1. Tell us a little bit about your most recent Untour.
Prague and Budapest May 2012…the thing that stands out still is the history that we learned about this part of Europe. I came home wanting to know more about WWII, communism, the history of the Jews and the Nazis during the war. A highlight was a private tour to Terezin, the concentration camp outside of Prague. We walked a lot and both cities are perfect for that. But public transportation is fun too – metro and trams in both places. We made a real study of beer! Took a side trip to Pilsn to tour the Pilsner Urquell brewery. It was an interesting 90 min. tour that ended in the 37 degree tunnels under the brewery, to taste unfiltered beer right out of the barrel.
2. Why did you choose to go there?
We were looking for an Untour to a place we hadn’t been and this was one area we knew nothing about. We traveled with friends and are always looking for a two bedroom with two baths so we stayed above the castle right near the metro and tram stations in Prague – a lovely, very modern apartment. Budapest was the other half of the sampler…two totally different cities. Budapest is different because it was destroyed in WWII and has been conquered many times in the past 1,000 years. A good comparison. Both very easy to get around, with friendly helpful people and fascinating history and beer!
3. What is your favorite Untours memory?
Too many to have just one:
- Hiking the 9 mile valley just south of Kandersteg…if its raining go through the tunnel and the sun is shining – how true! Also, going up the cable cars from Kandersteg and walking down.
- Being in Leiden for the World Cup…crazy orange excitement! Restaurants and bars turned their large screen TVs onto the street and were mobbed. Second Holland game was on a Saturday, which was market day in Leiden so lots of people and fun…everyone in orange!
- Tuscany…our first Untour…two weeks and everyday we took off for a different hilltown.
3. How is taking an Untour different from other ways of travelling?
We love staying in one place for a week or two…and making our own decisions about where to go next….and how long to stay there…..and having someone available 24/7 if you need them. Orientations are superb and give you a jump start on what to do.
4. If you could describe an Untour in just three words, what would they be?
Our own decisions