2 – 4 June 2008, Budapest
As each year, an attractive and interesting Partner Programme has been assembled for the partners of congress delegates coming to Budapest. Don't miss this opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful and historical places in Budapest and its surroundings. Highlights are of course the boat ride on the Danube and the visit to the Sissi Palace.
All guided tours are in English, refreshments and/or lunch are not included. Access to the Gala Dinner and Opening Reception is included in the Partner package.
To book the Partner Programme, please click here.
| Monday 2 June |
| 09.00 - 12.30 |
Budapest City Tour and Opera House Visit |
| 14.30 - 17.00 |
Budapest Castle district and Citadel |
| Tuesday 3 June |
| 09.00 - 17.00 |
Excursion to Szentendre with boat trip on the Danube |
| Wednesday 4 June |
| 09.00 – 13.00 |
Excursion to the Sissi Palace in Gödöllő |
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Please note that all tours are subject to a minimum number of participants, if these numbers are not met, the itinerary will be revised. Please reserve your place for the partner programme before the end of April.
Monday 2 June 2008 - City tour
Departing from the hotel at 09.00 AM, the tour will take you through all the landmarks of Budapest: beginning with the Heroes Square, the gate of City Park, with the Millenary Monument, built for the one thousandth anniversary of the Hungarian Conquest and symbolizing the national Heroes.
During the walking tour in City Park you will see Vajdahunyad Castle built with the aim of displaying architectural styles of the past; the Széchenyi Bath; the Gundel Restaurant and the Zoo.
Visit to the Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House was designed by Miklós Ybl and is one of the most beautiful neo-Renaissance public buildings in Hungary. It is located on the Andrássy Boulevard now a World Heritage Site.
After visiting the Opera House, transfer to the Market Hall via the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Market Hall, the biggest and most famous of the city’s markets, was built at the end of the last century and completely renovated in 1996. It is situated on the Pest side of the Franz-Joseph Bridge, and is one of the landmarks of the city. The big iron construction hall includes a lot of stands selling almost all kind of foods (vegetables, meat, breads, drinks, etc) and a lot of souvenir shops.
Short free time for shopping at the Market Hall, before walking along Váci street which runs through the town’s most elegant district up to Vörösmarty square. This pedestrian zone is famous for its small restaurants, coffee houses and elegant shops.
1 hour free time for lunch.
Afternoon visit of the Castle district on the Buda side, which is probably the most beautiful part of the city. The visit of Royal Palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion.
The day will end at the Citadel, on Gellért Hill, at the top of Budapest. It was erected in 1854 by the Habsburgs, after the suppression of the 1848-49 Hungarian revolution and war of independence.
Just a few steps from the Citadel we will take a walk around the Statue of Liberty. The Gellért Hill with the Castle District and the panorama was nominated as a World Heritage site in 1987.
17.00 Arrival back at hotel
| OPTION – NOT INCLUDED IN THE PARTNER PROGRAMME
Please note that we also recommend visiting the Parliament House. This visit is not included in the Partner Programme.
The building is essentially a study in the Gothic Revival style with Baroque and classical references. A ceremonial staircase leads up to the hall lying under a 27 m vaulted ceiling covered in paintings by Károly Lotz. The royal statues in the hall now guard the Hungarian crown and crown jewels controversially placed there on 1st January 2000. The Parliament Chamber and Parliament Library are open to the general public. The visit lasts for approx. 45-50 minutes. |
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Tuesday 3 June 2008 - Excursion to Szentendre with shipping on Danube
Coach transfer to the Hungarian Open Air Museum which is situated in a unique natural environment, in the Duna-Ipoly National Park in Szentendre. It offers many opportunities for guests interested in Hungarian ethnography, folk architecture, way of life and traditions.
The following activities are planned:
A stroll in the region of Kisalföld – discover the daily life of local village folk (1,5 hours)
Guests will be welcomed by the statue of St. Joan of Nepomuk, patron saint of travellers. The houses used to be homes of families belonging to different nationalities and religions and are completed by the workshops of village masters.
You will have the possibility to make your own candles in the candle maker’s workshop and visit the different regional houses on a horse-drawn carriage.
Visit of the old part of Szentendre.
This picturesque and historic town lies 20 kilometres from Budapest, on the bank of the Danube. The Serbian population that settled here in the 17th century imbued its baroque and rococo houses with Mediterranean atmosphere. Szentendre has always been a popular place for artists. Part of its special atmosphere is due to the Szentendre colony of artists, whose galleries exhibit the works of contemporary artists.
We will walk together in the old part of the city afterwards, where you will have time for shopping and lunch.
We suggest that you also visit the Margit Kovàcs Ceramic Museum (not included in the Partner Programme) which is the most frequently visited museum in the country.
15.15 Return to Budapest by boat on the Danube.
Wednesday 4 June 2008 - Excursion to the Sissi Palace in Gödöllő
The Gödöllő Royal Palace, one of the most important and largest monuments of Hungarian Palace architecture is located in Gödöllő, a small town 30 km from Budapest. The construction of the Palace began around 1733 on behalf of Count Antal Grassalkovich, who was a typical figure of the Hungarian aristocracy in the 18th Century. After the male side of the Grassalkovich family died out in 1841, the Palace had several owners, and in 1867 it was bought for the Crown. It was Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898) who specially loved staying in Gödöllõ and this is why the Palace is mainly known as the Sissi Palace.
The Gödöllő Royal Palace Museum has been open to the general public since 1996. Guided tours take guests through Queen Elizabeth (Sissi) and Franz Joseph’s chambers, “The Age of the Grassalkovichs” and the “Queen Elizabeth” exhibitions as well as the Weapon Cabinet. The suites also display objects from ecclesiastical and public collections and other personal belongings of the royal couple.
