Czech Republic/Hungary
Budapest and Prague: Capital Cities and Jewels of Central Europe
Program No. 21707RJ
Treat your senses to an enchanting blend of learning, adventure and fun as you take expert-led walks and dine on traditional foods in two Old World cities that are Europe at its finest.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
12 days
Program Begins
Budapest
Program Concludes
Prague
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
21 (
10B, 6L, 5D
)
Activity Level
Hundreds of Gothic rooftop spires give the Prague skyline a fairy-tale character. In Budapest, locals’ warm smiles and the legendary Danube River pulse at the city’s heart. In one 12-day adventure, explore the history, art and culture of the Czech and Hungarian capital cities. Start each morning with our experts and later set out on your own. In Prague, discover where Mozart played a 1787 solo piano piece, then independently walk the stunning Charles Bridge. In Budapest, learn about the Communist period in Hungary during a visit to the Retro Museum, and venture to the town of Ócsa, a wonderful reflection of traditional rural life. One adventure, two cities — capture the breadth of these Central European jewels.
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy a dinnertime boat excursion on the Danube River through Budapest, drifting past the illuminated city center and under its famous series of bridges.
- Learn about Prague’s Old Town Square on an expert-led walking exploration, contrasting its 1,000-year-old history and architecture with today’s cast of musicians, dance troupes and cafes.
- Experience mighty Prague Castle’s churches, gardens, alleyways and residences. The world’s largest ancient castle is roughly the size of seven football fields.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Zoltán Pogátsa (Budapest Life Today)
Dr. Zoltán Pogátsa works as an international political economist, focusing on issues relating to Central Europe and the Balkans. He has an MBA and MA in political science and international relations, Southeastern European studies, and sociology. He earned his PhD in 2004 in contemporary European integration from the University of Sussex. He has lectured at various universities in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Ireland. Dr. Pogátsa has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups for more than 30 years.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Zoltán Pogátsa (Budapest Life Today)
Dr. Zoltán Pogátsa works as an international political economist, focusing on issues relating to Central Europe and the Balkans. He has an MBA and MA in political science and international relations, Southeastern European studies, and sociology. He earned his PhD in 2004 in contemporary European integration from the University of Sussex. He has lectured at various universities in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Ireland. Dr. Pogátsa has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups for more than 30 years.
Jitka Sosova (Art & Arch.- Prague)
Jitka Sosova holds degrees from Charles University and the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague. Jitka has worked for the National Gallery in Prague, as well as numerous other art institutions, including the Museum of Applied Arts and the Kampa Museum, and specializes in the field of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Sándor Striker (Budapest Life Today)
Dr. Sándor Striker is the president of The Foundation for Cultural Diversity, Budapest. He holds a PhD in literature and MAs in philosophy and community culture studies. As a former research fellow at the Institute of Philosophy of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Striker worked for the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Education on democratic cultural legislation after the introduction of multi-party parliamentary system in Hungary in 1990. He has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups for over 30 years.
Ágnes Gordon
Ágnes Gordon has always had a passion for travel. She began leading educational travel groups in college and spent an internship in the Canary Islands. For more than 20 years she has been working with Hungarian groups of all ages, traveling throughout Europe and with American groups visiting Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. She speaks fluent Hungarian, English and Spanish and basic Italian and German. In addition to being a travel lead, Ágnes also works in further education training guides, receptionists and housekeepers.
Markéta Hegarová
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.
László Gombos (Budapest Music)
László was born in Szombathely, Hungary. He studied piano, organ and music theory there and received his PhD in musicology from the Liszt Academy of Music. Since 1990 he has taught music history at the University of Debrecen and the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest. He also researches 19th and 20th century Hungarian music at the Institute for Musicology in Budapest. He has organized over 30 musical exhibitions from Budapest to Geneva, Rome and beyond. He has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups since 2015.
Jana Pivonkova
Jana Pivonková was born in Tábor in Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic. After studying at a hotel school in Prague, she worked at a travel agency in Cedok for 14 years and also organized sporting events for soccer, tennis, and ice hockey. Jana has been leading English- and German-speaking groups around Prague and abroad for over 30 years, and has worked with Road Scholar for over 20 years. She loves history, gardening, dancing and the accordion, and her travels include Cuba, Egypt, Tunisia and Japan.
Peter Iván
Peter Iván is a Budapest native who holds a B.A. in cultural management, having participated a study abroad program at SUNY New Paltz in New York. He has over 25 years of professional experience in international cultural and business programs. For many years, he has been working as a group leader for Road Scholar programs in the Central European region, combining his passion for history, culture, and personal storytelling. Peter cherishes time with his wife—also a Road Scholar group leader—and their two grown sons.
Sona Prochazkova
Sona Prochazkova has been working as a licensed leader in the Czech Republic since 1992. She has specialized in sharing her hometown of Prague, leading visitors interested in music and Jewish history in the city. She is fluent in English, German, and Slovak. When not welcoming visitors to Prague, Sonia enjoys learning about history, traveling, and hiking.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Keep the Pace: Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb stairs, walk up to 3 miles or up to 3 hours per day with periods of standing, including cobblestone streets, and partly hilly, uneven and rough terrain. Participants should expect to use public transportation.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.