54aaf1eeb3edb berlinpragueceskykrumlovsalzburgmunichviennaandbudapest2015 1 5

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An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Berlin, Prague, Český Krumlov, Salzburg, Munich, Vienna, and Budapest September 01 – September 22, 2015 A Custom Itinerary designed by Go Real Europe Copyright 2015

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Transcript of 54aaf1eeb3edb berlinpragueceskykrumlovsalzburgmunichviennaandbudapest2015 1 5

An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewBerlin, Prague, Český Krumlov, Salzburg, Munich, Vienna,and BudapestSeptember 01 – September 22, 2015

A Custom Itinerarydesigned by Go Real EuropeCopyright 2015

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

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Walk in Prague’s Jewish Quarter,including the Cemetery & Synagogues• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov

• Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg• Guided Full-Day Excursion to theNeuschwanstein Castle• Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City• Best of Budapest: Half-Day WalkingTour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Berlin toPrague• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Salzburg toMunich• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Munich toVienna• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest• Bus Tickets from Prague to ČeskýKrumlov

• Shuttle Service from Český Krumlov toSalzburg• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ITINERARY CONTENTS1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Arrival in Berlin Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Tour of Charlottenburg Palace and Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Rail Journey to Prague with a Stop in Dresden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Private Transfer from the Rail Station to Your Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Petřín Park, the Observation Tower, and the Funicular Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Guided Visit to the Cemetery and the Synagogues of the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . 15Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian Beer Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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Self Guided Excursion to the Königssee (King’s Lake) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Excursion to Berchtesgaden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Salzburg Main Train Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . . . 24Rail Journey from Salzburg to Munich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Arrival in Munich’s Main Rail Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . . . 24Self Guided Visit to Munich’s Altstadt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s Famed Beerhall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

13 September 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Tour of the Residence Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Stroll through the English Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

14 September 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Guided Full-Day Bus Excursion to the Neuschwanstein Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

15 September 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Rail Journey from Munich to Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . 28Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

16 September 16, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 30Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

17 September 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Danube Cruise through the Scenic Wachau Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

18 September 18, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Main Rail Station (Wien Hbf) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

19 September 19, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 35Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

20 September 20, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 37Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

21 September 21, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Self Guided Visit to the Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

22 September 22, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Budapest Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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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 Tiergarten

Afternoon

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.Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and CheckpointCharlie

Late Afternoon/Evening

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 find

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DAY 1Arrive Berlin

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

Checkpoint 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 2Berlin

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

Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte)Morning

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.Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island andAlexanderplatz

Afternoon

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.

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DAY 3Berlin

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

Tour of Charlottenburg Palace and GardensMorning

Despite its many historic buildings, Berlin’s modern architecture, con-stant construction, and hipness oftenmake it feel like a thoroughly 21stcentury city. It is nice, therefore, to escape the bustle of the city by vis-iting the beautiful palace of Charlottenburg and its idyllic park and gar-dens. First constructed in 1696, with additions and renovations in the18th and 19th centuries, the palace was nearly completely destroyedin World War II, but was lovingly restored to its baroque grandeur. Thelavishly decorated rooms, artwork, silver collection, and furnishings re-flect the grandeur of its royal Prussian inhabitants. The palace placesa special emphasis on the intriguing story of the first Queen in Prus-sia, Sophie Charlotte, who founded the palace as a country home (itwas then far from city). Particularly beautiful and fascinating are theporcelain collections. The most famous room in the palace is knownas the Porcelain Cabinet, which has rooms literally covered in an elab-orate display of thousands of porcelain pieces. Stretching behind thepalace are French-style baroque gardens and a relaxing English-stylepark. The park contains a system of canals and lakes connected tothe adjacent Spree River, which allowed Sophie Charlotte to visit Berlinwithout need to resort to dusty roads.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.

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DAY 3Berlin

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

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 4Berlin to Prague

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

Taxi Transfer to the Berlin Main Rail Station9:46 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

10:46 – 12:53 by Rail and 19:07 – 21:25 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

9:25 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

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.)

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 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.)

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 7Prague

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

Guided Visit to the Cemetery and the Synagogues ofthe Jewish Quarter9:30-12:30 PM

During this 3-hour guided walk through the former Jewish Ghetto, thetragic fate of Prague’s Jewish community will come alive as you learnabout the important milestones in its history: the first settlement, thePogroms, the horror of World War II. You will also experience the richculture that Prague’s Jews created. You will enter the synagoguesand walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery, and learn how the Jewsof Prague maintained their faith and lived their daily lives amidst asometimes hostile surrounding population. You will also see poignantreminders of the Holocaust, including a heartbreaking collection of art-work from children interned in the Terezín concentration camp. Yourguide holds a special-certification from the Jewish Museum, meaningthat unlike most tours of the Jewish Quarter, your tour will take youbeyond the streets of the Jewish Quarter and into the most hallowedgathering places of the city’s Jewish community.Includes: Cost of 3-hour Tour and Private Guide Services, Entryinto the cemetery, ceremonial hall, and all synagogues in the JewishQuarter except the Old-New Synagogue. If you wish to enter the Old-New Synagogue, there is an additional 180 CZK fee.Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter

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 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 spread17

