The Reality Reports

Day One: Castle District And Historic Buda: Start your Budapest adventure on the Buda side of the city by taking the funicular railway up to Castle Hill. Spend your morning exploring Buda Castle, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and offers sweeping views of the Danube River.  Walk through the medieval streets to Matthias Church, known for its colorful tile roof and Gothic architecture. The nearby Fisherman's Bastion provides some of the best photo opportunities in the city. Plan to spend about four hours in this area before heading down to the river for lunch at a traditional Hungarian restaurant.

Start Your Morning at the Duomo: Begin your day at Milan's stunning cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. This Gothic masterpiece took nearly six centuries to complete and stands as the third-largest church in Europe.  Arrive early, around 8 AM, to beat the crowds and enjoy the intricate marble facade in peaceful morning light. If you have time, buy tickets to climb to the rooftop terraces where you can walk among the spires and see the city spread out below you.  The golden Madonnina statue at the highest point has watched over Milan since 1774.