Fran

We're spending 8 days in Prague and Budapest in June. Does anyone know of companies that offer walking tours guided by native English speakers in these cities? We recently took guided walking tours through parts of Paris and Rome this way and found them fascinating. <BR> <BR>Any leads on local companies would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Mary Ann

We were in both cities last fall. We used Rick Steves for Prague and did the independent walking tours he recommends of the Castle District, Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, among other things. They were great because you could set your own pace and stop (to eat etc, ) whenever you want. Plus we had great weather. I just looked in our book and he does mention that there is city tours by "Prague Walks" for the 3 places I mentioned above. In last years book he said they last about 2 hours each and are 200kc (It was 32Kc to a dollar last Sept). They do have email at [email protected] for schedules. <BR>In Budapest (Rick does not make a Hungary book unfortunately) we used Frommers. They have a self walking tour of the castle Hill in Buda that is fine but the Pest walking tour was outdated. I do not have the book to see if they have organized walking tours. Have a great trip. Of the two cities, Prague was our favorite (and my sister in law did speak Hungarian). <BR>Regards, Mary Ann

merriem

With a combination of public transportation, and walking (which we do a great deal of) we found Budapest very suitable for getting around. We took a taxi once, only because it was at night and we were going to the opera house. Have a very nice trip.

Noelene - Perth, Australia

My husband and I were in Prague for four days last September. We did a "Prague Walk" - the one called 'The Velvet Revolution' which was conducted by a university student who had lived through it all. Her English was perfect and she spent about three hours with our group of eight (an hour longer than she needed to!). She even took people from our group to the nearby supermarket when she was finished. It was a most interesting and entertaining afternoon.

Art

When I visited Budapest last fall I stayed with a retired chemist. He has put together 12 different walks and last I heard it was due to be published in March or April. They were terrific, not only for points of interest and how to get there but 1 or more paragraphs of the history behind the object. He also recommended resturants in the area of each walk. I tried several and they were great. I was able to have very nice dinners for under $10.00 a night. <BR>Enjoy Bueapest and Prague, they are beautiful cities. <BR>Great Travels <BR>

s.fowler

For Budapest I recommend Andras Torok's Budapest: A Critical Guide. Written by a Hungarian, he goes block by block through the important and interesting areas. He refers to them as "41 idiotproof maps for serious travellers." <BR> <BR>His "basic hungarian lesson" is hilarious, including the hungarian for such things as: "The Versailles Peace Treaty was really very very unjust, but now that you soon get into the union, you'll have all europe with all its seas..." <BR> <BR>I bought my copy in Budapest - but I've seen it in Borders.

Rex

Art, <BR> <BR>Any more you can share with us about your chemist contact and his walks? Does he receive guests on a "regular" paying basis? (or "irregular"?) <BR> <BR>Linda's recommendation of Dr. Walter Fleps seems very attractive but is unreachable by phone at this point (see "Budapest - - places to stay, with character" - - another thread).