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Czech Republic/Hungary

Budapest and Prague: Capital Cities and Jewels of Central Europe

Program No. 21707RJ
Treat your senses to an enchanting blend of learning, adventure and fun as you take expert-led walks and dine on traditional foods in two Old World cities that are Europe at its finest.

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At a Glance

Hundreds of Gothic rooftop spires give the Prague skyline a fairy-tale character. In Budapest, locals’ warm smiles and the legendary Danube River pulse at the city’s heart. In one 12-day adventure, explore the history, art and culture of the Czech and Hungarian capital cities. Start each morning with our experts and later set out on your own. In Prague, discover where Mozart played a 1787 solo piano piece, then independently walk the stunning Charles Bridge. In Budapest, learn about the Communist period in Hungary during a visit to the Retro Museum, and venture to the town of Ócsa, a wonderful reflection of traditional rural life. One adventure, two cities — capture the breadth of these Central European jewels.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Keep the Pace: Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb stairs, walk up to 3 miles or up to 3 hours per day with periods of standing, including cobblestone streets, and partly hilly, uneven and rough terrain. Participants should expect to use public transportation.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy a dinnertime boat excursion on the Danube River through Budapest, drifting past the illuminated city center and under its famous series of bridges.
  • Learn about Prague’s Old Town Square on an expert-led walking exploration, contrasting its 1,000-year-old history and architecture with today’s cast of musicians, dance troupes and cafes.
  • Experience mighty Prague Castle’s churches, gardens, alleyways and residences. The world’s largest ancient castle is roughly the size of seven football fields.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Zoltán Pogátsa
Dr. Zoltán Pogátsa works as an international political economist, focusing on issues relating to Central Europe and the Balkans. He has an MBA and MA in political science and international relations, Southeastern European studies, and sociology. He earned his PhD in 2004 in contemporary European integration from the University of Sussex. He has lectured at various universities in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Ireland. Dr. Pogátsa has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups for more than 30 years.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Zoltán Pogátsa
Zoltán Pogátsa View biography
Dr. Zoltán Pogátsa works as an international political economist, focusing on issues relating to Central Europe and the Balkans. He has an MBA and MA in political science and international relations, Southeastern European studies, and sociology. He earned his PhD in 2004 in contemporary European integration from the University of Sussex. He has lectured at various universities in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Ireland. Dr. Pogátsa has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups for more than 30 years.
Profile Image of Jitka Sosova
Jitka Sosova View biography
Jitka Sosova holds degrees from Charles University and the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague. Jitka has worked for the National Gallery in Prague, as well as numerous other art institutions, including the Museum of Applied Arts and the Kampa Museum, and specializes in the field of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Profile Image of Petra Bidlasová
Petra Bidlasová View biography
Since 1997, Petra Bidlasová has been sharing her knowledge of Prague with lifelong learners from around the world. With an education in art history, she is currently working on her thesis on contemporary African art and post-colonial theory. For more than 10 years, she has been a lecturer of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Gallery in Prague. In 2013, she became a professor of Modern Czech Art at CIEE Study Center for American students.
Profile Image of Markéta Hegarová
Markéta Hegarová View biography
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.
Profile Image of László Gombos
László Gombos View biography
László was born in Szombathely, Hungary. He studied piano, organ and music theory there and received his PhD in musicology from the Liszt Academy of Music. Since 1990 he has taught music history at the University of Debrecen and the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest. He also researches 19th and 20th century Hungarian music at the Institute for Musicology in Budapest. He has organized over 30 musical exhibitions from Budapest to Geneva, Rome and beyond. He has been lecturing for Road Scholar groups since 2015.
Profile Image of Mária Iván
Mária Ágnes Iván View biography
Mária Iván's love for travel began when she was a child traveling around the world with the Hungarian Radio Children’s Choir. She began working in hotels as a housekeeper, rising to higher positions in the hotel industry. She soon got the impulse to become a professional group leader, giving her the opportunity to entertain people and explore her beloved hometown of Budapest together. She has been a part of Road Scholar for over 10 years. Mária's pastimes include cooking, gardening, cycling, reading, and collecting soundtracks.
Profile Image of Ágnes Ördög
Ágnes Ördög View biography
Ágnes Ördög was born and raised in Hungary. She speaks English, German, Spanish, and of course, Hungarian. Ági holds a degree in tourism and hotel management, and began her career working with the Hungarian National Tourist Offices as its press officer and public relations manager, transitioning to freelance work in 2011. Also, Ági is a professor of tourism economics and marketing at the Budapest campus of the University of ESSCA. She continues to make her home in Budapest with her husband and their two children.
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