SPECIAL NOTICE: All travel is subject to global health guidelines. Scope Travel follows the CDC’s travel recommendations to stay safe during these strenuous times
SOME SITES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SPECIAL NOTICE: All travel is subject to global health guidelines. Scope Travel follows the CDC’s travel recommendations to stay safe during these strenuous times
SOME SITES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
plus Krakow and Budapest
Krakow (3) Lviv (6) Budapest (1)
Plus : Wieliczka Crystal Caves and Slavsk Ski Resort
Visit these cities in their holiday splendor of kiosks, lighting and Christmas revelry. Join family and friends in Ukraine who will be celebrating Christmas for the first time on December 25th.
Tour cost: $2500 Land rate per person double room
Single supplement: $600
Gratuities: $120
Arriving: Krakow
Departing: Budapest
INCLUDED:
Airport transfers
English speaking tour director
Centrally located 4 star hotels: Krakow – Andel’s, Lviv – Astoria, Budapest – Astoria
Welcome dinner in Krakow and farewell dinner in Budapest
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner as specified on itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours in each city as per itinerary including admission
Touring by modern motor coach in Poland and Ukraine
Private coach transfer from Krakow to Lviv
First-class sleeper rail tickets from Lviv to Budapest
Hotel taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare from USA and Canada
SPECIAL NOTICE: All travel is subject to global health guidelines. Scope Travel follows the CDC’s travel recommendations to stay safe during these strenuous times |
Dec 20, 2023 |
Wednesday |
USA/ Canada – Krakow |
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Please be at your gateway AIRPORT at least 3 hrs prior to flight departure time. Your baggage must be checked to your final destination: KRAKOW (code KRK)
Kraków, a southern Polish city near the border of the Czech Republic, is known for its well-preserved medieval center and Jewish quarter. The old town, encircled by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls, is located on the stately, expansive Rynek Glówny (market square). This plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church.
Dec 21, 2023 |
Thursday |
KRAKOW |
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Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Afternoon walking tour will feature Wawel Royal Castle, home to three dynasties of Poland’s monarchs. You will also visit Wawel Cathedral, main burial site for Polish monarchs since the 14th century. Its 18 chapels are true architectural marvels. Following Wawel, you will walk to the Old Town, with its restored Main Square of impressive houses and palaces. There you stop at St. Mary’s Basilica to see the magnificent wooden altar. In the middle of the square is Cloth Hall, built before 1349. Renovated in the 16th c. it features many shopping stalls inside. Dinner under own arrangements.
Dec 22, 2023 |
Friday |
KRAKOW |
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After breakfast, an AM guided tour to Wieliczka Crystal Mines. Some 14km southeast of Kraków, the Wieliczka salt mine has been welcoming tourists since 1722 and today is one of Poland’s most popular attractions. It is a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, about 300km.
The salt-hewn formations include chapels with altarpieces and figures, while others are adorned with statues and monuments. And there are even underground lakes! The highlight of the tour is the vast chamber (54m by 18m, and 12m high) housing the ornamented Chapel of St. Kinga. Every single element here, from chandeliers to altarpieces, is made of salt. It took over 30 years (1895) for three men to complete this underground temple, and about 20,000 tons of rock salt had to first be removed. Other highlights are the salt lake in the Erazm Barącz Chamber, whose water is denser than the Dead Sea, and the awe-inspiring 36m-high Stanislaw Staszic.
We return to Warsaw for lunch (own arrangements) and an afternoon walking tour of the
Underground Museum of Krakow. Opened in September, 2010, this unique museum is situated underneath Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square). It was built on the site of an archaeological excavation that unveiled secrets of Krakow’s evolution since its founding in the early Middle Ages. Visitors can walk underground from the main exhibit area to other exhibit chambers over a glass-bottomed footbridge. This Museum also includes videos and medieval artefacts that will introduce tourists to the medieval times in Kraków.
Dinner in nearby restaurant.
Dec 23, 2023 |
Saturday |
Krakow / Lviv 200 mi/8-12 hrs |
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A coach will come from Lviv for your private transfer. Breakfast at hotel. Approx. 8AM departure. Prepare for a long drive. Meal/ rest stops will be made in Poland.
Upon arrival in Lviv, you will be driven to Astoria Hotel where your tour guide will meet you. Hotel Astoria **** is located across the street from the Opera Theater. It is updated with free Wi-Fi and Mon Chef Restaurant, serving European cuisine. A welcome cocktail and dinner awaits you.
