Austro-Hungary's Twin Capitals

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

   

   Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

   You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   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 Vienna by Train / Arrival in Vienna

   

   The impressive, imperial city of Vienna is waiting for you today. Thanks to the great train connections between Budapest and Vienna, you can choose a convenient departure time; we will have arranged second class tickets with seat reservations for the roughly 3-hour journey. Our driver will take care of bringing you to the Budapest train station. If you'd prefer, first class tickets can be arranged as well for additional fee. To save time and enjoy a relaxing ride, we recommend door-to-door service with our private transfer option. For an additional fee, a driver will pick you up in Budapest at your convenience and bring you directly to your accommodation in Vienna.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Vienna by Private Transfer with a Stop and Guided Tour in Bratislava

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   A driver will greet you at Vienna's Hauptbahnhof Train Station and take you to your accommodations.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

   There’s so much to see in the center of Vienna! From palaces built by the Habsburgs through music halls and residential buildings - all you see will take you back in time to a really prosperous historical era when Vienna was the most important political and cultural center of Central Europe.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

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

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Vienna

   Highlights of the Wachau Valley

   If you love wines or are just looking to escape the big city for a day, we recommend heading upstream to the picturesque Wachau Valley. Known for producing many of Austria’s best wines (including some of Europe’s most famous dry whites), you can easily spend a day, walking, biking or driving between wineries and taverns, sampling your way down the valley.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Winery Bike Group Tour

   Imagine sipping, swirling and slurping through Austria's most celebrated winery region, the Wachau Valley. Renowned for its quality wines, stunning villages, and breathtaking scenery, this stretch of the River Danube is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. You'll enjoy the freedom of easy open-air cycling in magnificent vineyard surroundings. Sample wine at small, local wineries and explore many stunning villages up close. UNESCO World Heritage scenery guarantees no shortage of great photo opportunities along the way. This unique wine tasting bike tour prides itself on showing you the Wachau like no other!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Hidden Wachau Valley Private Day Trip

   This tour is designed for those seeking out culture, history and would like to learn about excellent wines. You'll tour the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its vineyards, visit scenic small towns and villages such as Dürnstein, Spitz or Krems. One of the highlights of your tour will be the Melk Abbey, a gargantuan Baroque monastery.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Valley Winery Small Group Tour

   Discover the breathtaking scenic Wachau Valley on a small group tour. Participate the engaging discovery of small towns of the UNESCO World Heritage area like Dürnstein or Krems. Taste the region's fantastic whites, learn about the collaboration of winemakers of the valley and treat yourself with tasty local snacks. Cruise on River Danube during the summer season (April 1 to October 31), embraced by vineyards, or visit Melk Abbey in the winter season. This day trip will be a jewel during your stay in Vienna.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

7. Day 7 Your Third Full Day in Vienna

   

   Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

   The Schönbrunn Palace sits atop many people's list of must-see sights within Vienna. Join the self-guided Grand Tour and learn about the lives of the royals who lived within the Schönbrunn's walls with skip-the-line tickets, which come with a 60-minute audio guide tour and entrance to 40 rooms. After the tour we recommend continuing to explore the palace's sprawling grounds on your own.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 50 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Based on your flight departure time, we'll have someone pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport.