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Magnificent Cities of Central and Eastern EuropeA3 CV
Joe Laufer’s ICQ ToursOctober 14-27, 2012
14 days
Day 1 – Sun. - Oct. 14
Overnight flight (Philly)
Day 2,3 – M-T - Oct. 15-16
Berlin, Germany
Day 4,5 – W-H - Oct. 17-18
Prague, Czech Republic
Day 6,7 – F-S - Oct. 19-20
Vienna, Austria
Day 8,9 – S-M - Oct. 21-22
Budapest, Hungary
Day 10, 11 –T-W- Oct. 23-24
Krakow, Poland
Day 12, 13 – H-F - Oct. 25-26
Warsaw
Day 14 – Sat. Oct. 17
14 Days 18 MealsAt a Glance
October 14 – 27, 2012
Enjoy two night stays in Berlin, the
“Golden City”of Prague, and
historic Budapest, Krakow, Vienna
and Warsaw.
Berlin
Welcome to the ARCOTEL John F Our ARCOTEL John F is conveniently located in the heart of Berlin with easy access to all popular area attractions. The airport is 10 km and the train station is 3,6 km away. The distance to the fair grounds is only 9,2 km.
The 4-star hotel offers 190 comfortable guest rooms with bath/shower, air conditioning, minibar, terrace/balcony, Pay TV, modem point, ISDN Point, Wi Fi, Internet access, room safe, non-smoking rooms and voice mail.
BERLIN – Mon.-Tue. October 15-16
Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Visit Potsdam and see the impressive Sans Souci Palace.
Pottstdam: seat of former kings of Germany
The New Palace
The Chinese tea house in the Sans Souci.
Learn of Berlin’s history on a locally guided city tour.
Brandenburg Gate was once the imperial entrance to Berlin.
Joe at the Brandenburg Gate – August 5, 1999
Charlottenburg Castle was built over a period of 300 years.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Built 1891-95
Reichstag was the former German Parliament, and was burned by the Nazis in 1933.
The remains of the Berlin Wall have been transformed into outdoor galleries.
Depart Berlin for the “Golden City” of Prague for a two night stay.
Wed.-Thur. - October 17-18
The 4-star Diplomat Hotel Prague is one of the largest hotels in Prague. It is renowned for its excellent conference and event facilities.
Surrounded mainly by diplomatic residences and its location close to Prague castle, to the historical city centre and to the international airport, the hotel constitutes the perfect place for business as well as individual city travellers.
Along the way, stop in Dresden, capital of the state of Saxony.
Visit Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter during your leisure time.
Jewish cemetery
A tour of the city begins with the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle.
The Changing of the Guard is performed hourly.
The Charles Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that links the original settlement.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Enjoy a locally-guided walking tour of Prague’s historic Old Town.
Tyn Church is one of the city’s best examples
of Gothic architecture.
The ornate Municipal House
is one of the most beautiful buildings in
the city.
The town hall’s medieval
astronomical clock, built in 1410.
During leisure time, shop for the city’s famous Marionettes,
Hand-made glass, jewelry and more.
Vienna is the capital of Austria.
Friday & Saturday, October 19-20
This 4-star superior hotel is right across from the VIC (United Nations) and the Austria Center Vienna, Austria’s largest conference center. It offers free Wi-Fi, a spa area, and spacious, air conditioned rooms.
All rooms at the Arcotel Kaiserwasser feature a laptop-size safe, a minibar, and a tea/coffee maker. Cable TV and CD and DVD players are also available.
The UNO restaurant serves seasonal dishes and international cuisine. It has a terrace overlooking the water. A wide range of drinks is available at the U-ONE Bar, which features an atrium.
The spa area is accessible for free and includes a sauna, a steam bath, and a modern gym. Guests have direct access to the park and the beach at the Alte Donau recreation area.
