Six-Day Getaway to Budapest April 16-22, 2018

Straddling the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This superlative city has earned the nickname “Paris of the East" for its picturesque setting and striking architecture. Budapest has many attractions for the curious traveler. From the Castle Hill area of Buda to the imposing Parliament buildings in Pest, the city offers a wealth of museums, galleries, churches, synagogues, palaces, and historic buildings. In recent years, the lively café scene that animated Budapest in the early 20th century has been revitalized. A casual stroll through the city reveals a multitude of wonderful cafés and restaurants, especially in the increasing number of pedestrian zones. Many of the city’s renowned theaters have been renovated over the past few years as well, including the Operetta Theatre and Thalia Theatre. It is not entirely surprising that Hungary’s first president after the fall of the Soviet Union, Vaclav Havel, was a playwright. The cultural life of Budapest would be inconceivable without theater. Please join us on our getaway to beautiful and iconic Budapest!

Itinerary

Day 1, April 16, 2018 - Depart the U. S. for Budapest, Hungary

Day 2, April 17: - Arrival in Budapest

Welcome to Budapest. Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs, look for your guide who will be holding a W&L sign at the exit. After a private transfer to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel or in a nearby local restaurant. Overnight in Budapest. (D)

Day 3: April 18 - Full Day Tour of Budapest

After breakfast and our first lecture, we begin our full day tour of Budapest focusing on the city’s many highlights. We'll begin our discovery at Heroes' Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for the intriguing statues and historical buildings. We’ll then, proceed to Andrássy Avenue to enjoy stunning views of the Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica en route to the iconic Hungarian Parliament for an interior visit. Dramatically situated on the bank of the Danube River on Kossuth Lajos Square, the Parliament buildings dominate the Budapest skyline. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1904. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the enormous structure was designed by Imre Steindl, whose plan won an international competition held by the Hungarian government. The immense scope of the project required 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones, and 88 lbs. of gold-leaf. Steindl apparently went blind before his grand vision could be completed. The building contains many items of interest, including frescoes (the Hungarian Coronation Regalia with its Renaissance sword), mythical eagles, and an impressive staircase. Thereafter, lunch will be on your own at one of the many cafes that made Budapest famous. We then resume our tour and cross the Danube to delve into the gothic history of Buda Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Castle Hill, or, as the locals call it, Castle Mountain has witnessed many of the most important historical events of Hungary. It preserves such artifacts as ancient stones and underground labyrinths, to lovely medieval houses and hidden gardens. During the tour, we’ll stroll around the area while enjoying entertaining commentaries on the history and culture of the city of Buda and medieval Hungary. We’ll study the ancient buildings on Buda’s promenade, ascend the steep steps of Castle Garden to reach the resplendent Royal Palace, and then behold panoramic vistas of the glittering riverside from a vertiginous vantage point atop Castle Mountain. Evening on your own and overnight in Budapest. (B)

Day 4: April 19 - Discover Budapest and its Museums

After breakfast and our second lecture at the Hotel, we depart with our guide for a day dedicated to museum visits! Our guide and private coach will be at our disposal for the full day. A “Budapest Card” will be given to all group members to enjoy several included museums and attractions throughout the city. Later, the group will convene for a refreshment at the Café Gerbeaud, one of the greatest and most traditional coffee houses in Europe. The Café looks back to more than 150 years of history. Gerbeaud’s specialties include famous cakes, such as Esterházy and Dobos cakes, as well as all kinds of cream cakes and extravagant baked goods. We’ll take some time here for a nice treat while “people watching” from the terrace. Evening on your own. Overnight in Budapest. (B, Refreshment-coffee and cake)

Day 5: April 20 - Free Day in Budapest

Following breakfast in the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to visit any of the wonderful museums and attractions with the “Budapest Card” or take advantage of the city’s popular baths and spas. Overnight in Budapest. (B)

