Kick off the holiday season by strolling through the world-famous Winter Markets in old town Budapest! Hungarians have their own distinct language, local flair, hospitality, and absolute love of life. Beautiful architecture, eccentric art, thermal bath houses, impressive nightlife, and a very friendly exchange rate put Budapest high up on the list of must-sees for anyone familiar with Europe. Enjoy the beauty of Budapest, party all night in one of the massive ruin bars, and recover the next day in their famous bath houses. Take the road less traveled and discover Europe’s most unique city – Budapest!
Plan your arrival into Budapest Airport for Wednesday. Transportation will be provided to your accommodation. Check into your room and get some sleep!
After an included breakfast, we meet in the lobby for a walking tour of Budapest with a professional Hungarian guide. The walking tour is a great introduction to the city and Magyar history and culture. Major sights on the tour include St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Chain Bridge, Parliament building, Castle Hill/Royal Palace, and the Fisherman’s Bastion.
The walking tour will end at Fisherman’s Bastion just in time for lunch! Follow your trip leader down Andrassy Utca, Budapest’s version of the Champs-Elysees, and head towards the Budapest Christmas Markets! Here you will have free time to explore, taste traditional foods and shop for gifts. Don’t forget to visit the Great Market Hall to try its great local cuisine. If the Chirstmas Markets aren’t to your liking there is also the House of Terror, or the Art Gallery Museum.
Meet your tour leader later on that night in the lobby to head to your included dinner reservation for a traditional Hungarian meal. After dinner you can either return to the accommodation or head towards some of Budapest’s local nightlife spots– be sure to check out the ruin bars.
After breakfast, follow your trip leader to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths– this is a traditional Hungarian experience you won’t want to miss!
You have the whole day to unwind in the warm thermal waters surrounded by neo-baroque architercture or to try out the many spa and beauty treatments offered at the main reception desk.
Head back to the accommodation whenever you would like to freshen up. The day is yours to explore Budapest as you like. Bus2alps reccommends going caving, joining a Communist Walking Tour or taking a walk down the Danube river.
In the evening your trip leader can recommend some great local places for dinner. If you would like, speak to your bus2alps tour leader about going on a Danube River Cruise, which is a great way to see a different view of the city with beautiful views of the buildings and bridges lit up against the water at night.
After breakfast, meet your tour leader in the lobby to head out on a day trip to Eger, a local Hungarian town. Once to Eger we will do a walking tour where you will get the chance to dive into the unique charm of the historical Eger town and enjoy its picturesque views. Walk through a famous Baroque downtown and see Turkish medieval remnants. Afterards, we will head to a family owned and operated winery for a wine tasting.
We will head back to Budapest later on in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy. ASk your tour leader for any dinner recommendations.
Check out is at 10:00am. If your flight departs later in the day, check with your tour leader if you will be able to store your luggage at the accommodation.
Danube River Dinner Cruise – approximately €49
Caving – approximately €30
Additional Szechenyi services
