3 Nights in Budapest
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. 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.
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. 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.
Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.
I'm Checked-in, Now What?
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Budapest
Budapest for the First Time
Your private guide will meet you at your accommodation, then take you on a three-hour walking (and metro) tour to show you the highlights of both the Buda and Pest sides of the city. You'll start by hopping on the metro to the Opera House, Heroes' Square and City Park at the far end of Andrassy Blvd. Then you'll return to the center, where St. Stephen’s Basilica awaits. From there you'll get a closer look at the Buda side of the city, where your guide will point out Gellert Hill, the Citadel and the Royal Palace before leading you up through the old cobblestone streets to Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Matthias Church, where your tour will conclude.
Buda Castle Private Tour
Would you like to learn more about the history of the older side of Budapest? This is the perfect tour for you. You'll hear all about the Turkish invasion, wars, the plague, kings and queens, local life and many more fascinating stories from the Buda Castle. Your guide will show you around the different periods of the Buda side of the city. During the tour you will visit the incredible Mathias Church and you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the Fishermen's Bastion. We recommend taking this tour after the Private Walking Tour. That way you'll have a complete picture of the wonderful city of Budapest.
A Drop of Luxury - Budapest's High End
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest
Enough of Budapest? See the Countryside!
Explore Hungary’s best wines with a 10-11 hour private tour of the town of Eger, and some of its most famed surrounding vineyards. You’ll get picked up by your private guide at 9, and visit several wineries for tastings. The region’s specialties couldn’t be more different - sweet wines, and Bull’s Blood, a strong red cuvee blended from at least 13 varietals. Heading past the region’s hilly vineyards, you’ll visit the Valley of the Beautiful Woman for the day’s first tasting. Your trip will proceed to Eger, a charming town with a castle at its center. The guide will take you to this fortress and its views, then help you explore Eger’s cosmopolitan history, from its baroque churches to its Ottoman minaret and thermal baths. You’ll head to the town’s best restaurant for lunch (and another tasting, of course), before visiting another vineyard to further experience the region’s variety. By the time you head home, you’ll have tasted at least 15 different local wines.
Budapest's Acclaimed Stars
Although Hungary has long had a reputation for having the region's best cuisine, Budapest itself has become a gastronomical Mecca, as it now hosts six Michelin-starred restaurants. Leading the pack is opulent Onyx, the city's only place with two-stars, to be sure to book it well in advance! The city's first restaurant to receive a Michelin star, Costes and its female head chef excel in applying French techniques to Hungarian favorites, as part of the legendary dinner tasting menu. Costes' sister location, Costes Downtown doesn't have the most creative name, but the haute cuisine more than makes up for this. It's somewhat less formal, with a modern design, open kitchen, and wooden tabletops. Costes Downtown doubles as the Prestige Hotel's main restaurant, giving all the more reason to stay there. Stand Restaurant is the fine dining take on Stand25, a beloved casual restaurant, and mixes haute cusine and local traditions. Borkonyha ("Wine Kitchen") has just the cellar you'd expect, with 200 Hungarian wines on offer alongside pan-European fare. Despite the Michelin star and need for reservations, the prices are relatively low, and the atmosphere more relaxed. Babel focuses on dishes from Transylvania, the head chef's original home, and is known for its theatrical presentation.
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Vienna by Private Car
Today, a private driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Budapest based on your preferred departure time. On the way you will stop for a few hours in the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. You will be given a tour of the city by our driver guide and then can have some free time to enjoy lunch on your own. In the mid afternoon you will continue on to Vienna. As with the other transfers, we will arrange for a luxury vehicle, the type depending on your group's size.
3 Nights in Vienna
3 Nights in Vienna
3 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.
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
Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation upon arriving in Vienna.
Visit a Traditional Wine Tavern
Have you just arrived and are ready to discover? Vienna's layout is based on Paris', with a system of grand boulevards and avenues that make it hard to get lost, so venture down one of its rings and start making discoveries! When it's time for a break, visit a "heuriger." These traditional taverns exclusively offer local wines, generally produced themselves earlier in the same year, alongside classic local dishes, and some even have musical entertainment. Your local JayWay contact will recommend several places to visit, based on the time of year.
