Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued Natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates..

Welcome to incredible Czechia – tin Central Europe bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland & Slovakia. Since the fall of Communism in 1989, the Czech Republic & its capital in particular – has evolved into one of Europe’s most popular & exotic travel destinations. Wonderful castles & chateaux, world famous spas, unspoilt countryside, historical cities & legendary cuisine. Nowhere is too far for you to be able to set out for. 

Arrive in the capital Prague the Cradle of Czech Culture has something for everyone – from dramatic history & flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters & a nightlife that is unrivalled in Eastern & Central Europe.  

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Prague Vaclav Havel International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Historic Overload | European Hotspot | Cultural Dynamism | Castles & Chateaux 

Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.

Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches & the medieval Astronomical Clock, with a popular show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with 30 statues of saints. Not surprisingly, avid travellers come in droves, and on a hot summer's day it can feel like you are sharing Charles Bridge with half of humanity.

The 1989 Velvet Revolution that freed the Czechs from Communism bequeathed to Europe a gem of a city to stand beside stalwarts such as Rome, Amsterdam & London. Marvel at the sight of a 14^th century stone bridge, a hilltop castle & a lovely, lazy river - the Vltava - that inspired one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of 19^th century classical music, Smetana’s Moldau symphony.

Prague's maze of cobbled lanes & hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes & old-fashioned bars. One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration - neighbourhoods such as Vinohrady and Bubenec can reward the urban adventurer with countless memorable cameos, from the setting sun glinting off church domes, to the strains of Dvorak wafting from an open window.

Prague's art galleries may not have the allure of the Louvre, but Bohemian art offers much to admire, from the glowing Gothic altarpieces in the Convent of St Agnes, to the luscious art nouveau of Alfons Mucha, & the magnificent collection of 20^th century surrealists, cubists & constructivists in the Veletrzní Palac. The weird & witty sculpture of David Cerny punctuates Prague's public spaces, and the city itself offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, from the soaring verticals of Gothic & the exuberance of baroque to the sensual elegance of art nouveau & the chiselled cheekbones of cubist facades.

Where Beer is God! The best beer in the world just got better. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have been famous for producing some of the world's finest brews.

Overnight.     

Morning at 09:00 am, you will be picked up for a 8 hour sightseeing tour.

You are going to see some of the most interesting historical landmarks of Prague – the Municipal House, Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, Charles Square followed by a ride along the beautiful riverside, across the River Vltava to Prague Castle.

The magnificent city of UNESCO World Heritage listed Prague has mesmerized travelers for generations with its intoxicating blend of stunning art & architecture. See the winding lanes with their magical atmosphere, medieval ramparts & romantic corners.

Harmony of Architecture – Prague is not only the Bridge & the Castle.

A frontier of the modern West & the former Iron Curtain, Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Europe, hiding such beauty & elegance that you will be amazed. Prague has a bit of everything: historical monuments, admirable architecture, as well as vast gardens & parks.

The old town center on the right bank of the Vltava River is filled with historic buildings, charming cobblestoned lanes, lively cafes & restaurants, designer hotels and shops brimming with souvenirs like Czech crystal, Becherovka liquor & signature ceramic mugs with built-in straws, which is what spa-goers traditionally use to drink the mineral water.

You will recognize the most famous places of Old Town while walking along the Royal Route. This tourist trail of the historic center, which was once used by processions of Czech kings & queens on their way to coronation in St. Vítus Cathedral at Prague Castle, starts at Republic Square at Municipal House.

Enter Old Town at Prasna brana, walk along Celetna Street around the Cubist house, at the Black Madonna & come to Old Town Square, where the timeless astronomical clock on Old Town Hall has been measuring time for 600 years.

From here continue along the Royal Route through Male Square & Charles Street around the area of Klementina until you reach the Knights of the Cross Square with Old Town Bridge Tower & cross the Vltava River over Charles Bridge & head towards Lesser Town.

Enjoy the Bohemian atmosphere in Prague's beautiful & bustling Old Town Square - a great place to begin any tour of the city. The Tour-guide will explain the workings of the legendary 15^th century Astronomical Clock – & recommend that you climb up the Old Town Hall tower for breathtaking views of the city.

Every hour, on the hour, crowds gather beneath the Old Town Hall Tower to watch the Clock in action. Despite a slightly underwhelming performance that takes only 45 seconds, the Clock is one of Europe's best-known attractions & a 'must-see' for visitors to Prague.

