May 12th: Budapest at Leisure

Today was our last day in Europe, so it was left as an entirely free day - for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation.
We rendezvoused this evening for our farewell group dinner, a buffet with traditional Hungarian music & even dancing at our hotel.  A fun way to end a very fun tour.

May 11th: Memento Park & Szentendre

We met our wonderful local guide Andrea again this morning, for a full-day exploring outside Budapest's city center.
Our first destination was Memento Park, where many of Budapest's Communist-era statues have been collected.  Andrea explained the significance of the status - who the individuals were (we all recognized Lenin & Marx of course, but not the Hungarian Communist leaders), what the symbolism meant, where the statues stood, etc.
From Memento Park we drove north to the small town of Szentendre, an 'artists' village' on the Danube.  After a short walking tour we enjoyed free time for lunch - langos anyone? - & to explore or shop.
Our journey back to Budapest was by boat, cruising along the Danube.  Everyone enjoyed the journey back, with plenty of refreshments & laughter.
Upon arriving back in Budapest we took a circuitous walk back to the hotel - passing the heartbreaking Holocaust memorial on the banks of the Danube, the Imre Nagy memorial, & the American Embassy.

May 10th: Welcome to Hungary - Arrival in Budapest

We departed Zagreb this morning & began our journey from Croatia to Hungary.
After crossing the border we traveled alongside Lake Balaton, arriving in Budapest at lunchtime where we met our local guide, Andrea.
This afternoon we toured Budapest, visiting Heroes Square, Gellert Hill, & Fisherman's Bastion & the Matthias Hill in Buda.
After checking in to the Hotel Continental we strolled to Chess restaurant, our dinner venue this evening, where we enjoyed an excellent dinner & wonderful friendly service - a great welcome to Hungary.

May 9th: Capital City, Zagreb

After seeing just a little of Zagreb last night, on our way & from dinner, we discovered the city in more detail today on a morning walking tour with local guide Dalja (Dalia).
Although it was a little chilly & occasionally drizzling, we braved the conditions as we explored first the 'Green Horseshoe', then more of the Lower Town, before moving up to the twin Upper Towns or Kaptol & Gradec.
One of the highlights of the morning was our visit to the city market, both indoor & out, where we discovered all manner of 'delicacies'.
This afternoon was free for folks to explore at their leisure, & this evening we rendezvoused for our farewell dinner - farewell to Croatia for everybody after a fantastic & varied 10 days exploring this diverse & beautiful country - but also farewell to the Maddens & Johnsons who are heading home tomorrow.