Europe
NH Hotel Budapest City 4* (City Centre)
Visiting: Budapest, Danube Bend, Szentendre, Puszta, Lake Balaton & Godollo
Day 1
We meet at Malta International Airport at 06:00 in order to check in for flight FR2203 departing at 08:35 and arriving in Budapest at 10:50. Upon arrival, transfer by coach to the city centre for a city tour by coach with a local guide. We will see the Parliament building, Heroes’ Square, the Opera House, the Royal Palace, the Citadel and the Fisherman’s Bastions, from where we can enjoy a spectacular view. Afterwards, we continue to the NH Hotel Budapest City 4*, located right in the centre. In the evening, an outing with the leader.
Day 2
Breakfast and excursion to the beautiful towns around the Danube River, known as the Danube Bend. Our first stop will be Szentendre, a splendid village built in Baroque style located 20km from Budapest. We continue to Visegrad, a fortress offering magnificent views. In the evening, for those interested, we head to St. Stephen’s Basilica, where we can enjoy another beautiful Christmas market. Return to the hotel.
Day 3
Breakfast and then a free day, however those who wish may join the tour leader to continue exploring this city, which has so much to offer, or you may visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest in Budapest and one of the largest in Europe, featuring 3 outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools. Those who prefer may also visit the West End Shopping Centre, which offers around 400 shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening, we organise a Dinner & Folklore Show (optional).
Day 4
Today we take a full-day excursion to the western part of Hungary, to Puszta. Here we will see the incredible skill demonstrated by the horsemen during a spectacular horse show—an unforgettable experience! We enjoy a ride on a traditional carriage and afterwards have a good meal with wine (included) in a typical restaurant. We also have the opportunity to listen to traditional gypsy music.
Day 5
Breakfast and today we enjoy a day among the beautiful landscapes of the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton. We first head to the lovely town of Balatonfüred, located on the northern shore of the lake, known as the lake’s capital. Afterwards, we have free time to take a walk along the picturesque promenade and enjoy a good meal (not included). We then continue to the Tihany Peninsula to see why it was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is rich in architecture and vineyards producing excellent quality wines. We will also enjoy a unique view of Lake Balaton from the hilltops before visiting the Tihany monastery. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to take a cruise on the Danube River (extra).
Day 6
Breakfast and free time. Afterwards, we visit the Royal Palace of Godollo, considered the “Versailles of Hungary” (entrance fee extra). We will have enough time to explore the palace and its gardens before continuing to Budapest Airport for flight FR2204 departing at 18:10 and arriving back in Malta at 20:20.
Note for Groups B, C & D
We meet at the airport at 10:35 for flight FR2203 departing at 12:35 and returning on flight FR2278 departing at 21:15 and arriving back in Malta at 23:35. The City Tour will take place on the morning of Day 3.
