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JEWISH
HERITAGE - CENTRAL EUROPE
Budapest ~ Vienna ~ Prague
Wednesday
Depart the United States to Budapest, Hungary.
Thursday
BUDAPEST
Arrive in Budapest, often called the "Paris of the East" and transfer
to your hotel. This lively enchanting city, divided by the Danube,
retains its special Hungarian and Magyar flavor. Remainder of the
day at leisure to enjoy all the delights of this city's boulevards,
castles and museums. Stroll its old-world cobbled streets with charming
cafes. View the Chain Bridge over the brown "blue" Danube and the
nearby Royal Palace.
Overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.
 Friday
BUDAPEST
Morning tour of the historical old Jewish section of the city includes
the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial, the newly restored Dohany
Street Synagogue, the medieval Synagogue of Obuda and the impressive
Raoul Wallenberg Monument. Afternoon at leisure. Time to roam on
your own through the pedestrian mall and market. In the evening,
attend Friday night services and meet the Rabbi.
Overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.
Saturday
BAR/BAT MITZVAH CELEBRATION
Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at a Neolog synagogue (Conservative) in
Budapest, followed by a "kiddush" with the local Hungarian Jewish
community. Afternoon tour features the impressive House of Parliament,
the medieval Castle district, Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church,
Heroes' Square and Gellert Hill with its magnificent panoramic views
of the city. Dinner at the world-famous Gundel restaurant with the
best Gypsy music in all of Hungary.
Overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.
Sunday
BUDAPEST
Take a boat ride along the Danube to Szentendre, the charming artists'
colony in the Danube Bend. Walk through the quaint, winding streets
lined with shops, visit the Margit Kovacs Ceramic Museum and see
the artisans and their local crafts. Return to Budapest by bus.
On your own you may visit the famous City Park Zoo, one of Europe's
oldest, known for its wonderful architecture, the smallest monkeys
and the largest adders in the world.
Overnight at the Kempinski Hotel.
Monday
BUDAPEST - VIENNA
Depart Budapest by van with driver (no guide) for Vienna, Austria's
capital city, renowned for its elegant shops, museums, parks, gardens
and the historic sites on the Ringstrasse, Vienna's famous boulevard.
Remainder of day at leisure to "waltz" your way through one of Europe's
most beautiful cities. Climb to the top of St Stephen's Cathedral
or the Danube Tower for spectacular views of the city or visit one
of Vienna's many museums.
Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Tuesday
VIENNA
Panoramic sightseeing tour, which includes the Parliament building,
City Hall, the prestigious State Opera House, the majestic Hofburg,
Judenplatz (where the Jewish quarter was established) and the new
Holocaust Memorial. Visit the imperial Schoenbrunn Palace, the "Versailles
of Austria," with its opulent interior and see the Hall of Mirrors
where Mozart, at age six, gave a command performance. Afternoon
at leisure.
Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Wednesday
VIENNA
Drive past the Roman spa resort of Baden. Continue to the former
hunting lodge at Mayerling, where Crown Prince Rudolf is said to
have committed suicide. After a visit to the Cistercian Abbey of
Heiligenkreuz, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Europe's largest subterranean
lake. Return to Vienna. On your own, visit Vienna's famous Prater
Park and take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of Vienna's
landmarks. There are over 200 booths and attractions, including
merry go-rounds, speedy go carts, a House of Mirrors and an ultra
modern roller coaster. Austrians love to have fun!
Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Thursday
VIENNA - PRAGUE
 Depart
Vienna by van with guide and driver to Prague, capital of the Czech
Republic. Drive through the lush, picturesque landscape of southern
Bohemia. Stop at the magical medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. After
lunch, continue to Ceske Budejovice - home of Budweiser Beer - with
its medieval homes and unique historical square. Continue on to
the Gothic castle of Hluboka, built in the 13th century, with its
rare collection of furniture, Flemish tapestries, china and fine
art. Evening arrival in Prague.
Overnight at the Palace Hotel.
Friday
PRAGUE
Morning walking tour of the old Jewish quarter, a vast network of
buildings and synagogues. Stop at the Jewish State Museum, the Alt-Neu
Schul, built in 1270, the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkus Synagogue,
the Jewish Town Hall with its famous Hebrew clock and the ancient
cemetery that dates back to the 15th century. Then, walk along the
cobblestone streets of Old Town to the Gothic Town Hall and the
incredible Astronomical Clock, built in 1490. Afternoon tour of
historic Prague includes Hradcany Castle, seat of Bohemian kings
and Roman emperors, with its St Vitus Cathedral and the vaulted
halls of the Royal Palace. Then, on to quaint and picturesque Golden
Lane where Franz Kafka's house is located. Time to explore the Old
Town on your own or to walk over the Charles Bridge to Lesser Town.
Overnight at the Palace Hotel.
 Saturday
PRAGUE
Morning drive to Terezin, the former Nazi concentration camp to
see the Menorah Memorial, cemetery, and the small fortress. Return
to Prague in the afternoon. Remainder of the day at leisure. On
your own, visit the Toy Museum, Europe's second largest toy exhibit,
which houses ancient and contemporary toys from around the world.
Farewell dinner at the Nebozizek Restaurant, famous for its excellent
cuisine and its views of the illuminated city.
Overnight at the Palace Hotel.
Sunday
PRAGUE - DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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