Comprehensive 16-Day Budapest and Austria Summer Itinerary with Lake Balaton and Danube River Cruise

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Budapest, Hungary on June 7, 2025

5:00pm

Mom’s Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Your mom arrives late afternoon. Settle in at the hotel and enjoy some downtime to relax after the flight.
Included with hotel, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed first dinner at the hotel restaurant to unwind and prepare for the week ahead.
Approx. HUF6000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Start your day with traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee at this iconic café open from 8am.
Approx. HUF3500 per person, 1h

10:00am

Visit Hungarian Parliament Building

Explore the stunning Parliament with a guided tour (open 8am-6pm). Book tickets in advance for best experience.
HUF3500 entry per person, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Enjoy modern Hungarian cuisine in a stylish setting near the river, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
Approx. HUF6000 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Margaret Island

Spend a peaceful afternoon strolling or renting a bike on Margaret Island, open daily 6am-10pm.
Free entry; bike rental approx. HUF1500/hr, 2h

4:00pm

Sunday English Mass at St Stephen's Basilica

Attend the English Mass held on Sundays usually at 4pm in the beautiful basilica.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Danube Night River Cruise

Board a scenic evening river cruise along the Danube, highlighting Budapest’s illuminated landmarks (starts around 6pm).
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Spoon The Boat

Enjoy a fine dining experience on a restaurant boat docked on the Danube with Hungarian and international cuisine.
Approx. HUF8000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Budapest Sights

Budapest, Hungary on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café New York

Famous for its opulent interior, Café New York opens at 7am and offers excellent breakfast options.
Approx. HUF4000 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Buda Castle

Explore the historic Buda Castle complex, including museums and gardens (open 10am-6pm).
Free to enter grounds; museums approx. HUF2500 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Traditional Hungarian dishes served in a cosy atmosphere near the Castle.
Approx. HUF6000 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fisherman's Bastion

Enjoy panoramic views of the city and river from this fairytale-like terrace, free to explore.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee Break at Ruszwurm Confectionery

Indulge in classic Hungarian cakes in one of the oldest cafés in Budapest near Fisherman’s Bastion.
Approx. HUF2500 per person, 45m

5:00pm

Evening Relaxation at Hotel

Return to hotel for rest and leisure time before dinner.
Included with hotel, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Wine & Bistro

A Michelin-starred bistro offering an excellent selection of Hungarian wines and contemporary dishes.
Approx. HUF10,000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Szentendre Day Trip

Szentendre, Hungary on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start your day trip comfortably.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Train to Szentendre

Take a 40-minute suburban train from Budapest (from Batthyány tér station) to this charming artists' town.
HUF800 per person round trip, 40m

10:00am

Explore Szentendre Old Town

Wander the cobbled streets, art galleries, and museums. Don't miss the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (Skanzen).
Entry fee approx. HUF2000 per person, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aranysárkány Vendéglő

Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine in a cosy setting in Szentendre’s main square.
Approx. HUF5000 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Riverbank Walk and Café Stop

Relax by the Danube promenade with coffee or ice cream, soaking in the scenery.
Approx. HUF2000 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Budapest

Train back to Budapest for evening leisure.
Included in earlier fare, 40m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and refresh before dinner.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Menza Restaurant

A popular spot in Budapest’s lively Liszt Ferenc Square, offering Hungarian and international dishes, open till 11pm.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Final Budapest Morning & Travel to Lake Balaton

Budapest to Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Csiga

Start your morning with a light breakfast of fresh pastries near the hotel.
Approx. HUF3000 per person, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely Stroll or Spa Time

Enjoy a final relaxed morning in Budapest with a walk or spa session (e.g., Gellért Baths open 6am–8pm).
HUF6500 entry per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Kör

Classic yet casual Hungarian dining close to the Parliament building, open daily till 11pm.
Approx. HUF6000 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Hotel Check-out and Transfer Preparation

Pack and prepare for journey to Lake Balaton.
Included with hotel, 1h

4:30pm

Train/Drive to Lake Balaton

Take the train (approx. 2.5 hours) or drive to your accommodation by Lake Balaton.
Train approx. HUF3000 per person, 2h30m

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lake Balaton Hotel

Relax with lakeside dinner, sampling fresh fish and local wines.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Balaton Leisure

