Fab second day in Budapest. Explored the Buda side of the island today. Started by walking up what seemed like thousands of steps to the Citadel ('small city'). Absolutely boiling hot and very tiring! Then we wandered along to the castle and the Fishermans Bastian- beautiful turrets and views of the parliament buildings across the river. Stopped for a drink in a gorgeous restaurant with panoramic views then had a spot of lunch (ham and cheese toastie with a pint ...

Great first day in Budapest. Arrived at about 1pm after a rather stressful time at Stansted airport (we could run that airport better....) Since then we have checked in at the hostel- feel like we are back at uni with a shared kitchen! Enjoyed a drink on an amazing rooftop terrace with a 360 degree view of the city. Went to a gorgeous Italian restaurant for dinner £8 for a huge pizza and 2 glasses of prosecco :-) then found the famous Szimpla ruin bar and enjoy...

Dropped off at airport, rucksacks on and ready to spend time mooching round the duty free trying the most expensive perfume! The question is: who is going to get frisked going through security??? :-)

All set and ready. 4 weeks worth of things just in a backpack.... Crazy!

***Itinerary*** 30th July = Fly to Budapest 30th July- 2nd August = Budapest 2nd August - 4th August = Vienna 4th August- 7th August = Prague 7th August- 9th August = Munich 9th August - 11th August = Salzburg 11th August- 12th August = Munich (wait for night train to Venice) 12th August- 14th August= Venice 14 August - 17th August = Milan + Lake Como 17th August - 19th August = Interlaken 19th August- 21st August = Geneva 21st August- 24th August= N...