Four figures beside the clock represent the deepest civic anxieties of 15^th century Praguers: Vanity (with a mirror), Greed (with his money bag; originally a Jewish moneylender, but cosmetically altered after WWII), Death (the skeleton) & Pagan Invasion (represented by a Turk). The 4 figures below these are the Chronicler, Angel, Astronomer & Philosopher. On the hour, Death rings a bell & inverts his hourglass and the 12 Apostles parade past the windows above the clock, nodding to the crowd. On the left side are Paul (with a sword & a book), Thomas (lance), Jude (book), Simon (saw), Bartholomew (book) & Barnabas (parchment); on the right side are Peter (with a key), Matthew (axe), John (snake), Andrew (cross), Philip (cross) & James (mallet). At the end, a cock crows & the hour rings with a sound.

See the skyline of spires & turrets as you drive / walk around streets packed with Gothic & Romanesque monuments; and learn about Prague’s history from the onboard commentary.

See the State Opera & circle bustling Wenceslas Square, dominated by the National Museum & statue of St Wenceslas, Bohemia’s patron saint.

Continue around Charles Square & you can step onto the iconic Charles Bridge from the Old Town or Lesser Quarter side. The entrance from the Old Town is guarded by the elegant Old Town Bridge Tower, the decoration of which ranks it among the most beautiful in the world. Don’t forget to climb to the top & indulge yourself in the wonderful view of the whole 516m long bridge & panorama of Prague, city of a hundred spires. Just past the tower, a unique Baroque gallery awaits you in the open air.

Stroll slowly across the Vitava River on 14^th century stone edifice that spans the water.

The Charles Bridge will never cease to fascinate the artists, photographers and poets who pay homage to it in their works. When the day’s first rays of sunlight touch the cold cobblestones and illuminate the monumental Gothic towers at both of its ends, you would be hard put to find a more romantic location. With the powerful silhouette of Prague Castle in the background & the gallery of Baroque statues on both sides, it is no wonder that this is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

In 1357, King Charles IV commissioned Peter Parler (the architect of St Vitus Cathedral) to replace the 12^th century Judith Bridge, which had been washed away by floods in 1342 – you can see the only surviving arch of the Judith Bridge by taking a boat trip with Prague Venice.

The new bridge was completed in 1390 & was named after Charles only in the 19^th century – before that it was known simply as Kamenny most (Stone Bridge). Despite occasional flood damage, Charles Bridge withstood wheeled traffic for 500 odd years – thanks, legend says, to eggs, wine & milk mixed into the mortar (though recent investigations have disproved this myth) – until it was made pedestrian-only after WWII. All of this was supposed to ensure its perfect stability for many centuries.

The first monument erected on the bridge was the crucifix near the eastern end, in 1657. The first & most famous statue – the Jesuits’ 1683 tribute to St John of Nepomuk – inspired other Catholic orders & over the next 30 years, a score more went up, like ecclesiastical billboards. New ones were added in the mid-19^th century, & one in the 20^th (plus replacements for some lost to floods).

According to the legend on the base of the statue, Wenceslas IV had St John of Nepomuk trussed up in armour & thrown off the bridge in 1393 for refusing to divulge the queen’s confessions (he was her priest), though the real reason had to do with the bitter conflict between church & state. The stars in his halo allegedly followed his corpse down the river. Tradition says that if you rub the bronze plaque, you will one day return to Prague. A bronze cross set in the parapet between statues 17 & 19 marks the point where he was thrown off.

As most of the statues were carved from soft sandstone, several weathered originals have been replaced with copies. Some originals are housed in the Casements at Vysehrad; others are in the Lapidarium in Holesovice.

At the Stare Mesto end of the bridge, look over the downstream parapet at the retaining wall on the right & you will see a carved stone head known as Bradac (Bearded Man). When the river level rose above this medieval marker, Praguers knew it was time to head for the hills. A blue line on the modern flood gauge nearby shows the level of the 2002 flood, no less than 2m above Bradac.

Join the groups of tourists squeezing through a gauntlet of hawkers selling charming souvenirs & buskers, artists & musicians beneath the impassive gaze of the 30 baroque statues that line the parapets & get to know the true atmosphere of this Gothic gem which has joined the 2 banks of the Vltava for more than 650 years.

Next, board a tram up to the Castle Mount & go back through1200 years of history as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Prague Castle where all Czech rulers lived, walking past some magnificent palaces.

