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Budapest – Hotel Kempinski,
(3 nights),
Leading Hotels of
the World '06,
A relaxing atmosphere, luxurious rooms, and elegant restaurants await
you at the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Hungary.
Zakopane, Poland – Hotel Orbis Kasprowy (1)
Set on the slope of Gubalowka Hill, from where the peaks surrounding
Zakopane Valley are clearly visible, guest rooms and dining areas have
impressive mountain views.
Cracow – Hotel Sheraton (2)
The Sheraton - an elegant, first class hotel conveniently
situated on the bank of the Vistula River, offering a scenic view of the
Royal Wawel Castle and the Skalka medieval church. It is the ideal
location for visiting Cracow’s historical sights.
Prague – Hotel Four Seasons, (3)
Located in the medieval Old Town, close to unique historical monuments
and with marvelous views of Prague Castle, the hotel reflects the ambiance
of the royal past. The spacious guest rooms offer luxurious accommodation.
Cesky Krumlov – Hotel Ruze (1)
Originally a Jesuit monastery, this historic building has been
renovated into a charming hotel.
Vienna – Hotel Imperial (3), Leading Hotels of
the World, Conde Nast Gold List '06
At one time, this building was Vienna’s most prominent ducal palace.
The spacious opulence of the Baroque marble lobby with its glittering
chandeliers offers a vivid picture of "old Vienna".
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Day
1 (Friday) USA - Budapest
Depart USA on your overnight flight to
Budapest.
Day 2 (Saturday) Budapest
 You
are met this morning upon the arrival of your flight and driven by private
car to your hotel – the Kempinski Corvinus – right in the city
center. A striking building of glass, steel, and granite, it is located on
the pedestrian mall, a short walk from the Danube River, the Chain Bridge,
and Castle Hill. Your afternoon is free to settle in; your tour manager
will be in the lobby to answer any questions you may have. This evening,
meet your travel companions for cocktails and à la carte dining in our
hotel. (D)
Day 3 (Sunday) Budapest
The ancient cities of Buda and Pest,
divided by the Danube River but linked by seven bridges, offer wonderful
Baroque architecture. The tree-lined cobbled streets of Buda lead to the
Gellert Hill, the Buda Castle, and views of Pest; you visit the gothic
Matthias Church – the last two kings of Hungary were  crowned
here. At the beginning of this century, Budapest was considered the second
most important city of the Hapsburg Empire (after Vienna) and one of the
European artistic and cultural centers.
Returning to the Pest side of the river,
you see the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square.
You have a buffet lunch aboard a cruise boat, floating on the Danube, and
gaze at the city’s monuments from another perspective. The afternoon is
free for strolling along the wide sidewalks to absorb the local scene.
There are endless varieties of delicious baked goods in Budapest made with
a national favorite - poppy seeds. Try one with a coffee! This evening,
you go outside Budapest, to an old inn in the forest for dinner with
Hungarian specialties and gypsy dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Monday) Budapest
- Szentendre - Budapest
 This
morning, we take a short drive north of the city to Szentendre – a town
that has become a favorite of artists and art enthusiasts. You have lunch
here and the opportunity to visit the museums and galleries before
returning to Budapest. There is ample time this afternoon back in Budapest
to browse through some of the antique shops or bookstores. Look at the
interesting ceramics, baskets, and country furniture at shops like
Almarium on Avenue Volegeny. The Wine Society on Battyany Utca has a great
selection of Hungarian wines. This evening you go to the Gundel
Restaurant for an à la carte dinner, where you choose from a
marvelous variety of Hungarian specialties. For dessert, you have many
delicious choices, including Palatschinken (crepes), a house
specialty. (B,L,D)
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