Day 6: April 21 - Full Day Trip to Danube Bend

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart to Esztergom for an interior visit of the town's famous basilica, the largest building in Hungary, dedicated to the Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Adalbert. It was built by Stephen I of Hungary between 1001–1010 as the original Saint Adalbert Church. In 1820, the Archbishop Sándor Rudnay restored Esztergom's status as the mother church of the country. The church maintains the relics of Catholic martyr and Saint Marko Krizin. We then continue to the Bodor Major, a 125-acre horse farm and leisure park on the Szentendre Island, situated 30 kms from Budapest. Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted by live gypsy music, lángos bread, and Pálinka! We’ll then enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride and discover life on the farm, including the making of peasant bread (kneading), cooking goulash in a cauldron (including a tasting along with the famous recipe), and a wine tasting. All are part of a typical Hungarian farmers’ family business. Our farewell lunch at Kemencés Inn features gypsy music, goulash soup with the fresh baked peasant bread, mixed strudels, and wine along with a “Wrangler horse” show will round out our visit. If time permits, we’ll make a short visit to the Baroque artists' village of Szentendre. Return to the hotel for a final evening at leisure. Overnight in Budapest. (B, L)

Day 7 April 22 – Return to the USA

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

Included Features

  • Round-trip air transportation from Washington IAD to Budapest. Fuel surcharges and air taxes are included (valid at time of printing)
  • Baggage handling at the airport for your arrival and departure. (Based on one bag per person)
  • Services of a professional Host
  • First class hotel accommodations for 5 nights at the centrally located Continental Hotel or similar, including hotel tax and service charges
  • Daily breakfasts, welcome dinner and cocktail reception at the hotel or nearby including beverages
  • Coffee and cake at the famous Café Gerbeaud
  • Farewell Lunch with beverages
  • Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions
  • Two lectures
  • Guided tours and entrances as per program
  • Tipping and gratuities
  • All VAT and applicable taxes and fees

Pricing

Tour price is $2,995 per person, double occupancy. For single occupancy, add $395. Fuel surcharges are included at $516 per person and air taxes are included at $147 per person. Fuel surcharges and air taxes are valid at the time of printing but are subject to change. Other gateways are available at an additional cost.

Important Information

Air Arrangements

Fares and schedules are based on regular scheduled carrier service. All applicable airline rules apply and schedules are subject to change. Basic airfares include fuel surcharges, airport departure taxes, passenger facility charges (PFCs), customs or immigration fees, but do not include excess baggage charges and any other airline imposed charges. For mileage accrual information, please contact the carrier directly for details. Air inclusive group packages are non-changeable and non-refundable once deposit has been paid. Rules and fees for canceling and revising airfares vary depending upon the type of airfare purchased. Refundable airline tickets will be processed once the original paper tickets (if applicable) are returned to us via a traceable method of mailing. E-tickets do not need to be returned. Lost paper tickets have no refund value.

Important Note on Fuel Surcharges

Fuel surcharges imposed by the airlines are valid at time of contract and are included in the price of your tour. As fuel continues to fluctuate, if the fuel surcharges change prior to your departure date, you will be assessed this additional amount.

Seat Assignments

We block group seats with many major carriers, as well as chartered air carriers. We have absolutely no control over seat assignment. Specific seat requests are subject to availability at airport check-in only or passengers may contact the airlines for individual specific seating once tickets have been issued. Passenger “Record locators” are assigned by the airlines once the airlines has ticketed each passengers from the group block. This usually occurs between 60 to 30 days prior the departure date. After the airlines have assigned each traveler a “record locator”, travelers may contact the airlines directly to discuss his or her seat preference. Airlines may impose additional fees for specific seats.

Cancellation Policies

No charges other than the non-refundable initial deposit are levied for individual passengers canceling up to 120 days prior to the commencement of Jet Vacations LLC services. However, services which have been prepaid by Jet Vacations LLC on behalf of individual clients maybe non-refundable, non-exchangeable, non changeable and/or maybe subject to a cancellation- change fee (e.g. theater tickets, Train tickets, Airline Tickets, Event Tickets, Passes, Entrance fees etc.).

Full Cancellation

Failing to pay the contractual deposits (other than the initial deposit) constitutes a cancellation. In the event of non-compliance with the payment due dates, Jet Vacations LLC shall have the right to demand the Customer to immediately pay the outstanding balance. Payment shall then be received by Jet Vacations LLC within eight days as of the date of Jet Vacations LLC’s written request. Should payment not be received within this time limit, the group stay shall be deemed to be canceled by the Customer. In the event of full cancellation of the agreement by the Customer, which is not justified by Jet Vacations LLC’s failure to meet its obligations, cancellation penalties shall be invoiced and calculated as follows:

  • Initial deposit**: non-refundable.
  • From 119 to 91 days prior departure: 35% penalty of the total cost per person.
  • From 90 to 61 days prior departure: 50% penalty of the total cost per person. From 60 to 31 days prior departure: 75% penalty of the total cost per person.
  • From 30 to day of departure & no show: 100% penalty of the total cost per person.

