Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic Nightlife, what is left? A chance to indulge in a Culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what. From soaring mountains to golden sands, a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued. Natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates.

More specifically,Central Europe is at once natural & refined, folksy & cultured: the combination of mountain rusticity with old-world style captivates. Teutonic half-timbered villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance Squares, medieval walled towns…if you are looking for old-world appeal, this is the right place. Nourishing yourself is more fun in a great atmosphere & Central Europe's abundance of outdoor Cafes & Coffee Houses offer just that. When the temperatures rise in spring, outdoor tables proliferate along with the daffodils & tulips.

And mesmerizing Hungary which has always marched to a different drummer. A landlocked beautiful country perched on the easterly fringes of Europe that has a surprising mix of places to explore. That has been ruled by Romans, Austrian Hapsburgs & Ottoman Turks - to name but a few - & each has left their mark, with a wealth of Culture & History, complemented by a language so distinct from its Slavic neighbours that almost no shared words exist! The land of the Magyars with its stunning Architecture, vital Folk Art, Thermal Spas & Europe's most exciting Capital after dark, are Hungary's major drawing cards. A land of great contrasts, it is Europe at its most exotic.

Welcome to the Capital Budapest, which has something for everyone – from dramatic history & flamboyant architecture to healing Thermal waters & a Nightlife that is unrivalled in Eastern & Central Europe.  

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or depending on the time, perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Historic Overload | Cultural Dynamism | Super Structures | Folk Culture

Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west & the Great Plain to the east, Hungary's Capital is blessed with a bounty of art-Nouveau Architecture, quirky ruin Bars & gorgeous Bathhouses replenished by mineral-rich Thermal Springs.

Hungarians are rightly proud of their country’s rich cultural heritage & the Capital - Budapest, with its dramatic cityscape & extraordinary buildings. The city proudly spans the left & right banks of the River Danube, thereby creating the distinct Buda & Pest districts, both of which are studded with architectural landmarks & flaunt Viennese & Parisian-inspired architecture - they don’t call the City,“Paris of the East” or "Queen of the Danube" for nothing.

Truly one of the world's most beautiful cities that manages to take your breath away every time you visit it. Aside from the natural beauty that seeps through the city in the form of the majestic Danube River & gorgeous green spaces, the buildings themselves also add to the air of sumptuousness.

Celtic tribes lived there before 1 AD. Later, the Roman Empire transformed the first settlements into the Roman town of Aquincum. The Hungarians arrived in the territory of modern Hungary only at the end of 9^th century AD.

They say the past is another country, but it is always been just around the corner in Budapest. It also became the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great power that dissolved in 1918 after World War I. The City was the focal point of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, the Battle of Budapest in 1945 & the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Witness the bullet holes & shrapnel pockmarks on buildings from World War II & the 1956 Uprising.

There are sad reminders like the poignant Shoes on the Danube Memorial, but ones, too, of hope & reconciliation – like the 'sword' of the former secret-police building on Andrassy ut now beaten into the 'ploughshare' that is the House of Terror, with both sides of the story - left & right - told. A nearby Memorials to Carl Lutz & Raoul Wallenberg.

Budapest’s beauty is not all God given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Architecturally, the City is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neo-classical, eclectic & art- nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Overall, though, Budapest has a fin de siecle feel to it, for it was then, during the Capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19^th century, that most of what you see today was built.

For a major European Capital, Budapest is easy to navigate & a pleasure to walk around. with many downtown Squares recently renovated to transform them to pedestrian & cycle friendly. The City Centre comprises a clutch of convivial public spaces, so close to each other they are almost inter-connected. Habsburg rule saw Churches such as St Anne’s on Batthyany Square built in Baroque splendour.

Classicist grandeur then came to the fore as a Municipal identity was forged in the 1800s. Stately institutions like the National Museum arose in flat Pest, linked to hilly Buda district by the Classicist 19^th century Chain Suspension Bridge, the first permanent span over the Danube that connects eastern Buda & western Pest.

Architects Jozsef Hild & Miklos Ybl devised the neo-classical St. Stephen’s Basilica.Ybl also creating the ornate Opera House. Prick your ears & if you are lucky, you will hear music flowing from the open windows of the magnificent Opera House. A neo-gothic Parliament dominated the Pest riverbank, conceived by Imre Steindl, who went blind before its completion. Odon Lechner topped his buildings, including the Museum of Applied Arts on Ulloi Road, with bright Zsolnay tiles.

