A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY TO EASTERN EU

A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY TO EASTERN EUROPE … Romance 16 DAYS Luxury CZECH REPUBLIC Prague FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 5 STAYED AT Hotel Residence Agnes WOULD E...
Author: Phoebe Mills
4 downloads 2 Views 716KB Size
A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY TO EASTERN EUROPE …

Romance

16 DAYS

Luxury

CZECH REPUBLIC Prague FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 5

STAYED AT

Hotel Residence Agnes

WOULD EAT AGAIN AT

Buddha-Bar Restaurant Cafe Imperial Finestra Siddharta Cafe Svata Klara Ambiente Pasta Fresca Choco Café

Coda Kampa Park La Degustation Terasa U Zlaté studnÄ› Triton Maitrea ŽofÃn Garden

La

1. Old Town Square

MUST DO'S

2. Charles Bridge 3. Prague Castle 4. St. Vitus Cathedral 5. Prague on Segway 6. PetÅ™Ãn Lookout Tower 7. Obecnà dům (Municipal House) 8. Neighbourhood of Malá Strana 9. Choco Café 10. Golden Lane 11. Lobkowicz Palace 12. Bunkr Parukarka 13. Palladium Shopping Centre 14. Prague Zoo 15. Strahov Monastery 16. Zizkov 17. Dancing House 18. Authentic Czech Cuisine 19. Excursion to Kutna Hora 20. KarlÅ¡tejn Castle Tour

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THIS TRIP... Day 1: 1. Visit the biggest ancient castle on the globe, the Prague Castle, former seat of Czech kings, Holy Roman emperors, and later presidents of Czechoslovakia, for many years. Be enthralled by the ceremonial ‘Change of the Guard’ that occurs every hour. 2. Take a stroll along the picturesque Golden Lane boasting of quaint and charming doll-like houses dating back to the 16th century. Admire the goldsmith’s workshop, the alchemists’ laboratory, get your fortune read by a fortune-teller, and buy souvenirs as well. 3. Visit the St Vitus Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. View the royal marble mausoleum with the royal crypt in front of the main altar, the two tall towers on the west side, the Bell Tower on the south side, and many more attractions. 4. Take an audio-guided tour of the Lobkowicz Palace, marvel at the well preserved collections of artworks ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries. View the numerous musical instruments, original scores, rare

manuscripts by Mozart and Beethoven, and much more. 5. Shop to your heart’s delight at the ultra modern Palladium Shopping Centre. Pamper yourself at a salon and enjoy some delicious foods at one of the restaurants and cafés here. Day 2: 1. Visit Prague Zoo, located in the beautiful and rugged Trojan basin and be enchanted by around 670 species and 5,000 animals living together in harmony. 2. Admire the Art Nouveau décor of the beautiful Municipal House, one of the largest and well-preserved complexes in the world. Take a guided tour and marvel at the original wallpaper, light fittings, mahogany furniture, steel clocks, numerous statues, works by Czech and foreign artists, and more. 3. Head to the historic Old Town Square and marvel at the fascinating Baroque and Gothic style architecture of the structures. View the most striking feature, the famous Astronomical Clock, which is also the oldest of its kind in Europe. 4. Hop on to a Segway, learn to navigate it from your guide and explore this magical and historical city in a unique way. Choose from the several tour operators and the scores of tour on offer. 5. Embark on an exciting guided tour (Taste of Prague Food Tours) of sensory delights and gain insights on the finer nuances of traditional Czech food along with vignettes of the country’s history and culture. Day 3: 1. Visit the 14th century Karlstejn Castle and choose from one of the two guided tours to explore it. Admire the majestic layout of the castle walls and the towers soaring over it. 2. Marvel at the interesting structure of the Dancing House, a magnificently designed building which represents a man and a woman dancing together. Head to the top floor that has a gallery and restaurant ‘Ginger & Fred’ and enjoy breathtaking views of Prague from the terrace. 3. Enjoy a romantic walk on the beautifully lit Charles Bridge which is lined with 15 Baroque statues of religious figures on each side. 4. End the day with some drinks, music and dance at one of trendy pubs, bars or clubs in the Zizkov District, a former industrial suburb. Day 4: 1. Wander around the picturesque Mala Stranan, a historic district in Prague. Appreciate the Baroque architecture all around and explore this charming neighborhood walking on cobble-stoned streets revelling in the old-world charm. 2. Climb up the 299 steps to reach the famous PetÅ™Ãn Lookout Tower that is set in a landscaped garden, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and beyond. 3. Step into a world of tranquility and spirituality at the Strahov Monastery, one of the oldest Premonstratensian monasteries that still exist in the world. Get awestruck by the sheer magnificence and exquisite architecture of the monastery. 4. Enjoy partying with your beloved at Bunkr Parukarka, a former underground war shelter. Now a nightclub with murals and graffiti adorning its walls, immerse yourself in the various genres of electronic music playing here. Day 5: 1. Choose between a half-day and a full-day tour to explore the charming town of Kutná Hora, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Admire the architecture here that ranges from medieval times to Gothic to Baroque and Renaissance. 2. Spend some time unwinding and indulging in sinful chocolates with 50 flavours of hot chocolate on offer at the cosy Choco Café and savour some traditional Czech desserts as well.