Situated in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv, the “City of Lions”, is its heart and soul. Founded in the 13th c. by King Danylo Halytckyj, it was named in honor of his son Lev (Leo). Through centuries of Polish, Austrian and Soviet occupation, Lviv was the gateway to “the East”, but with independence in 1991, Lviv is finally free to develop its own Ukrainian identity.
Dec 24, 2023 |
Sunday |
Lviv Christmas Eve |
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Highlights of today’s morning city center walking tour are: Rynok, the 15-16th c. city square, the Dominican Church, Armenian Church Complex, the Chapel of the Bojim Family, the Armenian Quarters and the Opera House. Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon is free to roam the streets and shop the Christmas kiosks of Lviv.
Dinner tonight is the traditional Sviata Vechera with 12 dishes and more. They say you are supposed to fast all day until this delicious meal. However, we will not tell anyone if you break your fast early in the day for a pampushok or a drink of warm medivka!
Dec 25, 2023 |
Monday |
Lviv Christmas |
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Free day. Lunch and dinner under own arrangements.
We will provide you with a list of concerts, opera performances, symphony and theater shows. Your Lviv tour director will be more than happy to obtain tickets for you.
Dec 26, 2023 |
Tuesday |
LVIV – SLAVSK |
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Today after breakfast, a full- day excursion to Slavsk, a nearby ski resort in the Karpaty Mts. with lunch at the top of the mountain. Evening return to hotel. Dinner under own arrangements.
Dec 27, 2023 |
Wednesday |
Lviv |
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Free day. Lunch and dinner under own arrangements.
We will provide you with a list of concerts, opera performances, symphony and theater shows. Your Lviv tour director will be more than happy to obtain tickets for you.
Dec 28, 2023 |
Thursday |
Lviv / Budapest |
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Morning free. Prepare for your train journey with snacks and drinks. On the train, a food cart will pass by to offer coffee, tea sandwiches and sweets.
Today you say goodbye to family and friends. At 5:00PM, you board your overnight sleeper train to Budapest, arriving at Keleti rail station the following day at 8AM.
Dec 29, 2023 |
Friday |
Budapest |
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Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for breakfast and check-in.
At 11AM you will join your guide /coach for a tour of BUDA and PEST. From the hills of the PEST side, you will see St. Mathieu’s Church, Hungary’s Gothic Coronation Church and the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion, including the Parliament and the Historical Square on the Buda side.
Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon free.
Dinner at hotel with folkloric music.
Dec 30, 2023 |
Saturday |
Budapest / USA |
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After breakfast, morning transfer to airport for flights home.
MONTECATINI TERME – HOTEL PUCCINI**** (10)
Plus : Genoa, Bologna, Modena, Lucca, Pisa and Siena
Montecatini Terme has been well known as a spa town since the time of the Romans. The thermal hot springs make Montecatini an ideal place for wellness, relaxation and even medical treatment. There are three complexes you can visit to benefit from the thermal waters: Terme Tettuccio, Terme Excelsior and Terme Redi Thermal Complex.
Tour cost: $2990 Land rate per person double room
Single supplement: $450
Gratuities: $150
Arriving: Genoa
Departing: Genoa
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Teatro Communale di Bologna Le Come Ory by Cioachimo Rossini Conductor Ukrainian Oksana Lyniv makes history with a three-year posting at Bologna’s Teatro Comunale and the first female conductor in Italy.
Teatro Communale Pavaroti-Frenzi Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini
Lucca, home of Giacomo Puccini Church concert
INCLUDED:
Airport transfers
Centrally located first class Hotel Puccini ****
Welcome dinner/ cocktail
Daily breakfast and dinner
Dinner in Bologna and Modena
Farewell dinner with wine in Puccini Hotel
Wine and local produce tasting excursion
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
English-speaking Tour Director
Guided tours in Genoa, Bologna, Lucca, Pisa, Siena and Modena
Sightseeing tours, as per itinerary incl admission
Opera (2) and concert (1) tickets included
Hotel taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED:
Hotel city tax 1.40 Euro per person per night
Airfare (we can assist you in purchasing your airline ticket).
