This Tour Was Canceled Due to COVID-19, but if you're interested in something similar, please contact us.
A Celebration of Central Europe:
Budapest & Vienna!
June 21- 28, 2020
Visit two of Europe's most iconic cities in one trip!
Our 7-night tour starts with 4 nights in Budapest, Hungary. Rich in history and culture, Budapest is really two cities in one. It straddles the Danube River, which separates the historic and residential Buda district to the west from the more modern and lively Pest to the east. Whether it's the grandeur of the baroque architecture, the hum of the infamous "ruin bars" and their new bohemian vibe, or the spicy taste of Hungarian cuisine, Budapest is a feast for the senses you won't soon forget.
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Our tour then moves on to Vienna, Austria for 3 nights in the "Imperial City". Opulent grand palaces, the music of Mozart and Strauss, and iconic chocolates, strudels, and schnitzels all mix to create the elegant, yet accessible, personality of this extraordinary capital.
Trips with Always Travels are not your typical tour. Groups are no larger than 10 people, which allows for a more intimate experience. And while we organize group activities throughout the trip, there is plenty of time for you to explore on your own and have unique adventures outside of the group. Whether you’ve been to Europe several times or this is your first visit, a tour with Always Travels will give you access to a mix of must-see sights and one-of-a-kind escapades.
Tour Closed
Day 1
Sunday
June 21, 2020
Overnight in Budapest
arrive in budapest
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Today you arrive in Budapest and check in to your studio hotel apartment in the heart of downtown Budapest. Get settled in, take a power nap, or start exploring immediately.
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Our group will meet at 5:30pm to go over to one of Budapest’s most storied cafés; a place where writers, artists, and Budapest's urban social circles gathered during Hungary’s pre-WWI golden years. There, we’ll enjoy a group dinner in this Belle Epoque-style eatery while getting to know each other and discuss the week ahead.
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If you're not yet ready to turn in, Tim and David will lead an optional stroll down Budapest’s main pedestrian boulevard, Vaçi Street, where we can stop for drinks to cap off the night.
Day 2
Monday
June 22, 2020
Overnight in Budapest
walking Tour & river cruise
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We’ll start the day off with a walking tour of Budapest. Our private English-speaking guide will introduce us to some of Budapest’s best sites, including an exploration of the Fisherman’s Bastian and the Buda Castle neighborhood on the other side of the Danube. Our guide will also give us plenty of insider tips for exploring Budapest on our own over the next several days.
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The rest of the day is yours to explore as you see fit. We will have an optional plan of activities (not included in the tour price) for those who want a more customized afternoon. But this is also your opportunity to explore on you own.
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We’ll meet up again, just as the sun sets, along that riverbank for a nighttime cruise along the Danube River. The 1-hour cruise unveils the majesty of the city’s monuments, which are beautifully lit each night.
Day 3
Tuesday
June 23, 2020
Overnight in Budapest
The Royal Treatment
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This morning, we start our half-day exploration of the Habsburg Dynasty with a visit to Gödöllö Palace. We’ll train about 45 minutes into the Hungarian countryside to the summer hunting palace beloved by the Empress Elizabeth (a.k.a. Sisi). Here we’ll have a private tour of the palace followed by some time to explore the gardens and grounds. We'll end our visit with a group lunch (included) at a nearby restaurant that specializes in Hungarian cuisine. After, we’ll head back to Budapest together.
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The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please. Perhaps this is the perfect time to take advantage of Budapest’s famous thermal spas and relax away the remainder of the afternoon. Again, we will have an optional plan for the afternoon for those who choose to
opt in.
Day 4
Wednesday
June 24, 2020
Overnight in Budapest
Politics, Architecture, & Wine Tasting
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This morning, we’ll visit Budapest’s most iconic building – the National Parliament. As we tour the third largest legislative building in the world, we’ll marvel at the impressive architecture, get to step inside the actual parliament chamber (provided a special session in not in progress), and view the Hungarian crown jewels.
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The afternoon is again yours to explore. Join us for some optional locally planned activities or do it on your own. Either way, we're happy to help you plan excursions.
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Later this afternoon, we’ll meet again for a special Hungarian Wine Tasting where we’ll explore wines from the little known, but widely regarded Hungarian wine regions.