** Deposit to hold the space and First deposit is non-refundable. If a passenger cancellation creates a change in the price schedule, the tour price will be revised based on the remaining number of participants. A passenger becoming a single as a result of a partner’s cancellation must pay the single supplement.

Note

The following non-refundable fees will be added to the penalty charges listed on the cancellation (full or partial) schedule above: Travel protection premiums. Airline tickets - penalties, which may be up to 100% of the ticket value. Refundable airline tickets will be processed once the original paper tickets (if applicable) are returned to us via a traceable method of mailing. Lost paper tickets have no refund value.

Travel Protection Plan

The Travel Protection Plan may not be purchased after final payment has been made. Insurance cost for travel packages priced between $2,001 and $3,000 is US$250 per person; from $3,001 to $4,000:$300 per person; from $4,001 to $5,000:$382 per person; from $5,001 to $6,000:$448 per person and from $6,001 to $7,000:$495 per person. Insurance premium has to be purchased within 5 days of booking. You understand that the travel insurance is provided by a third party and that all claims will have to be addressed directly with the Travel Insurance Provider.

Itinerary Variation

We will make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. Situations may arise, voluntarily or involuntarily, that require changes or exceptions in the airport of departure, the itinerary, land arrangements, hotels, trains or ports of call. On these occasions, we reserve the right to make such modifications and substitute conveyances/hotels as deemed necessary.

Minimum Participants to Operate

Group needs a minimum of 25 participants to operate. Optional tours need a minimum of 15 participants to operate.

Tour Cancelation

We reserve the right to cancel the entire trip (or any component of the trip) for any reason and/or time. In this event, our liability, if any, shall be limited to and liquidated by refunding to each prospective participant the payments made.

Hotel Selection

It is the responsibility of the traveler(s) to ensure that the hotels and venues in this proposal are adequate for them. Jet Vacations LLC will not be responsible for room sizes, room air condition, room amenities, room service which vary and differs throughout the world, countries, cultures and hotels. We strongly advise Traveler(s) to peruse hotel rating web sites such as Tripadvisor.com to get an approximate “feel” and “judgment” on each properties, to insure that selected hotels/rooms will be adequate for them. Traveler(s) understand that no refund nor legal claims regarding the selected hotels, venues, rooms and /or services will be possible once this form has been signed and agreed upon.

Hotels Check-in Times

Hotel rooms are usually not ready for check-in until after 3 pm. If your flight is arriving early, especially European flights, you should plan for the day's activity until your room is available. Most hotels will store your luggage until your room is ready.

Hotels Air Conditioning and Other Amenities

Jet Vacations LLC is not responsible for air conditioning standards or availability, as these factors can vary greatly between properties and countries. Some hotel amenities/facilities are seasonal such as swimming pools, terraces, rooftops etc. and may not be opened or hotels may have renovations during the course of the year. Jet Vacations will not be responsible for hotel renovations, noise and/or closure of certain hotel area – facilities.

Items Not Included

Jet Vacations LLC programs do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, hotel extras, Spa or wellness centers, telephone or Wi-Fi charges and drinks with meals (unless otherwise stated in a proposal). All passengers are responsible for settling such accounts before checking out of each hotel. Hotels, Airport and airline taxes and fees are not included unless specified.

Travel Documents

Travel documents will be sent approximately 2 weeks prior to departure, providing full payment has been received. Jet Vacations LLC is not responsible for lost or stolen documents; therefore, any re-issuance of documents may be assessed their full face value and may include increase in cost. A special handling fee of $35 will be assessed to bookings that require overnight express delivery. Some trip documents are sent as E-Documents by email. For all trip documents, it is your responsibility to check the accuracy of your airline tickets and all other documents. You are responsible to ensure that your full, official name is provided to us at the time of booking, exactly as it appears on your valid passport. It can cost up to $250 or more per person for a name change or other ticket adjustments, plus any fare increase if applicable, due to re-ticketing. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket or documents do not match your passport.

JET VACATIONS LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST40436, and with the State of California CST #2111829-40.