Detailed Budapest and Lake Balaton Itinerary with Night River Cruise and Austrian Tour

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

5:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Your mom arrives late afternoon; ensure smooth airport transfer and comfortable check-in at the hotel to relax after her flight.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed first night dinner at the hotel restaurant, ideal for unwinding after time spent traveling.
Variable, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Budapest Classics

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Start your day with classic Hungarian dairy delights and pastries at Cserpes Tejivó, open 7am to 7pm.
HUF 1500 approx., 30m

9:00am

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Explore the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of the Parliament building with a guided tour. Booking is essential. Tours available 8am to 6pm.
HUF 3900 per person, 1h30m

11:00am

Margaret Island Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride around Margaret Island’s verdant gardens and serene fountains. Open all day with free entry.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Margitszigeti Café

Have a relaxed lunch on Margaret Island featuring Hungarian and international fare. Open 11am to 7pm.
HUF 4000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Visit Buda Castle

Discover the historic Buda Castle complex, museums, and panoramic branches, open 10am to 6pm.
HUF 2000 plus museum entries, 2h

5:00pm

Fisherman's Bastion

Visit the beautiful Fisherman's Bastion for sweeping views over the Danube and Pest side, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pest-Buda Bistro

Savour Hungarian classics in the warm historic setting of Pest-Buda Bistro open from 12pm to 11pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m

9:30pm

Danube Night River Cruise

Experience Budapest’s illuminated landmarks on a 1.5-hour night cruise along the Danube. Cruises operate nightly from 8pm.
HUF 5500 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Szentendre Day Trip

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Enjoy a luxurious start with breakfast at New York Café, open from 7am to 11am.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Travel to Szentendre by HÉV

Take the suburban train from Budapest to the charming riverside town of Szentendre. Journey takes about 40 minutes.
HUF 650 round trip, 1h

10:30am

Explore Szentendre

Wander cobbled streets, visit art galleries, the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum and local churches.
Varies, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Savour Hungarian and Serbian-influenced dishes in this well-regarded local restaurant open 12pm to 10pm.
HUF 5000 approx., 1h

4:00pm

Return to Budapest

Take the train back to Budapest and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Included in above, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in the vibrant atmosphere of Mazel Tov ruin bar, open 12pm to midnight.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Mass & Leisure

Budapest, Hungary on June 10, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Gerbeaud Café

Start with classic Hungarian pastries at Gerbeaud Café, open from 9am.
HUF 3500 approx., 1h

10:30am

English Mass at St Stephen’s Basilica

Attend the Sunday English Mass at the Basilica, held at 10:30am for a cultural and spiritual experience.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy modern Hungarian cuisine at vibrant Kiosk Budapest, open 11:30am to 10pm.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Leisure Time or Shopping

Spend the afternoon exploring local shops or relaxing at nearby cafés for flexibility.
Varies, 3h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Espresso Embassy

Enjoy specialty coffee in a cosy setting, open 8am to 6pm.
HUF 1500 approx., 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Costes Downtown

Dine at the Michelin-star Costes Downtown for refined Hungarian cuisine, open 6pm to 10pm.
From HUF 15000 per person, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Last Budapest Day & Balaton

Budapest, Hungary on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cirkusz Café, open from 9am.
HUF 3500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Final stroll at Margaret Island

Relax with a morning stroll on Margaret Island, enjoying the calm surroundings before your trip.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Enjoy affordable, traditional Hungarian dishes in a local favourite open 11am to 10pm.
HUF 3000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Pack and Prepare for Lake Balaton

Return to the hotel, pack and rest before your evening departure.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Travel to Lake Balaton

Depart Budapest for Lake Balaton by car or train for your lakeside escape.
Variable transport cost, 2h

8:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lake Balaton Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful dinner onsite or nearby.
Variable, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax at Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy breakfast with picturesque lake views.
Variable, 1h

9:30am

Explore Balatonfüred

Visit Balatonfüred town, known for its promenade, historic villas and water activities.
Free, some entry fees, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Füred Restaurant

Taste fresh fish dishes and local flavours, open 12pm to 9pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Boat ride on Lake Balaton

Take a scenic 2-hour boat tour on Lake Balaton to enjoy stunning views and fresh air.
HUF 3000 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Lakeside Café

Unwind with coffee and desserts at a charming lakeside café.
HUF 1500 approx., 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Révfülöp Bistro

Dine with sunset views of the lake, enjoying local and international dishes. Open until 10pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Tihany & Wine Tasting

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast by the Lake

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or local café with lake views.
Variable, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tihany Peninsula

Explore lavender fields, the historic abbey and beautiful scenery of Tihany Peninsula. Entry to Abbey is charged, walking is free.
Small fee for Abbey entry, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Tihany Village

Try local fish and traditional dishes at restaurants such as Plage, open 12pm to late.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

3:00pm

Wine Tasting at Local Winery

Visit a nearby winery for tasting of renowned Balaton wines. Reservations recommended.
HUF 4000 approx., 2h

6:00pm

Return and Relax

Return to accommodation for leisure and lake views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant or Hotel

Enjoy your last dinner by the lake at your hotel or in a local venue.
Variable, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Budapest

Lake Balaton to Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out from your lake accommodation.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for departure back to Budapest.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Travel to Budapest

Return to Budapest by train or car, journey around 2 hours.
Variable transport cost, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Szimpla Kert Market

Enjoy a casual lunch at this popular indoor market with varied food stalls, open 10am to midnight.
HUF 4000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Leisure

Check into the Budapest hotel for your final night and take afternoon at leisure.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

Celebrate your last night in Budapest with a fine dining experience at Michelin-starred Onyx, open from 6pm.
From HUF 18000 per person, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Train to Vienna

Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure.
Included in stay, 30m

8:00am

Train to Vienna

Take the morning train from Budapest Keleti to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, which takes approximately 2h 40m.
EUR 30-50 per person, 2h40m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in and Settle

Arrive in Vienna and check into your accommodation to start the Austrian tour.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Indulge in Viennese specialties and pastries at historic Café Central, open from 8am.
EUR 20 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Sightseeing in Vienna

Explore Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and other city landmarks.
Variable entry fees, 3h

5:00pm

Coffee and Cake at Demel

Enjoy pastries and coffee at the celebrated Demel confectionery.
EUR 10 approx., 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Experience traditional Austrian cuisine focusing on Tafelspitz, open 12pm to 11pm.
EUR 40 approx., 1h30m
View Hotel Availability