You can go inside Prague Castle to explore the courtyards & buildings, including St Vitus Cathedral, once the coronation site of Bohemia’s monarchs; and Golden Lane, the cottage-lined cobbled alley that once housed castle servants & alchemists.

Within its walls lies a varied & fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums & galleries that are home to some of Czechia's greatest artistic & cultural treasures. A tour of Prague Castle is like a walk through a textbook on architecture. You will visit just the some of the important parts (all views from the outside only, separate Entrance Tickets required to tour inside - own expense - Entry Tickets, not included, allow entry to different combinations of sights).  

The former royal residence with extensive gardens is not simply one Palace like in other cities of the world. It is a large complex built over 10 centuries by several royal families. And in the 20^th century it became the main office of the President.

The huge Castle grounds are dominated by the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral situated right in the middle of the vast area, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe. When you enter it, you will find yourself in a place where time has literally stood still. The beautifully decorated interior created by medieval masters is lit to perfection by the rays of sunlight which stream through the beautiful stained-glass windows designed by the Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha. The Cathedral also houses the tombs & remains of important saints & Czech rulers. You can see the tomb of St. Wenceslas here - the patron saint of the Czech lands, St. John of Nepomuk, as well as the last resting places of the emperors Charles IV & Rudolf II.

Make sure to also take a look at the imposing mosaic of the Last Judgement above the Golden Gate & you may climb up to the main tower, which offers one of the most beautiful views over the city.

One can wander around its courtyards, palaces & museums. You can visit the Romanesque Basilica of St. George with its mystical interiors, the Gothic Royal Palace, the extensive Baroque courtyard, the Renaissance Summer Palace of Queen Anne as well as the ultramodern greenhouse in the Royal Gardens.

No visit to Prague Castle would be complete without a tour of the tiny picturesque Golden Lane adjacent to the ramparts, full of small fairy-tale houses. According to legend, the colourful miniature houses here were inhabited by alchemists working for Emperor Rudolf II, who longed to discover the legendary Elixir of Youth & the Philosopher’s Stone. House No. 22 is especially famous because the world famous Prague writer Franz Kafka lived here.

Would you like to see works from masters such as Titian or Rubens with your own eyes? Then, visit the Picture Gallery at the Castle. For kids, there is a Museum of Toys.

The Castle tour ends & you drive back to the hotel, passing through the Jewish Quarter – with the oldest active Synagogue in Europe & the medieval still functional Jewish cemetery.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

Morning, you will be transferred to Prague Praha Hlavni Nadrazi (Main Train Station) to board the train for a. scenic ride through the countryside into the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Welcome to incredible Austria – a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe famous for its castles, palaces & buildings, among other architectural works created during the Habsburg reign.

Arrive in Austria's Imperial capital Vienna that offers a unique blend of imperial traditions & stunning modern architecture and is famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns & the very special Viennese charm.

On arrival at Wien Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) you will be welcomed by the Journeys Rep (meeting point to be advised) who will ensure your comfort, discuss the program for the next few days & transfer you to the hotel.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Vienna’s history dates back to the first post-Christian century when the Romans established the military camp Vindobona. Today’s cityscape is characterised by the abundance of Baroque buildings created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia (1740 - 1780) & Franz Joseph (1848 - 1916), who was largely responsible for the monumental architecture round the Ringstrase.

Vienna lies in the country’s east on the Danube River & boasts of Baroque streetscapes & imperial palaces, setting the stage for Vienna's artistic & intellectual legacy shaped by residents including Johann Strauss (father & son), Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler among countless others

Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Their home for more than 6 centuries, the monumental Hofburg palace complex, incorporates the Burgkapelle (Imperial Chapel), where the angelic tones of Vienna Boys' Choir drifts across a courtyard as they sing Sunday Mass & the famed Spanish Riding School, where Lipizzaner stallions perform elegant equine ballet.

Other immense palaces include the baroque outrageously opulent Schloss Belvedere & the Habsburgs' 1441 room summer residence, Schloss Schonbrunn, while 19^th century splendours such as the neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall) line the magnificent Ringstrasse encircling the Innere Stadt (inner city). You can literally feel grandeur everywhere in Vienna.

Vienna has established itself as a great musical metropolis & owes much of its international fame to the many celebrated composers who lived & worked here. Its cache of incredible venues where you can catch performances today include the acoustically renowned Musikverein, used by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the gold & crystal main opera house, the Staatsoper, one of the world’s best and the multistage Konzerthaus, as well as the dedicated home of the Vienna Boys' Choir.

