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Budapest Weekend for our Spring '13 Term

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altUPCES is excited to announce our weekend trip for Spring '13: Budapest, Hungary! Budapest is one of the most exciting and dynamic cities of Central Europe, and our weekend trip is sure to offer crucial insights into what makes Budapest so loved by locals and visitors alike.

Budapest's charm lies in the many cultural influences that affected the city during its long history. The mixture of east and west, combined with the after effects of the more than 40 years of communist era, give Budapest an irresistibly unique appeal.

Our trip will focus on the history, culture, architecture, politics, and economy of Budapest as it fits in with Central Europe as a whole. Among the important sites that UPCES students will visit include:
 

  • The Jewish Quarter, including the Great Synagogue, the Holocaust Memorial, the Rumbach synagogue, and the Gozsdu Courtyard
  • Walking tour of the castle district of "Buda," including entrance to the famous Buda castle, Matthais church, Fisherman's Bastion, and other important sites
  • Walking tour of most historic sites in "Pest," such as the Hungarian Parliament, the Opera House, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Excursion to the medieval artists town of Szentendre, famous for its open-air museums
  • Entrance to the House of Terror Museum, one of the best communist history museums in Europe
  • Optional visit to the Budapest baths, famous for their thermal spa water and century-old architecture

Students will also enjoy plenty of free time to explore the city on their own. There is always so much going on in Budapest, which is why it's often considered one the most happening cities in Central Europe. Students will have the chance to savor the local cuisine, check out shops featuring local artists, walk across the Chain Bridge, and just sit, relax and people-watch at one of the great downtown cafes.

As usual, the trip includes accommodation in the city center, full transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, cultural activities, and plenty more.