The Kaisermühlen-VIC Underground (subway) Station is right across from the Kaiserwasser Arcotel.Hotel Rooms: 282, Hotel Chain: Arcotel Hotels & Resorts.
Vienna is the birthplace of many famous composers and musicians.
Enjoy an included dinner at one of Vienna’s great
local restaurants.
Tour the Habsburg’s lavish family home in Vienna, Schoenbrunn Palace.
Joe at Schoenbrunn PalaceMay 28, 2010
Same place, August, 1999
Visitors can view some of its rooms and formal terraces of the Imperial Garden.
St. Stephan’s Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic structure in Austria.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the Old Quarter.
Today you travel to Budapest, Hungary, “The Queen of the Danube.”
The Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest is located in Budapest's Andrassy neighborhood, close to Oktogon, Hungarian State Opera House, and St. Stephen's Basilica. Additional attractions include Parliament Building.
Dining options at Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest include a restaurant and a bar/lounge.
Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 4.0 star property has a business center and offers Wireless Internet access in public areas. There are 247 guestrooms and bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers with handheld showerheads. They also offer makeup/shaving mirrors, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Tour Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” with a local guide and visit Fisherman’s Bastion and much more.
Your sightseeing of lovely Budapest
features the historic Buda Castle area with
its turreted Fisherman’s Bastion.
Statue of King Stephen atop Fisherman’s Bastion. St. Stephen (1001-38) was Hungary’s first Christian
king
Mathias Church was the site of coronations of kings and wedding ceremonies.
Heroes Square was built to honor the 1,000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest.
Next, travel through Slovakia to Krakow, Poland.
You’ll be hard pushed to miss Andels as it takes up a wedge of the square bang opposite the city’s beautifully restored 19th main train station and mega modern shopping mall with more than 200 outlets. The historic city centre, with all its medieval sights and attractions, is an easy five to ten minute stroll.
Arguably the most contemporary boutique hotel in a city that has seen dozens of new spots open since 2006, Andels is a cut above most. It has a bright, light and lofty reception decked out with funky red leather chairs with rooms on four floors.
Andels Hotel, Krakow
Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Krakow’s Old Town.
The Cloth Hall in Market Square was a major industrial site in the 14th century.
St. Mary’s Church
The Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest European Universities.
Wawel Castle was the residence of Polish kings dating back to the 14th century.
Wawel Castle’s arcaded courtyard.
Learn the story of the famous Krakow Dragon during your city tour of Krakow.
Tour the poignant museum and former concentration camp of Auschwitz.
The shrine of the Jasna
Gora Monastery.
The Black Madonna is world-renowned, with more than 5 million pilgrims visiting it every year.
Later you’ll arrive in the capital city of Warsaw.
The Westin, Warsaw
Set in the heart of Warsaw, this modern hotel is located 5 minutes from iconic Palace of Culture and Science. Within a walking distance guests can discover shopping malls, parks, Old Town and Royal Route.
Fusion Restaurant Restaurant offers an intriguing menu full of culinary delights and a fusion of flavors "East meets West". Guests are welcome to experience an amazing show kitchen, featuring an array of creative compositions.
Embrace the moving history of Warsaw, both joyous and tragic, as you embark on a special city tour of this capital city.
See the King’s Castle,
See the Jewish Ghetto Monument and the Chopin Monument.
Some leisure time gives you an opportunity to do some last minute shopping.
How “fit” must I be to enjoy this tour?
•This tour includes moderate physical activity.
•The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time.
•Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
•It should be noted that the Americans With Disabilities Act does not apply in overseas settings to the same degree that it does on American soil.
Tour cost – for bookings made prior to April 15, 2012
•Double - (per person) - $3,769
•Single - $ 4,469 ($ 700 more than a double)
•Triple - $ 3,719 (per person) – ($50.00 less per person than a double)
Note: everything is included in this price, including Round Trip Air from Philadelphia Intl. Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $170 (subject to increase until the total price of the trip is paid in full) and Hotel Transfers – and including shuttle from Vincentown to Philadelphia Airport (known as “hometown pickup”).