The music of Bach & Handel continues to be performed in Vienna's historic churches today, and Vienna's Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments, paired with a visit to the captivating Haus der Musik Museum with its interactive exhibits, takes you deeper into the texture of music & how it is created. Venues for classical music are augmented by some great clubs & live rock & jazz places.

Vienna is a city where postmodernist & contemporary architectural designs contrast & fuse with the monumental & historic. The innovative Museums Quartier district is a perfect example, with modern museum architecture integrated into a public space created around former stables for the Habsburgs' horses.

Behind the Hofburg, the former imperial stables have been transformed into a diverse ensemble of exciting contemporary masterpiece-filled Museums in historic & contemporary buildings including in the chandeliered Kaiserappartements (Imperial Apartments) showcasing 19^th & 20^th century Austrian art at the Leopold Museum to often-shocking avant-garde works at the contemporary MUMOK. Meteorites, fossils & prehistoric finds fill the Naturhistorisches Museum, while exquisite furnishings at the applied-arts Museum fur Angewandte Kunst are also among the artistic feasts in store. In one of the Habsburgs' most dazzling Rinsgstrasse palaces, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, houses the imperial art collection including priceless works by Old Masters & one of the world's richest coin collections.

Vienna is packed with imperial history; at the same time, lively eating & nightlife scenes and many quiet corners to explore. 20^th century designs such as Loos American Bar are little short of inspiring, while contemporary Vienna is constantly being given new & exciting infrastructural designs such as the new Twin City Liners boat landing (with the restaurant, bar & cafe Motto am Fluss) &  the enormous Hauptbahnhof (main train station).

It is hard to imagine a more livable city than Vienna. The Viennese appreciation of the finer things in life extends to regulars sitting in  its opulent coffee-house 'living rooms' serving spectacular cakes & offering credible solutions to world chaos over the noble bean; its beloved pub-like Beisln (bistro pubs) dishing up delicious brews, wines & hearty portions of traditional Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef) & goulash in elegant restaurants; its fine Austrian wines served in vaulted Vinothek (wine bar) cellars & in rustic vine-draped Heurigen (wine taverns) in the vineyards fringing the city. Local & international delicacies fill the heady Naschmarkt stalls & creative chefs are taking the capital in new culinary directions as they experiment with local produce & fresh new flavour combinations in innovative, often repurposed venues.

Time-honoured events, such as the Vienna Ball season create a unique & very special ambiance. Another special feature of Vienna is its many green spaces & recreational areas such as the Wienerwald, the Prater, & the Donauinsel.

And an efficient transport system will ferry you across town from a restaurant to a post-dinner drink in no time at all. And it is safe, has lots of bicycle tracks & even has its own droll sense of humour.

Overnight.  B

Morning at 09:00 am, you will be picked up for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this imperial city (all monuments from outside only - no Entrance tickets included).

Drive along the Ringstrasse -, a boulevard showcasing some of Vienna’s most stunning architecture & commence tour from the Vienna Opera House - Sudtiroler Platz.

Stop at the impressive Vienna State Opera & hear the rich history behind Austria’s ‘Opera Ball’ which is organised every year. 

After exploring the city by coach, hop out on foot to wander around the impressive repository of culture & heritage – the imposing Hofburg Palace complex where Marie Antoinette was born in 1755. See the UNESCO World Heritage listed baroque Schloss Schonbrunn with it’s beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument, the Palm House & the Zoo, where the Hapsburgs spent their summers. Follow your Guide (Entrance ticket not included – to be purchased directly if you want to go in) through the historic state-rooms & discover how the imperial family lived in the past, learning the rich stories of its residents as you stroll from room to room.

Afterward, soak up some free time to walk the gardens, or head to the cafe to purchase a coffee or strudel.

Then, climb back in your coach & drive to the splendid baroque Belvedere Palace that today houses the Osterreichische Galerie (Austrian Gallery) displaying the largest collection of works by Klimt (The Kiss) &  Kokoschka as well as famous paintings by Schiele.

Vienna’s other prime attractions are the gothic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, Vienna’s old recreational park & the Spanish Riding School with their world-famous Lipizzaner stallions.

See the impressive buildings of the Museum of Art History & the Museum of Natural History. You will pass by the neoclassical Parliament, the Burgtheater & the City Hall, where the legendary Life Ball takes place.

