Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Prague, Budapest-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 3 nights Prague
- 3 nights Budapest
- Transportation between cities by modern air-conditioned motorcoach
- Breakfast daily
Special Features
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Jewish Prague (#4) PM |
Day #3 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $50
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This afternoon visit the historic Jewish quarter in Prague, Josefov (Joseph's Town). Starting with a walk through Old Town, arrive at the birth house of Franz Kafka, which marks the entrance of the original Jewish quarter. In this guided tour, learn the history of original Jewish ghetto and of the oldest synagogue in Middle Europe, Old-New Synagogue. Walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery and visit the most famous synagogues that are part of the unique Prague Jewish Museum complex.
Departs 3:00pm Apr - Oct; 2:00pm Nov - Mar from Na Príkope, 23. Drop-off in city center.
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| Prague Panoramic (#2) 9:30 AM |
Day #3 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $21
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This morning, enjoy an introduction to Prague, the famous "City of a Hundred Spires". From the comfort of a modern air-conditioned motor coach, view Old Town, Charles Bridge and Lesser Town while listening to commentary through headphones. Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle independently. After walking around Prague Castle, continue again by bus through Old Town Square near Municipal House to return to Na Príkope 23, where the tour ends. Tour departs from Na Príkope, 23. Drop-off in city center.
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| Folklore Dinner (#21) 7:00 PM |
Day #3 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $75
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Tonight, enjoy an evening of folklore and music at a lively restaurant. Try delicious regional dishes and drinks as local performers present customary dances and songs in traditional dress. Tour departs from Na Príkope, 23. Drop-off at hotel.
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| Kutna Hora (#18) PM |
Day #4 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $55
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This afternoon depart for Kutná Hora, a medieval center of silver-mining. The variety of Kutná Hora architectural monuments and its well preserved town center structure reflect its ancient fame and wealth. Begin with a stroll around Kutná Hora to visit the Gothic cathedral of St. Barbara and Italian Court. Admire the beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque burgher houses within the city center. Continue to Sedlec, where legend has it that a handful of earth from Christ's grave was brought to and scattered over the Ossuary, thus turning it into a pilgrimage site for believers from all over Central Europe. Visit the Ossuary chapel decorated by more than 40 000 human bones, including a chandelier and a crest of noble family Schwarzenberg.
Departs 1:00pm Apr - Oct, 12:30pm Nov - Mar from Na Príkope, 23. Drop-off in city center.
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| Karlovy Vary (#10) AM |
Day #4 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $85
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This morning, visit the largest and most celebrated Czech spa in Karlovy Vary. Named after Emperor Charles IV, who founded the town in the late 14th century, Karlovy Vary is world-famous. Such celebrities as Russian tsar Peter the Great and world-famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe have praised the healing effects of the town's local mineral springs. This town and spa has been popular also with the production of world-famous Bohemian Czech crystal Moser, with local china production known as Karlovarský porcelán (porcelain of Karlovy Vary) and with production of delicious herb spirit Becherovka. The tour begins with the Becherovka museum. After the museum, continue with a walk in the town center to see Vrídlo (Giant Spring) which is the most famous spring in Karlovy Vary. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful town or swim in an outdoor swimming pool.
Departs 8:45am Apr - Oct, 9:15am Nov - Mar from Na Príkope, 23. Drop-off in city center.
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| Budapest City Tour (#2) 10:00 AM |
Day #6 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $37
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Today, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Budapest. Beginning in Pest, view the Hungarian Parliament Building before crossing the Danube via the Margaret Bridge. The tour continues to the Royal Castle on the Buda side. Once there, visit the Fishermen's Bastion on Castle Hill and the 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church. Following a photo stop at the Citadel on Mount Gellert, which offers one of the most spectacular views of the city, cross the Elisabeth Bridge and drive toward Heroes' Square, the central site of the Millennium Memorial and the statesmen sculptures. Upon your return to the city center, enjoy views of the Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica in passing.
Departs at 10:00 a.m. Pick-up from hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off in city center.
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| Szentendre Nostalgia (#6) 10:00 AM |
Day #7 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $55
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Visit Szentendre, the colorful artists' village. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Baroque city center and coffee and cake at the Confectionery Museum, followed by free time to shop in the charming boutiques or visit the Kovács Múzeum. Afterward, return by motor coach to Budapest.
Departs at 10:00 a.m. Pick-up from hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at the city center.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Czech Republic - Spring and Autumn: 25–70ºF; Summer: 50–85ºF; Winter: 10–35ºF. Temperatures vary significantly within the country, with Brno and Ostrava having substantially more extreme temperature ranges compared to Prague and Plzen. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Czech Republic Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather.
| Hungary - Spring and Autumn: 45–60ºF; Summer: 60–80ºF; Winter: 25–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen.
Hungary Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Czech Republic - Some favorite souvenirs include Bohemian glass or crystal, porcelain, pottery, exquisite Christmas ornaments, and fine lace and embroidery work. Craftsmen and artisans often form associations and run their own retail stores, where you can often find high quality workmanship. Jewelry incorporating semi-precious stones, especially garnets, is another Czech specialty.
| Hungary - Hungary is renowned for its food and beverage products, especially fine red paprika, brandies, and Unicum liqueur. Additionally, traditional items such as ceramics, embroidery work, painted eggs, crystal ware, and costumed dolls are highly popular.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Czech Republic - The Czech Koruna is the currency of the Czech Republic.
| Hungary - The Hungarian Forint is the currency of Hungary.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Czech Republic - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
| Hungary - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Czech Republic
- Ambulance/Medical: 112 or 155
- Fire: 150
- Police: 158
| Hungary
| | Languages | Czech Republic - Czech is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Hungary - Hungarian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Czech Republic - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Hungary - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Czech Republic - Dress should be conservatively casual. Normal courtesies should be observed. Please note that punctuality is important, and if you arrive late at the theater or opera, you may be denied entrance.
| Hungary - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed and when addressing a newly met acquaintance, both first and last name should be used. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public buildings.
| | Holidays - Czech Republic |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Days |
Mar 21 |
Good Friday |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 28 |
Spring Festival (Monday following Orthodox Easter) |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 8 |
Liberation Day |
| May 12 |
Whit Monday |
May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
| Jul 5 |
Saints Cyril and Methodius |
Jul 6 |
Jan Hus Day |
Sep 28 |
St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)y |
Oct 28 |
Independent Czechoslovak Day |
Nov 17 |
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
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| | Holidays - Hungary |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Mar 15 |
National Day |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 11 |
Pentecost |
Aug 20 |
St. Stephen's Day |
Oct 23 |
National Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saint's Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
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