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a lakeside breakfast with local produce.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Relaxation & Swimming at the Lake

Spend the morning swimming or sunbathing on the beach or by the hotel pool.
Free with hotel, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kistücsök Restaurant, Balatonszemes

Highly rated for fresh and creative local dishes near the lake.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Tihany Peninsula

Visit Tihany Abbey and enjoy spectacular views, open 9am-6pm; take a short ferry ride or drive.
Abbey entry approx. HUF1500 per person, 3h

6:00pm

Back to Hotel & Rest

Relax after a full day of sightseeing and return to hotel.
Included with stay, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy local specialties and wine at the hotel restaurant.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lake Balaton Day 2

Lake Balaton, Hungary on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

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

9:30am

Boat Tour on Lake Balaton

Take a scenic boat trip around the lake, available from main ports like Balatonfüred.
Approx. HUF3500 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Villa Medici

A charming restaurant in Balatonfüred offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Balatonfüred Promenade & Parks

Leisurely stroll along the waterfront parks, splash fountains, and cafés.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Spa Treatment at Local Wellness Centre

Relax with a massage or wellness therapy available in the area.
Approx. HUF10000 per person, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Rest before dinner to recharge.
Included with stay, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Füred Club Restaurant

Fine dining with local ingredients and excellent wine selection near the lake.
Approx. HUF9000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Budapest

Lake Balaton to Budapest, Hungary on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final lakeside breakfast at a leisurely pace.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Check-out and Departure to Budapest

Travel back to Budapest via train or car, journey approx. 2.5 hours.
Train approx. HUF3000 per person, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near Budapest Keleti Station

Light lunch at Keleti station area before hotel check-in.
Approx. HUF5000 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Settle back into your Budapest hotel and relax.
Included with hotel, 2h

4:00pm

Casual Evening Walk to Chain Bridge

Enjoy the historic Chain Bridge and Danube riverbank with sunset views.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dunacorso Restaurant

Dine on a terrace overlooking the Danube, perfect for your last night in Budapest before Austria.
Approx. HUF7000 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Vienna & Sightseeing

Budapest to Vienna, Austria on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before train departure.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:30am

Train from Budapest to Vienna

Enjoy a comfortable 2h40m rail journey to Austria’s capital.
Approx. EUR30-40 per person, 2h40m

11:15am

Check-in at Vienna Hotel and Rest

Check in and freshen up after travel.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Historic café known for literary heritage serving classic Viennese dishes, open from 8am to 11pm.
Approx. EUR15-20 per person, 1h

2:30pm

St Stephen’s Cathedral & City Centre Walk

Explore the iconic cathedral and surrounding historic city centre.
Free entry to cathedral; tower climb EUR5, 2h

4:00pm

English Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral

Attend the Sunday English Mass, typically at 4pm on Sundays.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Relax at Hotel

Return to hotel for rest before dinner.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Famous for classic Viennese Tafelspitz, open until 10pm.
Approx. EUR40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Vienna Museums and Palace

Vienna, Austria on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast to fuel a day of sightseeing.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the imperial palace and gardens; opens 8:30am-5:30pm.
Entry approx. EUR22 per person, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Hidden gem in MuseumsQuartier courtyard, serving seasonal Austrian cuisine.
Approx. EUR25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore world-class art collections, open 10am-6pm.
Entry approx. EUR18 per person, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Café Sacher

Try the famous Sachertorte and coffee, open till late.
Approx. EUR15 per person, 45m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Rest before an evening stroll or dinner.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Renowned for its Wiener Schnitzel, open until 10pm.
Approx. EUR30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 11: Vienna Leisure & Gardens

Vienna, Austria on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Classic Viennese café experience, open from 7:30am.
Approx. EUR12 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belvedere Palace & Gardens

Explore gardens and art museums, open 10am-6pm.
Entry approx. EUR20 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Salm Bräu

Traditional brewery restaurant near Belvedere, serving hearty Austrian food.
Approx. EUR20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Leisurely Walk in Stadtpark

Relax at the park famous for the golden Johann Strauss statue.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping or Café Stop at Kärntner Straße

Explore pedestrian shopping street and enjoy coffee breaks as desired.
Varies, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Hotel to Relax

