Understanding Hybrid Regimes: Hungary, Ukraine, and Armenia in Transit 2024

Day 1: Hungary Political Landscape

Budapest, Hungary on July 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Gerlóczy Café

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast in a Parisian-style café, taking in the ambiance of Budapest’s historic center.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building

Explore the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament building where Viktor Orbán’s government operates, offering insight into Hungary’s political power center.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:15pm

Walk to Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial

Reflect on Hungary’s complex history by visiting this poignant Holocaust memorial along the Danube riverbank.
Free, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Menza Restaurant

Enjoy modern Hungarian cuisine in the lively Liszt Ferenc Square, experiencing an environment where culture and politics intersect.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Tour the House of Terror Museum

Understand Hungary's historical authoritarian regimes and the origins of political struggles that shaped today’s hybrid regime.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:15pm

Stroll Andrássy Avenue and Heroes' Square

Walk this historic boulevard culminating in Heroes' Square to explore national identity and past political narratives.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Dine in a contemporary setting offering Hungarian and international dishes, reflecting the mix of tradition and modernity in Hungary.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ukraine's Democratic Reforms

Kyiv, Ukraine on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at OWorld Café

Have a hearty Ukrainian breakfast near Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the center of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity.
UAH150, 1h

10:00am

Maidan Nezalezhnosti Tour

Explore the iconic square that was the heart of Ukraine’s democratic uprising and observe public memorials to the revolutionaries.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Visit National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity

Learn about the 2013-2014 events and Ukraine’s fight against corruption and authoritarianism, critical for understanding its democratizing trajectory.
UAH100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Puzata Hata

Sample affordable and traditional Ukrainian dishes at a popular local chain, a reflection of grassroots culture and community spirit.
UAH120, 1h

2:30pm

Tour the Kyiv Court of Appeal

Visit to observe recent reforms in judicial effectiveness as highlighted in the Nations in Transit 2024 report, supporting Ukraine’s improving governance.
Free (guided tour arranged in advance), 1h30m

4:15pm

Walk along the Dnipro River Embankment

Relax and reflect on Kyiv’s resilience and civic vitality amidst ongoing challenges.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kanapa Restaurant

Enjoy elevated Ukrainian cuisine with a focus on local, fresh ingredients symbolizing national pride and perseverance.
UAH400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Armenia's Cyclical Politics

Yerevan, Armenia on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central Yerevan

Start your day with Armenian coffee and pastries in a historic city center café rooted in Yerevan’s culture.
AMD3000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial

Pay tribute to the memory of historical struggles, a background to Armenia’s political and social dynamics.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Tour the Republic Square and Government Buildings

See the central hub of Yerevan’s political life and understand the recent shifts under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dolmama

Taste traditional Armenian dishes in a cozy restaurant known for its authentic flavors and cultural richness.
AMD8000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Explore contemporary Armenian art reflecting societal changes and aspirations amidst political volatility.
AMD1500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Vernissage Market

Browse souvenirs, crafts, and local artworks that tell the story of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage and community resilience.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tavern Yerevan

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with traditional music and food, reflecting the spirit of Armenia’s ongoing political and social development.
AMD10000, 1h30m
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