The city is blessed with an abundance of Hot Springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been a Budapest experience since the time of the Romans. The choice of Bathhouses is generous - you can choose among Turkish-era, art-nouveau & modern establishments. Some people come seeking a cure for whatever ails them, but the majority are there for fun & relaxation - though we still maintain it is the world’s best cure for what Hungarians call a macskajaj (cat’s wail) - hangover.

The Lukacs Baths are a medicinal haven, whose grounds contain Memorial Plaques offering thanks to the Institution for its miraculous healing. After a thorough renovation, the 16^th century Veli Bej Baths evoke their Turkish heritage. The revamping of the Rudas Baths, built nearly 5 centuries ago, has also preserved their Ottoman provenance while providing fine views from a hot tub on the rooftop. Amid the greenery of City Park, there is the palatial Szechenyi Baths with a total of 21 Pools including 3 open-air, illustrate the finery of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. This is where older regulars play Chess standing in the water, an iconic ‘tourism’ image of the City. The curative powers of these waters were well known to the Romans & Ottomans. Today, Hungary is a centre for Health, Medical & Spa Tourism.

Fancy walking along an entire Street listed as a World World Heritage site?  Andrassy Avenue is one, lined with shady streets, bike routes & amazingly beautiful buildings.

Exploring the City’s Jewish community’s recent history is a sobering experience, laying bare both the unbridled evil & unabashed humanity of our species. Budapest’s nightlife is concentrated in the 7^th District (Erzsebetvaros), otherwise known as the Jewish Quarter. Among Synagogues on Dohany & Kazinczy Street  & kosher Restaurants, you will find something for everyone, from street food Pods & Dive Bars to upscale Speakeasies, Wine Bars highlighting local varietals & secret Clubs.

Budapest also boasts of a Natural Wonder - a massive underground Cave system formed by the same geological Springs that provide water to the city’s many Thermal Baths. 3 of the Caves are open to visitors, with varying levels of difficulty. The fascinating Hospital in the Rock is part of the Buda Castle Cave & was used as a secret Hospital & Shelter during World War II.

The remains of the Roman city of Aquincum are on display at Aquincum Museum & Archaeological Park in Obuda district. The Capital of the Roman Empire’s Pannonia Inferior province, Aquincum’s excavated ruins date back to the 2^nd century & include the remains of an Amphitheater, Mosaics, Tombs & Statues.

No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Castle Quarter, home to some of the most iconic locations in the City, including Buda Castle, the Turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion which offer sweeping views & the quaint cobbled streets & pastel buildings throughout. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13^th century Matthias Church offering a magnificent view of the whole city.

Before sunset is the best time to visit, when the sun lays a warm blanket of light across the area & the sky makes a dramatic and colorful transition from day to night. The Castle District, which is easily accessible by Bus. There are a many ways to explore Budapest - on Foot, by Bus, Tram & Subway, on Water, by Bike or even by an amphibious Vehicle.

For relaxing & enjoying nature, Margaret Island is the city’s “green heart” (considered by many to be one of Europe’s best City Parks) - the perfect place to enjoy a stroll, various Sports, swimming in outdoor Pools or soaking in Thermal Baths & Spas.

There is a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash & it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Eastern & Central Europe. Magyars may exaggerate when they say that there are 3 essential world cuisines - French, Chinese & their own. But Budapest’s reputation as a food capital dates largely from the late 19^th & the first half of the 20^th century & despite a fallow period under Communism, the city is once again commanding attention. So, too, are Hungary's excellent wines – from Eger's complex reds & Somlo’s flinty whites to honey-sweet Tokaj.

Don't miss out on the less sophisticated but more fun specialities of Budapest either, the abandoned Courtyards turned boozing hotspots, the ruin Pubs. Hungary’s unofficial ban on clinking beer glasses dates back to 1848, when Austria quashed the anti-Hapsburg revolt & clinked Beer glasses to celebrate. Enraged by the insult, Hungarians vowed not to clink Beer glasses for 150 years. Although the ban expired in 1998 & you are unlikely to find Budapest’s young, craft-beer-loving urbanites following along, older folks stick to the custom.

The scenic surroundings of the city, its natural & built heritage, spectacular buildings and world-renowned Spas, its multi-faceted Gastronomy, the flourishing culture of Fashion & Design and the extremely rich cultural life all put their stamp on the unique and exciting character of Budapest.

