Day 1 Budapest-Esztergom-Visegrad-Szentendre-Budapest (113 km)
On this tour, we will follow the Danube Bend and take an excursion into the history of Hungary, stopping first in the town of Esztergom, the Northern gate of Budapest and center of the Hungarian Catholic Church. After a brief excursion across the border to Slovakia in the north, we will visit the Esztergom Basilica, the largest cathedral in the country. In Visegrad, we will walk by the 750 year-old stones of the Royal Palace (entrance fee not included), where we will learn about life in the Middle Ages and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Danube Valley. We will then continue on to Szentendre, the artist's village, a small baroque city at the gate of the Danube bend, where the river meets the Pilis Mountains. We will walk around the settlement, traveling along the narrow streets until we come to a scenic lookout over the Danube. We can simply enjoy the special atmosphere of the village, or take the opportunity to visit some of the world famous museums located here, like the Margit Kovacs Ceramic Museum or the Szamos Marzipan Museum. During the summer months (May 1st to September 30th), we will return to Budapest on the Danube by boat. Please see "Departure and Return" for more detailed information regarding pickup and drop-off times and locations.
Located right on Hungary's border with Slovakia to the north, on the banks of the Danube, is Esztergom, the center of the country's Catholic Church, which operates a large basilica in the area.
The seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary, this basilica is the largest church in the country and the 18th largest worldwide. The crypt is the burial place of Archbishop Jozsef Mindszenty, who opposed both Nazi and Communist rule.
The name of this Hungarian castle town means "the upper castle," for the two medieval fortresses here (one built on a hill). DUring the Renaissance, this was also the location of the royal family's summer palace.
Unfortunately, this once grand palace lies in ruins after a prolonged era of abandonment during the rule of the Ottoman Turks in Hungary. It was once the summer palace of the Hungarian ruling family.
Known as the artists' village, this suburb of Budapest that sits along the Danube is known for its many museums and art galleries. The area has steadily rebuilt since being mostly abandoned during the Ottoman period.
During her life, Margit Kovacs received a great deal of renown for her work as a ceramics artist. This museum, in her hometown, exhibits the best of her work and her distinctive style. There are no photographs allowed inside.
This unique museum is owned and operated by one of the best confectionery companies in Europe. It features sculptures made of delicious marzipan, the company's trademark treat, that look so good, you will want to eat them (but please don't)!
Departure & Return
Deparutre time: April-October: except Mondays at 9:00am; November, December, March: Tue, Thu, Sat. 9:00am;
January and February: Thu, Sat 9:00am.
Meeting point is at city tours office next to Elisabeth Square (Budapest 1051, Jozsef Attila utca 24.)
Tour will pick-up guests 30 minutes before the tour departure.
Boat ride: May - September, in case of low water and during winter time we return to Budapest by bus.
Hotel pick up is available upon request from hotels in the city center, Please write down your hotel details in "Hotel" area when booking if you need the hotel pick up. Please note pick-up service will be provided 30 minutes in advance at the hotel lobby prior to your departure time.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Hotel pick-up
Transportation
Guided tour
Boat ride
Exclusions
Meals and beverages, unless otherwise specified
Optional gratuities
Parking Information
Additional Notes
Policies
Redemption
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your e-ticket. You must print and bring e-ticket(s) on your trip, as they serve as proof of purchase.
Prices may vary and are subject to availability by season, weekend, and/or holiday.
While we will make every effort to maintain a regular operation, we reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip and issue a full refund to affected customers under special circumstances.