Budapest, Hungary - Brussels, Belgium 14 day trip

About Budapest

Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. It is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation center, sometimes described as the primate city of Hungary. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest's extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes' Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. The city contains around 80 geothermal springs and a plethora of remarkable attractions, such as the Castle Hill, the neo-Gothic Parliament, Saint Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church, Dohany Street Synagogue, and more.

Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. It is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation center, sometimes described as the primate city of Hungary. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest's extensive World Heritage Site includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes' Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second-oldest metro line in the world. The city contains around 80 geothermal springs and a plethora of remarkable attractions, such as the Castle Hill, the neo-Gothic Parliament, Saint Stephen's Basilica, Matthias Church, Dohany Street Synagogue, and more.

About Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the country's largest city. It occupies both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries. Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic center of Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions also have headquarters there. A few of its most notable landmarks are the Bratislava Castle, several notable palaces, Bratislava City Museum, various parks, and more.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the country's largest city. It occupies both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries. Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic center of Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions also have headquarters there. A few of its most notable landmarks are the Bratislava Castle, several notable palaces, Bratislava City Museum, various parks, and more.

About Vienna

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Vienna (Wein) has 23 districts (Wiener Gemeindebezirkein) and each district offers diverse attractions including art galleries, café, museums, palaces, restaurants etc. each with its pros and cons. Starting in 1850, as the city kept growing and including the surrounding communities the city gave them numbers for easy clarification and reference.  The 1st District (Innere Stadt) is the old town and is encircled by the Ringstrasse (The Vienna Ring Road) which is about 5 km long. It is divided into nine sections; each has a ring extension. In 2001, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is much to see in the inner circle including St. Stephan's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Palace, the Natural History and Art History Museum, Wiener Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) the State Opera House and much more. Did you know that there are over 100 museums in Vienna! Besides the museums there are theatres, dance and music halls, restaurants, bars, exhibitions, restaurants, bars, cafes and lots of nature trails. Renowned artists whose works are hung in museums around the world and musicians whose music is played by international symphony orchestras were from Vienna. For example - Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) a symbolist painter and important influential member of the Vienna Secession movement (is there anyone who hasn’t seen his painting “Judith and the Head of Holofernes”; Egon Schiele (1890-1980) the Austrian expressionist who painted powerful personal paintings and Oskar Kokoschka the Expressionist, as well as Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) whose startling works can be seen in what used to be his home in the 3rd district. Note: The family was Jewish, their original name was Stowasser and to save themselves during WWII they disguised themselves as Catholics and the young Friedrich even joined the Hitler Movement to avoid being targeted. It was only after the war that he then decided to change his name.  Just saying and just mentioning a few of the most renowned Austrian composers, in alphabetical order (feel free to add to this list): Anton Bruckner, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert; their compositions can be heard around the world. in opera houses, theaters, concert halls and churches. Hofburg Imperial Palace which was built in the 13th century was the former main residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The palace contains 2600 rooms and some of them are spectacular museums on various themes and exhibitions. The various collections are housed in separate rooms and include musical instruments, weapons and armor, the ceremonial room (State Hall) in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) one of the most impressive in the world, with more than 12,000,000 books and item. The Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) includes two imperial crowns as well as the Burgundian treasure and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Sisi museum in honor of Empress Elisabeth and so much more. On the outskirts of the palace is the famous Spanish Riding School where to this day they continue the training of Lipizzaner horses. Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) which was the summer “vacation” home for the Habsburgs is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered Austria's most popular and most visited tourist attraction. It is of great importance for its architectural design and its spectacular neoclassical colonnade and manicured gardens which includes the palm house (Palmenhaus) from around 1880 is home to exotic plants growing in 3 pavilions in this huge greenhouse and the Maze (a terrific place for children as well). St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. It is also one of Austria’s most prevalent attractions with about one million visitors a year! Architecturally it is a very important building in the Gothic style, although it has been added to, altered and redecorated over the many decades or more accurately centuries! However, if it is that “Kodak Moment” you are yearning for, then you will have to climb up over 300 steps to the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city with its colorful tiled rooves. Belvedere is actually two palaces in the Baroque style - the Orangery and the Palace Stables. As well, the Belvedere is home to the Austrian Art Museum with works by leading Austrian artists such as Egon Schiele and Kokoschka Oskar, Gustav Klimt (“The Kiss” is on view, in the Lower Belvedere Museum). The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), considered one of the top museums in the world, was built near the Imperial Palace in the late 1800’s. There just wasn’t enough room in the Imperial Palace for the incredible huge art collections of the royal family, as well as the most extensive collection of Bruegal art anywhere. Today they also exhibit the works of top artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) and Titian (Tiziano Vecelli).  The Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) was one of the first of the monumental buildings to be built on the Ringstrasse and is renowned throughout the world. If you are a real opera buff you will be excited to know that the acoustics have been improved (with great difficulty because the building is under a preservation order). There are daily ballets and operas and visitors are welcome to view the impressive building. The Vienna Prater is a fantastic large public park in Leopoldstadt and the amusement park (The Wurstelprater) usually referred to as "Prater" is on one side of the park, with over 200 attractions including the iconic Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) from the late 1800’s.Note: For easy access, an underground railway now stops near to the entrance of the Prater. Traditional dishes of the Viennese cuisine: Wiener schnitzel (veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Beuschel (a ragout containing veal lungs and heart), Selchfleisch (smoked meat) eaten with sauerkraut and dumplings and Knödel, a type of dumpling cooked in water- to be eaten as (a) a first course or maine or (b) a sweet type for dessert. Note: After the fall of Napolean in 1815, The Congress of Vienna took place. Celebrations and banquets were held for several months and the congress took on a moniker “The Dancing Congress". And thus for over 200 years the beginning of November signals the opening of “party time” and more than 450 banquets are held during the winter period.  

