Austro-Hungary's Twin Capitals

Name: Customizable Private Tour of Vienna and Budapest
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.92 (139 reviews)

8 Days / 7 Nights

Budapest, Vienna

from$2,350 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

This one-week itinerary is the perfect introduction to two of the finest capital cities in Central Europe. Your journey starts in Budapest, the city of contrasts, where grand architecture and authentic vibes compete for your attention. In the Hungarian capital, you'll sample exquisite ethnic cuisines at stylish restaurants, soak in the warm waters of historic thermal baths, and join a romantic cruise on the tranquil waters of the Danube River. Vienna comes next to seduce you with its elegance, rich classical music tradition, and unique coffee house culture. You'll follow in the footsteps of great composers as you stroll through this beautiful city, but you'll also have time for a fantastic day trip to the Wachau Valley, one of Austria's main wine-producing regions.
One of our team members in Hungary or Austria will be available to answer any questions and arrange local services leading up to and during your trip. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these two countries offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data you can use throughout your trip to reach your local JayWay contact, whom you will meet in person. In all our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with a local ambiance.

3 Nights in Budapest

3 Nights in Budapest

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Budapest

When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Budapest

Budapest for the First Time

Included in your vacation package price.

Your private guide will meet you at your accommodations, then take you on a three-hour walking (and subway) tour to show you the highlights of the city's Pest side, where the majority of its history, landmarks, and hotels are found. You will visit the exterior of the stunning Parliament, get to know the city's 20th century history in Liberty Square, and hop on the subway to the Opera House, Heroes' Square and City Park at the far end of Andrassy Boulevard. Then you will return to the center, where St. Stephen’s Basilica awaits.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

Included in your vacation package price.

You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 1 hour

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest

A Gastronomic Heaven

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

The Hungarians have always emphasized food, and their cuisine is often declared to be the best in Central Europe. During your walks in Budapest, you will see that almost every second place is either a coffee shop, restaurant, or pub. This gives you a chance to try whatever you want, and believe us when we say that it is absolutely worth your time. Suppose you don't want to explore on your own. In that case, we suggest taking one of our favorite food tours with a professional guide who will introduce you to classic local dishes, wines, and spirits while showing you some of the best places to shop, eat, and drink in the city, notably the Great Market Hall (aka the Central Market Hall).

Budapest Market, Food, and Coffee Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

One of the best - and definitely a must - tours in Budapest if you consider yourself a foodie or would just simply like to have some delicious Hungarian food. Your guide will show some truly amazing local places, such as the Great Market Hall, a Hungarian restaurant and of course a beautiful coffeeshop.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Hungarian Wine Tasting with Food Pairing Group Experience

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Hungary is well known for its wines. Despite its small size, it hosts 23 distinct wine regions. With this tasting, you'll taste excellent wines from across the country (including the legendary Tokaji Aszu), paired with foods.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 2 hours

Dinner Walk - Culinary Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

A true culinary experience in Budapest. As a perfect opportunity to enjoy dinner at multiple restaurants and venues, this tour will surely become one of your favourites in case you are into gastronomy and wines. Discover more about the Hungarian cuisine while you explore some of the history of this amazing capital.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Vienna by Train

The impressive, imperial city of Vienna is waiting for you today. Thanks to the great train connections between Budapest and Vienna, you can choose a convenient departure time; we will have arranged second class tickets with seat reservations for the roughly 3-hour journey. Our driver will take care of bringing you to the Budapest train station. If you'd prefer, first class tickets can be arranged as well for additional fee. To save time and enjoy a relaxing ride, we recommend door-to-door service with our private transfer option. For an additional fee, a driver will pick you up in Budapest at your convenience and bring you directly to your accommodation in Vienna.

You can upgrade your transfer

Vienna by Private Transfer with a Stop in Tihany at Lake Balaton

Upgrade for an additional cost

We also offer the following excursions in Budapest

Alternative Budapest Small Group Tour

Moderate3 hours

Buda Private Tour

Moderate3 hours 30 minutes

Budapest Christmas Markets Private Tour

Moderate3 hours

Budapest Private City Tour by Car

Light3 hours

4 Nights in Vienna

4 Nights in Vienna

Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Vienna

A driver will greet you at Vienna's Hauptbahnhof Train Station and take you to your accommodations.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Vienna

Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

There’s so much to see in the center of Vienna! From palaces built by the Habsburgs through music halls and residential buildings - all you see will take you back in time to a really prosperous historical era when Vienna was the most important political and cultural center of Central Europe.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Vienna

Highlights of the Wachau Valley

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

If you love wines or are just looking to escape the big city for a day, we recommend heading upstream to the picturesque Wachau Valley. Known for producing many of Austria’s best wines (including some of Europe’s most famous dry whites), you can easily spend a day, walking, biking or driving between wineries and taverns, sampling your way down the valley.