The lively atmosphere of the city stimulates all the senses, while its dynamism & diverse culture enchant visitors. The scenic view from the Danube Bend or the numerous Hiking & Cycling Trails in the Pilis mountains, along with the rich historic & cultural life of the nearby towns, offer visitors an experience to savour & so many things to discover.

A cosmopolitan European Capital with a relaxed vibe, Budapest’s wide Boulevards & stunning Architecture, steamy Baths, wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites & evolving food scene are sure to resonate with all travelers.

While best known for its belle-epoque buildings, Budapest also features later architectural styles that showcase this modern Metropolis. A few days here - perhaps alongside some countryside discovery - would make for a wonderful European experience.

Evening, proceed to the Pier (on your own) to enjoy a 1 hour sightseeing Boat Cruise on the Danube to get a riverside view of the sites you will tomorrow.

The Cruise is one of the highlights here, without a doubt & will let you see the most fascinating sights of the historical city of Budapest, which is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of the East. On a romantic cruise on the River, you will marvel at the genuine grace & beauty of century old Budapest.

The evening cruise is combined with a Son et Lumiere Show. The Boat departs from the Pier in the centre of Budapest & makes a loop around the city. Live music will set the mood as you glide past the Capital’s stunning backdrop.

Admire Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listed urban panorama & notable sights showcased along the river, and you will have a front-row seat to admire the glowing Buda Castle Quarter, the Freedom Monument & Andrassy Avenue. You will also pass the Gellert Baths, where Hungarians & visitors alike come to swim & relax, as well as the Chain Bridge

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As you cruise along, enchanted by the illuminated sights, famous personalities from the Hungarian history, Kings, Queens, Poets, Inventors will come alive & even the Danube tells you legendary stories about the town. Through TV screens you will be able to look behind the walls of the buildings passing by & admire the hidden interiors.

The Cruise ends & you will return to the hotel (on your own).

Despite all the history to be explored, Budapest has a youthful, vibrant feel & it is easy to get around the city on foot or by Public Transit.

Balance of evening is free. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning at 09:00 am, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby (or you will be picked up in a Bus with Audio-guide) for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this gothic city.

Please note the listing & description of the main landmarks of Budapest is just for illustration & for your information. The ‘guided’ sightseeing will not cover all the places mentioned. All Monuments can be seen from outside only (No Entrances, if required, are included).  You are free to explore on your own once the sightseeing concludes.

Budapest is a truly exciting city, shaped by both ancient & modern history and where Eastern & Western culture meets. A City in a stunning natural setting with a rich architectural & historical heritage, offering an unmatched combination of Culture, blooming Gastronomy & UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Divided in 2 by the Danube - Buda on one side with the advantages of Ottoman-era Thermal Hamaams at the foot of Gellert Hill & the Castle District - it radiates calm & peace.

One the other side, lies Pest, vibrant & lively, with its slew of Museums rich in cultural & historical treasures, extraordinary art-nouveau architecture, its majestic Parliament building, Saint Stephen’s Basilica surrounded by pedestrian streets & its entirely renovated Jewish Quarter. Massive Murals, small pop-up Sculptures & ruin Bars full of random decor - Budapest is brimming with urban art. Striking Paintings brighten the City’s old firewalls & local’s mood.

The impressive neo-renaissance-style Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Stephen's Basilica, is in the 5^th district of Budapest. One of the most significant Church buildings in Hungary, it is named in honor of the Hungarian founding King, St. Stephen (975-1038), whose right hand, the Holy Right, is kept here as a relic. With a height of 96 meters, it is the 4^th tallest building in the country.

Budapest shows its majestic side in the expansive Squares where the country’s long varied history is recorded & has a wonderful built & natural environment.

First stop will be the picturesque Szechenyi Chain Bridge arguably the most striking of all the 7 road Bridges that span the Danube between Buda & Pest, the western & eastern sides and is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.

The City's oldest twin-towered Bridge, named in honour of its initiator, Istvan Szechenyi, was actually built by Scotsman Adam Clark, who enjoys one of the few places reserved for foreigners in the Hungarian panoply of heroes. The Bridge opened in 1849, was unique for 2 reasons - it was the first permanent stone-bridge between Buda & Pest and the Nobility - previously exempt from all Taxation - had to pay up like everybody else to use it. It is one of the iconic & symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known. Before it was built, the River could be crossed only by Ferry or by a Pontoon Bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.

