One of the great capital cities of the modern world, Budapest, awaits our arrival on this outstanding nine-day Hungary tour.
An urban centre of glittering, romantic allure, Budapest emanates an Old World ambiance through its architecture and the proud cultural heritage of its peoples, yet simultaneously emits a distinct air of sophistication and chic associated with modern metropolises.
So abundant and stimulating is it, we commit a couple of days of our busy schedule to sample Budapest's many diverse flavours and unique charm.
From the Gothic Parliament, to the Concert Hall and to the still-standing Soviet monuments, we see a wide spectrum of architectural style and enjoy mingling with the locals in marketplaces offering wide varieties of foods and art- and craftwork.
Seeing authentic horsemen on 'The Great Hungarian Plain' is a truly unique experience.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $680 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrive in Budapest
Today we arrive in Budapest, Hungary.
Hungary is a land of beautiful monuments and romantic music. Buda and Pest, two of the city's three regions, both face the mighty Danube, which forms the physical and spiritual centre of the Hungarian capital. It is its centrepiece, its heart, and its pulse. Its relationship with the city is even more intimate than that of the Seine with Paris or the Arno with Florence.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Budapest: City Tour
This morning we depart for a bus tour of Budapest.
We start our day at Heroes Square and nearby Vajdahunyad Castle, where we briefly learn a bit about the history of Hungary. Our tour will continue toward Margaret Bridge over which we cross to the Buda side. Our next stop is the Citadel, a great place for panoramic views of the whole city. After a quick picture stop we continue to castle hill where we spend the rest of the day. A visit of St Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastions is by many seen as a highlight of the day.
After a lunch break we continue on foot to the Royal Palace, where we visit the National Gallery, dedicated exclusively to Hungarian art.
At this point you are free to continue independent exploration or return on our bus back to the hotel. Your Tour Leader can help you to plan the rest of your day.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Budapest: Walking Tour
This morning we embark on a leisurely WALKING tour of city's urban heart. This is an area is full of stately old buildings, grand avenues, and innumerable tiny streets. We will take local transport to the huge neo-Gothic Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest's left bank. Built by 1,000 workers between 1885 and 1902, this building has now become the symbol of the capital with its slender towers, spacious arcades, high windows and vast central dome. Nearby one can see the magnificent building housing the Museum of Ethnography. Walking southeast we come to the stately and sprawling Liberty Square (Szabadsag ter). In the square's center remains a gold hammer and sickle atop a white stone obelisk, one of the few monuments to the Russian 'liberation' of Budapest in 1945. Passing by Roosevelt Square we soon come to the famous Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the seven road bridges that span the Danube in Budapest. Before it was built, the river could be crossed only by ferry or by a pontoon bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.
We continue along the pedestrian 'Promenade' with great views of Gellert Hill and Castle Hill on the opposite bank. We will stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian motifs. From here we walk to one of the liveliest places in Budapest, Vorosmarty Ter, a large square that the north end of Budapest's best known shopping street--Vaci Utca. This is a fantastic pedestrian-only area of the city that has undergone a full transformation over the last 10 years.
Eventually we will arrive at the famous 19th century Central Market Hall. This cavernous three-story market teems with people browsing stalls packed with everything from salamis and red-paprika chains to folk embroideries and souvenirs. The balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Budapest - Szentendre - Holloko - Eger
This morning we travel by private coach to the riverside town of Szentendre, along the 'Danube Bend'. Szentendre is known for its museums, galleries and artists. Populated for well over a millennium, under the Romans it was called Ulcisia Castra, meaning Wolf Castle. Today its south European atmosphere with baroque architecture, churches of various faiths, narrow side streets, and cobblestone roads characterizes this town. You tour leader will take you on a walking tour through this gorgeous little town.
From Szentendre we continue on towards Eger. We will make a stop in the UNESCO protected village of Holloko, a small town of approximately 650 people. What sets this village apart from others is the 'Old Village' where 50 houses have been listed and declared historic monuments. Throughout time Holloko has managed to preserve its unique ethnographic and folk art values. The village itself is picturesque, with its cobbled streets and little white houses. Atop the nearby hill we can view what remains of a 13th century castle that was blown up by the Hapsburgs.
From here we continue on to Eger, situated in the Eger Valley between the Bukk and Matra Hills. Eger is famous for Red Bull's Blood (Egri Bikaver) wine, its medieval library, and for having the northernmost minaret in Europe. There are still many accessible sites and much charm to the narrow streets, arcaded buildings, wrought-iron gates, and Baroque towers and domes of the Old Town. This is the perfect walking city with something interesting at every turn. The nearby peaks of some of Hungary's highest mountains provide a natural backdrop for this city's historic monuments.
