This is only a summary of your trip! Full-length itineraries include destination information,travel directions, maps, pictures, tips, and other details.2. Select “Hotels” on your client dashboard to see hotel pictures and descriptions.

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:• Vltava River Cruise and City Overviewfrom the Old Town Hall Tower• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Full-Day Excursion to theNeuschwanstein Castle

• Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg• 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 Prague toMunich• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Munich toSalzburg• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Salzburg toVienna• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest

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

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

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

Travel Information included in your itinerary:• City Maps of Prague, Vienna, and Bu-dapest• Point to point travel directions

• Destination information & travel advice• Free Skype calling to landlines world-wide, and to mobile phones in the U.S.and Canada

Total Trip Cost for AllTravelers: N/AePlease see payment detailsand travel conditions here.

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

2 June 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and the Funicular Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 June 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 June 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 June 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Rail Journey from Prague to Munich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Arrival in Munich’s Main Rail Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Visit to Munich’s Altstadt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 June 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Tour of the Residence Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Stroll through the English Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s Famed Beerhall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

7 June 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Guided Full-Day Bus Excursion to the Neuschwanstein Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 June 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Visit to the Deutsches Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Rail Journey from Munich to Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Arrival in Salzburg and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

9 June 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

10 June 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Excursion to the Königssee (King’s Lake) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Excursion to Berchtesgaden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

11 June 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main Train Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . . . 21

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Rail Journey from Salzburg to Vienna on Westbahn Railways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . 21Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

12 June 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 23Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

13 June 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

14 June 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Main Rail Station (Wien Hbf) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

15 June 16, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 29Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

16 June 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

17 June 18, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 32Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

18 June 19, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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DAY 1Arrive Prague

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

Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to HotelTo Be Determined

We will schedule a pick up for your flight’s arrival time. You will be metin the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with yourname on it. Most of the drivers we use are ex-pats who will give yougood Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for yourparty only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride willbe included in your itinerary package.Included: Private Transfer to your hotel. Information on passportcontrol, customs, and other arrival info.Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town

Afternoon

TOP SITES:OLD TOWNHALL & CLOCK TOWER, KARLOVA STREET, CHURCHOF OUR LADY OF TYNA visit to Old Town (Staré Město) transports you to an entirely dif-ferent era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys sur-round Old Town Square, which has been Prague’s municipal centersince the Middle Ages. The Square is lined by magnificent churchesand imposing Renaissance palaces. Most notable are the Old TownHall, with its famed astronomical clock drawing large crowds at theturn of each hour, and the Tyn Church, with a multitude of spires thatseem to sprout like leaves from its towers. As you wander through theOld Town, you will discover numerous other delights, including severalbeautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and anoutdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages. You could explorefor days in this charming district and still not uncover all of its hiddenwonders.Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the OldTown Hall Tower5:00-6:30 PM

This tour begins with an ascent to the tower of the Prague Old TownHall by elevator. From there you will have a panoramic view of Prague’shistoric center. Your breath will be taken away as you admire the sightof the expansive Old Town Square below you and gaze down at the

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DAY 1Arrive Prague

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

surrounding red rooftops and the maze of tiny streets. The guide willorientate you to the city’s geography and give you a brief introductionto its history. After descending the tower the guide lead you on ahidden route through the courtyards of a former monastery to reachthe Charles Bridge. From there you will board a small boat for a shortcruise on the Vltava. There is perhaps no better way to get a true senseof Prague’s beauty than from a boat making its way down the VltavaRiver. Beautiful buildings crowd the river’s edge, a series of statelybridges cross it, and the imposing Prague castle and pretty forestedhills rise above it. As you enjoy a complimentary drink, you will havean opportunity to relax and soak it all in, appreciating magical Pragueat its grandest.Included: Guide services, entry and elevator tickets for Old TownHall Tower, short boat cruise in center of Prague (<1hr). Not Included:Long boat cruise, dinner cruise.