Wachau Winery Bike Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Imagine sipping, swirling and slurping through Austria's most celebrated winery region, the Wachau Valley. Renowned for its quality wines, stunning villages, and breathtaking scenery, this stretch of the River Danube is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. You'll enjoy the freedom of easy open-air cycling in magnificent vineyard surroundings. Sample wine at small, local wineries and explore many stunning villages up close. UNESCO World Heritage scenery guarantees no shortage of great photo opportunities along the way. This unique wine tasting bike tour prides itself on showing you the Wachau like no other!

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours 30 minutes

Hidden Wachau Valley Private Day Trip

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This tour is designed for those seeking out culture, history and would like to learn about excellent wines. You'll tour the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its vineyards, visit scenic small towns and villages such as Dürnstein, Spitz or Krems. One of the highlights of your tour will be the Melk Abbey, a gargantuan Baroque monastery.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

Wachau Valley Winery Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Discover the breathtaking scenic Wachau Valley on a small group tour. Participate the engaging discovery of small towns of the UNESCO World Heritage area like Dürnstein or Krems. Taste the region's fantastic whites, learn about the collaboration of winemakers of the valley and treat yourself with tasty local snacks. Cruise on River Danube during the summer season (April 1 to October 31), embraced by vineyards, or visit Melk Abbey in the winter season. This day trip will be a jewel during your stay in Vienna.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 9 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Third Full Day in Vienna

Baroque Beauty

Included in your vacation package price.

The Schönbrunn Palace sits atop many people's list of must-see sights within Vienna. Join the self-guided Grand Tour and learn about the lives of the royals who lived within the Schönbrunn's walls with skip-the-line tickets, which come with a 60-minute audio guide tour and entrance to 40 rooms. After the tour we recommend continuing to explore the palace's sprawling grounds on your own. Check out the "Wagenburg," the Imperial Carriage Museum, which features Empress Elisabeth's collection of carriages.

Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 60 minutes

Schönbrunn Palace Dinner and Concert

Included in your vacation package price.

Running for over 600 feet and more than 30 feet wide, Schönbrunn's Orangery is the second largest in the world, only exceeded by Versailles'. Embrace Vienna's high culture here with a three-course dinner and some of Mozart and Strauss' most beloved pieces, performed by the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and the Schönbrunn Palace Ensemble. This is a great way to enjoy one of the city's most historic concert halls, but if you're looking for the best of the city's dining or classical music scene, we recommend going elsewhere, as this event mostly draws crowds of tourists.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours 15 minutes

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

Based on your flight departure time, we'll have someone pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport.

We also offer the following excursions in Vienna

Art Nouveau in Vienna Private Tour

Light2 hours 30 minutes

Authentic Tastes of Vienna Small Group Tour

Light5 hours

Countryside Winery Tour with Dinner Small Group Tour

Easy5 hours 30 minutes

Driving and Walking Private Combo Tour

Light5 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Budapest

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Budapest Airport Transfer

Pest Private Walking Tour

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

Budapest Train Station Transfer

Budapest - Vienna Train Tickets

Vienna

4 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Vienna Hauptbahnhof Train Station Transfer

Schonbrunn Palace Self-Guided Grand Tour

Schönbrunn Palace Dinner and Concert

Vienna Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Teresa & Mary

Ohio

I think to have such a personalized trip through JayWay afforded the most wonderful learning experience and within the physical and mental parameters one would wish for. My favorite experience was finding my Grandfather's, my Great-grandfather and my Great-great-grandfather's homes in a tiny village northeast of Prague.

Year : 2024
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria
Itinerary : Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna
Rating :

5 / 5

Robert & Adrienne

New Jersey

Jayway planning and customization is excellent. Their use of technology makes trip planning and communications easy. Having a trip coordinator , easy to get to gives clients a sense of personalization that I rarely experienced

Year : 2024
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Nancy & James

New Jersey

Our JayWay Travel tour exceeded our expectations. We felt “well taken care of” in every city we visited. Everything was outstanding, as we not only enjoyed, but also learned a lot.

Year : 2024
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :

5 / 5

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