An Adventure in EuropeSpecially created for Jane Example and John ExampleItinerary PreviewPrague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest, and KrakowSeptember 01 – September 18, 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:• Vltava River Cruise and City Overviewfrom the Old Town Hall Tower• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Cas-tle and the Royal Coronation Route• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov• Guided Excursion to Třeboň, includingBrewery or Palace Tour• Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

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

Pre-Paid Transportation:• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Vienna toBudapest• Train Tickets from Budapest to Krakow• Bus Tickets from Prague to ČeskýKrumlov• Shuttle Service from Český Krumlov toVienna• Public Transport Tickets for Prague, Vi-enna, and Budapest

• Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel• Private Transfer to the Bus Station inPrague• Private Transfer from the Budapest RailStation• Private Transfer from Krakow Rail Sta-tion to Your Hotel

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

• 2 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in ČeskýKrumlov

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

Travel Information included in your itinerary:

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

• 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 Prague, Private Transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery or Palace Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Scenic Journey to Vienna by Shuttle, Boat, and Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s Westbahnhof Station for Rail Departure . . . . . . 22Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Arrival in Budapest, Pickup from Rail Station, & Check into Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Self Guided Visit to Central Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 24Self Guided Tour of the Castle District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Evening City-Lights River Cruise on the Danube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

13 September 13, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Visit to the Széchenyi Baths, Városliget Park, the Budapest Zoo, & Heroes’ Square . . . . . 26Along Andrássy Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Concert or Other Cultural Event in Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

14 September 14, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and its Surroundings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Rail Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Overnight Rail Journey to Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

15 September 15, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Arrival at Krakow Glowny Train Station and transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Guided Walking Tour of Historic Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Visit to Wawel Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

16 September 16, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Guided Bus Excursion to the Salt Mines of Wieliczka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Guided Bus Excursion to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

17 September 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Self Guided Tour of Kazimierz - Krakow’s Jewish Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and the Former Jewish Ghetto . . . . . . . . . . . 33

18 September 18, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Self-Arranged Drop off at Airport by Taxi, Depart Krakow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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DAY 1Arrive Prague

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

Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to HotelTo Be Determined

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

Afternoon

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

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

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

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DAY 1Arrive Prague

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

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

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DAY 2Prague

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

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

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

Early Afternoon

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

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DAY 2Prague

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

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little QuarterLate Afternoon

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

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DAY 3Prague

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

Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish QuarterMorning

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

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New TownAfternoon

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

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DAY 3Prague

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

Concert or Other Cultural Event in PragueEvening

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

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DAY 4Prague

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

Self-Guided Excursion to Castle KarlštejnMorning / Early Afternoon

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

Late 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 5Prague to Český Krumlov

September 05, 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 spread13

DAY 5Prague to Český Krumlov

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

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

Afternoon

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

Self Guided Tour of Český KrumlovEvening

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

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DAY 5Prague to Český Krumlov

September 05, 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 6Český Krumlov

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

Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery orPalace TourMorning / Afternoon

On this guided excursion youwill discover the charming town of Třeboň.Třeboň lies within a natural landscape thoroughly shaped by the handsof men, but which is so beautiful and unique that the UN designatedit as a Biosphere Reserve. Since the Middle Ages inhabitants of thearea supported themselves with fish farming by creating lakes out ofthe original marshes and woods. The town has a long history as theeconomic and administrative center of the area, and the complex andefficiently run system of fish farms brought a great deal of wealthand pride to the town. This is reflected in its beautiful town square, aGothic church and abbbey, and a charming Renaissance palace. Afterexploring the town you can take a tour of the palace or of the town’shistoric but still functioning brewery. Those taking the brewery tour willhave a chance to taste some authentic Czech micro-brew, and perhapsenjoy some more in the brewery’s beer garden, which is a favoritegathering place of the locals.Important Note #1: If you would like to do the brewery tour,please inform us well in advance, otherwise it may be impossible toarrange.Important Note #2: If visiting between November and March, thepalace will be closed.Included: Transportation and from Třeboň, Private Guided Tourof the town, and guided tour of either the palace or brewery. Notincluded: Food and beverages.