Walk along the pedestrian 'Promenade' of the Bridge with great views of Gellert Hill & Castle Hill on the opposite bank.  Stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque & Hungarian motifs.

Hop back into the Bus, crossing over the Danube via Margaret Bridge & drive over to Buda side where the Royal Castle is located.

A more fun way however, is to travel to the top on the Castle Hill Funicular, which sets off from the base of the hill, just next to the road tunnel opposite the Chain Bridge. The 2^nd of its kind to be built in the world, the Funicular has had a troubled history, just as has the entire Hill, but it was restored to its original state after being destroyed in the World War II. Gliding up the hillside this way & taking in the view of the city is great fun for kids & adults alike (& an opportunity for some great photos).

The prestigious UNESCO World Heritage listed Castle District that presides over the top of Budapest has been a defining presence of the Capital for ages & now serves as an important hub of culture & history.

The area is host to iconic Budapest landmarks & is known worldwide, even among people who have yet to visit. It fascinates everyone with its cobblestone streets, the general atmosphere emanating from the charming buildings & alleyways, not to mention the picturesque panoramic views of the City below.

It is worth noting that, despite the name, there is no Castle here, although there is the magnificent Royal Palace, decorated with art-nouveau elements, parts of which have been home to the Hungarian National Gallery devoted exclusively to Hungarian Art, since 1975, National Szechenyi Library & Budapest History Museum. There is also the Sandor Palace (Sandor-palota) which is the official Residence & Office of the country’s President. Major changes are afoot, as the government aims to consolidate Castle Hill as the seat of power.

Get to know the Buda Castle District from the first stone set to the modern day version we see today. The District encompasses Castle Hill (Varhegy) - nerve centre of Budapest’s history & packed with many of the Capital’s most important Museums & other attractions as well as ground-level Vizivaros (Watertown). What the latter lacks in sights it makes up for in excellent Restaurants, many of them around Szell Kalman ter, a major transport hub & the centre of urban Buda.

Walk through the small cobblestone streets & Squares stopping at historical points feeling the medieval aspects from the first stone laid to the present-day evolution & the roles it played throughout history. Reminisce how Castle Hill was originally designed & built & how the area has been utilised over the centuries by many different cultures & Nations. Learn how the Castle District survived & helped its inhabitants defend & live through invasions & occupations for centuries.

Walk to the Matthias Church dating back 500 years, with its legends & the site of many Coronations of Kings. It was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015, but was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1241. The current building was built in the 14^th century & underwent a thorough reconstruction in the late 19^th century. After the occupation of Buda, the Church was transformed into a Mosque, during which the late Gothic frescoes inside, were destroyed. After the liberation of Buda, according to the plans of Frigyes Schulek, it was restored to its 2^nd Gothic state. During the 2^nd World War, it was used as a Camp by the Germans & the Soviets during the siege of Budapest.

Parts of the Church, notably the carvings above the southern entrance, but essentially the Church itself (named after King Matthias Corvinus who married Queen Beatrix here in 1474) are a neo-gothic confection designed by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896.

Steps in the northwest corner of the Church lead up to the Royal Oratory & the Church’s Collection of Ecclesiastical Art (Matyas-templom Egyhazmuveszeti Gyutemenye) that contains ornate Monstrances, Reliquaries & Chalices, plus replicas of the Crown of St Stephen & other items of the Coronation regalia including the Throne. Ascending the 200 odd Steps of the Steeple will bring you to the top of the Panoramic Tower (Torony Panorama) with stunning views of the city.

Organ Concerts take place in the Church on certain evenings (usually Friday & Sunday at around 7.00pm), continuing a tradition dating from 1867 when Franz Liszt’s Coronation Mass was first played here for the coronation of Franz Joseph & Elizabeth, the beloved Queen affectionately known as 'Sissi'. The current 7000 Pipe Organ was built in 1909.

From the Church, walk down Tarnok Utca to the Gothic-style Royal Palace, built in the 1300s & which lasted until the end of the 1400s. Due to the Turkish occupation from 1541 to 1686, very serious damage was done to the buildings of the Castle District.

Admire the views from the famous lookout towers of Fishermen's Bastion. The neo-Gothic bastion with a medieval masquerade offering some of the best views in Budapest was built as a viewing platform in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek, the Architect behind Matthias Church. Its name was taken from the medieval Guild of Fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the Castle wall. The 7 gleaming white Turrets represent the Magyar tribes that entered the Carpathian Basin in the late 9^th century.