SPECIAL NOTICE: All travel is subject to global health guidelines. Scope Travel follows the CDC’s travel recommendations to stay safe during these strenuous times |
October 20, 2023 |
Friday |
Departure from USA |
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October 21, 2023 |
Saturday |
Arrival Genoa |
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You will be met at Genoa Airport. Immediately from the airport, we proceed on a guided city tour of this port. Genoa is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth-largest city in Italy. It is the center of the Italian Riviera and currently the largest port on the Mediterranean Sea. City tour will include Palazzo Ducale and after lunch in Genoa we continue to Montecatini Terme. 150 mi./3.5 hrs
Montecatini Terme is a town in Tuscany, Italy, known for the art nouveau Parco delle Terme spa complex. Works by Joan Miró and Claes Oldenburg hang in the MO.C.A. (Montecatini Contemporary Art), located on the first floor of the Town Hall
October 22, 2023 |
Sunday |
90 mi./3 hrs |
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After breakfast, we depart for Bologna, the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Bus city tour will include: Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the leaning Asinelli and Garisenda.
Lunch under own arrangements.
Dinner at local restaurant and evening opera performance.
October 23, 2023 |
Monday |
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After breakfast and orientation tour of Montecatini Terme and its famous spas.
Consider and reserve this day for a spa. Reservations should be made immediately upon arrival in Puccini Hotel, 21 October. This is a free day. Optional program will be submitted at a later date.
October 24, 2023 |
Tuesday |
50 mi./1.5 hrs |
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After breakfast we depart for Pisa, a city in Italy’s Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Already tilting when it was completed in 1372, the 56m white-marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to it in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Guided tour of the Piazza will include visit to Cathedral and Baptistery, whose renowned acoustics are demonstrated by amateur singers daily and the Camposanto Monumentale cemetery. Free time for lunch.
We continue to Lucca, home of Giacomo Puccini, a city situated on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th and 17th century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a museum. Our guided tour includes a visit to Basilica di San Martino, Puccini’s house and tickets to a church concert. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
October 25, 2023 |
Wednesday |
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Consider and reserve this day for a spa. Reservations should be made immediately upon arrival in Puccini Hotel, 21 October. This is a free day. Optional program will be submitted at later date.
October 26, 2023 |
Thursday |
100 mi./2.5 hrs |
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A full day bus excursion to Siena, a city in central Italy’s Tuscany region, is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square,
Our morning guided tour will include: Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown, the city’s 17 historic “contrade” (districts) extend outward from the piazza and a visit to Siena Cathedral.
Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon free for shopping. Return to Termini for dinner and overnight.
October 27, 2023 |
Friday |
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Morning drive into the country for wine tasting and local cheese. Lunch in the countryside.
Consider and reserve this afternoon in a spa. Reservations should be made immediately upon arrival in Puccini Hotel, 21 October.
October 28, 2023 |
Saturday |
100 mi./3.5 hrs |
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Today, we join our touring bus for a full day excursion to Modena, a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It’s known for its balsamic vinegar, its rich opera heritage, in addition to Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars. The Enzo Ferrari Museum has exhibits on the life and work of the car designer, plus iconic models in a futuristic building. In the 18th-century Museum Palace is the Estense Gallery, with works by Tintoretto and Correggio.
We will have a tour of this lovely city. Lunch under own arrangements and afternoon free for shopping. Dinner in local restaurant. Opera tonight in Modena!!!
October 29, 2023 |
Sunday |
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Free day. Consider a ride (few blocks from our hotel) on the funicular climb to Montecatini Alto village, home to the Torre dell’Orologio, a medieval clock tower, plus the Romanesque church of Santa Maria a Ripa and panoramic views of Tuscany.
Farewell gala dinner at hotel.
October 30, 2023 |
Monday |
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Breakfast at hotel. Departure for Genoa for our flight to USA.
