Budapest and Croatia: Unveil the Beauty of Eastern Europe
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where the enchanting cities of Budapest and Croatia await your exploration. In Budapest, experience the harmonious blend of stunning architecture, historic landmarks like the Buda Castle, and the vibrant energy of the Danube River. Indulge in the city’s thermal baths and delve into its rich cultural scene.
As you venture into Croatia, prepare to be captivated by the Adriatic coastline’s breathtaking beauty. Discover the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, where medieval charm meets azure waters. Explore the historic city of Split, with its Roman ruins and bustling markets. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true paradise of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.
Whether you seek architectural marvels, cultural treasures, or natural wonders, Budapest and Croatia offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Embark on this remarkable journey and witness the undeniable allure of Eastern Europe.
Overview
Duration: 14 nights / 15 days
No. of persons: 1 pax.
Meals included: breakfast daily and tastings (food tours) as per itinerary
Guides, drivers: Local guides as per program, Private car with English-speaking driver throughout your trip
Itinerary
Arrival to Budapest airport and private transfer to hotel, check-in and at leisure.
Overnight: Budapest
Guided tour of Budapest: Visit Castle Hill, one of the undisputed must-see attraction in Budapest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the 700-year-old Matthias Church, houses from the Middle Ages, and the Royal Palace, Fishermen’s Bastion. Stroll along the cobblestone streets between colorful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades. Crossing Margaret-Bridge (Margaret-Island), then get acquainted with busy Pest: the inner city of Pest passing by St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, Opera, Central Market hall and Váci Street, a pedestrian precinct and perhaps the most famous street in Budapest.
VISIT HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT: Did you know that the Hungarian Parliament is the 3rd biggest parliament in the World, and the biggest, most expensive building in Hungary? This is not only an architectural visit of the interior of Parliament, but you’ll be also able to see the 1000 years old Hungarian Holy Crown (worn by the very first king of Hungary: St Stephen), the splendid session room and the impressive staircase. Due to high demand tickets need to be reserved way in advance and availability depend on the date of booking!
Overnight: Budapest
Additional option for this day:
– STRUDEL HOUSE: Strudel preparation in Hungary is a tradition and art that dates back to the 15th century. This delicacy, regarded as a Hungaricum used to be a festive meal. For those wishing to indulge themselves in Hungarian traditions we offer our special Hungaricum Program: 12 minute movie about Hungary, Budapest and an authentic Strudel story and Interactive strudel stretching presentation involving guests.
– BUDAPEST DINNER CRUISE ON DANUBE RIVER. Enjoying a Budapest dinner cruise is a real treat to the eyes, the mind and the palate. Enjoy an hour long Hungarian Folk Show on the river Danube in Budapest on an evening cruise. The Folk Show Cruise program is available with an optional 4 course dinner served at your very own table. The length of the cruise is 3 hours, from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
– HUNGARIAN DINNER WITH FOLK SHOW: If you are in Hungary, you need to get acquainted with the country’s culture and also taste its culinary delicacies while immersing yourself in its traditional folk music. Enjoy a festive nighttime culture of the capital city, and spend an evening in a traditional restaurant in the Paris of Eastern Europe. After the delicious 3-course dinner and the live folk show, admire the breathtaking panorama from a hilltop citadel.
– BUDAPEST COOKING CLASS: Dive into the world of Hungarian cuisine with this 4-hour cooking class and market tour in Budapest. After walking through the city’s Central Market Hall with your guide, head to a professional kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional Hungarian dishes and then sit down to enjoy a three-course feast with your fellow chefs and food lovers.
– SZECHENYI SPA BUDAPEST: Szechenyi Baths (built in 1913) is the most visited and much praised attraction in Budapest: relaxing, fun, affordable and, at night, romantic. In addition to the marvellous medicinal natural hot spring waters in the 18 pools, there are 10 saunas / steam cabins, several massage therapies, facial treatments, and more.
Great options which you can choose on this day for Budapest and surrounding:
– ETYEK WINE TOUR AND MEAL WITH CHOCOLATE TASTINGS (5-HRS): Departing from Budapest, you’ll be driven to the picturesque wine region of Etyek with an artisan’s workshop to sample rich regional wines and learn the process behind making cheese or chocolate. You’ll then travel to three additional wine cellars to learn how the wine is cultivated, pairing the last visit with a 2-course meal.
– OPTIONS IN BUDAPEST FOR YOUR OWN EXPLORING: You can visit Dohány street Synagogue and Hungarian Jewish Museum, Great Central Market Hall, or walk to the top of Gellert Hill (with the Cave and Statue of Libery) and below the hill to the Gellert Bath Palace Spa (book tickets in advance for Spa).