Next, drive on to the Gellert Hill (Citadel) & enjoy a breathtaking view of the city on a brief stop for memorable pictures.

Standing atop Gellert Hill & proclaiming freedom throughout the city is the lovely Liberty Monument, Budapest’s most visible statue. Lady Liberty looks down on the Taban, a leafy, once very Serbian neighbourhood dating to the 17^th century. Today, the greater area is home to the prestigious Budapest University of Technology & Economics (BME) & its students, which can only mean cheap Eateries & a decent nightlife. The main thoroughfare, Bartok Bela ut, is fast laying claim to being the 'happening' part of south Buda - around here you will find trendy Cafes, a Wine Bar & vegetarian / vegan Eateries.

The Castle is the traditional venue for the Budapest Wine Festival along with a range of other events, giving you a chance to try sausages, locally brewed Beer, as well as a selection of Hungary’s world famous spirit, Palinka.

Concerts are also regular entries on the neighborhood’s Event calendar; top Artists come here to perform, whether you are into Beethoven or Jazz, you won’t be disappointed.

A signature feature of the Capital is the Danube that flows through it, separating Buda & Pest. The majestic sight of the water flowing is impressive itself, but above all this comes the view of the Buda Hills spanning the bank with the Castle at the top, looking down on the City. 

Today, you have the full day at leisure for independent explorations. Discover History, visit Museums, enjoy the Markets. Or perhaps, opt for one of the many Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

You have a lot to discover in Budapest. From a vibrant & eclectic nightlife (check out the ruin pubs, housed in formerly abandoned buildings) to great shopping & plenty of architectural landmarks to visit.

We have included a24 hour Ticket on Hop Off, Hop On sightseeing Buses which offer an opportunity to see many landmarks in the City. The Ticket also includes a “Walking Tour” & a 1 hour ‘River Cruise’ (similar to the one you did on your first day but this one is in daytime) Day 1 but this one is during daytime.

The Hop On Hop Off Budapest sightseeing Buses pass by iconic streets & major sights of the Capital like the UNESCO World Heritage list Parliament & Royal Palace, State Opera House & other famous monuments. Plug into the onboard audio commentary to learn about the historical city.

Find a seat inside or enjoy 360 degree views from the open-air, top deck of the Bus amid the fresh air, for the entire loop. Or, whenever you feel like hopping off to explore the neighborhood on your own, do so! Go for a walk at your own pace & then hop back on at the nearest designated Stop. Buses arrive regularly at 15 minutes duration on all routes & 1 hour loop offers 21 Stops at points of interest.

Consider hopping off at Fovam Square to explore the culinary delights of the Central Market Hall, which offers Hungarian produce, meats, spices & cheeses. Shop around from Stall to Stall (own expense) for some authentic Hungarian paprika spice to bring home or cured local meats to sample for lunch.

And you can hop off at the Hungarian Parliament to see the neo-Gothic architecture up close.  If you like, head inside (Entrance Ticket not included, we can purchase the Ticket in advance) to tour the Great Vaulted Hall & the Session Room & catch a glimpse of the Holy Crown of Hungary.

Today, you have the full day at leisure for independent explorations. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

We have included a 24 hour Budapest Card, which offers enough Options for you to make the most of your day here.

Budapest has one of the richest public transportation systems of all European Capitals. A Card holder can travel without restrictions & for free within the administrative boundaries of Budapest, on more than 200 Bus, 32 Tram, 15 Trolley & 4 Metro lines, on some Boats. It also allows free trip to the hills of Buda with the Cogwheel railway.

As well as free or discounted Entry into 30+ Museums & Thermal Baths, discount on Meals & reduced Entry into any public Event if there happens to be one on your day in Budapest.

Alas, like all good things, your short glimpse of this enchanting country comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste, spending 5 days (only) in Hungary is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.

Budapest is a stunning city but there are so many other enchanting towns here that deserve to be explored & we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of Macaristan on your next visit. Hungary is a beautiful country with a surprising mix of places to be discovered.

Traveling here, gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the charms of the Old World. Beyond the imperial elegance of the Habsburgs, medieval Castles & remote villages defied cultivation & offer another layer of great European history waiting to be explored.

So, you see, you have much more to discover when you come back to mesmerizing Hungary ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list” – Susan Sontag

You will be transferred straight to Terminal? -  Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, if you are departing today or to the Hotel if you are staying longer. B

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