Day 5
Thursday
June 25, 2020
Overnight in Vienna
Farewell Hungary,
Hello Austria
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This morning is yours to sleep in or have a lost minute exploration of Budapest. We check out of the hotel apartments in the late morning and take a mid-day train to Vienna, Austria; a journey of just under 2-hours.
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After checking in to our hotel apartments, the rest of the day is yours to explore the Imperial City of Vienna.
Day 6
Friday
June 26, 2020
Overnight in Vienna
The Tastes of Vienna
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The morning is again yours to use as you please. We'll have several options for those who want a little more structure for the morning.
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This afternoon, we'll meet up for a private tour of Viennese pastries. In a city renown for chocolates, cakes, and strudel, this is a treasure trove to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Afterward, either do your own thing, or join us for an optional exploration of the Prater Amusement Park. Either buy a ticket to hop some of the rides, or enjoy the lively fare-like atmosphere full of games, food, and beer stalls.
Day 7
Saturday
June 27, 2020
Overnight in Vienna
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Living like an emperor
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This morning, we'll make our way to the outskirts of Vienna for a tour of one of the most impressive buildings of the Austro-Hungrian Empire. Schönbrunn Palace is the opulent summer residence of the Habsburg Royal family. Both the grandeur of the interior rooms and the expanse of the manicured gardens rank it as one of the world's greatest palaces.
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The rest of the day is yours to explore Vienna and get the most of your final afternoon of the trip. Those who are interested in meeting up for a final farewell drink can join us along the Danube canal in the early evening to raise a glass to toast a wonderful vacation. The canal area is ideal for people watching, strolling, and finding a bite to eat.
Day 8
Sunday
June 28, 2020
Flying Home
bon voyage!
Today's check out is at 11:00am, for those who do not have to leave earlier for their flight home. If you've got time, the hotel is happy to hold you luggage if you have time to explore Vienna a bit more, or to grab lunch prior to making your way to the airport.
Added Benefits of Traveling with Always Travels:
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Your hosts are avid travel photographers and we’ll compile over 100 curated photos of the trip that we’ll share with all travelers to supplement your own photos.
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We also love preparing for the trips almost as much as taking them. So, we’ll send all confirmed travelers regular trip updates, tips for first-time visitors to Budapest & Vienna, film and reading suggestions that highlight some of the areas you’ll visit and we'll give you advice for getting yourself ready for your adventure.
$1995
Per person based on double occupancy
Inclusions
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4 nights: a studio apartment (in a 4-star hotel) within the heart of Budapest
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3 nights: 1-bedroom apartment (in a 4-star hotel) with the heart of Vienna
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Welcome dinner at an historic restaurant
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2-hour introductory Budapest walking tour
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A nighttime cruise on the Danube River
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Hungarian wine tasting
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Tour of the Hungarian Parliament
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Half-day tour of Gödöllö Palace with lunch.
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Half-day tour of Schönbrunn Palace
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Guided Viennese pastry tour
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Train ticket from Budapest to Vienna, including transfers to and from each train station
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Over 100 digital photos of your trip
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Regular pre-departure tips and advice to get you ready for your Parisian experience
Exclusions
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Airfare & baggage fees
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Airport transfers
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Travel insurance
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (unless expressly provided in itinerary)
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Alcohol (unless expressly provided in itinerary)
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Daily personal expenses
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The costs of optional activities that you choose to partake in as part of the free time moments on the itinerary
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Entry fees to other sites travelers choose to visit on their own
Keep in Mind...
Is this Tour Right for You?
Mobility: Budapest and Vienna are cities best experienced on foot. While both have extensive public transportation systems, the itinerary also includes a walking tour, two palace tours, and other activities that require you to be on your feet. This trip may not be appropriate for people with mobility concerns or who have difficulty with hills, cobblestones, or walking several kilometers at a stretch. As such, this trip may also not be appropriate for children.​
Dietary Considerations: Both Budapest and Vienna are cosmopolitan cities with multiple options for dining. This itinerary includes some experiences that are centered around foods that may contain dairy, gluten, and animal products. While adjustments are likely possible to accommodate dietary restrictions in many of the activities, individual travelers will have to make choices that are right for them. We are not able to provide refunds for activities included in the tour price from which participants chose to opt out. Vegans and those with significant food allergies should contact us before signing up.
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This itinerary is subject to adjustment, based on changes in availability, offerings, or other obstacles that may be beyond our control.
Check out our Tour Q & A for more information on this Tour.
This trip is subject to Always Travels' Tour Terms & Conditions