PORTUGAL
May 19 – 31, 2023
LISBON – FATIMA – COIMBRA – PORTO
plus: Cabo de Roca, Fado, Obidos, Nazare, Aveiro
**** Last 5 days at a beach hotel in Porto ****
Tour Land cost: $2990 Land rate per person in double room
Single supplement: $950
Gratuities: $150
Arriving: Lisbon
Departing: Porto
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Cabo da Roca, wild and rugged headland extending into the most western point of Continental Europe
Lisbon, a pastel-colored city on seven hills ceramic tiles, Fado show
The medieval walled city of Obidos, also known as the Wedding Town
Nazare, Portugal’s most famous fishing village
Coimbra’s University and Library
Aveiro, canals and colorful boats, also known at the Portuguesa Venice
Porto, the town that gave the country its very name
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Tasting of a typical cherry liquor in Obidos
Wine tasting in the Douro Valley
Porto boat ride and tasting of the local wine
INCLUDED:
Airport transfers
Centrally located first class hotels
Daily breakfast
Welcome reception in Lisbon
Lunch with wine tasting in the Douro Valley (coffee or tea included)
Farewell dinner in Porto
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
English-speaking Tour Director
Licensed Local Guides
Sightseeing tours, as per itinerary
Admission included where indicated in bold letters
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Luggage handling at the hotel
Hotel taxes and service charges
HOTELS:
LISBON – Real Palacio / Lisbon Marriott or similar
FATIMA – Aurea / Estela De Fatima or similar
COMBRA – Vila Gale Coimbra or similar
PORTO – Eurostars Das Artes or similar
PORTO BEACH – Harbour Hotel or similar
Not included: Airfare (we can assist you in purchasing your airline ticket).
SPECIAL NOTICE: All travel is subject to global health guidelines. Scope Travel follows the CDC’s travel recommendations to stay safe during these strenuous times |
May 19, 2023 |
Friday |
Departure from USA |
May 20, 2023 |
Saturday |
LISBON Arrival |
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure to begin exploring on your own. Later, gather with your tour director and your fellow travelers for a welcome reception.
May 21, 2023 |
Sunday |
LISBON |
This morning we stroll through Baixa, Lisbon’s historic heart and commercial center. We then drive to Belem to view Belem Tower and the Discovery Monument. The Vasco de Gama tomb in the Jeronimos Monastery is next on our journey. After our tour, enjoy beautiful streets of Lisbon on your own or join option tour Dinner with Fado show. The evening is at leisure.
May 22, 2023 |
Monday |
LISBON |
This morning we depart on a half-day private sightseeing tour to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, and Cabo da Roca. Sintra boasts a historic Centre that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. After our visit to the Sintra National Palace, we continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost cape in Continental Europe. Afterwards, we travel to Cascais, a picturesque fishing town with some quirky museums, beautiful gardens and a lively fish market. Then we’re off to Estoril, a former fishing town turned cosmopolitan destination for prosperous travelers. We return to Lisbon early in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
May 23, 2023 |
Tuesday |
LISBON – FATIMA |
After breakfast, we leave Lisbon and travel north. Our first destination is Obidos, a charming village of white houses on a hill, surrounded by fourteenth century’s walls.
Here we stop for a tasting of cherry liquor. After the tasting, we proceed to Nazare. Nazare is a popular tourist attraction and picturesque village located on the Atlantic coast. Our next stop is the Monastery of Batalha, a Dominican Convent. We finish the day in Fatima, a Catholic pilgrimage destination and home to sacred sites and religious artifacts.
May 24, 2023 |
Wednesday |
FATIMA – COIMBRA |
In the morning, we travel to Tomar for a half-day sightseeing tour and visit the Luso-Hebrew Museum. We then proceed towards Buçaco to visit the famous Buçaco Forest and for an outside view of Buçaco Palace. In Coimbra, our half-day sightseeing tour includes a visit to the University and Library.
May 25, 2023 |
Thursday |
COIMBRA – PORTO |
We continue to Aveiro and Costa Nova for an orientation tour and then travel through the Douro Valley, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Traditionally, the wines from this region were transported down-river in flat-bottomed boats called “rabelos”. The wine was stored in barrels in cellars of the Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. After our lunch with wine tasting in the Douro Valley, we continue to Porto.
May 26, 2023 |
Friday |
PORTO |
During our half-day sightseeing tour of Porto, we visit the Palacio de Bolsa (the stock exchange palace) and end our tour in one of the famous wine cellars for a tasting. We then continue with a boat excursion, one of the most spectacular experiences in the city. Our afternoon is free, at leisure. In the evening gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner.
May 27, 2023 |
Saturday |
PORTO |
Breakfast, followed by our transfer to the beachfront hotel for 4 days of sun and
Located on the beachfront in Matosinhos, Harbour Inn Design Townhouse features a terrace . The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bath or shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Continental breakfast is included. Fresh fish grill is nearby. Fantastic beach and ice cream shoppe.
Porto is 0.6 miles from our hotel, while Póvoa de Varzim is 19.3 miles away. The airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, 6.2 miles from Harbour Inn Design Townhouse.
