Classic Central Europe Loop: From Sindelfingen to Budapest and Back

Day 1: Hallstatt Discovery

Hallstatt, Austria on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Derbl

Start your day with a traditional Austrian breakfast featuring fresh pastries and coffee in the heart of Hallstatt. The café opens from 7:30am, perfect for an early start.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

Explore Europe's oldest salt mine which offers fascinating underground tours and spectacular views. The mine is open from 9am to 5pm, so this morning visit avoids the crowds.
EUR22, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Zauner

Enjoy traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and dumplings in this charming, family-run inn located near the lake. Opens at 11:30am.
EUR18, 1h

1:30pm

Hallstatt Lakeside Walk and Market

Take a relaxing walk around the gorgeous lake and visit the local market to see traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Hallstatt Bone House

Discover this unique ossuary with artistically painted skulls dating back centuries. Open until 6pm.
EUR4, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Im Kainz

Dine on fresh fish from the lake and regional specialities while enjoying stunning views. Open until 9:30pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Wachau Valley and Vienna

Wachau Valley, Austria; Vienna, Austria on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast in Hallstatt

Grab a light breakfast at your hotel or nearby bakery to fuel up for the day ahead.
EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Wachau Valley

Travel east along scenic routes through Austria’s famous wine region, arriving in the Wachau to explore its villages and vineyards.
Fuel costs approx. EUR30, 2h

11:00am

Visit Dürnstein Village and Abbey

Explore this picturesque town on the Danube River, known for its blue-painted baroque church and historic castle ruins. The abbey is open 9am to 6pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Landgasthof Jell in Dürnstein

Enjoy local Wachau cuisine paired with regional white wines, open from 11:30am.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Vienna

Head towards Vienna, aiming to arrive mid-afternoon to start exploring the city.
Fuel costs approx. EUR15, 1.5h

3:30pm

Stroll through Vienna's Inner City

Walk through the historic centre, visiting landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Graben shopping street.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Taste traditional Viennese Tafelspitz (boiled beef) at this famous restaurant open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Vienna and Bratislava

Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Indulge in a sumptuous Viennese breakfast in a historic café known for its intellectual patrons. Opens from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the former imperial summer residence with its magnificent gardens. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near the palace at Glacis Beisl

Enjoy Austrian specialties in a laid-back garden setting. Opens from 11:30am.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Bratislava

Drive or take a relaxed 1-hour train trip east to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital on the Danube.
EUR15 (train) or fuel approx. EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Bratislava Old Town

Visit the medieval old town, including the Bratislava Castle and Main Square; most sites open until 5 or 6pm.
EUR10 for castle entry, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Slovak Pub

Sample traditional Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky in a cosy atmosphere. Open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1.5h
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Day 4: Esztergom and Budapest

Esztergom, Hungary; Budapest, Hungary on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast in Bratislava

Grab a quick breakfast at Urban House, open from 7am for fresh coffee and pastries.
EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Esztergom

Head south about an hour’s drive to Esztergom, Hungary’s historic royal seat on the Danube.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Esztergom Basilica

Explore Hungary’s largest church and climb to the dome for panoramic views. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Walk along the Danube and visit Christian Museum

Discover Hungary’s richest ecclesiastical art collections before departing for Budapest.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nagy Edward Étterem

Enjoy Hungarian classic dishes in a welcoming setting, open from 12pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Budapest

Short drive (about 1hr) to Hungary’s capital, ready to explore the city's rich culture.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Tour Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion

Wander around historic Buda Castle grounds and enjoy stunning vistas over the city from Fisherman’s Bastion, open until sunset.
EUR10, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pest-Buda Bistro

Savour authentic Hungarian cuisine in the castle district. Open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 5: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Experience an extravagant breakfast in one of the world’s most beautiful cafés. Opens from 8am.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Parliament Building

Tour Hungary’s iconic Parliament with its stunning architecture; guided tours start at 9am and run through the day.
EUR15, 1.5h

11:30am

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian spa experience in Europe’s largest thermal bath, open from 6am to 10pm.
EUR25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Paprika

Dine on hearty Hungarian dishes in a cosy environment near the baths. Open from 12pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Walk across Chain Bridge and visit St. Stephen's Basilica

Explore these central landmarks, both rich in history and great for photos.
Free (basilica tower entry EUR5), 1.5h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Gundel Restaurant

Celebrate your trip’s conclusion with classic Hungarian cuisine in a prestigious setting. Open until 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Return Journey

Budapest, Hungary to Sindelfingen, Germany on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a packed or hotel breakfast before your long drive back.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Budapest to Sindelfingen

Begin your drive northwest back to Sindelfingen, approximately a 7-hour journey, allowing for stops en route.
Fuel approx. EUR70, 7h

5:00pm

Arrive back in Sindelfingen

Complete your memorable Central European loop and rest after your drive.
Free, End
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