Discover some of the hottest locations in Central Europe with a trip that offers you loads of free time and a local leader with all the best recommendations on how to spend it. Start off in Budapest and maybe choose to wander the iconic ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. Head to cosmopolitan Vienna, perfect for art lovers, and marvel at the historical architecture before tucking into some kaffe and kuchen at a local café that empowers the city's older citizens with employment and purpose. Dip into scenic Salzburg and explore the city backdropped by mountains – home to Mozart’s birthplace and an epic fortress overlooking the town. Soak in all the natural beauty and iconic sights in Bled, then end it all in Venice (pizza and wine, anyone?).
- Day 1 - Budapest
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins in the gorgeous dual city of Budapest with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll around the grand architecture and boulevards to get your bearings. Maybe explore one of the local markets and pick up a langos (a deep-fried Hungarian pastry with different toppings). Why not head out to Statue Park to get an insight into the city’s past or take a soak in one of the many thermal bath complexes around town. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a group of friends together for a Hungarian feast of goulash or check out some ruin bars – bustling nightlife hubs great for groups in the Jewish Quarter, these bars feature a whole heap of weird and wonderful decor.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Due to the popularity of the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, we recommend booking this in advance if you wish to visit at: parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
- Day 2 - Vienna
Hop on a train this morning to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) with your group at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
- Day 3 - Vienna
You’re free to choose your own adventure today, and Vienna has a lot to offer! For art lovers, there's a vast array of museums, including the Albertina, the Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien and the Museum of Modern Art. Those interested in 19th and 20th-century Austrian art should visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt's painting 'The Kiss'. Check out the colourful Hundertwasserhaus or the dome of the Secession building. Perhaps visit the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the neo-classical Graben or wander through Hofburg Palace – once the imposing winter retreat of Habsburg royals and now the official residence of the Austrian president. If you want to see something impressive, head to the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture.
Special information: If you wish to visit the Schoenbrunn Palace today, be aware that the gardens are free to all visitors but there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at.
- Day 4 - Salzburg
Travel to Salzburg this morning via train – this Austrian hub on the border of Germany is backdropped by the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River. When you arrive, you’ll have a full free day to explore all this gorgeous city has to offer, from the Old City to the New City. Maybe head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic if the weather's nice or discover Mozart’s birthplace. Maybe walk along the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg and take in the architecture (you can also pay to get inside) or find a great viewpoint and snap some photos of the city in the shadow of the mountains, with the fortress looming above on the hill. Tonight, why not ask your local leader for the best spot for dinner.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
- Day 5 - Bled
Hop on a train to the Slovenian resort town of Bled. Sitting at the edge of the Julian Alps, this place is full of panoramic sights and the rail journey from Salzburg is a great way to start! Grab a window seat if you can, as you'll be crossing the Alps through a tunnel that sits 1300 m above sea level, with mountain vistas on every side. When you arrive, follow your leader to the shore of glistening Lake Bled, where many of the town’s attractions can be seen. After soaking in the sights with your group, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own route. For a taste of the local cuisine, try some Bled cake made of vanilla, custard, cream and pastry (many local cafes and cake shops claim theirs is the best, so maybe try a few and compare). After settling into your accommodation tonight, why not head out for a group dinner.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
- Day 6 - Bled
Today you have a free day to enjoy all the fun activities Bled has to offer (calling all nature lovers!) Maybe take a full-day adventure around Triglav Massive – there are many outdoor activities available here to get the heart rate up, like rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming in the warmer months. Why not hire a bike and head out of town to Vintgar Gorge, where you can walk through a natural canyon. Perhaps explore Bled Castle, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the lake, or catch a pletna (small wooden boat) over to the island in the middle of the lake to ring the wishing bell. Your leader will have all the best options, so be sure to chat with them for their recommendations. If you’d prefer to have a relaxing day and the sun is out, maybe just find a quiet spot near the lake and spend the day reading or people-watching.
- Day 7 - Venice
This morning, travel to Venice. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. A city of canals, Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader – the best way to see Venice is by foot – passing by the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. There are shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner here, so there’s plenty to explore. Tonight, what better to do than tuck into some iconic Italian cuisine (and maybe a big glass of vino) with your group.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
Be prepared for stairs and getting on and off transport today. Please keep your luggage as small and light as possible. You'll need to be able to lift your luggage into storage racks, walk across cobblestone streets with it and carry it up and down stairs.
- Day 8 - Venice
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave your accommodation at any time after checkout. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Italy’s city of canals is an extraordinary place to see on foot, and if you’d like to spend an extra day or two exploring, just speak to your booking agent.
0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