The only cost NOT included is the Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person. People traveling with me are required to choose the Collette Insurance package. In order to travel in the Czech Republic, visitors are required to have travel/health insurance that must cover medical services abroad. The minimum coverage of the insurance has to be at least $38,000 USD. If you have purchased Collette Vacation Travel Protection, your coverage meets this requirement.
What must I do to be a part of this tour:
Prior to April 15 (to guarantee the $100 discount) but no later than May 15 (at the higher rate), you must:
1.Individually complete the Collette Vacations Application Form (even if traveling as a couple, each must complete an application form because of the individualization required for security – namely your passport information).
2.Pay a combination fee of a.) deposit of $250 and b.) cancellation waiver and insurance fee of $200 amounting to a total per person of $450. No other payments are required until August 15, 2012 (90 days before departure), when your entire balance is due. You may however pay in installments up until August 15 if you so desire. You can avoid any increase in government or airline fees by paying in full anytime. Once you are paid in full, the cost of the trip is locked in.
Applications are accepted first come, first served. Only 20 seats have been reserved for Joe Laufer for this tour. Once they are filled, or, after May 15th (whichever comes first) applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order to be accommodated.
As of today, Who’s Who on this tour?
1. Joe Laufer Vincentown
2. Penny Laufer Vincentown
3. Fred Horner Tabernacle
4. Judith Blango Willingboro
5. Samuel Blango Willingboro
6. Charlotte D’Autrechy Scott Willingboro
7. Ann Marie Monahan Marlton
8. Marc Baldwin Southampton
9. Arlene Baldwin Southampton
10. Cheryl Friedman Marlton
• Optional experiences
•Prague•Folklore Dinner and Show $80•Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter $55
•Vienna•Viennese Evening: $95 Dining Experience & Classical Music Concert
•Krakow•Wieliczka Salt Mines $50
•Budapest•Budapest by Night $80
Prague: Folklore Dinner and Show - $60
Step into rural Czech celebration perfectly recreated in the outskirts of Prague. Immerse yourself in an evening of Czech culture, cuisine and spirit. Savor a hearty, three course dinner featuring Czech favorites, accompanied by local wine and beer.
Lively folkloric dances and music are performed by talented professionals in colorful, traditional costumes, with lots of gregarious encouragement for audience participation.
3.5 hours
Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter – “Josefov” - $55
Jewish roots go back to 10th century in Prague. Jewish residency was confined to this location by law. Visit the Jewish Museum and synagogues
12,000 graves carefully fit into a tiny space, the oldest dating back to 1439
3.5 hour tour
Budapest by Night - $80
Live, spirited gypsy music at a historic landmark restaurant featuring Hungarian cuisine. Complimentary wine and coffee.
After dinner, embark on a romantic evening cruise on the Danube to marvel at the illuminated landmarks of Budapest as you sip a glass of wine. A selection of beverages is included on board.
3.5 hour tour
Viennese Evening – Dining Experience & Classical Music Concert - $ 95
Begin with a fabulous dining experience at one of Vienna’s most popular and traditional restaurants.
After dinner, experience classical music (Mozart and Johann Strauss) in true Imperial style during an unforgettable performance at the Schoenbrunn Palace Orangerie (1755), where the court held many elaborate festivities among the exotic citrus and plants. Mozart debuted many pieces here, and it is where he lost the legendary competition to court composer, Antonio Salieri, judged by the Emperor, Joseph II.
5 hours
Wieliczka Salt Mines, Krakow - $50
A maze of unique rooms, tunnels, chapels, and salt statues, lying on 9 levels – a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. (Requires a large amount of walking)
4-hour tour
The only mining site in the world functioning continuously since the Middle Ages.
Please join us on this unforgettable tour. A3
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