Wander among the incredible collection of Austrian art (Entrance Fee to be paid directly), admiring the 18^th century rooms where works such as Gustav Klimt’s ‘Kiss’ & other famous Austrian art are displayed.

The sightseeing ends & you will find your own way to the hotel

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

Morning, you will be transferred to Wien Hauptbahnhof to board your train for Budapest.

Welcome to incredible Hungary – the land of the Magyars with its stunning architecture, vital folk art, thermal spas & Europe's most exciting capital after dark are Hungary's major drawing cards.

Arrive in the capital Budapest, which has something for everyone – from dramatic history & flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters & a nightlife that is unrivalled in Eastern & Central Europe.  

On arrival at Budapest Keleti Station, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Station & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Historic Overload | Cultural Dynamism | Super Structures | Folk Culture

Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city.

Despite all the history to be explored, Budapest has a youthful, vibrant feel. It is easy to get around the city on foot or by public transit.

Budapest’s beauty is not all God given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic & art nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Overall, though, Budapest has a fin de siecle feel to it, for it was then, during the capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19^th century, that most of what you see today was built.

Hungarians are rightly proud of their country’s rich cultural heritage & Budapest, with its dramatic cityscape & extraordinary buildings. The city proudly spans the left & right banks of the River Danube, thereby creating the distinct Buda & Pest districts, both of which are studded with architectural landmarks & flaunt Viennese & Parisian-inspired architecture - they don’t call Budapest “Paris of the East” for nothing.

They say the past is another country, but it’s always been just around the corner in Budapest. Witness the bullet holes & shrapnel pockmarks on buildings from WWII & the 1956 Uprising. There are sad reminders like the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial, but ones, too, of hope & reconciliation – like the 'sword' of the former secret-police building on Andrassy ut now beaten into the 'ploughshare' that is the House of Terror, with both sides of the story – left & right – told.

The 19^th century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13^th century Matthias Church & the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

The city is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been a Budapest experience since the time of the Romans. The choice of bathhouses is generous - you can choose among Turkish-era, Art Nouveau & modern establishments. Some people come seeking a cure for whatever ails them, but the majority are there for fun & relaxation - though we still maintain it is the world’s best cure for what Hungarians call a macskajaj (cat’s wail) - hangover.

There is a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash & it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Eastern & Central Europe. Magyars may exaggerate when they say that there are 3 essential world cuisines – French, Chinese & their own. But Budapest’s reputation as a food capital dates largely from the late 19^th & the first half of the 20^th century and, despite a fallow period under Communism; the city is once again commanding attention. So, too, are Hungary's excellent wines – from Eger's complex reds & Somlo’s flinty whites to honey-sweet Tokaj.

Despite all the history to be explored, Budapest has a youthful, vibrant feel. It is easy to get around the city on foot or by public transit.

A few days in Budapest - perhaps alongside some countryside discovery - would make for a wonderful European experience.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or depending on the time, perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Evening, proceed to the Pier (on your own) to enjoy a 1 hour sightseeing cruise (included) on the Danube to get a riverside view of the sites you will tomorrow.

The river cruise is one of the highlights here, without a doubt. A river cruise in Budapest will let you see the most fascinating sights of the historical city of Budapest, which is often called the “Pearl of the Danube” or the “Paris of East”. On a romantic cruise on the river Danube, you will marvel at the genuine grace & beauty of century old Budapest.

The evening sightseeing cruise is combined with a sound & vision show. The boat departs from the Pier in the centre of Budapest & makes a loop around the city. Live music will set the mood as you glide past the capital city’s stunning backdrop.

Admire Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listed urban panorama & notable sights showcased along the river, and you will have a front-row seat to admire the glowing Buda Castle Quarter, the Freedom Monument & Andrassy Avenue. You will also pass the Gellert Baths, where Hungarians & visitors alike come to swim & relax, as well as the Chain Bridge - a suspension bridge that spans the river and connects the eastern Buda & western Pest.

As you cruise along , enchanted by the illuminated sights, famous personalities from the Hungarian history, kings, queens, poets, inventors  will come alive & even the Danube tells you legendary stories about the town. Through TV screens you will be able to look behind the walls of the buildings passing by & admire the hidden interiors.

The Cruise ends and you will return to the hotel (on your own).

Balance of evening is free. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B

Morning at 09:00 am, you will be picked up for a 8 hour sightseeing tour of this gothic city.

