Budapest & Lake Balaton with Austria Tour: Danube Cruise, Historic Sites & Evening English Mass

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

5:00pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Your mom arrives late afternoon; transfer to the hotel for a restful check-in after the flight.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel to recover energy for the week ahead.
Variable, 1h30m

Day 2: Parliament & Island

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at Café Gerbeaud

Start your day with a late breakfast and famous Hungarian pastries at this iconic café, open from 9am.
HUF 4500 approx., 1h

10:30am

Hungarian Parliament Guided Tour

Visit the stunning Parliament building on a guided tour open till 6pm. Booking ahead recommended.
HUF 3900 per person, 1h30m

12:00pm

Margaret Island Walk or Bike

Spend the early afternoon relaxing in the peaceful park of Margaret Island; gardens and walking paths ideal for unwinding.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to the hotel for downtime and refreshment before the evening.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

English Sunday Mass at St Stephen's Basilica

Attend the English mass at this magnificent basilica in the late afternoon; mass starts at 4pm.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Pest-Buda Bistro

Dine on authentic Hungarian dishes in a picturesque setting, open until 11pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h30m

Day 3: Buda Castle & Cruise

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at New York Café

Start the day with an elegant breakfast in this historic café, open from 7am.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Visit Buda Castle

Explore the splendid Buda Castle complex and museums, open 10am–6pm, with stunning city views.
HUF 2000 plus museum entrance fees, 2h

11:30am

Fisherman’s Bastion

Enjoy panoramic views from this neo-Romanesque lookout; open all day with free entry to the terraces.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at 21 Hungarian Kitchen

Taste contemporary Hungarian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, open 12pm to 10pm.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Free Afternoon

Relax or enjoy hotel amenities at leisure.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Rest at Hotel

Prepare for an evening outing.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Danube Night River Cruise

Enjoy a 1.5-hour evening cruise capturing Budapest's illuminated landmarks.
HUF 5500 per person, 1h30m

Day 4: Szentendre Day Trip

Budapest, Hungary on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Elegant breakfast served from 7am to 11am.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Train to Szentendre

Catch the HÉV train to this charming town famous for art and historic streets (~40min).
HUF 650 round trip, 1h

10:30am

Explore Szentendre

Visit galleries, shops and historic sites at your own pace.
Free to explore, some entry fees apply., 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Enjoy a mix of Hungarian and Serbian dishes at this popular restaurant, open from noon.
HUF 5000 approx., 1h

4:00pm

Return to Budapest Hotel

Travel back to Budapest for an evening at leisure.
Variable, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Kiosk Budapest

Modern Hungarian dining in a stylish setting, open 11:30am to 10pm.
HUF 5500 approx., 1h30m

Day 5: Shopping & Balaton Travel

Budapest, Hungary on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gerbeaud Café

Classic pastries and coffee starting 9am.
HUF 3500 approx., 1h

9:30am

Shopping on Váci Street

Explore shops and boutiques for souvenirs and fashion on this famous pedestrian street.
Variable, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Café

Light lunch nearby to rest before afternoon downtime.
Variable, 1h

2:30pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax in the hotel and prepare for evening travel.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Early Dinner at Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Enjoy comforting Hungarian dishes, open until 10pm.
HUF 3000 approx., 1h

6:30pm

Travel to Lake Balaton

Depart Budapest for your approximately two-hour journey to Lake Balaton by car or train.
Variable, 2h

8:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Settle in at Lake Balaton accommodation for a calm evening by the lake.
Variable, Flex

Day 6: Lake Balaton Relaxation

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast Lakeside

Start the day with a peaceful breakfast at or near your hotel.
Variable, 1h

9:30am

Explore Balatonfüred

Enjoy lakeside promenade, parks, and quaint town shops.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch by the Lake

Dine on local specialties at a terrace restaurant.
Variable, 1h

2:30pm

Relax or Optional Spa

Unwind either at the hotel or with a visit to a local spa or thermal bath.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Füred Restaurant

Try fresh lake fish and Hungarian cuisine in a popular local spot.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

Day 7: Tihany & Winery

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Relaxed morning start with breakfast at the hotel or café.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tihany Peninsula

Explore lavender fields, Tihany Abbey (9am-6pm), and scenic walking routes.
Small entry fee for Abbey, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Tihany

Taste local fare at a village restaurant, open from noon.
HUF 6000 approx., 1h

3:00pm

Winery Visit and Tasting

Book a tasting tour at a Balaton wine producer, experiencing unique regional wines.
HUF 4000 approx., 2h

6:00pm

Return & Relax

Head back to your hotel for rest.
Free, Flex

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner to conclude the day.
Variable, 1h30m

Day 8: Return to Budapest

Lake Balaton to Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Leisurely breakfast before packing to return to Budapest.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Check-out and Travel

Head back to Budapest by train or car (approx. 2 hours).
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Szimpla Market

Enjoy diverse food options at this vibrant market open till late.
HUF 4000 approx., 1h

1:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Settle in at your Budapest hotel with time to relax.
Variable, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Onyx Restaurant

Celebrate your Budapest return with fine dining at this Michelin-starred venue.
From HUF 18000 per person, 2h

Day 9: Train to Vienna & Mass

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast prior to train departure.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Vienna

Board a fast train to Vienna (~2h 40m). Book tickets in advance for best prices.
EUR 30-50 per person, 2h40m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Arrive and settle into your Vienna accommodation.
Variable, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Sample Viennese cakes and traditional meals, open from 8am.
EUR 20 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Tour Vienna Historical Sites

Time to explore Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and surrounding neighborhoods at leisure.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Enjoy classic Austrian dishes like Tafelspitz in a distinguished restaurant.
EUR 40 approx., 1h30m