– DANUBE BEND DAY TRIP FROM BUDAPEST: Discover the dreamy landscapes of the Danube Bend, the most scenic stretch of the Danube River, on this full-day tour from Budapest. Escape the capital for a scenic drive through the countryside, stopping to explore the medieval fortress of Visegrad, admire the neoclassical cathedral of Esztergom and browse the handicrafts shops of Szentendre. After tucking into a delicious 3-course lunch, hop aboard for a romantic cruise along the Danube River and sail back to the capital by boat.
– BAROQUE PALACE GODOLLO & HORSE SHOW: After only a 30-minute drive from Budapest we arrive to the former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) and Francis Joseph (Habsburg Emperor & Hungarian king 1867-1916). Next, we drive to a traditional Farm where you will be welcomed with a Hungarian “Pogácsa” and with the national welcome drink, pálinka. Horsemen will take you for a Carriage Ride through the area and will invite you to a traditional Horse Show. The tour ends at the city center. Availability: April – October (Tue, Fri, Sun at 9.00 am).
– SISI TOUR: Just 30 minutes outside of Budapest, set in the lush Hungarian countryside, is the beautiful Royal Palace of Gödöllő, one of the extravagant residences of the former Austrian Emperors. Visit this stunning Baroque palace and former royal residence of Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary.
– RELAX ON MARGARET ISLAND: Surely Budapest’s most impressive green space, Margaret Island is a 2.5 km- long island of quiet parkland on the Danube, linked to Buda and Pest by bridges at either end. It’s tranquil, secluded and mainly free to explore. Grab a book and chill in the rose garden, or sun yourself by the waterfall in the Japanese garden. There’s also a spectacular musical fountain near Margaret Bridge, which comes alive four times a day, plus a small zoo and a few cafes.
Overnight: Budapest
Private transfer to Balaton Lake.
Day trip to Balaton lake with Tapolca and Tihany: Stroll by the Balaton Lake, Hungarian sea. Visit pristine and authentic village of Tihany, get their home-made produced beer and visit paprika house and numerous ceramic houses. Continue to underground cave lakes of Tapolca and drive by boat on cave lakes. Besides that, Balaton Lake is famous for its wine there are also plenty of spas which you can combine with sightseeing, cruising around by boat on Balaton Lake.
Private transfer to Zagreb, check-in at the hotel and at leisure.
Overnight: Zagreb
Private transfer to Pula.
Guided tour of Pula: Pula, the largest Istrian city which has been its administrative centre since ancient Roman times. The history will reveal itself during a privately guided walking tour of Pula including its most famous landmark; the Pula amphitheatre. One of six of the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world, it was once the scene of bloody gladiator fights. Today it is Pula’s main cultural venue and is known for its music and film festivals.
Private transfer to Rovinj, check-in at the hotel and at leisure.
In the evening, explore Rovinj on your own: Rovinj, the Blue Pearl of the Adriatic, the city of romance and art, one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean. Part of the Venetian Republic for over 500 years, the Old Town is perched on an elevated peninsula, surrounded by Venetian terracotta-roofed houses and crowned by the Church of St. Euphemy from the 18th century whose bell tower dominates the Rovinj silhouette.
Overnight: Rovinj
Visit Motovun: Istria is famous for its unique combination of blue sea and green hinterland. Drive through vineyards, fields and hills to Motovun, picturesque medieval city fenced with walls and renowned for its movie festival. Take a walk through its narrow and steep streets to gain a magnificent view from the city walls.
Wine tasting at Damjanić Winery: Small Croatian wine producer Damjanić, with incredible sense for aesthetics, elegance and art. Wine tasting includes 5 different wines and plate of cold meats and cheese.
Overnight: Rovinj
Tip of the day – more options on this day:
– MATOSEVIC WINERY: Experience great wine tasting at renowned Croatian wine producer with a little bit “rock” presentation of Matosevic Family.
– AURA DISTILLERY VISIT IN BUZET: The company “Aura proizvodi” produces exclusive traditional products such as brandies, jams and other traditional products made of wild
Private transfer from Rovinj to Split.
En route sightseeing of Plitvice Lakes, the oldest and the biggest national park in Croatia, under the UNESCO protection since the 1979. You will stroll along the sixteen beautiful and crystal clear lakes with numerous cascades and waterfalls (on your own).
Continue to Split. Check-in the hotel and at leisure.
Overnight: Split
Visit the Diocletian Palace in the heart of Split, built as a residential palace seventeen hundred years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and also a priceless monument included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage.
