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.

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At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
On Your Feet: Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few stairs, stand for longer periods of time and walk up to an hour on cobblestones and uneven terrain. 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
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Independent Warsaw and Krakow: Capitals Past and Present" (#18187) for even more learning in Europe! The Activity Level for this program varies by date. Please make sure that you are attending a departure date that meets your activity level.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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12 days
11 nights
21 meals
10 B 6 L 5 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Budapest, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Budapest
D
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Using public transportation; getting on/off both a public bus and the subway. Walking up to 1 hour.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel and settle in. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant.

Evening: We will learn about and practice using public transportation in Budapest with our Group Leader.

DAY
3
Pest Downtown, History, Culture, Architecture
Budapest
B,L
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6-7 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 hour.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will begin our visit to Budapest with an expert-led field trip by motorcoach and on foot through the Pest area, passing such sites as Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, the Dohany Street Synagogue, the Danube banks, the building of the Academy of Sciences, the Chain Bridge, and the Gresham Palace, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest. We will also pass by Váci Street (the main pedestrian street) as well as the Danube Promenade. We will discover the inner city area during a short walk, passing by the Parliament Building and Liberty square.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy a Hungarian lunch at a modern restaurant.

Afternoon: We will enjoy a visit to the Retro Museum. This interactive three-story museum will show how Hungarians lived in the 70's and 80's before the change of regime. We will hear from our local staff about the objects exhibited, and hear their personal stories of the era. From here, we will enjoy the rest of the day on our own. For those who are interested, we will offer a free elective visit to the Main Market Hall of Budapest.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Buda Castle Area, Hungarian Music, Free Time
Budapest
B,L
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest

Activity note: Getting in/out of cabs to castle; alternate arrangements may be made based on group needs/interests. Walking/standing up to 2 hours; some stairs to negotiate. Extent and duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will enjoy a pleasant expert-led walk in the castle area of Budapest, where we will see the Mathias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and statue of St. Stephen, the first king of the Hungarians. Arriving at the Museum of Music History, we will take in a lecture and learn about Hungarian music and musical instruments. Afterwards, we will enjoy a short concert highlighting the use of these instruments.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to explore the Hungarian Art Gallery and the Hospital in the Rock, both of which are in the castle area.

Dinner: Enjoy local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Ócsa, Pest City Park Area
Budapest
B,L
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing based on activity level and selected route, up to 2.5 hours. Some stairs to negotiate. Walking, subway use, and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After arriving by motorcoach, we will explore the small town of Ócsa on foot, where we will visit the 13th-century church, village museum, and village center with a local expert. The town of Ócsa is a wonderful reflection of traditional rural life.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will take a walk in the City Park area and learn about significant sites from a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Perhaps you would like to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in the City Park, or one of the many thermal spas in Budapest. Make sure to bring your bathing suit!

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Modern Hungary, Free Time, Farewell to Budapest
Budapest
B,D
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a boat; some stairs to negotiate. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: At the hotel, we will attend a lecture on life in Hungary today, including such topics as Hungarian health care, the school system, Hungary's role within the European Union, and other current issues of the country. We’ll be led by a local expert.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. We will meet in the hotel lobby, then drive by motorcoach to the river to board a ship for dinner.

Dinner: We will say goodbye to Budapest during a dinner cruise on the Danube.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
7
Transfer to Prague
Prague
B,L,D
Vienna House Andel’s Prague

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 330 miles, up to 7 hours riding time including a lunch break and bathroom breaks.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: After check-out, we will depart Budapest on a private motorcoach to Prague, arriving in the late afternoon.

Lunch: We will stop to enjoy a light lunch with a glass of local wine in Lednice near the Czech-Slovak border. This area is well known for its vineyards.

Afternoon: Welcome to Prague! We will settle in at our hotel before attending an orientation where we will meet our Czech program staff.