May 28, 2023 |
Sunday |
PORTO |
May 29, 2023 |
Monday |
PORTO |
May 30, 2023 |
Tuesday |
PORTO |
Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
May 31, 2023 |
Wednesday |
PORTO |
Morning transfer to airport for flight home.
The George Enescu International Music Festival pays tribute to Romania’s most famous composer, George Enescu. The Festival was organized in 1958, 3 years after the composer’s death. Since 2002 the festival is held every two years in Bucharest. Some of the world’s most famous 20th c. orchestras, singers, violinists, pianists and conductors have graced its stages.
Concert Schedule (subject to change)
Sep 11 CLUJ-NAPOCA HUNGARIAN OPERA Debussy Pelleas st Melisande, L Foster.Con
Sep 12 GEORG ENESCU PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA + CHOIR; Hannu Lintu Conductor
Sep 13 BAYRISCHES STAATSORCHESTER Wagner, Schuman, Mahler; V. Jurowski Con
Sep 17 SIBIU Performance TBA
Sep 20 BUDAPEST Performance TBA
BUCHAREST (4), BRASOV (2), SIBIU (2), BUDAPEST (4)
plus: Snagov, Sinaia, Prejmer, Viscri, Sighisoara, Esztergom, Visegrad, Szentendre
Tour cost: $3490 Land rate per person in double room
Deposit deadline $600 by March 1, 2023
Single supplement: $650
Gratuities: $160
Arriving: Bucharest
Departing: Budapest
FLIGHTS: We will assist you in obtaining your international flights from any USA or Canadian gateway city. Land rates do not include international flights from USA.
Hotels: Bucharest – Hotel Capitol****’, Brasov: Hotel Spa Aro Palace***** Sibiu – Hotel Continentsl Forum **** Budapest – Erszebet Hotel****.
TOUR DOCUMENTS: USA and Canadian citizens DO NOT require visas for Romania or Hungary.
COVID – Vaccination and masks are not required since June, 2022.
9 Sep |
Saturday |
USA / Romania |
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Please be at your gateway city of departure from USA or Canada
Check your baggage to Bucharest.
10 Sep |
Sunday |
Bucharest |
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Arrival in Bucharest where you will meet your Tour Guide at the airport. Group transfer to hotel.
Welcome dinner and accommodations in Bucharest.
11 Sep |
Monday |
Bucharest |
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Your day begins with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the largest building in Europe, currently hosting the Romanian Parliament. Also known as the People's House, this massive building is 12 stories tall and has 8 underground levels, with the last one being an anti-atomic bunker. Next, we will visit the centre of Bucharest. Walk and view Victoriei Boulevard and Magheru Street along Revolution Square, the former Royal Palace. Lipscani Street, today a commercial area, was once a place where German merchants sold their products. The ruins of the former royal court remind us of Vlad Țepeș, the Wallachian ruler who inspired the fictional character Dracula.
Dinner and accommodations in Bucharest.
Concert: Radio Hall CLUJ-NAPOCA HUNGARIAN OPERA Debussy Pelleas st Melisande, Lawrence Foster.Conductor
12 Sep |
Tuesday |
Bucharest and surroundings |
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Today, we explore the wonderful cultural sites around Bucharest. The Mogosoaia Palace is located in a park on the shore of the Mogosoaia Lake. Constantin Brancoveanu, prince of Wallachia, had this castle built in 1702 in an architectural style that combines Venetian and Oriental elements, which later became known as the Brancoveanu style. It was initially a place of residence and today it is one of the most magnificent secular buildings in Wallachia. In Snagov, we travel to a small church where Vlad Tepes is allegedly buried. We drive back to Bucharest.
Dinner and accomadations in Bucharest.
Concert: Grand Palace Hall GEORG ENESCU PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA + CHOIR Hannu Lintu Conductor, Iosif Ion Prunner Conductor of choir
13 Sep |
Wednesday |
Bucharest |
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Today we visit the Primaverii Palace, the former residence of dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. Afterwards we visit the open air ethnographical museum.
Dinner and accommodations in Bucharest.
