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Poland to Hungary

Faculty: Aaron Stuvland and Travis Ross
Class Meeting Time: Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2026
Cost: $2,400

Budapest, Hungary

Highlights

Embark on a journey to the heart of Central Europe, a region that has endured some of the darkest moments in modern history. On this trip, we will explore the landscapes of the Holocaust, where millions were murdered under Nazi occupation, before delving into the divergent histories of this region after WWII under Western or Soviet influence. We will walk the streets of Krakow, stand in solemn reflection at Auschwitz-Birkenau, hike the stunning Tatra Mountains, and trace the contested legacies of the region in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.

This is more than a trip; it’s a chance to grapple with the profound questions of justice, memory, and reconciliation. From memorials and museums to living cities, we’ll explore how these societies remember historical injustices and navigate the challenges of democracy in the shadow of authoritarianism. This course invites students from all disciplines to connect deeply with history, culture, and the political forces shaping our world today. It’s an experience that will challenge your perspectives, deepen your understanding, and inspire meaningful engagement with the complexities of our shared history.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 Flight from PDX to Krakow
Day 2 Krakow: Explore City Square, guided walking tour, free time
Day 3 Krakow: Visit Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory, optional Nowa Huta tour
Day 4 Morning travel to Auschwitz, settle in or light exploration, reflection or group discussion
Day 5 Auschwitz: Full-day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, reflection or rest
Day 6 Morning travel to Liptovský Mikuláš (Slovakia), light exploration of town or Tatras National Park, free time
Day 7 Liptovský Mikuláš: Visit Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, free time, optional group activity
Day 8 Morning travel to Bratislava, explore Bratislava Castle and Old Town, free time
Day 9 Bratislava: Visit Museum of Slovak National Uprising, optional Devin Castle tour, free time
Day 10 Bratislava: Tour Slovak Parliament, comparative democracy discussion, reflection or free time
Day 11 Morning travel to Vienna, explore Belvedere Palace, optional group dinner
Day 12 Vienna: Visit House of Austrian History, tour Hofburg Palace, explore or free time
Day 13 Travel to Bratislava, visit Slovak Radio Building, tour Parliament and democracy discussion, return to Vienna
Day 14 Morning travel to Győr, free time or explore Baroque city center, reflection or rest
Day 15 Morning travel to Budapest, visit House of Terror Museum, free time
Day 16 Budapest: Tour Hungarian Parliament, visit Dohány Street Synagogue, explore city center
Day 17 Budapest: Visit Buda Castle, optional NGO discussion on democracy, free time
Day 18 Budapest: Explore Hungarian National Museum, cultural or political site visit, free time
Day 19 Budapest: Free time, group reflection on trip themes, farewell dinner
Day 20 Flight from Budapest to PDX