HUNGARY Budapest FROM DAY 6 TO DAY 11

STAYED AT

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

WOULD EAT AGAIN AT

Spoon The Boat Restaurant Rickshaw Restaurant New York Klassz Muzeum Cafe and Restaurant Halaszbastya Restaurant Café Pierrot Restaurant Brasserie & Atrium Borkonyha Winekitchen Arany Kaviár Étterem Spinoza Café Gelarto Rosa - Ice Cream shop Book Café Cafe Ruszwurm

1. Castle Hill Walking Tour

MUST DO'S

2. Hungarian Parliament Building 3. St. Stephen's Basilica 4. Hungarian State Opera House 5. Fisherman's Bastion 6. Thermal Baths in Budapest 7. Chain Bridge 8. Andrassy Avenue & Hereos' Square 9. Danube River Cruise 10. Margaret Island 11. Palvolgyi Cave Tour 12. Váci Utca (Street) 13. Faust Wine Cellar 14. Buddhaattitude Spa 15. Szimpla Kert 16. Explore Lake Balaton 17. Chairlift to Janos Hill 18. Matthias Church 19. Hungarian Cooking Class 20. Capital Circus

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THIS TRIP... Day 6: 1. Take a non-stop one and a half hour morning flight from Prague to Budapest and check-in to your hotel. 2. Get a glimpse into the fascinating history of the city on an enthralling Castle Hill Walking Tour. Explore gems such as Sandor Palace, National Dance Theatre, Fishermen’s Bastion, Vienna Gate, Matthias Church, Hotel Hilton, Royal Place, and many more here. 3. Take a guided tour of the imposing and historic Hungarian Parliament Assembly, the seat of the Member of Parliament as well as the office of the Prime Minister. See attractions such as the Main Staircase, the Hungarian Crown Jewels, the Old House of Lords, etc. 4. Appreciate the Neo-Renaissance structure and catch a concert, opera or ballet performance at the Hungarian State Opera House. Day 7: 1. Stroll along the tree lined service roads of the elegant Andrassy Avenue, which features beautiful buildings, luxury boutiques, charming cafés, etc. Admire the numerous breathtaking statues and the Millennium Tower at the Heroes’ Square. 2. Head to St Stephen's Basilica, a Roman Catholic Church which has Hungary’s largest bell in its south tower. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the dome’s observation deck. 3. Sample authentic Hungarian wines from the country's best wine-growing regions at the historic Faust Wine Cellar, part of a vast labyrinth underneath the Buda Castle. 4. Take a stroll in the bustling street of Váci Utca and indulge in retail therapy at the trendy stores, fashion boutiques, and gift shops here. 5. Take in the scintillating views of the city as you walk along the gorgeous Chain Bridge connecting Buda to Pest. 6. Marvel at the popular attractions of the city illuminated under the night sky while enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner aboard the Danube River Cruise. Day 8: 1. Embark on a thrilling 45-min guided Palvolgyi Cave Tour, considered to be the longest cave system in Hungary. Climb cliffs, crawl through narrow passages and walk along the artificial foot way to explore the impressive stalactite rock formations. 2. Enjoy the chairlift ride to Janos Hill; head to the Erzsebet lookout tower, the highest point in the city, to enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.

3. Experience the pulsating night life of Budapest at Szimpla Kert, the earliest ruin pub to open in Hungary and considered to be the third coolest bar in the world. Day 9: 1. Get a glimpse into the Hungarian food culture as you join a fun and interactive Hungarian Cooking Class which involves a visit the Central Market Hall. 2. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the warm waters of ‎one of the reputed Thermal Baths of the city such as the Széchenyi Baths, Gellert Baths, Kiraly Baths, Rudas Baths, etc. Day 10: 1. Explore the largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton, famous for its natural beauty, recreation activities, lake resorts, and beautiful vineyards. 2. Pamper yourself to a wellness treatment at the luxurious Buddhaattitude Spa, offering an extensive range of sophisticated and customised spa treatments. Day 11: 1. Enjoy a romantic picnic at Margaret Island, a green oasis located in middle of the Danube River. Visit the Rose and Japanese Gardens, enjoy a dip in Palatinus (thermal bath), go cycling, sit by the Musical Fountain, and take a walk through the medieval ruins here. 2. Experience a classic circus performance at Capital Circus, Europe’s oldest continually operating and only permanent circus. Get enthralled with amazing acrobatics, juggling acts, animal shows, and many other incredible acts. 3. Take a one-stop flight to reach Dubrovnik. Do note that there are no direct flights for this route.

