The Elegance and Heart of Hungary

Arrive in the vibrant heart of Hungary, where the Danube gently guides you to your accommodation. Take time to settle into the Hotel Clark Budapest after an arranged transfer drops you off.

Later, we'll meet our guide for an immersive introduction to the Pest Side of the city. We'll stroll along Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lined with grand palaces that whisper stories of Hungary’s past. From there, we'll marvel at the beauty of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Parliament building, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Danube.

Pause at the poignant "Shoes by the Danube" memorial, a solemn tribute to those lost during one of the darkest chapters of history. 

Our tour will conclude with dinner at Kollazs Bistro and Restaurant. After dinner, take a short walk back to Hotel Clark via the world-famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It‘s an easy walk of 10 minutes with a marvelous view of the illuminated castle area and the bridge.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a guided tour of the Castle District, where history whispers from every corner. We'll ride the funicular up to Castle Hill, a timeless journey that carries us to the heart of Budapest’s royal past. Then, we'll wander the ancient cobblestone streets and visit the stunning Mathias Church, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, with its colorful tiled roof and intricate interiors. 

From the Fisherman’s Bastion, we'll take in panoramic views of the Danube and the sprawling city below. For lunch, we'll dine at the elegant Pierrot, where modern Hungarian dishes are served in a historic setting.

The afternoon introduces another layer of Budapest’s past with a visit to the Jewish Quarter. The iconic Great Synagogue is the largest in Europe and a symbol of the vibrant Jewish community that once flourished in the city.

As we explore the surrounding area, we’ll discover a mix of history and modern life, with hip-ruin bars emerging from the remnants of old buildings. 

Dinner tonight is at Remma’s Bistro, a local gem in the heart of the quarter. If you have the energy, join us on a stroll to one or two of the famous Ruin Bars, where old meets new in Budapest’s trendiest hot spots.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll bid farewell to our accommodation and set out on a journey to Gödöllő, where the stately Grassalkovich Castle awaits. Once the beloved summer retreat of Queen Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sissi, this grand residence echoes with the stories of imperial leisure and courtly life.

From there, our path winds through the scenic Mátra Mountains, their rolling hills a picturesque backdrop as we make our way to Eger, a city steeped in legend and renowned for its bold Bull’s Blood red wine.

In Eger, we’ll pause at Bolyki Winery for a leisurely lunch and a tasting of their exquisite vintages—a moment to savor the fruits of the region’s rich landscape.

Upon arrival, we’ll settle into the 1552 Boutique Hotel and enjoy a bit of free time before the afternoon’s guided tour. We’ll stroll through Eger’s baroque inner city, a harmonious blend of architectural grandeur and historical depth, and admire the classical elegance of its Cathedral.

Tonight, we’ll dine at Macok Bisztró, a cozy haven where local flavors are given a contemporary twist. We're sure to sleep well after a fabulous day of adventures.

After checking out, we'll set off for the charming village of Tard, where the Matyó heritage comes alive. We’ll savor the crisp countryside air as we’re greeted with refreshing drinks and a selection of light snacks.

We'll get in touch with the local culture with an embroidery workshop, where we'll each craft our own design under the guidance of skilled artisans. After that, we can embrace the fun of dressing up in traditional Matyó costumes and mingling with the locals.

Following that, we'll explore the Tájház - said to be the oldest village museum in the country - to learn more about the vibrant history and daily life of this unique community. 

A homemade lunch awaits, full of heartwarming flavors, followed by a chance to capture the moment with a photo alongside the Matyó ladies. Before leaving, be sure to take your embroidered creation as a meaningful keepsake.

In the afternoon, we'll travel to Kecskemét, a city known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Upon arrival, we'll check in at Hotel Gaia and unwind before heading to Restaurant 48 Etterem for a delicious dinner. 

We'll start our day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Then we'll enjoy a leisurely morning stroll through Kecskemét, taking in its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, including City Hall, Cifra Palota, and the local high school.

Next, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Balaton, approximately 2.5 hours away. We'll stop for lunch at the renowned Michelin-recommended Restaurant Kistücsök, where regional flavors are elevated to perfection. 

Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Balatonfüred by taking a picturesque boat ride across the lake from the southern shore to the Tihany Peninsula. Explore the peninsula’s highlights, including the historic Tihany Abbey and a walking tour of the charming village, with time to wander at your own pace. 

We'll end the day in Balatonfüred, where we’ll check into the Hotel Vinifera Wine & Spa. 

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at your own pace, either at the hotel or a local spot of your choice.

We'll begin our day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Our journey takes us to Herend, a town celebrated for its world-famous porcelain craftsmanship.

At the porcelain manufacturer, we’ll explore the artistry behind these intricate creations and even take part in a hands-on workshop, where we’ll create our own porcelain rose to take home as a special keepsake.

From Herend, we'll continue to Veszprém, often called the "City of Queens" due to its historical ties to Hungarian royalty. Here, we’ll take some time to stroll through the charming streets before sitting down to a delicious lunch at Oliva Restaurant, known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional regional dishes.

In the afternoon, we'll travel to Hévíz, home to the largest thermal lake in the world. 

After checking into the NaturMed Hotel Carbona Hévíz, we’ll have the chance to relax and recharge with a soothing swim in the naturally warm waters or by enjoying the hotel’s many spa amenities, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll come together for a delightful dinner at the hotel, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Hévíz as we reflect on another memorable day.

Our journey after breakfast at the hotel takes us to Sopron, a charming baroque town nestled in Western Hungary. 

Known for its rich history and beautifully preserved architecture, Sopron invites us to step back in time as we explore its baroque center on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the iconic Firewatch Tower, the historic Goat Church, and the many elegant houses lining its streets.

Once our tour wraps up, we’ll enjoy a savory lunch at Restaurant Erhardt, a local gem that offers a perfect taste of Sopron’s culinary heritage. 

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Vienna. For those not joining the extension, it’s time to bid farewell and transfer to the airport.

Whether flying out or continuing in Vienna, this day captures the essence of Hungary’s timeless charm and leaves us with lasting memories of our exploration. 

We'll arrive in Vienna and settle into the charming Hotel House of Ble where the city’s sophisticated ambiance greets us at every turn. 

We'll enjoy a relaxing evening, with time to explore the local neighborhood at your own pace, using a curated walking route to take in the nearby sights. 

Dinner tonight is at the traditional Glacis Beisl, set in an inviting garden that captures the city’s casual charm.

We'll begin our day exploring Vienna’s rich Art Nouveau history with a visit to the Secession Museum, home to stunning works that define this vibrant artistic movement. 

From there, we’ll take a leisurely walk to admire the Karlskirche, a masterpiece of baroque architecture, before continuing to the magnificent Belvedere. Here, we’ll explore its renowned collection, including Gustav Klimt’s iconic paintings, a highlight of Vienna’s artistic heritage.

After a delightful lunch at Stöckl im Park, surrounded by its welcoming atmosphere, we make our way to the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace. This awe-inspiring collection showcases the dazzling jewelry and treasures of the Habsburg dynasty, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of Austria’s aristocracy.

As the day winds down, we’ll retreat to the elegant Palmenhaus, a lush and serene space perfect for relaxing and soaking in the ambiance. Over dinner, we’ll savor a delicious meal in this unique setting, ending the day on a truly memorable note.

After breakfast, take a moment to soak in Vienna’s elegance before our journey comes to a close. A transfer to the airport marks the end of this unforgettable extension, leaving you with memories of Hungary and Austria’s timeless beauty and cultural treasures.