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An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Berlin, Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow September 01 – September 21, 2015 A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015

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Transcript of 54aaf05ed1f57 berlinpragueceskykrumlovviennabudapestandkrakow2015 1 5

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An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewBerlin, Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest, andKrakowSeptember 01 – September 21, 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:• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov• Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

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

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest• Train Tickets from Budapest to Krakow• Bus Tickets from Prague to ČeskýKrumlov• Shuttle Service from Český Krumlov toVienna

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

Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast:• 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Berlin• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague• 1 night in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in ČeskýKrumlov

• 5 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Vienna• 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Budapest• 2 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Krakow

Travel Information included in your itinerary:

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

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• 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 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Rail Journey to Prague with a Stop in Dresden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and the Funicular Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Scenic Journey to Vienna by Shuttle, Boat, and Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 22Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

13 September 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

14 September 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . 25Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

15 September 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 27Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

16 September 16, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 29Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Concert or Other Cultural Event in Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

17 September 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Visit to Gellért and Rudas Baths and Optional Hike to Gellért Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and Radáy Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

18 September 18, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Overnight Rail Journey to Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

19 September 19, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Arrival at Krakow Glowny Train Station and transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Guided Walking Tour of Historic Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Visit to Wawel Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

20 September 20, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Guided Bus Excursion to the Salt Mines of Wieliczka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Self Guided Tour of Kazimierz - Krakow’s Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and the Former Jewish Ghetto . . . . . . . . . . . 38

21 September 21, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Self-Arranged Drop off at Airport by Taxi, Depart Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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DAY 1Arrive Berlin

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

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

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

Afternoon

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

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DAY 2Berlin

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

Self Guided Visit to the TiergartenMorning

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

Afternoon

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

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DAY 3Berlin

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

Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island andAlexanderplatzMorning

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

Afternoon

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

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DAY 4Berlin to Prague

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

Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station8:00 AM

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

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

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

7:25 PM

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

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DAY 5Prague

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

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

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

Early Afternoon

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

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DAY 5Prague

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

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little QuarterLate Afternoon

TOP SITES: CHARLES BRIDGE, NERUDOVA STREET, ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH,WALLENSTEIN PALACE AND GARDENSThe Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightlynestled on the slope and river bank beneath the Prague Castle. Whileit may be small, the Little Quarter played an important role in Prague’shistory. It is filled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobilitywho wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesqueside streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architectureall abound within the Little Quarter. The Little Quarter is connected tothe rest of the city by the Charles Bridge, the city’s most well-knownicon. No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the bridge. Youwill also find the peaceful island of Kampa Park, which is a pleasantplace for a stroll and offers a great chance to take in a view of Praguefrom the river bank. Nearby, the Wallenstein Palace Gardens offer apeaceful yet fascinating retreat from the city bustle.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Amap marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interestin the area.

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DAY 6Prague

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

Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old TownMorning

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

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New TownAfternoon

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

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DAY 6Prague

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

Concert or Other Cultural Event in PragueEvening

A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treaton many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of theworld’s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obsessionwith the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one ofthe only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity,which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concertseats per resident than any other city in the world. With so muchof the city’s pride and wealth poured into their concert venues, theexquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make theexperience even more special and rewarding. A Prague concert guidewith information on choosing a performance and reserving tickets isprovided to Go Real Europe clients.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $17 USD booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied pertravel party, not per person). In cases where the ticket must be pickedup at a ticket office in advance and mailed to you, there is an additional$50 fee.