CROATIA Dubrovnik FROM DAY 12 TO DAY 16

STAYED AT

Villa Dubrovnik

WOULD EAT AGAIN AT

Al Fresco Bar Giardino Konoba Dalmatino Palm Terrace Restaurant Proto Restaurant 360° Restaurant Pjerin at Hotel Kazbek Orsan

Poklisar Prora Beach Dubrovnik Restaurant

1. Dubrovnik Old Town

MUST DO'S

2. Walls of Dubrovnik 3. Cable Car to Mount Srd 4. Mljet Island 5. Lokrum Island 6. Villa Dubrovnik 7. Fort Lovrijenac 8. Fort Bokar 9. Fort St John 10. Fort Imperial 11. Banje Beach 12. Old Port 13. Copacabana Beach 14. Peljesac Peninsula 15. Rent a Boat 16. Dubrovnik Cathedral 17. Dubrovnik Backstreets 18. Trsteno Arboretum 19. Savour the Traditional Cuisine

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THIS TRIP... Day 12: 1. Lose yourself in the medieval charm of the Old Town of Dubrovnik while exploring the historical gems hidden here. Marvel at the City Cathedral, the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St Blaise, and many other attractions. 2. Take a walking tour of the Walls of Dubrovnik and marvel at this majestic creation of man that boasts of a complex system of forts, towers, casemates, bastions, and more structures as a means of fortification. 3. Enjoy marvellous views of the outer western part of Fort Lovrijenachead from Fort Bokar, a former prison that boasts of beautiful architecture. 4. Visit the main point of defence of the city, Fort of St John, which houses the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum (upper floors) and the Dubrovnik Aquarium (ground floor). or 4. Admire the imposing Lovrijenac Fortress, considered as one of the world’s most beautiful venues for Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. 5. Head to the Old Port in the evening; visit any of the restaurants for a meal or drink, stroll around and take in the serenity of the place. or 5. Visit the most popular beach in South Damatia, the Banje Beach. At dusk, the beach turns into a party place, with the DJ spinning exciting tracks to dance on. Day 13: 1. Take in some breathtaking views of the ancient city from high up in the air aboard a cable car to Mount Srd. Explore the museum within the precincts of Fort Imperial that is dedicated to the defence of the city during the Croatian War of Independence. 2. Take a short 15-min ferry ride from the city’s Old Port to the beautiful Lokrum Island; stroll along the Botanical Gardens, explore the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery, admire views from Fort Royal and go swimming here. 3. Visit the imposing Dubrovnik Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. View the several altars and admire the paintings, huge collection of sacred objects, and many more interesting objects here. 4. Go off the beaten track and lose yourself in the back streets of this fascinating town strolling on the cobblestone streets. Day 14: 1. Take a boat ride to MIjet Island, the country’s greenest island to enjoy the turquoise blue waters of the

Adriatic and the serenity of nature. Explore the Odyssey’s Cave, cycle along the lush island, spend some time at the two salted lakes, go kayaking in the lovely waters or dive in and enjoy a swim here. 2. Dig into some scrumptious Croatian dishes such as grilled prawns, mussels in wine sauce, cuttlefish risotto, and more at any of the lovely restaurants. Day 15: 1. Get set for a thrilling boat ride, choose from a half-day to a full-day tour with or without a skipper and discover the beautiful Elaphiti Islands with its reefs, bays, hidden caves, and more. 2. Spend the evening unwinding at a beach bar in Copacabana Beach. Indulge in water sports and later dig into some delicious bites at one of the two restaurants here, which turn into night-clubs by dusk. Day 16: 1. Spend a day amidst nature at the 15th century built Trsteno Arboretum spread over 63 acres within the small settlement of Trsteno. Gaze in awe at the two 500-year old Oriental Planes and explore the summer residence of the GuÄetić-Gozze family here. or 1. Take a day-trip to the Peljesac Peninsula and visit a winery there and sample the palatable wines, stroll around taking in the scenic beauty and embark on a hike on any of the hiking routes here.