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DAY 2Prague

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

Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and PragueCastle9:30-12:30 PM

On this charming guided walk you will explore the Prague Castle, thelargest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you willtrace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose“speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that hasoccurred there. You will pass through the enchanting Little Quarter,and take a tram up the hill to the nearly eleven hundred year old PragueCastle. Your tour will then take you through the castle courtyards andinto the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex.The tour ends up with a spectacular panoramic view of the city of ahundred spires.Included: 3-hour Private Guided Walking Tour, Entry into part of St.Vitus Cathedral. Not Included: Entry into the palace interior.Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, andStrahov Monastery

Afternoon

TOP SITES: ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, GOLDEN LANE, LOBKOWICZ PALACE,STRAHOV MONASTERY, LORETOPrague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and forgood reason. The castle’s history stretches back over a 1000 years,and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, HolyRoman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is now the seatof government of the Czech Republic, so you will encounter militaryhonor guards rigidly standing guard at the castle entrances. The cas-tle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing abreathtaking and romantic view. The castle is actually an entire com-plex of palaces, churches, and fortifications representing almost everyarchitectural period of the last millennium, including the dramatic St.Vitus Cathedral, the historical seat of Prague’s archbishop. In the cas-tle’s surrounding neighborhood, known as Hradčany, you will discoverbeautiful gardens, a dazzlingly restored monastery, and more.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 2Prague

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

Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and theFunicular RailwayLate 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 3Prague

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

Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish QuarterMorning

TOP SITES: JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD-NEW SYNAGOGUE, SPANISH SYNA-GOGUE, CONVENT OF ST. AGNESSome of Prague’s earliest residents were Jewish, and their long his-tory in the city endowed it with a rich heritage of Jewish culture. Me-dieval church prohibitions against money-lending resulted in the Jewsplaying an important role in financing Bohemian kings and nobility, andthus an important role in the city’s economy. The Jewish ghetto, nowknown as the Jewish Quarter, was created in the twelfth century, asJews were forced by decree to live separately from Christians and closeto Old Town Square. Despite continued severe persecution, whichsometimes escalated to murderous mob attacks on the ghetto, theJewish community in Prague prospered over the long term. Sadly, onlya small minority of Prague’s Jews survived the Nazi occupation, andtoday’s Jewish community is only a shadow of its former self. They leftbehind, however, a lasting legacy for you to explore, including syna-gogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New TownAfternoon

TOP SITES: WENCESLAS SQUARE, MUNICIPAL HOUSE, SHOPPING ONNA PŘIKOPĚ STREETDespite being nearly 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město)is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made upMedieval Prague. In one sense however, the New Town is new. In thelate 19th century much of the New Town was demolished and rebuilt,giving it a distinctly different look and feel than the Old Town. Today,the heart of New Town is still one of the three original central marketsaround which it was planned - Wenceslas Square (Vaclavské Náměstí).The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, isthe commercial center of Prague, and is busy nearly 24-hours a day.In the New Town you will find a great variety of shops, restaurants,nightspots, and pubs, as well as churches, cultural sites, museums. Youcan also visit one of the world’s most beautiful art-nouveau buildings -the Municipal House.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 3Prague

June 04, 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 4Prague

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

Self-Guided Excursion to Castle KarlštejnMorning/Mid-Day

Karlštejn, i.e. Charles’ Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in theCzech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by KingCharles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It’s massive towers andwalls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the BerounkaRiver and commands striking views of the surrounding hills. The castleis located about 45 minutes from Prague, and is reached by a train tripthrough a scenic river valley. From the train station you take a windingpath up a hill, which is lined by shops, restaurants, and stands sellingtraditional Czech snacks, making the trip to the castle half the fun.Included: Detailed travel directions for a stress free train trip toKarlštejn Castle. Not Included: Round trip train fare (about $8), tourof castle interior (about $8-16).Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter

Late 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 5Prague to Munich

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

Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station8:15 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 Munich

09:15 – 15:03 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this six hour journey to Munich areincluded 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 Munich’s Main Rail Station and Transfer toHotel by Public Taxi

3:03 PM

Upon arrival in Munich, you will exit the rail station and proceed tothe taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers.Taxis in Munich are generally reliable and honest, and are less expen-sive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to theHotel.Included: Arrival information and instructions. TAXI FARE IS NOTINCLUDEDSelf Guided Visit to Munich’s Altstadt

Late Afternoon

Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historicbuildings. Sometimes called the world’s largest village, it is a perfectplace to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, andBaroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern

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DAY 5Prague to Munich

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

architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and greatshopping all add to the charming atmosphere. The heart of the Altstadtis the Marianplatz. This historic square is home to the New Town Halland has been the center of Munich since the Middle Ages. The NewTown Hall features a famous Glockenspiel clock tower, which at 11 A.M.and noon sends forth 32 life-sized figures to reenact Bavarian history.A golden bird chirps 3 times to mark the end of the display. Nearby isalso the massive Frauenkirche Cathedral. This Gothic church can holdover 20,000 worshippers and a climb to its lofty bell tower affords abreathtaking view of the city and, in good weather, the nearby Alps.Munich is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Munich.