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DAY 7Prague

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

Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish QuarterMorning

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

Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and theFunicular RailwayEarly Afternoon

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

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DAY 7Prague

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

Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of VyšehradLate Afternoon

The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia’s kings from the 11thto the 12th centuries. The castle was founded in the 900’s AD andholds a strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River andthe city of Prague. Today its park-like grounds create a great place toget away from the crowds and experience Czech history in a naturalsetting. In the 17th century Vyšehrad became an important center forthe armies of the Habsburg Empire, and they built ramparts, walls, andgates around the fortress. Today walking along the ramparts affordswonderful views of the city and river, and you also have the option todescend beneath the ramparts to the huge cavernous halls were thetroops assembled. The fortress also contains a beautiful cemetery withan art-nouveau arcade. Many Czech national heroes are buried here,such as the composer Dvořák.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

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DAY 8Prague to Český Krumlov

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

Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departurefrom Prague8:10 AM

A car service will pick you up from the and deliver you to the Na Knížecíbus station, where you will catch your bus.Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov

09:00 – 11:55 by Bus

Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase of youritinerary for this approximately 3 hour trip on a comfortable, mod-ern bus. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easyand stress free will also be provided in your full itinerary. The busis equipped with bathroom and wi-fi internet access, and you will beoffered refreshments during the trip.Included: Bus tickets, seat reservations, and detailed directions fora stress free trip.Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in ČeskýKrumlov

11:55 AM

You will take a very short taxi ride to your hotel from the bus station.If you prefer you can also walk, most of our featured hotels are onlya short distance from the bus station. Details on how to call a taxiand how much to pay are provided with your full itinerary. Walkingdirections are also included for those who prefer to go by foot.Included: Information on ordering and taking a taxi. TAXI FARE ISNOT INCLUDED.Guided Walk through Český Krumlov

1:30 - 3:00 PM

Thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Český Krumlovto wander its narrow cobblestone lanes, visit its beautiful castle, andadmire its splendid Medieval and Renaissance architecture. But mostof them leave without ever understanding the town’s rich historicalbackground or discovering its hidden secrets. With this tour you willavoid this sad fate and have a good time in the process. You’ll learnwhy there are dozens of five pedaled roses carved into buildings spread16

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DAY 8Prague to Český Krumlov

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

throughout the town, hear local legends which still echo today, and visitoften missed sites such as the Renaissance town hall, the former townbrewery, and the old orphanage and hospital.Included: 90-minute Private Guided Walking TourČeský Krumlov Castle

Afternoon

Český Krumlov was ruled by the powerful Rožmberk family during theMiddle Ages and Renaissance periods. As rivals to the Czech King, theRožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to have a castle which could com-pete with Prague Castle in its magnificence, so they poured tremen-dous wealth and effort into building the castle. During their long res-idence in the castle they conducted major renovations in the Gothic,High Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The resulting structure still domi-nates Český Krumlov today.The castle progresses uphill through a se-ries of five beautifully decorated courtyards, with carvings, colorfulsgraffito decorations, and fountains. The castle’s perfectly preservedBaroque theater, built in 1767, is open for tours from May to October.With still intact stage machinery, backdrops, and sets, it offers a uniqueand wonderful glimpse into the world of the 18th century. While at thecastle you can also visit the resident bears who live in the moat (don’tworry, it’s a moat complete with trees and a swimming pool). Abovethe castle you will discover its beautiful gardens. Maybe the best partof a visit to the gardens is the walk up to them, as you are rewardedwith beautiful views of the town.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in thearea. Not included: Tours within the castle interiors - approximately$10 USD.Note on winter closings: Castle interiors other than the CastleMuseum and Tower are closed from November to March, however thecastle courtyards can still be explored throughout the year.

Self Guided Tour of Český KrumlovEvening

Český Krumlov is the crown jewel of Southern Bohemia and its picture-perfect setting makes it a magnet for tourists and photographers fromaround the world. As the base of the powerful Rožmberk family fromthe 14th-16th centuries, it attracted great wealth, resulting in an abun-dance of medieval and Renaissance architecture delightfully huddledtogether between the twisting loops of the Vltava River. As rivals tothe Czech King, the Rožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to compare

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DAY 8Prague to Český Krumlov

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

with Prague in its magnificence. The five-petalled rose from their fam-ily crest can still be seen on buildings throughout the town. Krumlov’sbeauty is only enhanced by it setting amidst green hills and its stunningcastle perched on a rocky ledge above the town.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 9Český Krumlov to Vienna