Overnight in Eger.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Eger: Town Tour
Eger has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the early Middle Ages the area was inhabited by German, Avar and Slavonic tribes. Taken over by the Hungarians in the 10th century, Eger reached an age of prosperity during the 14th-16th centuries. Winegrowing, for which the town is still famous, began to be important at that time. During the Turkish occupation of Central Hungary, Eger became an important border fortress, successfully defended by Hungarian forces in the 1552 Siege of Eger, in the face of overwhelming odds.
Our walking tour today will include a visit to the famous castle of Eger with its museum and underground casements. We will also see the Archbishop's Palace, Franciscan Church, and Turkish Minaret.
Overnight in Eger.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Eger - Paks - Siklos - Pecs
Today we depart early for our journey from Eger to the region of Southern Transdanubia, a region of undulating hills, forest clad ridges and rural ambience.
After passing Budapest we start our route south, traveling parallel to the Danube River for much of our journey. After passing by Paks, a town in central Hungary on the banks of the Danube River, we will continue to the city of Pecs. Pecs has been selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010, sharing the title together with Essen and Istanbul. This is a city not to be missed; as it is a major art center and university town. Here we will take a walking tour of the Old Town, and will see the historic cathedral, synagogue, mosques and fourth-century Christian necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with burial chambers decorated in murals.
Overnight in Pecs.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Pecs - Villany - Pecs
This morning we will venture towards the southern border to visit the historic town of Siklos and its well-preserved medieval castle. Wine has been produced in this region since the Romans settled here at a place they called Seres. After our visit to the castle we will break for lunch before an afternoon of sightseeing, starting with the the famous Villany-Siklos Wine Road, 30 km long and covering eight villages.
The Romans finds uncovered at the base of the hills prove that people have been growing grapes and making wine here for over 2,000 years. Today the Villany-Siklos wine region covers an area of about 2000 hectares. We return to Pecs for our overnight.
Overnight in Pecs.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Pecs - Lake Balaton Region - Budapest
Today we proceed north to the Lake Balaton Region. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and is often affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea".
Our day will be spent exploring this region. We will cross the lake by ferry from Szantod to Tihany. The Tihany Peninsula was declared a national park in 1952, and the peninsula is well known for its historical monuments, beautiful panorama and its Mediterranean climate. Balatonfured is a small town on the northern shore of the lake and is part of a region that was important to social life in the 18th century, even before bathing and swimming took off as a mass pastime 100 years later. This is the place where the first Balaton steamship started its trips, and the first yachtsmen's association began here. Here were built the villas of 19th-century celebrities, and the town is still the center of festivities. Patients have been treated here for three hundred years with the help of the mineral water sources, as the water is good for diabetes and digestive malfunctions.
Veszprem is a quaint and quiet town away from the lakeshore region, and here we will take a walk in the Castle Quarter.
At the end of our day we travel back to Budapest for our last night in Hungary.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Departure
Departure from Budapest.
BON VOYAGE!!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall the most popular of which is are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild and crowds thinner. Showers quite possible in spring and fall, somewhat less so in summer though can occur any time. Summers can be humid though long daylight hours maximize exploration.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. There may not be porters available in all locations. We also make use of public transit in some cities in order to maximize sightseeing where vehicles are impractical (most people quite enjoy this insight into daily life).
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite toilet and bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
A little over two weeks is the duration of this stimulating Czech Republic and Slovakia tour and our time could not be better spent as we venture through the heart and soul of two of Eastern Europe's most rewarding destinations.
Starting in the Czech capital, Prague, a city that Goethe once called the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world, we are exposed to a wealth of architectural style, from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, to Rococo, Neoclassical, Empire and Art Nouveau.
The castle and Old Town convey the long history and charming heritage of this, one of Europe's classic destinations and from here, we visit castles that date from the 13th century and Gothic fortresses en route to the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary.
We see for ourselves why UNESCO decided to grant World Heritage status to the ancient centres of Cesky Krumlov, and marvel at one of the most exquisitely beautiful towns on the continent.
Across the border in Slovakia, we set off from Bratislava and head towards the mountain range of the Low Tatras, finding on our way emerald-green glacial lakes and evidence of the country's former subservience to the Hungarian Empire.
Pieniny National Park surely vies for title of most beautiful and serene landscape in Europe and we see Slovakia from all perspectives, from deep within the 'Cave of Freedom' in the Demanova Valley, to atop the summit of Mount Chopok.
A special treat before we return home, we cross into Hungary to take a couple of days to explore its remarkable capital city, Budapest.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Hungary & Romania Tour from Adventures Abroad: The capital city of Hungary is only the beginning of our journey throughout the heart of Eastern Europe and Budapest's three regions make for the perfect vantage points to view the mighty Danube River in all its glory.
The city's renowned shopping along the Vorosmarty Ter will provide hours of entertainment and the sense of discovery will be felt as we search for the monuments in Liberty Square.