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DAY 6Munich

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

Tour of the Residence PalaceMorning

The Munich Residenz was the seat of government for Bavaria’s Dukesand Kings from 1508 to 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was trans-formed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is opento the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerouscourtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal familyhave been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinatingglimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. In the treasury museumyou can also see themany precious jewels and great works of art whichBavaria’s rulers collected.Munich is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Munich. Entry into the palace is not included (7 EUR).Stroll through the English Garden

Afternoon

The English Garden is one of Europe’s largest parks; in fact it is largerthan New York’s Central Park. While it is called the “English Garden”after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American,and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is aperfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoythe natural scenery and the people watching. You can even enjoy arefreshing swim in the river Eisbach, which flows through the middleof the park, or rent a paddle boat for a cruise on Lake Kleinhesseloher.When you are ready for some refreshment, you can find several largebeer gardens in the park, where you can mix with the locals and enjoysome of Munich’s famous brews.Munich is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Munich.The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s Famed Beerhall

Evening

The Hofbräuhaus is Munich’s most famous beer hall, which in fact,makes it the world’s most famous beer hall. The Hofbräuhaus wasfounded as the Bavarian king’s royal brewery over 400 years ago. Inthe beer hall you and up to 1,300 other revelers will sit on long woodenbenches, many of them over a hundred years old themselves. Musi-cians will play Bavarian polkas and the atmosphere is only made morefestive by the waiters and waiters dressed in traditional garb, balancing14

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DAY 6Munich

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

trays filled with huge liter-sized beer steins. With all that beer, you willneed something to fill your stomach as well, but luckily there is plentyof hearty and filling Bavarian cuisine to choose from as well.Munich is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Munich.

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DAY 7Munich

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

Guided Full-Day Bus Excursion to theNeuschwanstein CastleFull Day

Inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countlessdreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is probably the most famouscastle in the world. Perched on a peak in the foothills of the Alps,the setting provides the perfect backdrop to the spiraling towers andturrets of the castle. On this full day excursion, you will not only visitthis amazing castle, but also another fantastic creation of its builder,King Ludwig II of Bavaria. In his Linderhof Palace you will discover anelegant palace surrounded by a beautiful park. You will learn abouthow the shy, reclusive, and eccentric (some even saymad) king built thecastle and palace to escape society and pursue his favorite passions– such as Wagner’s operas. Your trip will also include a stop to thecharming Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Oberammergau is hometo a famous Passion Play, staged only once each ten years, which drawsvisitors from around the world.THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE TOURIncluded: Cost of the guided tour and bus transportation. NotIncluded: Entry into individual sites (23 EUR per person)

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DAY 8Munich to Salzburg

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

Visit to the Deutsches MuseumMorning

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world’slargest museum of science and technology. It is located on a smallisland in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The mu-seum’s vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 differ-ent exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretchingacross humanity’s long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cavepaintings, to the laboratory where the atom was split.Munich is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Munich. Entry (8.50 EUR) is not included.Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station

12:34 PM

Munich 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 from Munich to Salzburg

13:34 – 15:02 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase ofyour itinerary for this approximately one and a half hour rail journey.Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stressfree will also be provided in your full itinerary.Included: Tickets, seat reservations.Arrival in Salzburg and Transfer to Hotel by PublicTaxi

3:02 PM

Upon arrival in Salzburg, you will exit the rail station and proceed tothe taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers.Taxis in Salzburg are generally reliable and honest, and are less expen-sive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the

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DAY 8Munich to Salzburg

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

Hotel. 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 NOTINCLUDEDGuided Walking Tour of Salzburg

5:00-7:30 PM

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fas-cinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every streetand square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it issurrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour witha local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty intoperspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, andenvironment. You will hear how Salzburg’s strategic position on theriver Salzach led to the founding of a castle in the early Middle Ages,giving Salzburg its name (Salt-castle) and an important role in the me-dieval salt trade. Your tour will visit some of central Europe’s oldestarchitecture and will pass through narrow streets lined by the charm-ing homes built by prosperous merchants. You will also learn howSalzburg’s position as an independent prince-bishopric led it to createnot only many beautiful churches, but also stout defenses and am-bitious public works. Of course you will also discover how Salzburgbecome synonymous with classical music. You will see Mozart’s birth-place and hear his story, and see the site of the world’s most famousmusical festival, which many visitors will recall from the Sound of Mu-sic. Included: Private Guided tour, including entry into the Salzburgcathedral. Not included: Entry into the interiors of any paid sites.