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DAY 7Český Krumlov to Vienna

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

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

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

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DAY 8Vienna

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

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

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

Afternoon

TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL, THE GRABEN, MOZART HOUSE,CHURCH OF ST. PETERWhen the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talk-ing about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds toVienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defen-sive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. Awarren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space be-tween the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets thatremains to this day. Now these narrow lanes hum with constant ex-citement as a tremendous assortment of restaurants, cafes, bars, andfashionable shops fill the ground floors of beautiful historic buildings.Among many other historic attractions, the Inner City is home to themagnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephan (Stephansdom), which hasbecome the most lasting and recognized symbol of the city.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area.

Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg QuarterEvening

One of most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spit-tleberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional18

DAY 8Vienna

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

restaurants. 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 9Vienna

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

Self Guided Visit to Imperial ViennaMorning

TOP SITES: SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, IMPERIAL TREASURY, ALBERTINAMUSEUM, BURGGARTEN, STATE OPERA HOUSEIn this area of Vienna you will discover the very heart of the Habs-burg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Much of thisdistrict is consumed by the vast Hofburg Palace complex, once hometo Austria’s emperors and their administrators. Majestically stunning,the buildings of the Hofburg still evoke awe in the observer even if theEmpire they were built for is now long gone. Within the Hofburg youwill find many of the city’s top attractions, including the nearly 500 yearold Spanish Riding School, which stages equestrian performances bythe famous Lipizzaner Stallions. You can also visit the imperial apart-ments, gaze upon the imperial crown and other treasures, or browsethrough the imperial silver collection.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. For those interested in the Spanish Riding School entry toMorning Exercises costs 14 EUR.

Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and BelvederePalaceAfternoon

TOP SITES: KARLSKIRCHE (CHARLES’ CHURCH), BELVEDERE PALACESAND GARDENSoutheast of the Ringstrasse you will find two of Vienna’s great-est treasures - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles’sChurch). More than just a Viennese treasure, the Belvedere and Karl-skirche are actually two of the Europe’s most significant examples ofBaroque architecture. The Belvedere is actually two palaces connectedby a formal 3-level garden designed in the French style. A visit to thegarden offers many delights to the senses with its playful fountains,multi-tiered design, and setting amidst the two elaborate palaces. Thepalaces now house works of art, including a permanent exhibitionwhich includes the most famous works of Gustav Klimt, such as “TheKiss”.Many consider the Karlskirche second only to St. Peter’s Basilicaamong baroque churches. What makes a visit to the Karlskirche espe-cially notable is that you can ride an elevator up into the cupola of thechurch and then climb stairs up to the very top of the church, whereyou can examine the dome’s magnificent frescoes up close.

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DAY 9Vienna

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

Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map-marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthearea. Not Included: Entry fee to visit the palace (approx. 11 EUR) orchurch (8 EUR) interiors.Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing

Evening

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

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DAY 10Vienna

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

Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and ParkMorning / Early Afternoon

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

Late Afternoon

TOP SITES: Hundertwasserhaus, Wiener Riesenrad (FerrisWheel), Schweiz-erhausThe charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria’sarchitectural highlights. This extraordinary building was constructedbetween 1983 and 1985 as an imaginative apartment house and fea-tures a roof covered with soil and grass, trees growing from inside therooms and a colorfully decorated exterior facade. Nearby is the Prater,a large and pleasant public park. There you can find a towering ferriswheel called the Wiener Riesenrad, one of Vienna’s symbols and mostpopular tourist attractions since its construction in 1897. A fifteenminute ride is like a trip back in time with breathtaking views over theroofs of the city. The Riesenrad is a part of a famous amusement park,which houses also carousels, swings, roller coasters, ghost trains and anumber of coffee houses and restaurants, such as the Schweizerhaus.This traditional restaurant has arguably themost beautiful beer gardenin the city.Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. NotIncluded: Cost of a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad (8 EUR), cost of aride on the Liliputbahn (2.20 EUR), cost of meals and drinks at theSchweizerhaus.

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DAY 11Vienna to Budapest

September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Vienna’s WestbahnhofStation for Rail Departure9:00 AM

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you.Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than apre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information onordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the trainstation and finding your train, making the whole process simple andstress free.Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the rail station, instruc-tions for finding your train. Not included: Taxi fare.Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest

09:48 – 12:49 by Rail

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

12:49 PM

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

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DAY 11Vienna to Budapest

September 11, 2015(Hotel T.B.D.)