It's then time to explore Romania, the land of the spectacular Eastern Carpathian Mountains.
This country seems to contain all the elements that one can desire in any adventure; a natural beauty that will mystify meshed with cities that exist in a unique world of their own.
Understand why the capital city, Bucharest, is nicknamed 'The Little Paris of the East' when we see the influences shine through the city's architectural styles and overall ambience.
The sidewalk cafes scattered throughout the garden-laden streets and the fin-de-siecle style of the structures that dot the city are qualities we won't forget anytime soon after our trip.
An excursion to the outdoor Bucharest Village Museum shows a collect of the country's oldest structures, from towering windmills, to restored churches.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Czech Republic, Slovak Republic & Hungary tour from Adventures Abroad: We land in the heart of Europe when we touch down in the Czech Republic and the ever-exciting atmosphere and stunningly attractive setting of Prague sets the perfect pace for this magnificent 21-day tour through three of Eastern Europe's most rewarding destinations.
Truly one of the world's most magical cities, Prague seldom fails to spellbind, whether it be due to the spectacular vistas from the battlements of the castle, to one of the many quaint, fountain-lined courtyards, to one of the intricately carved historic sites in the Old Town, or to the charming ambiance that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Renaissance chateaux, Gothic fortresses and centuries-old monasteries and churches mark our route as we travel via the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary en route to Marianske Lanze, with its unique singing fountain, and Cesky Krumlov, one of the most exquisite towns in the country.
The 16th century World Heritage town of Telc is our final destination before we cross the border through the Small Carpathians into Slovakia.
From touring the oldest centres of Slovakia's capital, Bratislava - a city that was under Hungary's dominion for one thousand years from the 10th century until 1918 - we head into beautiful countryside at Pieniny National Park and to the foothills of the Low Tatras, where we explore fascinating caves and ascend glorious mountainsides in chairlifts for some of the best views in Central Europe.
Hopping over to Budapest, Hungary, we wander wide avenues lined with stately old buildings and admire an array of architectural style that encompasses Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian influences.
Budapest yields no shortage of activity and attraction, but when we leave the glittering capital bound for Holloko, one of the most enchanting towns in the country, and to quaint villages in the Bukk Hills, we get the chance to see another side of Hungary; one that is not geared to, nor been altered by, mass tourism.
Hortobagy National Park and Wildlife Preserve on the Great Hungarian Plain never fails to leave a lasting romantic impression.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
If we were wanting to discover what makes Eastern Europe one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, we would be sure to take a trip to the Demanova Valley to see the Low Tatras Mountain Range in the Slovak Republic.
We might also take the train ride through the Eastern Carpathian Mountains in Romania.
Not only do we have the chance to live out these experiences, but we can also relax in the bathhouses in Budapest, Hungary, or sit on the patios of one of the many coffeehouses in Bucharest, Romania.
The intricate stonework of the churches and monasteries that are scattered throughout these countries, or the music that fills the many market squares are some of the finer details we have time to admire during this 21-day trip.
When you sign on to our Slovakia Hungary & Romania tour, you are signing on to an extensive expose of natural beauty combined with some of mankind's most stunning architectural achievements.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria Tour from Adventures Abroad: Budapest, Hungary, is the first port of call on this journey through the varied landscapes and cultures of these three highly rewarding Eastern European tour destinations.
Mediaeval castles, neo-Renaissance churches, royal palaces, hilltop fortresses and a concert hall that displays a wide spectrum of architectural influences, including Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian, give travellers an insight into the great beauty and diversity of the city.
We stop to admire the UNESCO-designated historic centre of Holloko and the Baroque buildings that epitomize Eger, before heading into bewitching countryside sceneries in the Bukk Hills.
Charming traditional villages and wildlife reserves bring our Hungary leg of the tour to an end, at which point we make headway for Bucharest, Romania.
From the capital, once dubbed 'The Paris of the East' as much for its hectic, cosmopolitan feel as for its architecture, we head to the Bucovina Monasteries, through beautiful towns and villages steeped in history and find centuries-old castles, monuments and sites of interest around the Transylvanian plateau.
And we certainly can't pass up the opportunity to check out Bran Castle, believed to be Dracula's, whether the fable holds truth or not!
Another overnight train takes us to the mountain-encircled Bulgarian capital, Sophia, a city of wide boulevards and quaint park gardens and the second oldest capital in Europe.
Heading onwards, we travel to ancient cities on the Plain of Thrace and into the Valley of the Roses to get a feel for the cultural and natural environments of the country and bring an end to our thrilling adventure by exploring the famous Rila Monasteries.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Bounties in the Slovak Republic lie copious and abundant and we need the best part of a week on our Slovakia, Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria Tour to explore fully the historic, cultural and natural features of this unique country.
