Erno Rubik, a professor of architecture in Budapest and creator of the Rubik’s Cube, once said “if you are curious, you’ll find the puzzles around you. If you are determined, you will solve them.” At Monograms we couldn’t agree more, which is why we set out to solve the puzzle of making travel easy. And that’s why Monograms has included Budapest, Vienna, & Prague on this 10-day vacation.Like pieces to a puzzle, we want things to be simple for you, so we’ve arranged your hotel reservations, sightseeing in each city, transportation between the cities as well as transfers to/from the train stations, and daily breakfast. But that’s not all...we’ve also arranged for you to have a Local Host® in each city, an insider who will help you navigate the city, answer questions, give suggestions, and help your vacation run smoothly.Upon arrival at your hotel, you’ll meet your first Local Host, who will present you with materials on the city and help you get settled. The next morning, after an included breakfast, enjoy sightseeing with an expert local guide. Among the many sights, you’ll see Heroes’ Square, built in 1896 to represent 1,000 years of Hungarian history. No one can tell you about the history of Budapest like a local, and with your Monograms local guide, you’ll hear the inside stories. In Vienna, your sightseeing includes VIP access—and no lines—to Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg Dynasty. Prague’s Hradcany Castle, dating back to the 9th century, and Staromestske, dating back to the 12th century, are the focus on your sightseeing. Be sure to ask your Local Host in Prague for the best place to snap a photo of infamous Charles Bridge.In your spare time, perhaps visit Budapest’s St. Stephen’s Basilica for panoramic views of the city; purchase paprika at the Central Market Hall, an indoors farmers’ market; explore the Buda Castle District; or visit one of the many museums. In Vienna, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; explore one of the many art and history museums; ride the giant Ferris Wheel at Prater, a symbol of Vienna; enjoy a Viennese dinner and Strauss concert; take an excursion to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia; or just relax in a coffee house while savoring Sachertorte. Prague is the only Central European capital to escape bombing in the wars and is, therefore, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. In your spare time here, consider taking a tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter; browse the wares offered by vendors on Charles Bridge, Prague’s oldest bridge; take a dinner cruise on the Vltava (Moldau) River; or enjoy a Czech beer tour.We’ve included first-class train tickets for your travel between each city. And don’t worry…we get you to the train station and even to the right train, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride! Think about all the time and stress you save by letting us handle all the details, from hotels and transportation to included sightseeing. Your travel puzzle has been solved, just give us a call and you’ve got yourself the vacation of a lifetime!
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Transportation:
Travel by high-speed train (first class) between cities; transfers to/from train stations
Buffet breakfast daily
Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Üdvözöljük—welcome! Your Local Host is on hand to help you maximize your time in the capital of Hungary
Day 2 BUDAPEST.
Morning guided sightseeing includes impressive HEROES’ SQUARE with the Millennium Monument, built in 1896, at its center. Behind the monument is a semicircular colonnade with statues of famous men who made their marks on Hungary. Statues atop the colonnade symbolize Labor & Wealth, Knowledge & Glory, War, and Peace. Also take a drive up to the Castle District with Matthias Coronation Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, and magnificent panoramas of the city and Danube River
Day 3 BUDAPEST.
Your Local Host can recommend how best to spend your day at leisure
Day 4 BUDAPEST–VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Journey by HIGH-SPEED TRAIN (first class) to Vienna
Day 5 VIENNA.
During your morning guided sightseeing, visit splendid SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, former summer residence of the Habsburg Dynasty. See famous landmarks along the Ringstrasse, including Heldenplatz with nearby Hofburg Palace, the National Theater, the State Opera House, Parliament, City Hall, renowned museums, and the Strauss Monument—a gilded tribute to the great composer
Day 6 VIENNA.
Your Local Host will have many suggestions for your day in Austria’s “City of Music,” like the best places to sample Wienerschnitzel and where to shop for Mozartkugeln, a chocolate and marzipan treat
Day 7 VIENNA–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Travel by HIGH-SPEED TRAIN (first class) to Prague
Day 8 PRAGUE.
Morning guided sightseeing includes views of 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle and a walk in the CASTLE COURTYARDS. See STAROMESTSKE SQUARE, which dates back to the 12th century and started life as the central marketplace for the city. It is surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful churches, and the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall tower. Also admire Prague’s famous Charles Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering and one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe
Day 9 PRAGUE.
With a full day at leisure to enjoy the “Golden City,” consider ideas from your Local Host such as a visit to the Strahov Monastery and Library
Day 10 PRAGUE.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Courtyard by Marriott City Center
First-Class
Jozsef Krt. 5 Budapest Hungary
The Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center is housed in a building that is a combination of contemporary and traditional styles with a beautifully restored historic facade. The hotel features 234 spacious guest rooms and 7 meeting rooms for functions and events.
Budapest Marriott
Deluxe
Apaczai Csere Janos U.4 Budapest Hungary
This modern 364 room property enjoys a prime downtown location and offers convenience blended with style. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and the hotel has a fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi. The trendy Mediterranean Grill restaurant serves tasty Hungarian dishes and the stylish lounge bar offers tapas style food and cocktails.
Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark
Am Stadtpark 1,A Wien Austria
A modern 579 room property offering comfortable luxury. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and access in guestrooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). Leisure facilities include a well-equipped gym with sauna and steambath, a contemporary style restaurant with a terrace for al fresco dining during the summer months and a lobby bar & lounge.
Art Deco Imperial Hotel
Deluxe
Na Porici 15, 110 00 Prague Czech Republic
An historic 126-room ornate property oozing old world glamour with architecture dating back to 1913. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. This hotel is home to the famous Cafe Imperial which specializes in traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist and there is also a fashionable bar for drinks and snacks. The Spa offers a sauna, steam room as well as a fitness center.
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Deluxe
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.
Astoria
First-Class
Rybná 10 Prague Czech Republic
A modern 80-room hotel located on a quiet side street, right in the heart of Prague's Old Town just a short walk away from the 11th-century Powder Tower and Old Town Square. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the building and there is a breakfast room where a buffet breakfast is served daily. The comfortable, air-conditioned guestrooms provide an ideal place to relax with complimentary coffee/tea-making facilities.