Exploring Nations in Transit 2024: Insights into Hungary, Ukraine, and Armenia

Day 1: Hungary Political Insight

Budapest, Hungary on June 19, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast with pastries and coffee at one of Budapest’s most famous historic cafes, open from 8:00AM.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Hungarian Parliament Building

Explore the iconic seat of Hungary’s legislative body, offering insights into the political history shaped by Orbán’s governance amid its transition from communism to the current autocratizing trend. Guided tours run from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30AM

Walk through the Shoes on the Danube Memorial

Reflect on Hungary's complex history and struggles for democracy at this poignant riverside memorial, depicting the victims of the Holocaust.
Free, 0h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Bors GasztroBar

Savor innovative Hungarian street food in this casual spot known for flavorful soups and sandwiches, open for lunch from 11:30AM to 4:00PM.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:30PM

Tour House of Terror Museum

Understand Hungary’s political repression history under authoritarian regimes including communist rule and Orbán’s consolidation of power. Open 10:00AM - 6:00PM.
EUR10, 2h0m

3:30PM

Visit Central European University Campus

Learn about academic freedom challenges and the impact of Orbán's policies, as CEU was forced to relocate from Budapest due to political pressure.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Gundel Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining featuring classic Hungarian cuisine in a grand setting, a perfect spot to reflect on the day’s political and cultural experiences. Open until 11:00PM.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ukraine Democratizing Hybrid

Kyiv, Ukraine on June 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kanapa Restaurant

Start your day with traditional Ukrainian dishes such as syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) in a stylish setting. Open from 8:00AM.
UAH150, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Maidan Nezalezhnosti

Explore the central square that was the heart of the Revolution of Dignity and witness the ongoing democratization spirit of Ukraine.
Free, 1h0m

10:00AM

Tour National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

Explore exhibits highlighting Ukraine’s resilience and reform efforts, including wartime experiences and the fight against corruption. Open 10:00AM-6:00PM.
UAH50, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Puzata Hata

Experience a popular Ukrainian self-service restaurant offering authentic local dishes and affordable prices, open daily from 8:00AM to 10:00PM.
UAH120, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada)

Learn about legislative reforms and anti-corruption measures with a possible guided tour if scheduled in advance. Check any visitor restrictions due to security.
Free, 1h0m

3:00PM

Walk the vibrant Andriyivskyy Descent

Discover Ukrainian arts, crafts, and local culture at this historic street which survived through cycles of Ukraine’s political changes.
Free, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Kanapa Restaurant

Return to Kanapa for a refined dinner featuring reinterpretations of traditional Ukrainian cuisine, open until 11:00PM.
UAH400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Armenia Cyclical Hybrid

Yerevan, Armenia on June 21, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Artbridge Bookstore Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in a cafe that doubles as a cultural hub promoting Armenian civil society dialogues. Open from 8:00AM.
AMD2500, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Republic Square and History Museum of Armenia

Explore the architectural heart of Yerevan and the museum’s exhibits on Armenia’s recent political transformations, including the Velvet Revolution.
AMD1000, 2h0m

11:30AM

Tour the Cascade Complex

Climb this massive stairway offering panoramic views and sculptures symbolizing Armenia’s evolving democracy and culture.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Dolmama

Taste Armenian specialties in a high-end restaurant that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage, open 12:00PM to 10:00PM.
AMD7000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit the National Assembly of Armenia

Gain perspective on Armenia's cyclical political challenges and leadership dynamics following the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. Confirm visitor access prior.
Free, 1h0m

3:30PM

Tour Memorial to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide

Contemplate Armenia’s historical struggles and resilience which have shaped its political landscape, a significant site open daily.
Free, 0h45m

6:30PM

Dinner at Tavern Yerevan

Dine on traditional Armenian dishes in a lively atmosphere, complete with folk music and open until 11:00PM.
AMD8000, 1h30m
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