From the centuries-old quarters of the cosmopolitan capital city, Bratislava, and the ornate churches, towers and architectural marvels therein, to the breathtaking natural glory of the Pineny region and the dizzying heights of the Carpathian Mountains, our route showcases the many faces of the Slovak Republic and its majesty.
We descend to investigate underground caves and ascend the slopes of the second highest mountain in the Low Tatras Range in a chairlift, before ending the Slovak Republic leg and heading to Hungary's capital, Budapest. We tour the dynamic capital, spending time amid stately buildings and meandering along narrow streets, all the while soaking in the attractions, like the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Museum of Ethnography, the concert hall and the Chain Bridge.
Through towns and villages that at times seem forgotten by time, we admire rural scenery that would not be out of place over a century ago, like the traditional garb of the women in Holloko and the town's cobbled streets. Our trip to see the stalagmite pyramids and red and black stalactite drip stones in the Aggtelek Caves is one not soon forgotten and we leave Hungary via the wine-producing region near Debrecen and the Hortobagy National Park and Wildlife Preserve.
In Romania, we check out the famous Bucovina Monasteries and their collections of Byzantine art, the mythical home of Dracula at Bran Castle, 'the Pearl of the Carpathian Mountains' at Sinaia and one of the most beautiful castles in Europe at Peles Castle.
We then head into Bulgaria to spend our final eight days seeing the capital city, Sophia, hiking in the Valley of the Roses, visiting the Rila Monasteries and wandering around ancient Thracian cities admiring the sights and meeting the friendly locals.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Hungary, Romania, Slovak & Czech Republic Tour from Adventures Abroad: Experience the best of culture, spectacle and nature on this 28-day adventure through four highly memorable tour destinations in the heart of Europe.
Prague, the capital city and jewel in the crown of the Czech Republic, presents the perfect introduction to a region of the world steeped in history and brimming with attraction, both modern and ancient.
This magical city has a wholly unique atmosphere and having remained largely undamaged by the Second World War, boasts mazes of cobblestone alleys, mediaeval courtyards and historic site by the dozen.
We visit the castle, the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square, allocating enough time to let the poignant beauty of this metropolis sink in and then it's off to tour Renaissance chateaux, Gothic fortresses and the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Visits to Cesky Krumlov and the Heritage Site of Telc bring our Czech Republic leg of our tour to an exquisite close. In Slovakia, we travel from the exciting capital, Bratislava, through picturesque rural sceneries punctuated by quaint towns and striking chateaux and on to one of Central Europe's most beautiful natural environments at Pieniny National Park.
We come across unique wooden architecture amid the Low Tetras mountain range and mediaeval monasteries near the border with Poland before crossing into Hungary and heading for its capital, Budapest.
Known as 'the Paris of Central Europe', Budapest is as romantic and harmonious as a city can be, a feature that is mirrored in the enchanting towns of Holloko, where traditional dress is still worn by women, and Debrecen, the largest town in Eastern Hungary and today an important market town.
As we make our way through glorious Hungarian countryside, stopping in at villages to mingle with friendly locals, taste local culinary delicacies and get a feel for rural lifestyle, we discover that there's so much more to this country than its famously bewitching capital.
Last on our destination list is Romania, a country with a fascinating blend of old and new. From the garden city of Bucharest, via the Bucovina monasteries with their stunning displays of Byzantine-influenced art, the Carpathian Mountains and UNESCO-designated fortified churches atop the Transylvanian plateau, we see the spectacular variety of man-made and natural wonder that Romania has to offer and discover its true character for ourselves.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovak & Czech Republic Tour from Adventures Abroad: This epic, 35-day extravaganza of a tour is the ultimate showcase of the histories, cultures, landscapes and natures of these five exciting destinations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Beginning in Prague, a city that is often compared to Florence and Rome for its beauty and one that Goethe once called the prettiest gemstone in the crown of the world, we begin our Czech Republic leg of the tour basking in the glories of one of the most stunning and memorable metropolises on the planet.
We also visit world-famous spa towns; take a ride up a funicular to admire striking vistas; and spend time in the UNESCO-designated historic centre of Cesky Krumlov, perhaps the most exquisite city in the country.
We travel through regions famous for orchards and vineyards in the Slovak Republic en route to Bratislava, the capital and often the most popular attraction in the country.
After comprehensive exploration of the country's largest urban centre, we head to one of the most impressive areas of natural beauty in Central Europe at Pieniny National Park, before pressing on to Budapest, Hungary.
From Hungary, we cross into Romania, starting this leg of the adventure in Bucharest, once known as 'The Paris of the East'. A historically fascinating destination, Romania is home to over 2,000 fresco-brimming monasteries, dozens of picture-perfect castles and countless fortified villages.
Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe
Countries visited: Hungary
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