Budapest is a truly exciting city, shaped by both ancient & modern history and where Eastern & Western culture meets.

First stop will be the picturesque Chain Bridge, arguably the most striking of all the 7 road bridges that span the Danube.

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is a chain bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda & Pest, the western & eastern sides and is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.

The city's oldest twin-towered Bridge, named in honour of its initiator, Istvan Szechenyi, was actually built by Scotsman Adam Clark, who enjoys one of the few places reserved for foreigners in the Hungarian panoply of heroes. The Bridge opened in 1849, was unique for 2 reasons - it was the first link between Buda & Pest and the nobility – previously exempt from all taxation – had to pay up like everybody else to use it.

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest & Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known bridge of the beautiful Hungarian capital. Before it was built, the river could be crossed only by ferry or by a pontoon bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.

Continue along the pedestrian 'Promenade' of the Bridge with great views of Gellert Hill & Castle Hill on the opposite bank.  Stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque & Hungarian motifs.

Hop back into the car, crossing over the Danube via Margaret Bridge & drive over to Buda side where the Royal Castle is located. Make a stop in the Castle District & walk around the important sights of this area.

Get to know the Buda Castle District from the first stone set to the modern day version we see today! Through this guided tour you will learn all about the history of the Buda Castle District.

The Castle District encompasses Castle Hill (Varhegy) – nerve centre of Budapest’s history & packed with many of the capital’s most important museums & other attractions – as well as ground-level Vízivaros (Watertown). What the latter lacks in sights it makes up for in excellent restaurants, many of them around Szell Kalman ter, a major transport hub & the centre of urban Buda. Major changes are afoot, as the government aims to consolidate Castle Hill as the seat of power & the Hungarian National Gallery is eventually due to move to a purpose-built facility in City Park.

Walk through the small cobblestone streets & squares stopping at historical points feeling the medieval aspects from the first stone laid to the present day evolution and the roles it played throughout the Hungarian history.

Reminiscence how the Castle Hill was originally built & designed and how the area has been used over the centuries by many different cultures & nations. Learn how the Castle District survived & helped its inhabitants defend & live through invasions & occupations for centuries.

Walk to the Matthias Church dating back 500 years, with its stories & legends. Parts of Matthias Church, notably the carvings above the southern entrance, but essentially the church itself (named after King Matthias Corvinus who married Queen Beatrix here in 1474) are a neo-Gothic confection designed by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896.

Steps in the northwest corner of the Church lead up to the Royal Oratory & the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art (Matyas-templom Egyhazmuveszeti Gyutemenye), contain ornate monstrances, reliquaries & chalices, plus replicas of the Crown of St Stephen & other items of the coronation regalia including the coronation throne. Ascending the 200 odd steps of the steeple will bring you to the top of the Panoramic Tower (Torony Panorama) with stunning views of the city.

After visiting the Church, walk down Tarnok Utca to the Royal Palace & the National Gallery, devoted exclusively to Hungarian Art.

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Organ concerts take place in the Church on certain evenings (usually Friday & Sunday at 7pm or 7.30pm), continuing a tradition dating from 1867 when Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Coronation Mass was first played here for the coronation of Franz Joseph & Elizabeth, the beloved queen affectionately known as 'Sissi'. The current 7000-pipe organ was built in 1909.

Admire the views from the famous lookout towers of Fishermen's Bastion.

The neo-Gothic bastion with a medieval masquerade offering some of the best views in Budapest was built as a viewing platform in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek, the architect behind Matthias Church. Its name was taken from the medieval guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the castle wall. The 7 gleaming white turrets represent the Magyar tribes that entered the Carpathian Basin in the late 9^th century.

Next, drive on to the Gellert Hill (Citadel) & enjoy a breathtaking view of the city on a brief stop for memorable pictures.

Standing atop Gellert Hill & proclaiming freedom throughout the city is the lovely Liberty Monument, Budapest’s most visible statue. Lady Liberty looks down on the Taban, a leafy, once very Serbian neighbourhood dating to the 17^th century. Today the greater area is home to the prestigious Budapest University of Technology & Economics (BME) & its students, which can only mean cheap eateries & a decent nightlife. The main thoroughfare, Bartok Bela ut, is fast laying claim to being the 'happening' part of south Buda – around here you will find trendy cafes, a wine bar & vegetarian / vegan eateries.