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DAY 9Salzburg

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

Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell PalaceGardensMorning

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.Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town)

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

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DAY 9Salzburg

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

Self Guided Visit to the Fortress HohensalzburgLate 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)

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DAY 10Salzburg

June 11, 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 11Salzburg to Vienna

June 12, 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 11Salzburg to Vienna

June 12, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City2:15-4:45 PM

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

Evening

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

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DAY 12Vienna

June 13, 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.Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park

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. Not

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DAY 12Vienna

June 13, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Included: Cost of entry into the palace interior (about $15 USD) orlabyrinth (about $6 USD). Entry to the park is free.Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter

Evening

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 13Vienna

June 14, 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 13Vienna

June 14, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of GrinzingEvening

Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughlytranslated as coziness) than the wine villages and vinyards which hugthe gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to winetaverns known as Heurigen. The Viennese come to the Heurigen towhile away warm evenings drinking wine, listen to musicians play tra-ditional Viennese tunes (Wienerlieder), and enjoy each other’s conver-sation and company. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing,which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its close-ness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you tothe countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create acharming village atmosphere.Included: Directions to Grinzing (including tram tickets), Tips onordering wine and food. Not Included: The cost of meals and drinks.

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DAY 14Vienna to Budapest

June 15, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Main RailStation (Wien Hbf)9:15 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

10:12 – 12:49 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this roughly three hour journey toBudapest are included with purchase of an itinerary. In most cases,the journey will be aboard one of Central Europe’s nicest and mostmodern trains - the RailJet. You will also receive detailed instructionsfor the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets.You can relax and enjoy the pleasant scenery, while reflecting on thefact that you are effortlessly passing through a border which you wouldhave risked your life to cross during the Cold War.Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel informa-tion.Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, &Check into Hotel

12:49 PM

Upon your arrival in Budapest your driver will meet you on the plat-form. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver willdrop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of thepickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have topay the driver.Included:Cost of the private transfer to your hotel, Arrival informa-tion.

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DAY 14Vienna to Budapest

June 15, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok)Afternoon

TOP SITES: CENTRAL MARKET HALL, VÁCI STREETThe Vásárcsarnok Market, or Central Market Hall, is a mezzanineshopping arcade first opened in 1897. Today the Central Market teemswith activity, as small shops and stands offer a remarkable assortmentof goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fish, flow-ers, and Hungarian specialties. There are also many (mostly kitschy)souvenirs available on the second floor of the market. The market isboth a visitor attraction and a true city market, bringing a constantstream of locals to its shops as well as visitors. The Market standsat the southern end of Váci street, which is home to Budapest’s mostexpensive commercial real estate. You will find an assortment of bigname brand stores and cute boutiques, as well as stores selling Hun-garian crafts and artwork. The area surrounding Váci street containsmany of Pest’s most interesting architectural monuments, as well asseveral historic churches.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area, Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

Self Guided Visit to Central PestLate Afternoon

TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, GRESHAM PALACE, CHAIN BRIDGEIn the year 1800, Pest was a sleepy little town of a few thousandpeople, still unconnected to the Buda side of the river by a perma-nent bridge. 100 years later, Buda and Pest had merged to becomeBudapest, and the majority of the city’s nearly one million residentscould be found in Pest. This period of rapid growth endowed Pest witha tremendous architectural legacy. Exploring central Pest today youwill encounter grand apartment houses, Secession-style architecturalgems, and imposing monumental buildings. Two of the focal pointsyou will see are the neo-classical St. Stephen’s Basilica, which dramat-ically rises above the surrounding city, and the nearby Chain Bridge,which regally spans the Danube. You can also make a stop in the fa-mous Café Gerbeaud, which may be the best spot in Budapest to relivethe elegant café culture of the old days.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 15Budapest

