Castles, Peaks & City Streets: A Central European Escape

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Budapest

   The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

   When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Budapest

   

   Budapest for the First Time

   Your private guide will meet you at your accommodations, then take you on a three-hour walking (and subway) tour to show you the highlights of the city's Pest side, where the majority of its history, landmarks, and hotels are found. You will visit the exterior of the stunning Parliament, get to know the city's 20th century history in Liberty Square, and hop on the subway to the Opera House, Heroes' Square and City Park at the far end of Andrassy Boulevard. Then you will return to the center, where St. Stephen’s Basilica awaits.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Budapest

   A Gastronomic Heaven

   The Hungarians have always emphasized food, and their cuisine is often declared to be the best in Central Europe. During your walks in Budapest, you will see that almost every second place is either a coffee shop, restaurant, or pub. This gives you a chance to try whatever you want, and believe us when we say that it is absolutely worth your time. Suppose you don't want to explore on your own. In that case, we suggest taking one of our favorite food tours with a professional guide who will introduce you to classic local dishes, wines, and spirits while showing you some of the best places to shop, eat, and drink in the city, notably the Great Market Hall (aka the Central Market Hall).

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Budapest Market, Food, and Coffee Private Tour

   One of the best - and definitely a must - tours in Budapest if you consider yourself a foodie or would just simply like to have some delicious Hungarian food. Your guide will show some truly amazing local places, such as the Great Market Hall, a Hungarian restaurant and of course a beautiful coffeeshop.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

   

   Evening Wine, Cheese, & Charcuterie Tasting Group Experience

   Hungary is well known for its wines. Despite its small size, it hosts 23 distinct wine regions. With this tasting, you'll taste excellent wines from across the country (including the legendary Tokaji Aszu), paired with foods.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Dinner Walk - Culinary Small Group Tour

   A true culinary experience in Budapest. As a perfect opportunity to enjoy dinner at multiple restaurants and venues, this tour will surely become one of your favourites in case you are into gastronomy and wines. Discover more about the Hungarian cuisine while you explore some of the history of this amazing capital.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

4. Day 4 Traveling to High Tatras by Private Transfer / Arrival in High Tatras

   

   Today you will be picked up by our driver at your Budapest accommodations and taken to Slovakia's High Tatras mountains. Along the way, we will include a stop in the charming UNESCO-listed town of Banska Stiavnica, where you will have 3 hours of free time to explore the town and grab lunch. Please note that this is a non-guded transfer that takes around 7 hours.

   Also known as the Slovakian Alps, the High Tatras are gorgeous at any time of year. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or just relaxing, this is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city to revel in the breathtaking nature of Central Europe. You’ll find numerous trails for all modes of transportation, from hiking to biking and skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. The mountain air is crisp and clean, the locals are friendly, and everywhere you look you’ll see a picture-perfect view. There are numerous ski resorts in the area, several of which have spas that offer massages and other wellness treatments. The High Tatras central location near the must-see cities of Budapest and Krakow also make it perfect for a stop-over, or the home-base for a series of day trips in the region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or the ultimate in relaxation, you’ll find it nestled in the rolling hills and rocky crags of these incredible mountains and their unique, inviting atmosphere.

   Upon your arrival, the driver will take you to your accommodations in High Tatras.

   

   Pure Relaxation: A Visit to the Hotel Spa

   If you take up our suggestion of staying at the Kempsinki, today we recommend treating yourself to a pampering at the hotel spa. Luxuriating in a hot tub with mountain views is an experience to savor. There are also numerous styles of massage and wellness treatments to enjoy, so call ahead to find what’s on offer during your stay. Whether you’re rejuvenating your sore muscles or just unwinding, this is a wonderful way to spend a day.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in High Tatras

   

   Hike Mountain Trails

   Clearly the mountains are the main attraction in the High Tatras and today we suggest you explore them with a hike, as challenging or easy as you’d like. There are numerous hiking trails beginning just outside your hotel. They are well-marked so it should be easy to choose the right trail for you. Bring your camera, because there are many lookout spots where you’ll get amazing views of the forests and the mountain range.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Traveling to Krakow by Private Transfer / Arrival in Krakow

   

   Today you will leave the High Tatras and arrive in Krakow. On the way, just before you reach Krakow, you will visit the famous UNESCO listed Salt Mines of Wieliczka. The journey, with the stop at Wieliczka Salt Mines, takes about 6 hours 30 minutes. The tour itself takes around 2 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

   When you arrive in Krakow, your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodation.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Krakow

   

   Exploring Krakow

   Today you’ll be getting a feel for the story of the city with a private tour with a local expert. There's much to discover as you walk the famed Royal Route through the city's heart, on this tour filled to the brim with historical facts and anecdotes. You'll wander from the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate to the spectacular hilltop royal Wawel Castle, visiting the Main Square with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica along the way.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

   Sample Unique Polish Cuisine

   Krakow's food scene is rich in delicious food, from traditional pastries to open-faced sandwiches that make for beloved late-night snacks. You can try a variety of dishes by joining one of the food tasting tours or a folk show for a memorable and fun way to explore the city's culinary heritage.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Krakow Food Tasting Group Tour

   If you want to discover a rich, multidimensional world of traditional Polish food and beverages, we invite you to join this exceptional tasting expedition! You will have a chance to try Polish dishes that are inevitably connected with the country's folklore, history and culture. During the tour, your guide will share with you all the intriguing tales and anecdotes related to the Polish cuisine.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Krakow Home Cooked Small Group Tour

   Do you want to learn how to make pierogi like an expert? Join this Krakow tour to get an inside guide to cooking Polish food in the home of a local home cook. There's no better way to get in touch with Poland's rich culinary traditions.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   Our driver will pick you up in from your accommodation and take you to Krakow Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.