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Departure Times

Highlights

The exotic “Pearl of the Danube", Budapest is a city that marvels with its grand architecture, and enchanting mix of European & Asian influences.  The sheer scale of Budapest rivals that of Paris and gives you a plethora of options for sightseeing and activities during a weekend visit. From the Dohany Synagogue, the world’s second largest and one of the most beautiful, to its famous, thermal Turkish baths (massages for less than 25 Euro!), to its wild nightlife scene, this city has something on tap for everybody.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Budapest - Arrival on your own, room check-in available from 3pm (you will be sent exact instructions on how to arrive). Activities start from Friday morning.

*Transportation Package - Depart Florence/Rome via luxury coach w/DVD movies for overnight ride to Budapest. Stops for dinner/bathroom along the way..  Friday morning arrival to Budapest with a little time to drop bags (check in to rooms available from 3pm) get some food and freshen up before walking tour starts.

**Evening options, and nightlife, in Budapest can include -  the city's very unique, and cheap, “Ruin” Bars in the heart of the historic district, an optional party boat cruise with 2 hours all you can drink and entrance to one of Budapest's top clubs, a pub crawl, live classical music concerts, etc. You will receive detailed evening options & recommendations (and any booking info for optional tours, excursions, concerts, pub crawls, events, etc.) by email with the day to day itinerary, & online e-guide you will be sent before the trip’s start.

Day 2 - Budapest - Breakfast included.  You'll meet the guide for a professionally guided walking tour of Budapest at 10am.  Tour will include stops such as St. Stephen's Basilica, Elizabeth Square, Archduke Joseph Square, the Chain Bridge & Danube Promenade, the Shoe Memorial and eventually to the seat oft the Hungarian Parliament and the imposing parliament building (Europe's 2nd largest!).  Following an afternoon break for lunch, and free time, you'll take a scenic 1 hour 10 min. boat cruise along Budapest's historic Danube river to see the city's incredible architecture from the water (starting at approx. 5:30pm-6pm/17:30-18:00 from April-September, and starting between 3:30pm-4:30pm/15:30-16:30) from October-March).  Free evening to further explore the amazing city, and take in the nighttime atmosphere, from a great dinner, a classical music concert, or hitting up the city's unique and cheap "Ruin Bars" in the heart of the historic center.  There are also organized nightlife options like a pub crawl or even a party boat cruise..

Day 3 - Budapest - Breakfast included. Today is a leisurely day as you'll head to the famous Szechenyi thermal baths for relaxation in its thermal pools and saunas.  All day entrance ticket included and you can go at the time you want (massages are available as is a unique "beer spa" experience with all you can drink beer!).  Beyond the thermal baths, it's a free day to explore Budapest and its sights, museums, shopping , etc. and a possible caving excursion underneath Buda Hill!.  Free evening.

Day 4 - Budapest - Breakfast included. Free day and departure on your own (if you have a later departure you can leave your bags with reception).

**T*ransportation Package - Early morning departure from Budapest back to Florence/Rome with arrival very late Sunday night/early Monday morning.

****Trip Style - This is an independent trip ideal for groups of friends, family, couples, or even for an independent-minded solo traveler. It is designed as a travel & destination package, not solely as a "group trip". You will be on group tours/activities with other travelers and in a room with other travelers if you book the "shared dorm hostel" package (if you book the "private" room package then you of course will be in your own private room). You will however, have independent time between the guided group tours/activities to explore on your own and do as you please, and will receive a detailed info packet by email with numerous recommendations for additional group activities or tours (beyond what is included), sights/museums and food/drink/nightlife info, etc. It's a great balance between guided & included tours/activities and free time so that you have plenty of time on your own to do what you want.