BUDAPEST & PRAGUE
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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
Not Included:
Entry Requirements for Hungary and the Czech Republic: *** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations*** Day 1 - Friday: Depart the U.S. for Budapest, Hungary on overnight flights. Day 2 – Saturday: Budapest, Hungary. Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be met by our Women’s Travel Club guide and transferred to your hotel, the Hilton Budapest, a forty minute drive from the airport. Located in the scenic Castle district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is next to such city attractions as Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. With great views of the Danube, the hotel’s location is further enhanced by its setting in historic old Buda – next to the charming crooked streets of the Castle district – while also being just 20 minutes from the city center of Pest. Guest rooms are decorated in cool, calm tones, and come with cable TV, wireless internet access, hairdryer, bathrobe, mini bar, ironing board and safe. There is also a fitness center where you can work out, relax in the sauna or enjoy a massage. In the hotel’s Dominican Restaurant, you can sample the best of Hungarian and international cuisine, or view the ruins of a medieval monastery from the Lobby Bar.
Just outside the hotel 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. Upon Day 3 - Sunday: 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 restaurant, The Borkatakompba. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with typical Hungarian cuisine, which is famous worldwide. A three-course dinner with wine will be accompanied by an upscale folklore show. (B, D) Day 4 - Monday: 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. Your evening is free for dinner at another one of the city’s many colorful restaurants. (B)
This afternoon, you will get an immediate feel for the city with a half-day private guided tour, right from the airport. 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 Day 6 - Wednesday: Prague. After breakfast, your guide will lead an exploration of 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, a special treat. 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. (B, D) Day 7 - Thursday: Prague. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Our tour guide will be available with lots of suggestions. As we get closer to the trip, we will check the concert schedules as many churches hold wonderful performances of classical music. (B) Day 8 - Friday: Prague/U.S. Enjoy breakfast and then transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
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*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy. To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form. The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
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arrival, your guide will lead a walking tour of the sites near the hotel. 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 on the Danube by evening light with your private guide. Experience how the legends of Budapest come to life . . . the Royal Palace, Parliament, Margaret Island, the bridges and other splendid sights . . . all bathed in light as you hear their story. (D) 
Day 5 - Tuesday: 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 Sheraton Prague. Opening in March 2009, the 
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. (B, D)