Dinner: At a typical local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Architecture of Prague
Prague
B,L
Vienna House Andel’s Prague

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a tram/public transportation; under 1 hour riding time. Walking and standing for up to 3 hours. Some stairs to negotiate.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will drive by motorcoach to the House of the Black Madonna, the first Cubist structure in Prague, to attend a lecture focusing on the architecture of Prague. We’ll learn from a local expert about the important architectural styles found throughout the city, such as Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, Neo-classical, Art Nouveau, and Cubism. Afterwards, we will visit the newly-opened exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts, led by an expert. The exhibition presents Czech cubism as a style that combines fine art, applied arts, and architecture. We’ll then continue our introduction to this magnificent city as we enjoy an expert-led walk around Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.

Lunch: At a café in the Municipal House, a beautiful Art Nouveau building which we’ll arrive to on foot.

Afternoon: We will then enjoy an expert-led visit of the Municipal House and take in the spirit of pre-war Czechoslovakia. This important civic center was built on the site of the former Royal Court palace, next to the iconic 15th-century Powder Gate, between 1905 and 1912. Here, in 1918, Czechoslovakia announced its declaration of independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to enjoy a cultural performance in the city.

DAY
9
Explore Prague
Prague
B,L,D
Vienna House Andel’s Prague

Activity note: New safety rules and regulations for entry into Prague Castle require that we show a copy of your passport before entering. Please bring a copy of your passport with you on your program. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking and standing for up to 3 hours on uneven stone; stairs; walking uphill/downhill.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will set out by motorcoach to discover the wonders of Prague Castle, home of Bohemian kings and a textbook of Prague architecture itself! Standing tall amidst the magnificent Hradcany District, or Castle District, it is said to be the biggest castle in the world. Generations of Prague’s architecture will unfold before us as we explore the Prague Castle complex with a local expert, including the Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. We’ll also enjoy the remarkable art collection and city views of the Lobkowicz Palace.

Lunch: A light lunch and coffee will be served in the Lobkowicz Palace.

Afternoon: We will enjoy a midday classic concert in the 17th-century baroque concert hall of the Lobkowicz Palace. The palace offers daily concerts featuring different composers, such as Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorák, and Smetana. The rest of the afternoon is free to discover Prague on your own.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: We will attend a musical performance. Further details about the performance will be provided by the Group Leader once on the program. (Please note that the date of this performance is subject to change depending on scheduling.)

DAY
10
Challenges of European Integration, Free Time
Prague
B
Vienna House Andel’s Prague

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: At the hotel, we will get acquainted firsthand with the impact of communist rule and the changes following the fall of the Iron Curtain during a discussion and lecture about the challenges of European integration. The personal experiences of our lecturer will deepen our understanding of this time.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Gallery, Free Time or Jewish Town, Old & Lesser Towns
Prague
B,D
Vienna House Andel’s Prague

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing up to 2.5 hours at gallery. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Elective: Getting on/off a tram; walking about 2 miles, approximately 3.5 hours in the Jewish Town. Some stairs to negotiate. Walking, subway use, and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: We will drive by motorcoach to the National Gallery at the Trade Fair Palace, a gallery of magnificent art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Gaugin, and Schiele, as well as lesser known Czech and Slovak artists like Alfons Mucha and František Kupka, a pioneer of abstract art.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: We will enjoy an afternoon of time for exploring the city independently, or we may join an elective expert-led field trip in the Jewish Town. In the early evening before dinner, we will meet at the hotel for a motorcoach transfer to the Old Town. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the Old Town and over the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe. The Old Town is where we’ll find the impressive Old Town Square, the center of all events since the early Middle Ages. The stone houses, churches, palaces, and monasteries in combination with the twisty narrow streets and alleys create a very special atmosphere. We’ll continue on to the Lesser Town, a unique part of Prague with baroque palaces and the St. Nicholas Church.

Dinner: At a local restaurant near the Charles Bridge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.

Morning: Group transfers organized by flight times. Transfer to the Prague International Airport (PRG) for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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