{"id":4715,"date":"2013-06-13T11:16:12","date_gmt":"2013-06-13T17:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4715"},"modified":"2013-06-13T11:16:12","modified_gmt":"2013-06-13T17:16:12","slug":"eastern-europe-trip-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4715","title":{"rendered":"Eastern Europe Trip Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m basically salivating right now as I plan out this trip. \u00a0Eastern Europe attracts me not only for their affordable prices, or good food, but for the sites. \u00a0Some sites are really overlooked in some of these countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria. \u00a0An Eastern Europe trip tour is in store for you!<\/p>\n

In order to make this trip happen you’ll definitely need to get your hands on the\u00a0Club Carlson Visa<\/a>. \u00a0Don’t sweat the $75 annual fee on this puppy. \u00a0You’ll never regret what you get for that small annual fee.<\/p>\n

Instant Gold Status is among my favorite benefits of the card, which is their second highest tier, so you’ll be getting upgraded often. \u00a0Last week when I checked in to a Radisson they also forked out free buffet style breakfast coupons, free drink coupons, a larger room, and a cheese and fruit tray in the room. \u00a0That is service! \u00a0These guys don’t mess around with their gold customers.<\/p>\n

However, the hook that will reel you in is the “Last Night Free” feature. \u00a0When booking a room on points for two or more nights, you’ll get the last night without paying-points or $$$$. \u00a0Say What?! \u00a0Yeah, you heard me right. \u00a0Staying for two nights only uses one night’s worth of points. \u00a0To throw more ice cream, cherries, whipped cream, and fudge on top, this tour through parts of Eastern Europe combines the use of Low-Level-Redemptions(cheap point redemption), which is the basis for your testimony in WorldWanderlusting.<\/p>\n

First Eastern European Trip Stop: Sofia, Bulgaria<\/h2>\n
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Sofia Park Inn (Photo courtesy of their site)<\/p><\/div>\n

Tonight you’ll be staying at the lovely Park Inn Sofia by Radisson<\/a>. \u00a0This place has all the normal amenities of your normal North American hotel, but also sports a steam room and sauna, which is really hard to find in most hotels in the US unless you’re staying at the Fairmont. \u00a0Although those things are nice, keep in mind that you’re there to see Bulgaria too.<\/p>\n

Bulgaria still uses the Cyrillic alphabet<\/a> (Russian), which is bizarre to me based on their location. \u00a0None of the bordering countries use that same alphabet, but oh well, soak it up. \u00a0 They lay claim to the modern form of yogurt that you probably had for breakfast, so make sure you try some of the local fare that way.<\/p>\n

They also have famous opera singers, so try to get a ticket to hear them sing in one of their famous opera houses. \u00a0It doesn’t matter if it’s in Bulgarian, you wouldn’t understand the words if they were in English, would you?<\/p>\n

Best part? \u00a0This wonderful hotel will only cost you 9000 points for two nights with the Club Carlson Visa.<\/p>\n

Second Eastern European Trip Stop: Budapest, Hungary<\/h2>\n
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Radisson Blu Budapest Hungary Hotel (Photo Courtesy of their website)<\/p><\/div>\n

One of Club Carlson’s most luxurious lines in the Radisson Blu hotels. \u00a0The Radisson Blu Beke Hotel in Budapest<\/a> will knock your socks off! \u00a0I’ve never been to Hungary, but I’ve heard all kinds of good things about it.<\/p>\n

It’s always nice in Europe when your hotel comes with free Internet, because it definitely isn’t common. \u00a0This place gives you access to their free WiFi so you can work on the plans of your following days. \u00a0It also is located really close to the train station, which makes it super convenient for travel to downtown, or if you’re planning on seeing the countryside it is great as well.<\/p>\n

This city would be a great place to rent a bicycle early in the morning and ride it around all day long. \u00a0There is a lot to see in Buda, as well as Pest. You heard me right. \u00a0The river divides the two parts of the city, one is called Buda, the other is Pest.<\/p>\n

You guessed it. \u00a09000 points for two nights at this humble abode as well.<\/p>\n

Third Eastern European Trip Stop: Sarvar, Hungary<\/h2>\n
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This photo of Sarvar Nadasdy Castle is courtesy of TripAdvisor<\/p><\/div>\n

If you thirst for an opportunity to visit a castle where you can eat medieval foods, see people dressed up in costumes, and watch some horse races, then plan on coming in the July and visiting the Sarvar Nadasdy Castle. \u00a0It could really give your children a feel for living in those times, (minus the unsanitary conditions and the black plague, but who wants to relive those experiences?) then this is a place to visit. \u00a0They haven’t opened the entire castle to everyone, but it would be great to play King or Queen for a day, right?<\/p>\n

Western Hungary is known for its wonderful spas. \u00a0The Park Inn by Radisson Sarvar Hotel & Spa<\/a> is where you’ll call home. Plan on taking this time to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Western Hungary. \u00a0This hotel will take 15,000 points for two nights of enjoyment in the spa.<\/p>\n

Fourth Eastern European Trip Stop: Bratislava, Slovakia<\/h2>\n
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Hotel Danube (Photo courtesy of their website)<\/p><\/div>\n

For the final leg of the trip you’ll be staying right on the Danube river at the Park Inn Danube Bratislava<\/a>. \u00a0With the Danube river at record highs, hopefully this hotel is still there when you arrive.<\/p>\n

This hotel is right on the river and boasts some amazing views of the city. \u00a0Get out of the hotel room to see the rest of the city including another famous castle, the Bratislava castle that is less than half a mile from the hotel. Unfortunately it is only a replica, because the original burned to the ground in the early 1800’s. \u00a0It sits on an acropolis that overlooks the city. \u00a0The city is characterized by medieval towers, right next to modern buildings. \u00a0You’ve gotta think that this has been some wanted land for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n

Once again, this hotel will only cost you 9000 points for two nights.<\/p>\n

Summary of your Eastern Europe Trip Tour<\/h2>\n

For all your 8 nights (assuming you spend two nights at each hotel) you should plan on paying:<\/p>\n