Concert: Grand Palace Hall: BAYRISCHES STAATSORCHESTER Wagner, Schuman, Mahler; Vladimir Jurowski Conductor, Yefim Bronfman piano, Louise Aldorf, Soprano
14 Sep |
Thursday |
Bucharest - Brasov |
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In the morning, we drive by the oil fields of Ploiești to Sinaia. Here, we visit the monastery with the same name and admire its valuable frescoes. Then, we visit the Peleș Palace, the summer residence of the Romanian royal family, a modern palace built at the end at the 19th century and the main attraction in Sinaia. Its lavishly furnished rooms display among others a fresco by Gustav Klimt. Drive further to Brasov, where we explore the city with an afternoon tour.
Dinner and accommodations in Brasov.
15 Sep |
Friday |
Brasov and Surroundings |
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Drive to Bran Castle, also known as the Dracula Castle. The Bran Castle Museum is located on the former border between Transylvania and Walachia. It was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Walachia. Since then, the castle has been enlarged and restored a few times. It is known as the homestead of Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler) and the most visited attraction site in Romania. The writer Bram Stoker created the fame of the Dracula myth in our country at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the afternoon, we visit the best preserved fortified church of Transylvania in Prejmer.
Dinner in restaurant and accommodations in Brașov.
16 Sep |
Saturday |
Brasov - Viscri - Sighisoara - Sibiu |
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Morning drive to Viscri. Viscri is only one of the Saxon villages of Transylvania. It is a special place due to its great fortified church which is part of UNESCO World Heritage. People say that Viscri hides the most picturesque fortified church of the Saxons in Transylvania. Traditional lunch at a local family with local food.
Further drive to Sighișoara. Here, we take a tour to admire the most beautiful medieval townscape in Romania. We’ll see the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill, the Citadel, the former defensive towers and walls of the town and also the birthplace of the Wallachian leader, Vlad Dracul, who later became known as Count Dracula in Gothic literature and film. Wine/ liquor tasting in Sighisoara. Drive to Sibiu.
Dinner and accommodation in Sibiu
17 Sep |
Sunday |
Sibiu and Surroundings |
Today we explore the villages surrounding Sibiu, situated at the foot of the Cibin mountains. Our trip takes us to Cisnadioara. In this typical Saxon village, we will visit the oldest romanic styled church in Transylvania, dating back from the 12 th century. Situated on top of a hill, it offers us a beautiful panoramic view. Afterwards we visit Cristian, a community populated in the past by the Landler, settlers of Austrian origin. We will take a walk through the center and compare the differences between the two villages. Dinner in Sibiel, on a farm. The meal will consist of traditional Romanian dishes.
Overnight stay in Sibiu.
Concert/Ballet. TBA
18 Sep |
Monday |
Sibiu - Budapest |
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Morning drive along the Mures river, towards Budapest. Lunch on the way.
Dinner and accommodations in Budapest.
19 Sep |
Tuesday |
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Panoramic walk in the city center, with an expert guide who will share the stories, legends, and secrets of Budapest and Hungary’s classical music heritage. We’ll start the sightseeing at Váci street, a popular shopping area. The tour continues on the other side of the Danube. We’ll cross the legendary Chain Bridge and arrive at the Castle Garden where astounding architecture and rich history await visitors to this spectacular city.
The bus tour includes the Heroes’ Square, Andrássy Avenue, the State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Castle of Buda and the Citadel. Lunch in the city.
Evening Cruise, including dinner
Cruising along the „main street” of Budapest, you will enjoy the magnificent buildings on the Pest and Buda side. During this hour-long boat ride, you will get to know the bridges of the city while admiring the illuminated capital. Dinner on the boat.
Accommodation in Budapest.
20 Sep |
Wednesday |
BUDAPEST Danube Bend |
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This tour is an excursion into Hungary's history combined with breathtaking views of the Danube valley. Our guests will visit Esztergom, the center of the Hungarian Catholic Church and Visegrád, the former royal residence. Esztergom's main attraction is the Basilica, the largest church of Hungary, and the Treasury of the church, the richest collection of ecclesiastical art in Hungary. Free time in the afternoon.
Dinner and accommodations in Budapest.
Concert/Ballet. TBA
21 Sep |
Thursday |
Budapest |
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Free morning.
In the afternoon, we drive to the picturesque, small town of Szentendre. A short walking tour and the opportunity to visit one of the museums. We recommend the museum of ceramic artist, Margit Kovács and the diamond, jewelry manufactory. Dinner with gypsy music and wine in Szentendre. Drive back to Budapest.
22 Sep |
Friday |
Budapest / USA |
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Transfer to Airport.