BUDAPEST, THE PEARL OF CENTRAL-EAST EUROPE

In Budapest a surprise awaits you on each corner. This metropolis with 1,8 million inhabitants is much more than just the capital of Hungary. Budapest is a unique jewel of the past as well as a modern city, a treasury that contains 2000 years of history and a cultural center in which one sensational event haunts the next one.

The city extends on both sides of the river Danube - on the right hand side you find the older, hilly Buda with historical and architectural monuments. On the left-hand side, discover the flat land of the younger Pest with its houses for fashionable citizens and bustling with life.

Relax on Margitsziget (Margaret Island). It’s an island on the Danube in the middle of the city, a conservation area, 2,5 km long and 500 m wide. Cars are not permitted on the island. There, find old majestic trees, parks and ruins of monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages. Two thermal hotels and a small zoo as well as restaurants and cafés await you in the very heart of the town.

During your visit, you will not only find out why Budapest is the proud heir of the Magyar tribes, who founded Hungary about 1100 years ago, you will also discover the lasting influence of the Romans. You will walk in the footsteps of the Turks, who determined the history of Hungary in the 16th and 17th century, and you will remember the days when the Habsburgs ruled the Austrian-Hungarian Empire.

Of course you will also get to know the Budapest of today. A blossoming center of international trade, culture and politics, a growing metropolis with the charm of a small town, whose lively present and gleaming past make her one of Europe’s most dynamic and beautiful cities.

HUNGARY, THE LAND OF MAGYAREN

It is a land like no other in Europe. Unrivalled in its cities, landscapes and people, Hungary beckons to those seeking the unique, the truly special – a whole New World that has never been seen or experienced before.

To uncover Hungary’s vast riches, all you have to do is go to the heart, to the very heart of Europe. Where the splendor of Budapest, the country’s capital, meets the calm sweeps of the romantic Great Plain and Puszta.

Ancient walled towns, such as Sopron and Köszeg, vie for beauty with the 16th century bastion of Turkish rule, Pécs, and the Baroque masterpiece of Eger. In fact, architecture from every period of Hungarian history is reflected in its dynamic character today. You can discover that from Budapest’s stunning Roman settlement, Aquincum, to the magnificent Romanesque cathedral in Ják, from the Rococo Eszterházy palace in Fertöd to the Art Nouveau Town Hall in Kecskemét. Kecskemét, the capital of the “apricot brandy” and the Hungarian Art Nouveau.

There are countless other aspects to Hungary, hospitality and friendliness among the best of them. Hungary is a country so diverse, with so much to offer. A place you thought could not possibly exist.

WEATHER CONDITIONS IN BUDAPEST

Temperatures in Budapest in May usually range between 15–25º C by day, nights are cooler.

For detailed information on weather forecast, please visit:
www.met.hu or http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/HUXX0002.html

ELECTRICITY

The main voltage in Hungary is 220V AC.

TIME

Budapest is in the Central European Time Zone, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

LOCAL CURRENCY

The Hungarian local currency is Forint (HUF). Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, travel agencies and at the airport. Currency used for payment of congress related matters such as registration fees, tickets for tours and social programme will be handled in EURO only. It is recommended to change money in banks in the city centre only. The exchange rate is HUF 250 for EUR 1

SHOPPING

Shops are generally open from 10:00h - 18:00h daily. Only some shopping centres in the city are open until 20:00h.

TIPPING

Service is usually included in the prices in bars and restaurants. If not, it is written on the receipt. Tips are always welcome and usually 10%.

PASSPORT AND VISA

Please check passport and visa requirements in due time before departure. Passport holders from countries in Western Europe (EU) as well as from North America, Canada and Australia do not need a visa to enter Hungary. For some nationalities visas can be issued at Budapest airport upon arrival. All other nationalities need to contact the Hungarian Embassy in their specific country for detailed information. If needed, an official invitation letter can be issued from the Scientific Secretariat for visa purposes. Please note that in various countries, the visa application procedure can take up to 6 months. Therefore, an early application is recommended.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

The organisers cannot be held responsible for any personal injury, loss, damage or accident to private property, or for additional expenses incurred as a result of delays or changes in air, rail, road or other services, strikes, sickness, weather and other causes. All participants are encouraged to make their own arrangements for health and travel insurance.

FLIGHT TICKETS

MONDIAL CONGRESS & EVENTS offers flight tickets to the participants of this Congress. For attractive, tailor-made offers, please contact MONDIAL CONGRESS & EVENTS!

For further informations please contact:

Mondial Congress & Events
Operngasse 20b, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Tel.: +43 1 588 04 0, Fax: +43 1 588 04 185
E-mail: eurotrauma2008@mondial-congress.com