BUDAPEST & PRAGUE

Experience two of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities, rich with history and culture dating from medieval times.  Prague and Budapest have undergone tremendous transformations – from Communist to capitalist societies – these are now modern, independent cities, ripe with opportunity and offering great value to the visitor. This tour is for club members who have “been there, done that” in Europe’s mainstream capitals and are looking for something new and memorable.

Exclusively for Women

• Round-trip regularly scheduled air transportation on CSA Czech Airlines from JFK to Prague per group air block.
• Round-trip flights on CSA Czech Airlines from Budapest to Prague per group air block.
• Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
• All Airport/Hotel transfers based on the group air schedule.
• In Budapest, 3 nights Hotel accommodations at the ***** Hilton Budapest
• In Prague, 3 nights Hotel accommodations at the *****Paris Hotel
• Daily buffet breakfasts with hotel tax and service charges included.
• Additional meals as listed.
• Sightseeing Tours in each city as listed, with entrance fees included where applicable
• Professional tour manager throughout the program at designated times.

Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations.

Day 1 - Friday, November 7: Depart the U.S. for Budapest, Hungary on overnight flights.

Day 2 - Saturday, November 8: Budapest, Hungary.  Upon arrival in Budapest, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The 5-star Hilton Budapest is situated in the heart of the historic Castle District that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is accordingly strictly protected. In keeping with such traditions, the Hilton Budapest has preserved the spirit of the Castle District. A perfect example would be the restored remains of a 13th century Dominican churchyard and cloisters that are now incorporated into the contemporary building. The Hilton Budapest welcomes its guests with famous hospitality of Hungary. Just outside you will find two cities in one, Buda and Pest, separated by the mighty blue Danube River. Buda is the ancient city, dating back 2,000 years. Pest is the cosmopolitan city with the commercial center. Buda and Pest are linked by a number of bridges, the most famous being the Chain Bridge, guarded by huge stone lions. The combined city contains over 500 parks. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own. Later, join the group for a welcome dinner in the hotel. After dinner, we will enjoy an hour's boat cruise by evening light. With binoculars in hand, experience how the legends of Budapest come to life. Look behind the walls and see the Royal Palace, Parliament, Margaret Island, the bridges and other splendid sights, all bathed in light, as they tell their story. (Dinner)

Day 3 - Sunday, November 9: Budapest. After breakfast, take a guided morning city tour aboard your private motor coach where you’ll be introduced to the main attractions of this Hungarian capital. Visit Hosok tere (Heroes Square) with the monument commemorating the millennium of the arrival of the Hungarians to the Carpatian Basin. Then on to see the world-renowned Opera House and the Parliament. In Buda, take a walk through the mostly Baroque-style Castle District with its medieval foundations and see Buda Castle, finally ending at Gellert Hill, which offers a breathtaking view over the whole city. Spend the afternoon at leisure, wandering the charming streets or crossing one of the many bridges linking the two towns. Tonight we spend an enjoyable evening at a traditional “csarda” restaurant in Budapest. It is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the typical Hungarian cuisine, which is famous worldwide. After an aperitif, enjoy a three-course menu with wine accompanied by a traditional folklore show. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 - Monday, November 10: Budapest.  Enjoy a full day at leisure. If you want to experience a traditional Budapest ritual, try a visit to the public baths in Spa Town with their famed thermal springs. Or visit the impressive Royal Castle, the former residence of the Hungarian royals, with its stunning views over the Danube and Pest. The beautiful town of Szentendre lies barely 12 miles from Budapest and is another popular half-day excursion. Szentendre has preserved its compact 18-19th century unified layout. Its picturesque setting on the Danube, its architecture and historical monuments, have all contributed to attracting and maintaining colonies of painters, sculptors and artists over the years.
(Breakfast)

Day 5 - Tuesday, November 11: Budapest/Prague, Czech Republic.  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Prague. Arrive in the Czech Republic’s beautiful city of Prague, the “Golden City of a Hundred Spires”. Your local WTC representative will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel, the Paris. Located in the center of town, just off Namesti Republiky, Hotel Paris evokes old-world ambience and romantic charm. Both the restaurant and café serve light meals and drinks and offer live piano music in the evenings. Guest rooms are done in an art-nouveau décor.

This afternoon, get an immediate feel for the city with a half-day guided tour. Built on seven hills, Prague slopes down toward the Vltava (Moldau) River. See Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12th century, with its library consisting of two baroque halls for theological and philosophical reading. From the terrace you have an outstanding view of Prague. Continue on foot to Loreto Monastery and to Prague Castle, and then to St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest of the Prague churches constructed over a period of six centuries. The Cathedral reflects the evolving architecture styles from high Gothic to Art Nouveau. You’ll also visit the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. Spend the afternoon at your leisure and join the group later for dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 6 - Wednesday, November 12: Prague.  After breakfast, explore the Old Town Square and New Town, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Jewish Cemetery with its ancient tombstones dating from the mid 14th to late 17th centuries. We’ll also visit Hradcany Castle. Your afternoon is at leisure. For dinner, you will  enjoy fine dining at Uzlate Hrusky, “the Golden Pear,” an acclaimed restaurant in the picturesque "New World" quarter at Hradshin area, located in an original gothic building. A 4-course dinner with a glass of wine features Czech and international cuisine. “Hruška” specialties are prepared as well as fresh fish. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 7 - Thursday, November 13: Prague.  Enjoy a full day at leisure. Our tour guide will be available with lots of suggestions. We will check the concert schedules as many churches hold wonderful performances of classical music. (Breakfast)

Day 8 - Friday, November 14: Prague/U.S.  Enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

*Itineraries subject to minor change. Should there be a change in hotel, one of equal or better quality will be substituted. Fuel surcharges are included in trip prices where airfare is part of the tour; however these charges are subject to change before ticketing. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

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