Váci street and the Central Market (Vásárcsarnok)Early Afternoon

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

Self Guided Visit to Central PestLate Afternoon

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

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DAY 12Budapest

September 12, 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 12Budapest

September 12, 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 13Budapest

September 13, 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 13Budapest

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

Concert or Other Cultural Event in BudapestEvening

A trip to a concert or other performance in Hungary is a treat onmany levels. Hungarian musicians, dancers, and actors are some ofthe world’s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obses-sion with the arts. Much of the city’s pride and wealth was devotedto building beautiful concert venues such as the State Opera House.The exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make theexperience even more special and rewarding.Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you selecta performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee anda $15 booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travelparty, not per person).

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DAY 14Budapest

September 14, 2015

Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building and itsSurroundingsMorning

TOP SITES: HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT, ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUMThe Hungarian Parliament building is a magnificent sight as it risesabove the waters of the Danube, and the interior is also quite jaw-dropping. As a visitor you may even feel a bit overwhelmed by thesumptuous décor and attention-to-detail. You could be forgiven forexpecting a queen to arrive or an aristocratic ball to break out at anymoment. Visits to the interior can be made on a guided tour, whereyou will see a spectacular grand staircase, the historic Holy Crown ofHungary, an imposing debating chamber, and much more.Included: Background information on the Parliament and tips onpurchasing tickets, a map of the area. Map marked with attractions,restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.Not Included: Entry into the Parliament - tours cost 4,000 Hun-garian Forints (about $20 USD).

Self Guided Excursion to Szentendre (St. Andrew)Afternoon

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

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DAY 14Budapest

September 14, 2015

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

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

20:05 – 06:56 by Rail

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

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DAY 15Krakow

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

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

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

9:00 - 12:00 PM

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

Early Afternoon

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

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DAY 15Krakow

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

Self Guided Tour of Krakow’s Old TownLate Afternoon

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

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DAY 16Krakow

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

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

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

1:30 - 7:00 PM

There is no shortage of cruelty and evil to be found in human history,but the Holocaust stands out as perhaps the greatest of these evils, inboth scale and conception. The Holocaust’s most significant historicalsites, the concentration camp of Auschwitz and its auxiliary camp ofBirkenau, are located a little over an hour from Krakow. Auschwitz wasdesignated by Heinrich Himmler as the place for the “final solution tothe Jewish question in Europe” and over 1 million Jews were murderedin Birkenau’s extermination factories. Many thousands of Poles, gyp-sies, and other groups persecuted by the Nazis were also murderedor worked to death in the camps. Your tour will take you beneath thewrought iron gates, with their ironic admonition that “Arbeit macht frei”(work makes you free), and into the vast guarded complexes where somuch suffering occurred. It is a sobering and troubling visit, but at thesame time it is a fascinating journey and a necessary reminder to all ofus of the evil that mankind is still capable of exercising.THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE TOURIncluded: Guided bus excursion, Standard visit to the ConcentationCamps Auschwitz and Birkenau, Documentary movie about Auschwitz,Services of the Museum Guide, and Headphones.

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DAY 17Krakow

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

Self Guided Tour of Kazimierz - Krakow’s JewishQuarterMorning

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

Afternoon

During World War II Oscar Schindler saved the lives of more than 1,100Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory in Krakow. Untilrecently still used as a factory, the building now houses one of Europe’smost impressive new museums. It tells not only the story of Schindlerand the Jews he protected, but of the wider experience of Krakow dur-ing World War II. You will experience the history from the perspectiveof the persecuted Jewish community in Krakow, as well as from theexperience of other residents of Krakow, who also experienced terrorand oppression during the war. You will even see some events fromthe perspective of the German occupiers. Using a combination of im-ages, videos, music and street sounds, interviews, and artifacts, theexperience of visiting the museum is both chilling and enlightening. Itis a must for those interested in World War II history. Nearby, you canwalk the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto, and also see how localslive today in the neighborhood of Podgórze. Just above the neighbor-

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DAY 17Krakow

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

hood, the pleasant forested park of Bednarskiego provides a respitefrom the city, and for those with extra energy, a walk up to the KrakusMound provides an excellent view of the city.Krakow is not a “full service”GoReal Europe destination. Itinerariesonly provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel direc-tions in Krakow. Entry to the museum is not included.

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DAY 18Depart Krakow

September 18, 2015

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

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

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