After the city tour you will have the time to spend at leisure. Enjoy the heart of Split – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Or check tip of the day and see what you can do in Split area.
Overnight: Split
Optional activities in Split area:
– ATV QUAD TOUR & DALMATIAN VILLAGES: Your ATV Quad adventure begins as you pass through a lot of villages of Dalmatian hinterland, ride continues on wild roads that are perfect for ATV Quad bikes and offer maximum enjoyment. Continue to ride along the river Cetina to the place where our ATV safari began. After this amazing tour, you will be served with a homemade meal prepared with local groceries.
– WINE TASTING AT BIBICH WINERY: in the cellars of the Bibic Winery, a signature event for lovers of fine wine and food in Croatia. The vineyards are located in the rolling hills above historic Skradin and Krka National Park in the bucolic village of Plastovo. Among the most celebrated in the country, most of Bibic’s limited production is sold only in very select shops and served in the finest Croatian restaurants – the rest is exported to other parts of Europe and US.
– ETNOLAND DALMATI: A journey into the heart of Dalmatian culture … an experience you will never forget! See Dalmatian stone houses, traditional tools and utensils, learn how households were run, experience traditional Dalmatia and so much more. Etnoland Dalmati offers visitors indigenous Dalmatian food and drinks, and delicacies such as those prepared under “peka” in the traditional way, “Drniški pršut” smoked ham, traditional red and white wine.
Drive towards National Park Krka, where the river Krka formed cascades and waterfalls of majestic forms. The waterfalls are a karstic phenomenon: over millennia river water has created a canyon up to 200 m deep through limestone hills, bringing calcium carbonate with it. Mosses and algae retain the calcium carbonate and encrust it in their roots. The material is called tufa and is formed by billions of plants growing on top of one another. These growths create barriers in the river that produce spectacular waterfalls.
Finish your day in historical Trogir. Some late-afternoon exploring. Sightseeing in Trogir is a pure joy. It’s a small town and Trogir’s sights are conveniently clustered together, making it an easy walk and easy to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your walking tour from the Renaissance city, above the gate is a statue of the town’s protector, the Blessed Ivan Orsini. Nearby is the town museum which gives a good overview of Trogir’s history. Continue to the town centre with magnificent cathedral of St. Lovro, built from the 13th to the 15th centuries and considered one of the Adriatic’s most architecturally and artistically important monuments. Continue sightseeing to numerous other monuments, like The elegantbell tower, Chapel of Blessed John Orsini, a Renaissance masterpiece, numerous churches and Kamerlengo fortress. Plenty to explore and enjoy this historical Dalmatian town.
Return to Split and at leisure.
Overnight: Split
In the morning catamaran to Hvar island. Check in at the hotel.
Self-guided tour of old town of Hvar: Hvar is best known for its medieval buildings which are the legacy of four centuries of Venetian rule. The town is the site of the oldest municipal theatre in Europe which opened in 1612. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, the gleaming white limestone walls of the medieval Spanjol Fortress afford breath-taking views for those that climb to their summit. You can also visit the Cathedral and the Arsenal and afterwards spend time at Hvar Town’s stone-paved harbour front, the Venetian piazza and yacht harbour with views across the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Overnight: Hvar
Tip of the day – optionally:
– CYCLING ON HVAR ISLAND: Hvar is a natural paradise. What is better way than to experience its magic close up through a challenging bike ride through its fields and picturesque inland villages, where time has stood still, and whose secrets are there to be discovered. Cycle through the inland villages of Dol, Svirce and Vrisnik, before hitting the coast through Jelsa and Vrboska, much of it the route of the 500 year-old UNESCO Easter Procession.
– HIKING HVAR: Pathways lead you through the olive trees and lavender fields, through vineyards, forests and inlets. A visit to the old island villages, of which some are abandoned (Humac, Malo Grablje…), will give you an insight into the past and the old way of life on the island. Hiking to the highest peak called St. Nicholas (628 m), from where you can see all islands of central Adriatic and the mountains of hinterland.
This unique day on the sea starts with the majestic Green and Blue caves and includes Vis and the Pakleni islands! We’ll begin by cruising between Hvar and the islets of Ravnik and Biševo. First we will visit the Green Cave where we will get a chance to swim inside and enjoy the emerald light show!. Then we’ll discover a picturesque hidden inlet called Stiniva, where you can enjoy a delicious swim or just relax and sun bathe. After Stiniva, it’s off to experience the world-renowned Blue Cave, whose ethereal silvery-blue color is created by the sun as it bathes the inside of the cave through an opening in the roof and is reflected back by the sandy surface below. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful natural phenomena, this cave is a must-see. Our trip continues to the legendary island of Vis. We will have an hour of free time to explore this charming seaside hamlet before we take off to enjoy the Paklinski Islands. We’ll stop at one of the archipelago’s most popular bays, Vinogradišce at Palmižana, where you can have a seaside lunch at some of the best restaurants in the Adriatic (lunch payable on the spot)! This is a group tour with must see attractions and stops. You will share the speedboat with the other people and guests. Our speedboats are comfortable and can take max 16-20 people. Duration: 10:20 am – 6:15 pm
Overnight: Hvar
Catamaran/ferry from Hvar to Korčula.