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

Late 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 Salzburg

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

Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Salzburg9:00 AM

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in ČeskýKrumlov, (Hotel T.B.D.), and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg,(Hotel T.B.D.). Your scenic journey to Salzburg should take about threeand a half hours. After leaving Český Krumlov, you will pass throughthe heavily forested countryside near the Austrian border. You willthen climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains whichseparate the Czech Republic and Austria. The passage over the borderitself is interesting when you consider that during Communism theborder was a closely guarded and heavily garrisoned no man’s land.You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countrysideof nothern Austria. On a clear day, you will be able to look south andsee the Alps in the distance. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the footof dramatic Alpine mountains.Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

2:30-5:00 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 9Český Krumlov to Salzburg

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

Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian BeerHallEvening

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

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DAY 10Salzburg

September 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 10Salzburg

September 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 11Salzburg

September 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 12Salzburg to Munich

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

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

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 Munich

10:00 – 11:41 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations for this scenic one and a half hour journeyto Munich 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. The green countryside of Bavaria makesfor a pleasant voyage, and on clear days, you can also enjoy a view onthe Alps in the distance. You will also receive detailed instructions forthe voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets.Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed travel informa-tion.Arrival in Munich’s Main Rail Station and Transfer toHotel by Public Taxi

11:41 AM

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 NOTINCLUDED

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DAY 12Salzburg to Munich

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

Self Guided Visit to Munich’s AltstadtAfternoon

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 modernarchitecture. 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.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, balancingtrays 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 13Munich

September 13, 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.

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DAY 14Munich

September 14, 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)

28

DAY 15Munich to Vienna

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

Taxi Transfer to the Munich Main Rail Station8:34 AM

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 Vienna

09:34 – 13:30 by Rail

Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase ofyour itinerary for this approximately four hour rail journey. Detaileddirections and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free willalso be provided in your full itinerary.Included: Tickets, seat reservations.Arrival in Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station and Transferto Hotel by Public Taxi

1:30 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 NOTINCLUDEDGuided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

3:00-5:30 PM

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stoodwithin the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginningsof Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one ofthe most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna’searly inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city andits beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Yourguide will discuss illustrious former residents such as Emperors and

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DAY 15Munich to Vienna

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

Empresses, 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 16Vienna

September 16, 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.

Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt andMuseum QuarterAfternoon

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.

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DAY 16Vienna

September 16, 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.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 17Vienna

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

Danube Cruise through the Scenic Wachau ValleyFull Day

An approximately hour and a half long train ride will bring you to theAustrian town of Melk, where you can tour the vast and beautiful MelkAbbey. From Melk you can begin an approximately 22 mile river cruiseon the Danube River to the town of Krems. Your cruise will take youthrough the Wachau Valley, which is considered the most beautifulstretch of the entire Danube. You will pass medieval castles, hills cov-ered in vineyards, charming villages, and picturesque abbeys. If theboat schedule allows for it, you can debark at one of the charming vil-lages along the route and take a hike up to one of the dramatic castleruins which still guard the river. Once you complete the cruise, you canvisit the historic town of Krems, and then return to Vienna by train.Included: Detailed step-by-step directions and travel info. NotIncluded: Train tickets to Melk and from Krems (about 32 EUR), andboat cruise tickets (about 24 EUR per adult)

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DAY 18Vienna to Budapest

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

Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and ParkMorning

The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously asso-ciated with the Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded byher administrators, retainers, and 16 little archdukes and duchesseswho also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace,you will see numerous reminders of Maria Theresa, as well as many ofits other past imperial residents. The grounds surrounding the palaceform a beautiful park with a mix of formal gardens and woodlands.Throughout the park you will find enchanting fountains and statues.On a rise opposite the palace sits the Gloriette pavilion. From thereyou can take in a wonderful view - the meticulously groomed greenpark draws your eye to the graceful yellow Schönbrunn Palace, andthen to the red roofs of the city stretched out beyond.If you have kids, you will definitely want to visit the labyrinth and itsadjoining playground, although even without kids it can be great fun.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Cost of entry into the palace interior (about $15 USD) orlabyrinth (about $6 USD). Entry to the park is free.Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse

Afternoon

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

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DAY 18Vienna to Budapest

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

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Main RailStation (Wien Hbf)5:15 PM

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

18:12 – 20:49 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

8:49 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 19Budapest

September 19, 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 19Budapest

September 19, 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 20Budapest

September 20, 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 21Budapest

September 21, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Jewish QuarterMorning

TOP SITES: GREAT SYNAGOGUE & HOLOCAUST MEMORIALBudapest was once the site of one of Europe’s largest and mostvibrant Jewish communities and contains the world’s second largestsynagogue – the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Grand orGreat Synagogue). In the late 19th century the city became known forits relative tolerance, and as the result Budapest’s Jews become highlyassimilated into the city’s population, making tremendous contribu-tions in literature, science, and other fields. Tragically, in the unsettledtimes of the 20th century conflict and prejudice reemerged in horriblefashion. In the Jewish Quarter, you can explore the contrasting legaciesof Jewish achievement and tragedy in Budapest. A visit to the GrandSynagogue is an impressive reminder of the wealth and influence theJewish community in Hungary once possessed. Although many Jewsemigrated after World War II, a small but vibrant Jewish population stillinhabits the Jewish Quarter today.Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Entry into the Great Synagogue

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.

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DAY 21Budapest

September 21, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

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 22Depart Budapest

September 22, 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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