Programmes
Social Programmes
(These programmes are included in registration fee)
The social programme includes a classical concert in the St. Stephen Basilica. It is the largest church in Budapest, built in the 19th century in neo-classical style by the greatest architects of Hungary. Its dome is 96-meter-high. It is named after the first Christian king of Hungary, St. Stephen, whose relics are kept inside one of the church chapels. Its richly decorated interior and the good acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts.
You will be informed about the programme in detail later.
The departure time is 13:00 o’clock in front of the ELTE University, building 1/A. The buses will be identified with signs „NRC7”. After the arrival at approximately 14:45 - 15:00 we walk to the centre of Szentendre.
Szentendre is one of the most exciting artistic villages in Hungary, only 20 kms from Budapest, in the picturesque Danube Bend region, along the Danube River. It was founded by fleeing Serbian settlers who left their homeland attacked by the Turkish armies in the 16th century. At present, Szentendre is a charming town with cobble stone streets, a dozen of art galleries and little museums, with cafes and marvellous little shops.
Scheduled departure time to our next stop, Visegrád is at 16:15. The journey from Szentendre takes about 30-40 minutes.
Visegrád, the former royal seat of Hungaran kings, is a lovely village in the Danube Bend. At the top of Visegrád Hill, from the ruins of King Bela IV’s medieval castle you can enjoy the fascinating view, while at the foot of the hill, King Matthias' Renaissance Castle offers a unique insight into the architecture of the age.
The highlight of the tour is the medieval tournament. Some 30 players, all members of the Budapest St.George Order and active practitioners of medieval warfare will perform an intricate medieval show. The show will last 45 minutes, after which visitors are encouraged to join in and try the various weapons for themselves.
The tournament is followed by an authentic Renaissance feast in a beautiful restaurant next door, also called, Renaissance. With its interior tasteful dishes and drinks served in earthenware, the Restaurant reflects a truly medieval atmosphere.
Return from Visegrád by boat at about 21:00 arriving in Budapest (Vigadó tér) at approximately 23:00. Entertainment on board will be provided by a live dance band and you will have a chance to dance.
Optional Programmes
(these programmes are not included in registration fee)
40 EUR / person (except accompanying person)
Departure time is 13:00 o’clock from the ELTE University, building 1/A.
In close proximity to Szentendre, the Ethnographic Museum is the largest open-air museum of such kind in Hungary. It is situated in the unique and natural surrounding of the Duna-Ipoly National Park. The museum displays the architectural characteristics, way of life and traditions of the seven Hungarian great regions: the Great Plains, the Upper-Tisza-region, the Kisalföld, Western-Transdanubia, Southern-Transdanubia, Upland Market Town and the Balaton-Uplands.
By walking in the museum, visitors can live through the atmosphere of the 19th century Hungarian countryside. The authentically furnished rooms, household equipment and textiles recall the customs and traditions of the past.
30 EUR / person
Departure time is 13:00 a.m. from the ELTE University, building 1/A.
On this three-hour coach tour you will discover the main attractions of the Hungarian capital. The tour includes a visit to the Heroes' Square with the Millenary Monument, to the St. Stephen Cathedral, to the Opera House and the Parliament to enjoy their spectacular architecture from outside. Continuing on to Buda, you will visit the medieval Castle District, passing by the Fisherman's Bastion and the old Matthias Church, followed by a ride to Gellért Hill, where you will enjoy the beautiful panorama of the city featured on the UNESCO list of World Heritage.
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40 EUR / person
Departure time is 13:00 o'clock from the ELTE University, building 1/A.
The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is one of the most important, largest monuments of Hungarian Palace architecture. Its builder, Count Antal Grassalkovich I (1694-1771) was a typical figure of the regrouping Hungarian aristocracy of the 18th century. He was a Royal Septemvir, president of the Hungarian Chamber, and confidant of Empress Maria Theresa (1740-1780). The construction began around 1733, under the direction of András Mayerhoffer (1690-1771) a Salzburg builder.
The Palace has a double U shape, and is surrounded by an enormous park. The building underwent several enlargements and modifications during the 18th century, its present shape was established in the time of the third generation of the Grassalkovich family. By then the building had 8 wings, and - besides the residential part - it contained a church, a theatre, a riding-hall, a hothouse, a greenhouse for flowers and an orangery.
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. The decision of Parliament designated it the resting residence of the Hungarian Monarch. During this period the Palace became the symbol of independent Hungarian statehood, and, as a residential centre it had a political significance of it own. It was Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898) who specially loved staying in Gödöllo, where the Hungarian personnel and neighbourhood of the Palace always warmly welcomed her. Following her tragic death, a memorial park adjoining the upper-garden was built.
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