Comprehensive 17-Day Budapest, Lake Balaton and Austria Itinerary with Sightseeing, Relaxation and Cultural Experiences

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

6:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Dinner

Welcome your mom and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant, perfect for settling in after her flight.
Included in hotel stay, 2h
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Day 2: Sightseeing & Mass

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Begin your day at this iconic, historic café known for traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee.
HUF 3000 approx, 1h

9:30am

Margaret Island

Explore the beautiful green oasis in the Danube with gardens, walking paths, and a peaceful atmosphere; perfect for a leisurely morning.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy contemporary Hungarian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere near the Danube.
HUF 5000 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Hungarian Parliament Tour

Visit the stunning Parliament building with guided tours showcasing Hungarian history and architecture; book tickets in advance.
HUF 3500 approx, 1h30m

4:00pm

Sunday English Mass at St Stephen's Basilica

Attend the English mass service to enjoy the cultural and spiritual ambience of Budapest's grand basilica.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at the Hotel

Unwind and rest after the day's activities before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner River Cruise on the Danube

Experience a stunning evening cruise with dinner along the Danube, admiring Budapest’s illuminated landmarks from the water.
EUR 45-70 per person, 2h
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Day 3: Castle & Old Town

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Enjoy a casual breakfast with a variety of fresh and locally sourced options.
HUF 3000 approx, 1h

9:00am

Buda Castle

Discover the historical castle complex including museums and stunning views of the city; opens 10am but grounds accessible earlier.
HUF 2000 approx for museum entry, 2h

11:30am

Fisherman's Bastion

Explore the terraces offering panoramic views of Budapest and the Danube River; free access except for upper towers which are a small fee.
HUF 1000 for upper towers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Relish classic Hungarian dishes in a traditional setting near the castle area.
HUF 4500 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure walk along the Danube Promenade

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling beside the river, taking in the street art, boats, and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relaxation at hotel

Take some downtime at your hotel to rest and recharge.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at ZONA Budapest

Dine in style with modern, locally-inspired cuisine at this popular river-view restaurant.
HUF 6000 approx, 2h
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Day 4: Szentendre Day

Szentendre, Hungary on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast in preparation for the day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Szentendre by Train

Take the scenic train ride to the charming artist town of Szentendre, approximately 40 minutes from Budapest.
HUF 1000 approx, 40m

9:30am

Explore Szentendre Old Town

Wander through colourful streets filled with galleries, boutiques and cafes. Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum if desired.
Museum ticket approx HUF 1500, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Savour authentic Hungarian dishes at a local favourite in Szentendre.
HUF 4000 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Leisurely walk by the Danube Riverbank

Relax at the riverside parks before heading back to Budapest.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return Train to Budapest

Travel back to Budapest to rest and refresh.
HUF 1000 approx, 40m

6:00pm

Free Time & Relaxation

Unwind at your hotel or explore local neighbourhood options for leisure.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mazel Tov

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with Middle Eastern inspired dishes in the Jewish Quarter.
HUF 5500 approx, 2h
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Day 5: Relax & Departure

Budapest, Hungary on June 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Experience the opulence of this historic grand café with a lavish breakfast menu.
HUF 5500 approx, 1h30m

11:00am

Leisure Morning / Last-Minute Shopping

Take time to relax or shop for souvenirs at Váci Street or local markets.
Free to browse, 3h

2:00pm

Light lunch at Central Market Hall food stalls

Savour tasty street food or traditional snacks at this famous market.
HUF 3000 approx, 1h

4:00pm

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Head back to hotel to relax and get ready for the evening journey to Lake Balaton.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Depart Budapest to Lake Balaton

Travel by car or train to your Lake Balaton accommodation; expect around 2-3 hours journey time.
Transport cost varies, 3h

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lake Balaton Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel after arrival, soaking in lakeside tranquillity.
Included or approx HUF 5000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Balaton Leisure

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Relaxing by the Lake

Spend your morning relaxing on the lakeshore or enjoying hotel spa facilities.
Hotel amenities, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Halászkert Restaurant

Try fresh fish dishes from the lake in a picturesque setting.
HUF 4500 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tihany Peninsula

Explore this scenic peninsula with its famous abbey and stunning views; enjoy a gentle hike around the area.
Free, Abbey entrance approx HUF 1000, 3h

6:00pm

Return to hotel & relax

Wind down with some rest after the afternoon exploration.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy regional cuisine with a calm lakeside atmosphere.
Included or approx HUF 5000, 2h
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Day 7: Lake Balaton Leisure

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the lake.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Boat trip on Lake Balaton

Take a relaxing boat cruise on the lake to appreciate the natural beauty and nearby towns.
HUF 3500 approx, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Balatonfüred – Café Kávézó

Dine on café classics and lake views in the popular resort town.
HUF 4000 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at the Lakeside Beach

Enjoy swimming or sunbathing at a popular public beach spot.
Entry fee approx HUF 1500, 3h

6:00pm

Return to hotel & rest

Rest before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Borbarát Bisztró

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a good selection of wines from the region.
HUF 5000 approx, 2h
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Day 8: Lake Balaton to Budapest

Lake Balaton to Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your last lakeside breakfast and pack for departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Check out and travel to Budapest

Depart for Budapest by car or train for approximately 2-3 hour journey.
Transport cost varies, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Frici Papa Kifőzdéje

Savour traditional Hungarian home-cooked dishes in a casual setting.
HUF 3500 approx, 1h

2:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Relax

Settle back in Budapest with some afternoon rest.
Included, 2h

5:00pm

Optional evening stroll on Andrássy Avenue

Enjoy a relaxed walk in this elegant boulevard with historic architecture and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Menza Restaurant