Guided tour of Korčula Town, the reputed birthplace of that great explorer Marco Polo. Its medieval Old Town is surrounded by 14th century stone walls and contains a succession of narrow streets that branch off the spine of the main thoroughfare like a fish bone. A fascinating place to explore, the Old Town also has numerous Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, monuments and galleries.
Overnight: Korčula
Tip of the day – optionally on Korcula island:
– CYCLING OPTIONS ON KORCULA ISLAND: Korčula island has a lot of quiet country lanes and scenic off – road routes that make this island an ideal destination for cycling or mountain biking as recreation activity. Around all villages on the island, including Lumbarda, Zrnovo, Pupnat, Racisce, Cara or Smokvica if you have time to spend you will find tarmac as well as asphalted tracks.
Catamaran/ferry from Korcula to Dubrovnik. Check in the hotel and and continue with guided tour.
Enjoy real Pearl of Adriatic – the old town of Dubrovnik.
The great George Bernard Shaw wrote: „Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik” and he was as many others overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town under the UNESCO protection. Its glorious walls, with their fortresses and bastions, offer a unique walk with view of the magical Elafiti islands.
Guided walking tour through historical streets and sightseeing of city’s most renowned historic monuments.
Each part of Dubrovnik can surprise you with some overwhelming experience. From the Onofrio fountain to the City bell tower, along its main street, Stradun, Dubrovnik’s famous street of limestone, polished by years of footfall and in many other small and quiet cobblestone streets, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Tip of the day – optionally:
– GAME OF THRONES TOUR: Perfect for die-hard “Game of Thrones” fans, this small-group tour transports you from Dubrovnik to King’s Landing. Pick between multiple daily tour times, and meet your guide at the Amerling Fountain. Then, set off on foot. Learn insider stories about the filming of the hit TV show, visit locations like Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), and you even have the chance to play with props from the show. Duration: 2,5 hours.
– CAVE BAR MORE: Cave bar is a place where you can have the best morning coffee, spend the afternoon sipping cocktails, or finish the day with a glass of the finest champagne or cognac. Take beach break and enjoy light lunch from the Cave bar summer lunch menu.
At leisure. Check tip of the day for optional trips from Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Tip of the day – optional day trips:
– WHOLE DAY WINE & CULINARY TRIP OF DUBROVNIK REGION: Niko Karaman’s winery, Divanovic Flour Mill and Konavoski dvori – three things which you will remember forever.
– DUBROVNIK SEA KAYAKING TO THE ISLAND OF LOVE (HALF DAY TRIP): Discover secret bays in turquoise clear water & visit Island of Love & hidden cave beach.
– OYSTER FARM & WINE TASTING DAY from Dubrovnik: Transfer to Pelješac peninsula, known for the fortification complex dating from the 14th century and quite unique in its length of 3,5 miles. The Ston area is also known for great seafood especially oysters – Enjoy a private boat tour to the oyster banks of Mali Ston followed by oyster tasting – a deliciously special experience. Continue for wine tasting in one of most renowned Croatian wine regions.
– DAY TRIP TO MONTENEGRO: From Dubrovnik, visit Montenegro, a diminutive southeast European country that boasts big things: the UNESCO-World Heritage-listed Bay of Kotor, the walled seaside town of Budva, and the eye-pleasing city of Kotor, situated within Europe’s southernmost fjord. Have some free time to explore Kotor and Budva on your own and then enjoy a ferry ride across the Bay of Kotor on your way back to Dubrovnik.
– DAY TRIP TO MLJET ISLAND: Some says that, while describing the enchanted island of Ogygia, Odysseus, and the nymph Calypso, Homer must have had the island of Mljet in mind. Its National Park is situated in the western part and takes about one third of the island. Its greatest peculiarity are two salt-water lakes: Great and Small Lake with the remnants of a 12th – century Benedictine monastery of Saint Mary. You can walk around or rent a bicycle to explore this fascinating island.
Private transfer from Dubrovnik hotel to Dubrovnik Airport and flight back home.
