EUROPEAN CAPITALS TOUR • FALL 2018

Join your fellow Mayo Clinic travelers on a journey through the capitals of Eastern Europe! Start in Budapest (Pearl of the Danube) and travel on to Vienna (the City of Music), Prague (the City of 100 Spires) and Berlin (the ever-changing city).

Budapest may be the capital of the landlocked country of Hungary but it's far from dry. In fact, Budapest's most seductive element is water. It springs from underground wells, filling Ottoman, neoclassical and art-nouveau pools. It flows through the city in the broad and meandering Danube River, dividing Buda and Pest in yin-yang fashion. It even provides welcome relief after a bowl of hot paprika-spiced goulash. Orientation is slightly more complicated than dividing the city into Buda and Pest-but it's a good way to start. The Danube (Duna in Hungarian) flows through the middle of the city: Buda and Obuda are on the west side, Pest is on the east. Seven bridges, in addition to two railway bridges, span the divide. Buda has hills. Castle Hill is home to some of the city's most visible landmarks, including Budavari Palota (Buda Castle). By comparison, Pest is flat. The grand Parliament building dominates the Pest embankment and skyline.

Vienna is robed in 18th-century charm and 19th-century grandeur. Its old-world ambience comes not only from its rich cultural traditions, but also from the history of its architecture. The Viennese invented the cafe society, and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation. Vienna lies in the northeastern corner of Austria, at the crossroads of eastern and western Europe. Did you know that the famous French croissant was actually invented by a Viennese baker and that it was Marie Antoinette who introduced it into France?

Prague is a city of stunning physical beauty and the cultural and commercial center of the Czech Republic. The capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, but Prague survived intact. Thanks to Prague's role as a focal point of culture and commerce for nearly a millennium, it retains evidence of the many nationalities that have influenced and sometimes dominated its course in history. The Vltava River is a defining geographical feature as it rolls through the city.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of the city, Berlin has restlessly reinvented itself as a political, business and entertainment center. The city is full of history and charm, but with a rebellious attitude. The city lies in northeastern Germany but geographically speaking, Berlin is in central Europe. As the crow flies, the German capital is closer to Warsaw than it is to either Paris or London. It's also closer to Prague than it is to Frankfurt or Munich.

This trip promises romantic castles, rich history, stunning art, culinary delights, vibrant experiences, medieval and modern architecture, and so much more. Most of the tours and sightseeing are all included plus daily breakfast and most dinners.

Please take a look at the complete brochure to see everything this trip has to offer and come discover these exciting cities with us!

Contact us by phone at (800) 800-6508 or by email at mayo@carrouseltravel.com if you have questions or would like to register.