Dine in a trendy spot serving Hungarian and international dishes in Liszt Ferenc Square.
HUF 6000 approx, 2h
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Day 9: Budapest to Vienna

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

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Budapest to Vienna

Take the Railjet direct train from Budapest Keleti to Vienna Hauptbahnhof; journey approx 2h 30m.
EUR 30-40 approx, 2h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in in Vienna

Settle into your accommodation in central Vienna.
Included, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Enjoy a historic Viennese café experience with traditional dishes and pastries.
EUR 20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Relaxation & Leisure

Take some downtime to rest after travel or take a gentle walk at Stadtpark.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

English Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna

Attend the Sunday English mass at Vienna’s iconic cathedral.
Free, 1h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Try the famous Viennese boiled beef (Tafelspitz) in a traditional setting.
EUR 40 approx, 2h
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Day 10: Vienna Sightseeing

Vienna, Austria on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, former imperial summer residence; opens 8:30am - ideal to beat crowds.
EUR 20 approx, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy Austrian cuisine in a garden setting near MuseumsQuartier.
EUR 25 approx, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace and Gardens

Explore baroque art collections including Klimt’s The Kiss in a magnificent palace complex.
EUR 15 approx, 2h

3:30pm

Relaxation at Stadtpark

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or a coffee at the park cafés.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Free Time or Optional MuseumsQuartier Visit

Explore museums or relax before dinner time.
Museum entry varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Savour famous Wiener Schnitzel in a renowned local restaurant.
EUR 35 approx, 2h
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Day 11: Vienna Cultural Day

Vienna, Austria on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore one of the world’s leading art museums with impressive collections of old masters.
EUR 20 approx, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Motto am Fluss

Restaurant along the Danube Canal offering modern cuisine in trendy atmosphere.
EUR 30 approx, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Vienna State Opera House Tour

Discover the architectural and cultural history of this iconic opera venue; tours open midday onwards.
EUR 9 approx, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Café Sacher

Enjoy the famous Sachertorte cake paired with coffee in a historic setting.
EUR 15 approx, 1h

5:00pm

Free time or optional Philharmonic concert

Relax or attend an evening concert depending on interest and schedule.
Concert tickets variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Indulge in fine dining featuring modern Austrian cuisine; reservation recommended.
EUR 90+ approx, 2h
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Day 12: Transfer to Salzburg

Vienna to Salzburg, Austria on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before departing for Salzburg.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Salzburg

Travel via train from Vienna to Salzburg; journey duration approx 2h 30m.
EUR 30 approx, 2h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in and settle in Salzburg

Arrive and unpack at your Salzburg accommodation.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Dine in one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, offering traditional Austrian fare.
EUR 35 approx, 1h 30m

2:00pm

Salzburg Old Town Walk

Explore the historic centre including Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace, and Residenzplatz.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Rest and refresh at hotel

Relax before dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Zwettler’s

Enjoy hearty Austrian dishes in a cosy, traditional setting.
EUR 30 approx, 2h
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Day 13: Salzburg Highlights

Salzburg, Austria on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Visit this iconic fortress with panoramic city views; accessible by funicular or walk.
EUR 15 approx, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Tomaselli

Traditional Viennese café atmosphere with cakes and light meals.
EUR 20 approx, 1h

1:30pm

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens featured in The Sound of Music.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Salzach River Walk and Relax

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk along the river.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Relax and freshen up for dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sternbräu

A spacious brewery restaurant offering local specialties and great atmosphere.
EUR 35 approx, 2h
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Day 14: Transfer to Hallstatt

Salzburg to Hallstatt, Austria on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hallstatt

Journey by train and ferry or bus from Salzburg to Hallstatt, approximately 3 hours.
EUR 30-40 approx, 3h

12:00pm

Hotel check-in and lunch

Settle into your Hallstatt hotel followed by lunch at a local café or restaurant.
EUR 25 approx, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Hallstatt Village

Wander through this scenic lakeside village, visiting the market square, lake shore and shops.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax by the Lake

Enjoy downtime by the tranquil lake with stunning mountain views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rudolfsturm

Dine delightfully with views overlooking Hallstatt and traditional Austrian cuisine.
EUR 40 approx, 2h
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Day 15: Hallstatt Exploration

Hallstatt, Austria on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with lake views.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Salt Mine Tour

Visit the world’s oldest salt mine with guided tours, funicular ride and history exhibits; opens 9am.
EUR 26 approx, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Savour traditional Austrian cuisine in a warm local ambiance.
EUR 30 approx, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lake Cruise

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Hallstatt Lake admiring the alpine scenery.
EUR 15 approx, 1h

3:30pm

Free Time and Relaxation

Leisure time to explore shops or rest at the hotel.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie Restaurant

Enjoy an elegant meal featuring fresh local ingredients.
EUR 40 approx, 2h
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Day 16: Return to Budapest

Hallstatt to Budapest, Hungary on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast and prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Budapest

Return journey by train and ferry or bus, expect around 5-6 hours travel time with connections.
EUR 35-45 approx, 6h

2:00pm

Hotel check-in and rest

Arrive in Budapest and relax at your hotel after travel.
Included, 3h

5:30pm

Light Dinner at Café Csiga

Enjoy fresh, healthy fare in a laid-back environment perfect for a relaxing evening.
HUF 4000 approx, 1h30m
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Day 17: Departure

Budapest, Hungary on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast to start your travel day smoothly.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Prepare and check-out

Pack and check out from your hotel, heading to the airport.
Taxi approx HUF 7000, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Budapest Airport

Travel to airport for flight home.
Taxi or shuttle fare approx HUF 6000-7000, 30m
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