Drive back to Pest through Elisabeth Bridge & get acquainted with Pest, the Paris of the East! Discover the original charm & lively character of this inspiring part of the city as you explore the most exciting spots in Eastern Budapest, stopping ‘briefly’ to admire architectural masterpieces along with a few well-kept local secrets. You will see ‘some’ of the main sights.

See the popular Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) building, designed by Gustav Eiffel. Head up to the 1^st floor for Hungarian folk costumes, dolls, painted eggs, embroidered tablecloths, carved hunting knives & other souvenirs.

Completed in 1897, this is Budapest's biggest market, though it has become a tourist magnet since its renovation for the millecentenary celebrations in 1996. This cavernous 3 story market teems with people browsing stalls packed with everything from salamis & red-paprika chains to folk embroideries and souvenirs.

Gourmets will appreciate the Hungarian & other treats available here for less than they would pay in the shops on nearby Vaci utca: shrink-wrapped and potted foie gras, garlands of dried paprika, souvenir sacks & tins of paprika powder & as many kinds of honey as you would care to name.

Drive down leafy Andrassy Avenue to downtown Pest passing by the Hungarian Opera House & the impressive St Stephen’s Basilica & the largest Synagogue of Europe & Budapest’s beloved City Park.

A brief stop at Hosok tere (Heroes' Square) the largest & most symbolic Square dominated by the Millenary Monument (Ezereves emlekmu), a 36m high pillar topped by a golden Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian crown & a cross.

It was designed in 1896 to mark the 1000^th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin. At the column's base are statues of Prince Arpad & 6 other Magyar chieftains who occupied the Carpathian Basin in the late 9^th century. The other 14 Statues in the colonnades behind, are of rulers & statesmen - from King Stephen (far left) to Lajos Kossuth (far right).

Drive by Budapest Zoo & Szechenyi Baths, the largest thermal Spa complex in Europe & probably Budapest’s most popular baths. The outdoor section is stunning, but it gets quite busy. Iconic "sparties" take place here on some Saturday nights.

Last stop will be the highlight of the day - the impressive neo-gothic architecture of House of Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest's left bank.

Discover Hungary's largest building on this guided tour & see some of Budapest’s finest architectural achievements such as the splendid Session Room, the Great Vaulted Hall & impressive central staircase.

The magnificent Hungarian Parliament was built between 1885 & 1902 along the Danube embankment built by 1,000 workers & was for a long time the world’s largest parliamentary building. With 691 rooms & staircases stretching for more than 12 miles (20 kilometers), the building is topped by a vast elegant central dome soaring 226 feet (69 meters) into the sky. Ornamented with white neo-gothic turrets & arches, spacious arcades & high windows, the Parliament is one of the city’s most outstanding landmarks

Its regal exterior has become an iconic site in the city’s panorama & the interior hosts the Holy Crown of Hungary.

The Tour-guide will lead you through the Session Room, the central staircase & the Great Vaulted Hall & you are free to ask questions as you travel from room to room & learn more about the last 1000 years of Hungarian history.

Finish with the Parliament & walk to the nearby City Centre, an area full of stately old buildings, grand avenues & innumerable tiny streets, where the sightseeing concludes (the Tour-guide will leave you here after offering advice you need, if any).

Walk to the stately & sprawling Liberty Square (Szabadsag ter). In the Square's center,  remains a gold hammer & sickle atop a white stone obelisk, one of the few monuments to the Russian 'liberation' of Budapest in 1945.

From here we walk to one of the liveliest places in Budapest, Vorosmarty Ter - a large pedestrian-only Square at the north end of Budapest's best known shopping street - Vaci Utca, - which has undergone a full transformation over the last 10 years.

You will return to the hotel on your own.

Balance of day is free. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight. B 

Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to the region’s warm hospitality & heritage and go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

You say: ‘Europe’, you think: ‘Hungary’. Still Europe’s secret, a hidden treasure on the touristic map with beautiful clean cities. It is where the East meets the West, the North meets the South – literally & lyrically. It is where you can see Turkish & Roman influences & Hungarian culture intertwine.

The stunning capital city Budapest is its prime attraction & a great reason in itself to visit the country but there are so many other enchanting towns here that deserve to be explored & we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more.

Enough reasons, we are sure, that will entice you to come back.

“When you leave Hungary, as the plane lifts, you feel that more than leaving a country you are leaving a state of mind. Whatever awaits you at the other end of your journey will be of a different order of existence”  – Anonymous

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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