Prepare for travel to Salzburg next day.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck Restaurant

Experience refined modern Austrian cuisine (reservation recommended).
Approx. EUR80+ per person, 2h
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Day 12: Travel to Salzburg

Vienna to Salzburg, Austria on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for the train journey.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:30am

Train from Vienna to Salzburg

Travel approx. 2h30m by direct train.
Approx. EUR30-40 per person, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Salzburg Hotel and Rest

Settle in and refresh before sightseeing.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Zwettler's

Traditional Austrian cuisine with local charm.
Approx. EUR20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Beautiful Baroque gardens and palace open daily until 6pm.
Free to explore gardens; palace entry variable, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Through Old Town Salzburg

Explore Getreidegasse, Mozart’s birthplace, and historic squares.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Relax

Rest and freshen before dinner.
Included with hotel, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Europe's oldest restaurant offering classic Austrian dishes, reservation recommended.
Approx. EUR40 per person, 2h
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Day 13: Salzburg Exploration

Salzburg, Austria on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Tomaselli

Historic café in Salzburg’s old town, open from 7am.
Approx. EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take the funicular up to this impressive medieval fortress (open 9am-7pm).
Entry approx. EUR16 per person, 2h

11:30am

Explore St Peter’s Abbey & Cemetery

Historic Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Augustiner Bräustuben

Traditional beer hall serving hearty food near the monastery.
Approx. EUR20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Mozart Residence Museum

Explore Mozart’s former home and exhibitions, open 10am-5pm.
Entry approx. EUR12 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Afternoon Break at Hotel

Relax after a cultural day before dinner.
Included with hotel, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Die Weisse

Enjoy local beer and Austrian cuisine in this popular brewery restaurant.
Approx. EUR25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 14: Travel to Hallstatt & Sightseeing

Salzburg to Hallstatt, Austria on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hallstatt

Drive or take public transport (approx. 2.5 hours) to picturesque Hallstatt.
Transport approx. EUR15-30 per person, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Hallstatt Accommodation and Rest

Settle in and prepare for afternoon exploration.
Included with accommodation, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Traditional Austrian restaurant in central Hallstatt.
Approx. EUR20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

Explore the world’s oldest salt mine, open 9am-4pm; includes funicular ride.
Entry approx. EUR35 per person, 2h

3:30pm

Walk around Lake Hallstatt

Enjoy scenic lakeside views and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest after your arrival day exploring.
Included with accommodation, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rudolfsturm

Dine with panoramic views overlooking Hallstatt and the lake.
Approx. EUR30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 15: Hallstatt Leisure and Nature

Hallstatt, Austria on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with lake views.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:30am

Boat Tour on Lake Hallstatt

Take a boat tour visiting surrounding areas and enjoying the quiet beauty.
Approx. EUR15 per person, 1h

11:00am

Visit Hallstatt Museum

Learn about Hallstatt’s rich history and archaeological finds, open daily 9am-5pm.
Approx. EUR5 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthof Simony

Relaxed dining with traditional dishes and friendly service.
Approx. EUR20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Relaxation & Village Exploration

Stroll through village streets, pick up souvenirs, or relax at lakeside cafés.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax and prepare for departure next day.
Included with accommodation, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Im Kainz

Enjoy a charming dining experience with local favourites.
Approx. EUR25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 16: Return to Budapest

Hallstatt to Budapest, Hungary on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out at Hallstatt

Enjoy an early breakfast before departure.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Budapest

Long journey via train or car (approx. 5 hours), plan for stops and comfort breaks.
Train approx. EUR50 per person, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch on Route / Train Stop

Pause for a light meal during travel.
Approx. EUR10-15 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Budapest Hotel

Settle in after your journey and relax.
Included with hotel, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Walk & Light Dinner

Gentle walk along the Danube promenade followed by a light dinner at a café like the New York Café or similar.
Approx. HUF5000 per person, 2h
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Day 17: Departure Day

Budapest, Hungary on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast in Budapest before check-out.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfer

Prepare for flight home with airport transfer arranged by hotel or taxi.
Taxi approx. HUF8000, 1h

11:00am

Flight Departure from Budapest

Depart Budapest for home.
Varies by airline, N/A
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