Central Europe in Six Days â Pre- and Post ILAB Congress Tours, Budapest and Beyond
Old Budapest - young Budapest: After Paris, Lucerne, Bologna and Madrid book dealers and book collectors will meet in Hungary for the 42nd ILAB Congress and 26th International Antiquarian Book Fair from 21 to 25 September 2016. The congress programme will show the delegates from across the world that Budapest is a city with many faces: the old Hungarian capital full of books and music, history and tradition and at the same time a lively and busy European centre full of young and amazing cultural concepts.
The ILAB Congress and International Antiquarian Book Fair in Budapest will not only give booklovers the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, admire book rarities, indulge in the various sights and treasures, but will also provide the possibility to visit some of the neighbouring countries.
Before and after the ILAB Congress and Fair delegates will have the chance to see some of the most exciting places in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and the Czech Republic. September is one of the most pleasant months in Central Europe, and the early autumn lights will put the historic beauty of these places in a new perspective.
BUDAPEST – LJUBLJANA – BLED – ZAGREB – BUDAPEST
Visit some of the finest towns and cities in Slovenia and Croatia from 18 to 20 September!
LJUBLJANA: Departure from Budapest on 18 September early in the morning heading to Slovenia. Arrival in the capital Ljubljana in the afternoon, followed by a 2-hour walk with an English-speaking guide to the main sights of the city and the historic old town.
BLED: After breakfast, the group will visit the city of Bled, emblematic of Slovenia with its small island, which takes about an hour to reach from the capital. The first stop is a hilltop castle, where we can admire the panoramic view and attend a small local exhibition. Subsequently, participants will embark on a boat trip to a small island with the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To enter the church, 99 stone steps must be climbed. After returning to the mainland, the tour continues to the Vintgar-canyon, home of the highest waterfall in Slovenia.
ZAGREB: Further on to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, where the visitors will enjoy lunch and a 3-hour city-tour with a local, English-speaking guide. The Croatian capital consists of two parts: while the low town is home to wide avenues, beautiful parks and Art Nouveau buildings, the upper town has a medieval atmosphere. The group will return to Budapest in the afternoon, with arrival in the evening.
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BUDAPEST – PRAGUE – CESKY KRUMLOV – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
Visit the capitals of the Czech Republic and Austria from 26 to 28 September!
PRAGUE: Departure from Budapest early in the morning with a luxury coach heading to the Czech Republic. Arrival in the capital Prague in the afternoon, followed by a 3-hour walk with an English-speaking guide. The group will visit the Clock Tower, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Given the short distances in Prague, most of the important historic sights can easily be accessed on foot. In their free time, participants can take a walk in this friendly capital, which is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
CESKY KRUMLOV: After breakfast, the delegates will visit the gem of the south of the Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov. The picturesque town is situated in the wreath of the River Vlatava and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cesky Krumlov is famous for its historic atmosphere, and a stroll along the river is a splendid activity, while the participants will admire the abundance of museums, galleries and fine cafés on a 1,5-hour sightseeing tour with an English-speaking guide. Following the tour, the group will travel to Vienna, to enjoy dinner in an impressive restaurant.
VIENNA: A spectacular half-a-day city-tour in Vienna with an English-speaking guide. The capital of Austria is one of the most lavish cities in Central Europe. Visitors will take a lovely walk in the city centre and have the opportunity to admire the Stephansdom, the City Hall and the numerous sights of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Departure for Budapest in the evening, arrival in the Hungarian capital in the late hours.
> Tour booking
Take the opportunity and visit the most beautiful places in Central Europe. The Hungarian antiquarian booksellers and the President of their national association Adam Bosze look forward to showing you around.
42nd ILAB Congress
26th International Antiquarian Book Fair
Budapest, Hungary
21 – 25 September 2016
>> For more information and to register online for the ILAB Congress and the International Antiquarian Book Fair please visit the official website.
>> For any further questions please contact the organizer at revhegyi@congressline.hu
(Pictures: ILAB, Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of Hungary, MAE)