June 16, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour ofHighlights & Hidden Finds9:30-1:00 PM

Budapest is a city of nearly two million people, the capital of Hungary,a cultural and architectural Mecca, and the possessor of a long andstoried history. Considering all this, it would be difficult for even themost seasoned traveler to successfully discover all of Budapest’s tophighlights without the help of a knowledgeable local. On this half-dayguided walking tour the challenge is overcome, as your guide takes youto Budapest’s best destinations and provides the perfect introductionto the city.During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city fromthe Fisherman’s Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle Dis-trict, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen’s Basilica, travelalong the city’s most elegant avenue with the help of Europe’s oldestsubway, and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a localdoes, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry (ortwo), and soaking in the ambience of Budapest’s most elegant cafes.Included: Private Guided Walking Tour.Self Guided Tour of the Castle District

Afternoon

TOP SITES:MATTHIAS CHURCH, FISHERMAN’S BASTION, ROYAL PALACE,NATIONAL GALLERYThe historic Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Buda’s hilltopCastle District makes it feel like a quaint step back in time. Indeed, inthe little squares and narrow lanes of the Castle District you will findthe heart of historic Hungary. Numerous points in the Castle Districtalso provide breathtaking views over the Danube and the Pest sideof the city. Especially breathtaking is the view from the neo-GothicFishermans’ Bastion. The historic Buda old town shares the hill witha castle which has been home to the Hungarian Royal Palace sincethe late Middle Ages. The most glorious period of the castle’s historywas the reign of King Mátyás (1458-1490), who rebuilt the palace inthe Renaissance style and made it a center of European learning andculture. A stroll through the castle reveals imposing courtyards anddelightful statues and fountains. Also worthwhile is a visit to the superbHungarian National Gallery.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 15Budapest

June 16, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the DanubeEvening

In many ways, the Danube River defines Budapest. It divides themetropolis into two distinct city environments - Buda and Pest. It isalso spanned by a succession of beautiful bridges which are some ofthe city’s most well known landmarks. On the Pest side, a mix of 19thand 20th century buildings line the river bank, providing you with asense of the vibrancy lying beyond. The river also offers a perfectview of the neo-Gothic Parliament Building’s massive dome and flam-boyant spires and towers. On the Buda side, the dramatic Castle Hilllooms above, creating the perfect romantic backdrop to the watersof the river. An evening river cruise is a relaxing way to take in thesesights, as the brightly lit buildings cast their reflections on the waterand stately bridges pass overhead. A simple walk along the river prom-enade where the cruises depart also provides beautiful views, andwithout the cost of a boat ticket.Included: Cruise schedules and information on purchasing tickets,Travel directions to the boat docks. Cruise tickets are not included -tickets average about 10-20 EUR.

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DAY 16Budapest

June 17, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and itsSurroundings10:00 AM

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).

Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew)Afternoon

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

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DAY 17Budapest

June 18, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, theBudapest Zoo, & Heroes’ SquareMorning

TOP SITES: SZÉCHENYI BATHS, FINE ARTS MUSEUM, HEROES’ SQUARE,ZOO, VA JDAHUNYAD CASTLEBudapest is famous for its thermal baths fed by the city’s abun-dant supply of thermal springs and underground water. The SzéchenyiBaths are the largest and the most popular of all the city’s baths. Witheighteen indoor and outdoor pools and impressive neo-Baroque archi-tecture, the baths make for an unforgettable visit. You can even geta massage. The baths are located within the pleasant Városliget Park,which makes a wonderful location for a stroll after your bath. Withinthe park you will find the fascinating Vajdahunyad Castle, a complex ofbuildings created to represent Hungary’s historic architectural styles.Also within the park is Budapest’s delightful city zoo. Where the parkmeets Andrássy Avenue, you will discover Heroes’ Square, where a dra-matic group of monuments tells a 1,000-year tale of Hungarian historyin the form of towering statues of national heroes.Included: Detailed step-by-step instructions for visiting the baths.Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked withattractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. NotIncluded: Cost of entry into the baths (about $20 a person).

Self Guided Visit to the Jewish QuarterMid-Day

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.

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DAY 17Budapest

June 18, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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 SynagogueAlong Andrássy Avenue

Late Afternoon

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 18Depart Budapest

June 19, 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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