jeterray

Guys- A lot of disagreement about walking. We are seniors, but we enjoy daily walking. It seems that the best idea is to hire a guide on the first day. We can get our bearings, and learn our wat around. Thanks to everyone.

kja

If you want to hire a guide, by all means, go for it! But I must admit that I don't understand how one guide on a single day could help you learn your way to all the things you might want to see, and the best way I've ever found to get my bearings is to walk around on my own a bit.

jeterray

Kja- I have great respect for your advice, but I think with 5 days, we can save a lot of time by using a guide for a day. In one country we visited, we did a foodie tour that introduced us to an area that we likely would never have found. We went back to the area for a day. In another city we did a free walking tour that gave us some immediate insight into the city that we would revisit. In another city, we stayed several weeks where we did as you suggest. It was very rewarding as we walked many streets and alleys. However we have 5 days, and as older people, we can't stay on the hunt for full days for that time. But thanks for the suggestion. After a guided day, we can walk, or use public transportation to whatever location we desire.

kja

I wasn't saying not to use a guide -- in fact, I said to use one if you want! I was commenting specifically on the purposes you originally presented for calling upon a guide's services, which did not strike me as particularly realistic. Nor was I suggesting that you "stay on the hunt for full days" -- I've encouraged you to select your priorities based on guidebooks and other sources of information and to work with google maps to learn how long it will take to get from place to place by foot or public transportation or whatever. I'm glad to read, in this last reply, what seems to me a much more realistic assessment of what you might gain from using a guide than in your earlier post.

Enjoy!

jeterray

Kja- You are one of the best posters on here. I really think we are on the same page for the most part. I agree that we will find our way around Budapest/ Prague. I like the walking tours and the foodie tours because a guide gives me info that brings the guide info into reality. If available, I would prefer a local friend to show me around. Thanks again for your insight.