About Berlin

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin. At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden,  from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.  On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant  museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery. Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin. Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral. We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.  Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a  special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”. Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.  Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping!  They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods. The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is  calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

The old city of Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a testament to its immense cultural heritage. Built along the banks of its iconic canals, the old city is home to rich cultural heritage full of artistic masterpieces. Renowned museums in the museum district, situated on the Singelgracht canal, showcase the best works of Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and other luminaries of the art world. Amsterdam is known as one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with cycling deeply ingrained in the local culture. Embrace the city's spirit by renting a bike and joining the vibrant atmosphere as you pedal along the bike paths, gaining a unique perspective on the picturesque canals, charming atria, and stunning buildings. When it comes to culinary delights, Amsterdam offers a diverse array of experiences. Savor the local delicacies and don't miss out on stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (meatballs), pannenkoeken (pancakes), and the delectable Gouda or Edam cheeses. The bustling food markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are a treat, serving up an enticing array of local and international dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing local beer or indulge in the distinctive flavor of Jenever, the local gin, for a truly immersive culinary experience. Amsterdam is home to a wealth of attractions- here are just a few to get you started: The Floating Flower Market, famously known as Bloemenmarkt, is a local gem. Throughout the city's history, flower merchants used to ply their trade from boats navigating the canals. As the 19th century progressed, trade flourished on floating rafts anchored in the Singelgracht canal. Today, it stands as the only floating flower market in the world, offering a stunning array of the finest blooms and flower seeds from the Netherlands. During the spring season, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful tulips, making it a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. The Anne Frank House is where Anne and her family hid during the horrors of World War II. The house has been converted into a museum that offers a deeply moving experience, showing where the family lived in a concealed space in her father’s office for over two years, evading the Nazi persecution that targeted the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Tragically, in 1944, they were discovered and sent to the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp, where Anne met her untimely and cruel end. Yet, her diary survived, and is a chilling testament that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital significance of empathy and compassion. Begijnhof, a historical complex dating back to the early 14th century, was created as a religious community for women embracing a monastic way of life, dedicated to prayer and acts of kindness. Originally located outside the city walls, it was eventually relocated to its present position in the heart of the city center. Encircled by captivating historic buildings, the enclave boasts several remarkably well preserved wooden houses—a rare sight in Amsterdam, given the city's tumultuous history of fires. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are two squares that are famous for their vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors with an array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. In Rembrandt Square there is a monument to the painter’s memory with statues depicting characters from his well-known painting, "The Night Watch." Leidseplein is also home to the casino and the National Theatre. The Eye Film Museum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to photography. Situated along the city's waterfront, the building alone is an attraction with its distinctive and striking architecture! The museum contains a rich collection of films, photographs, posters, as well as other memorabilia related to cinema, and it features various exhibitions that celebrate the history, development, and meaning of filmmaking in the Netherlands and abroad. On the top floor of the museum, there is a panoramic balcony with an amazing view of the city and the waterfront. Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!

About Brussels

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.