European charm: Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest

This is an informational message, so please disregard the date and time. By way of introduction, I am a Meetup Organizer and Event Organizer for over a decade and a friend of Globe Drifters for almost that time. After I return from my travels in late summer, I will be doing a few meetups in this group at neighborhood ethnic restaurants in Seattle/Eastside, in keeping with the travel theme of the group, where you can meet other group members.

I put together one or two vacations a year and often look for one or two very responsible travel companions over 40/45. This is independent travel, not a tour, so cost depends on the person's choice of airfare, lodging, etc. As I have already done the research for the trip, I can provide guidance on all aspects of the trip. The following is one of two trips this year.

I have been working on this return trip to Eastern Europe since last year, but we made the arrangement of me doing some events in this group only very recently, so it's very short notice. However, there are still some very good aspects. Being independent travel, there is complete flexibility of doing the trip in full or in part or just overlapping a little. There can be any combination of doing sightseeing and meals independently or shared. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please send me a message through Meetup (you can click on the Event Host photo to send a message), and we can talk further on the phone.

June 1 to 13:

This trip is notable for all its beautiful interiors and architecture and some very charming European dining experiences that I know from last time. I think this trip is as charming as going to France or Italy with fewer tourists and more ease. I have been to Vienna and Budapest before, but not to Salzburg. But I have been to the region with lakes and mountains in which Salzburg is located, and the scenery is lovely.

Vienna is known for its many museums (fine arts, decorative arts, furniture, jewelry & formal robes); its cafes and coffee drinks; and its pastries. The art museum has a large and impressive collection of European art. The decorative arts museum is housed in an attractive Italianate Renaissance palace. There are two palaces in the city, with extensive gardens, and also Baroque churches.

Mozart's hometown, Salzburg, surrounded by hills and on the banks of a river, is a charming smaller city with its own set of attractions. Budapest boasts some gorgeous interiors, including what must be the most beautiful parliament interior in the world, ornamented with a highly historical and symbolic decorative scheme, a historic café that is named the most beautiful in the world, and thermal baths in Ottoman-Empire and Art Deco interiors. Many people also enjoy the food in Budapest.

There is a lot of classical music in both Vienna and Salzburg, held in authentic interiors that match the music.

Time in the city can be balanced with time outdoors. Vienna has the Vienna Woods, Salzburg its riverside walk, and Budapest its City Park with a romantic, 19th century castle. There is also the option of taking a boat ride in the Wachau Valley from Vienna to Melk Abbey and its gardens.

From Salzburg, one can take a train into Germany, or return to Vienna. From Vienna, Prague (another Eastern European gem) is a three-hour train ride away. One can also fly back to the US with a stopover in Istanbul, another traveler favorite. I have been to Prague and Istanbul and can provide sightseeing guidance on either.