Budapest - Day 2

We all met downstairs in the hotel lobby after our buffet breakfast to start our tour of the Pest side of Budapest.

In the park across the street from our hotel

First up was a visit to the Opera House.  What a beautiful facility.  Our local guide turned the talking duties over to a young man who worked for the opera house.  We were given an incredible in depth recount of the history of the house and were shown private rooms and royal stairways not seen by everyone.  Quite amazing.

Mahler was an early music director

On the grand staircase, we were privileged to hear three arias sung by two sopranos.  Another Tauck surprise which we really enjoyed.

After re-boarding our buses, we drove around People's Square with all of its magnificent statuary. Views of City Park with its bath houses and zoo were next.  Then we headed to the City Market where Tauck took us to a stand for fresh strudel.  Then it was time on our own.  Jeff and I walked up the 2 mile-long Vaci Street to find something to purchase and then it was back to the hotel to find air conditioning.

Later that night, Tauck picked us up in mini-buses for dinner at a palace on them.  Musicians were playing in the background in a courtyard as we sampled the passed drinks and appetizers.  Then we headed upstairs for a three course Goodbye Dinner.

The main dish was veal and very tasty.  We had a great table of people we had met during our tour.  Our tour directors gave some goodbye speeches and provided us a few goodbye trinkets.  The wine flowed and a good time was enjoyed.

Goodnight.