Danube Bend Tour from Budapest

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.

Esztergom, HUNGARY 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.

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  Esztergom Basilica 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.

Visegrad, HUNGARY 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.

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  Royal 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.

Szentendre, HUNGARY 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.

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  Margit Kovacs Ceramics Museum 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.
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  Szamos Marzipan Museum 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)!

Inclusions

• Hotel pick-up
• Transportation
• Guided tour
• Boat ride

Exclusions

• Meals and beverages, unless otherwise specified
• Optional gratuities

• Boat Ride: Operates May to September. If the water levels are too low, the boat ride will be skipped, and the tour will return to Budapest by bus.

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.

Terms & Condition

• Please read the Standard Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to booking your ticket.
• 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.