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

Scenic Journey to Vienna by Shuttle, Boat, and Train9:00 AM

In this incredibly scenic journey you will experience three methods oftravel. To begin, you will be picked up from your hotel in Český Krumlovby a shuttle, and then travel through the wilderness of the Šumavamountains separating the Czech Republic and Austria. Your driver willthen drop you off in the quaint little town of Melk on the Danube River,where one of Europe’s most beautiful abbeys is located. Your driverwill continue onto Vienna with your bags, dropping them off at yourhotel there. From Melk you then begin an approximately 22 mile rivercruise on the Danube River to the town of Krems. Your cruise will takeyou through the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube. You willpass Medieval castles, hills covered in vineyards, charming villages, andpicturesque abbeys. Once you complete the cruise, you can visit thehistoric town of Krems, and then travel onto Vienna by train, where ourdetailed travel directions will bring you to your hotel front door. If theweather does not cooperate, or you just don’t feel up to the journey,you can simply take the shuttle the entire way to Vienna.Included: Shuttle service, including transfer to Melk and deliveryof your bags to your hotel in Vienna. Detailed travel directions thatmake the journey simple and stress free.Not Included: The cost of boat tickets (23 EUR) and train ticketsfrom Krems to Vienna (15 EUR).

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DAY 10Vienna

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

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

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

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DAY 11Vienna

September 11, 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 11Vienna

September 11, 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 12Vienna

September 12, 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 12Vienna

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

Many consider the Karlskirche second only to St. Peter’s Basilicaamong baroque churches. What makes a visit to the Karlskirche espe-cially notable is that you can ride an elevator up into the cupola of thechurch and then climb stairs up to the very top of the church, whereyou can examine the dome’s magnificent frescoes up close.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map-marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthearea. Not Included: Entry fee to visit the palace (approx. 11 EUR) orchurch (8 EUR) interiors.

Self Guided Visit to the 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 13Vienna

September 13, 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 14Vienna to Budapest

September 14, 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 14Vienna to Budapest

September 14, 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 15Budapest

September 15, 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

September 15, 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

September 16, 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 16Budapest

September 16, 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 17Budapest

September 17, 2015

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

Visit to Gellért and Rudas Baths and Optional Hike toGellért HillAfternoon

TOP SITES: THE CITADEL & LIBERTYMONUMENT, GELLÉRT BATHS, RUDASBATHSThose with the energy to make the rigorous walk up to the top ofGellért Hill are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Budapest,including the castle and both sides of the river. There’s plenty to doin the area without needing to walk up the hill though. At the base ofthe hill you can find two of the city’s best thermal baths – the RudasBaths and the Gellért Baths. Housed within the Art-Nouveau-styleGellért Hotel, the Gellért baths offer a true variety of experiences -such as swimming in the elegant colonnaded main pool, exploring thethermal baths, and swimming in an outdoor wave pool. The nearly 500year old Rudas Baths are one of several baths built by the Turks whenthey ruled Hungary. Relaxing in the waters beneath the Rudas Baths’ancient stone cupoloa, where thin strands of dim light filter throughcolored stain glass, is truly an unforgettable experience.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map

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DAY 17Budapest

September 17, 2015

marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Cost of entry into the baths (about $25 USD)Note: Gellert baths are always mixed-sex, but the Rudas baths aremen only on Mon & Wed-Fri, women only on Tue, and mixed sex onthe weekends.Self Guided Visit to the National Museum and RadáyStreet

Evening

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 18Budapest

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

Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and itsSurroundingsMorning

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 18Budapest

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

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station7:20 PM

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

20:05 – 06:56 by Rail

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

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DAY 19Krakow

September 19, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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

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

9:00 - 12:00 PM

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

Early Afternoon

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

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DAY 19Krakow

September 19, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old TownLate Afternoon

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

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DAY 20Krakow

September 20, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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

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

Early Afternoon

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

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DAY 20Krakow

September 20, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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

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

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DAY 21Depart Krakow

September 21, 2015

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

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

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