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Overview:
Since the mid-1800s, Budapest has counted among the most sparkling cities of
Europe. It
rivaled
Vienna and Paris for the opulence of its buildings, the abundance of culture and
the well-being of its citizens. In the previous 4 millennia, the separate
inhabited regions that became today’s Budapest were successively conquered and
settled by Celts, Romans, Huns, Slavs, Magyars, Mongols and Turks. Although
each has left an imprint on the culture, the Magyar dominance has prevailed,
both with Christian influences and the Hungarian language.
These four days in Budapest offer an unrivaled
opportunity to experience the best and most picturesque sights of Budapest and
her surroundings!
Itinerary
Day 1
:Depart
Frankfurt Airport
for an unforgettable experience in Budapest. Arriving in the late morning,
enjoy the views which offer the first signs of Budapest’s modern existence. By
the time hotel rooms are occupied, there will be an opportunity to see the
environs and be ready for the evening folk music and dinner (included, except
beverages). Budapest will welcome you first-hand upon arrival! Since
everything is within walking distance, return to the hotel on foot after dinner,
or find some night life to fill the evening hours.
Day 2 :
After breakfast (included), join a day-long bus tour of Budapest. See the
ancient and modern sides of the city and enjoy tales of citizens and foreigners
who make history come alive. From Hero’s Square and Andrassy Avenue, to the
heights of Gellert Hill and the Castle District, you will visit places where the
historically rich and famous have stood. Relish photo possibilities from the
Fisher Bastion and Matthias Church. A visit to the Parliament interior will
astonish with the architecture and vision of the Hungarian people. Men will
wear a yarmulke (provided) to visit the Great Synagogue of Budapest, 2nd
largest in the world only after the one in New York. Lunch is included today so
the touring day will be uninterrupted (beverages not included). Return to the
hotel in the late afternoon and have the evening free for individual
endeavors.
Day 3 :
After breakfast (included), depart by bus for a full-day excursion to the Danube
River bend.
Beginning at Visegrad, visit the 750 year old former royal residence and
fortress castle set high above the Danube River.
Learn about life during the middle-ages by walking through reconstructed rooms
with different expositions. Appreciate the most beautiful views of the Danube
bend from the walls of the fortification. Have lunch in a typical local
restaurant (beverages not included). Continue the visit with a stop in the
artists’ village of
Szentendre.
This small baroque city still exists in a very natural environment, where the
Pilis
Mountains join the Danube River. Enjoy the special
atmosphere of the village, shop in the quaint storefronts, or use the
opportunity to visit some of its special museums: the Margit Kovacs Ceramic
Museum or the Confectionary Museum (with buildings and people made from
marzipan). Return to Budapest and enjoy the afternoon light which paints the
imposing Parliament buildings as you re-enter the city. A short walk returns
everyone to the hotel and the evening is still free for individual endeavors.
Day 4 :
After breakfast in your hotel (included), enjoy the last few hours in Budapest
before your mid-day transfer to the airport for return to Frankfurt. There is
still time for a coffee downtown, a trip to the Central Market Hall for some
shopping, or maybe even a visit to the Ethnic Museum!
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