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Vienna
Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna
Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. You'll see St. Stephan's Cathedral, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Ring Street and a traditional Viennese Coffee house. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.
Experience the Viennese Music Scene
Enthusiasts of Mozart and Strauss should crown their stay in Vienna by attending a classic concert in the fantastic Italian Renaissance style building, the Kursalon. Right at the edge of the City Park, the Kursalon is not only a music venue, but part of a thoughtful city design. Enjoy your concert with great seating and fill your heart with amazing tunes.
Day 6
Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Vienna
Highlights of the Wachau Valley
If you’d like to focus more on the Wachau Valley’s natural and historic beauty than alcohol, or would rather be driven in a Mercedes than bike along roads, we recommend this tour. You’ll get to visit the imposing Melk Abbey, a treasure box of Baroque architecture, paintings, and frescoes. Impressive inside and out, its sheer size is hard to comprehend. The tour will continue to the villages of Krems, Spitz, and Durnstein, where you’ll get to see the parish church’s tall white and blue steeple. You’ll also visit the ruins of Durnstein castle, where Richard the Lionhearted was once held hostage. Now covered in vines and leaves, the castle retains excellent views of the town below, and the valley spread out before you. You will have a private guide the entire time, except in Melk Abbey, where you will join a group tour given by one of the abbey’s own guides.
If you’re interested in wine, we can add wine tastings for an additional fee, but we can also offer winery small group tours, one by bike, and one by van or minibus. From May to October, this tour includes an hour on a ferry, and a lunch at a winery can be included.
Vienna's Luxury Heritage
Two of Vienna’s most beloved groups are the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boy’s Choir. We highly recommend you take in both if your dates allow. The Spanish Riding School is the last remaining preserver of classic equestrian skills practices in their original form. The precision movements of the horses and their riders is truly dazzling. And it all takes place in a beautiful riding hall designed in the 18th century. Catch a performance or attend the morning exercises. The Vienna Boy’s Choir, one of the most renowned choirs in the world, is uniquely Viennese. If you’re in the city at the right time, you might be lucky enough to experience the brilliance of these talented young singers, specializing in Mozart, Bruckner, and other classic composers with ties to Vienna.
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Salzburg by Private Transfer
You'll be picked up at your accommodation by your private driver and taken to the charming alpine city of Salzburg today. On your way you'll stop to explore the scenic UNESCO lakeside town of Hallstatt on your own, and have lunch there. The journey takes a total of 8 hours, with the stop in Hallstatt, so bring some water and snacks for the road.
2 Nights in Salzburg
2 Nights in Salzburg
2 Nights in Salzburg
With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.
With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Salzburg
When you arrive in Salzburg, you'll be brought directly to your accommodation.
Discover the Northern Rome
Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's Birth House, Mozart's Residence, Getreidegasse, the Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests. This is the best way to discover the city.
Luxury at Twilight
Make your holiday a celebration and enjoy the highest quality of food, drink, and location in Salzburg. Sky restaurants and bars like Seven Senses, Imlauer, and Cool Mama await you with the finest dishes, an excellent selection of wines, and first class service. Would you like to combine fine dining with enjoying a good cigar after your city discovery? Carpe Diem, a restaurant and cigar bar sporting a Michelin star and two Gault Millaut Toque, will make for an ideal match. Concerts in the city's many fascinating venues with VIP seating call for classic music aficionados.
Day 8
Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Salzburg
Sound of Music Private Tour
Have you ever dreamed of visiting the land of your favorite movie? It may come true now. During this tour scenes and premises from the screen of the Sound of Music movie become real. You'll walk the same streets like Maria did with the Captain's children, you'll enter palaces, will see the infamous lake which children and Maria fell into, travel to the Salzkammergut Lake District and visit the church of Mondsee, venue of the most cathartic moment. Your qualified tour guide will tell you about historical and behind the scene details related to the world famous story and to the land it features. Breathtaking architecture and nature will embrace you and if you listen carefully you'll might hear them singing songs from the Sound of Music. Just sing with them.
Exclusive Mozart Concert and Dinner at St. Peter's Baroque Hall
This will be an unforgettable evening and perhaps the highlight of your visit to Salzburg. It's an evening of fine dining and world-class music as you enjoy fantastic entertainment at your own private table in the fabulous Baroque hall of Saint Peter's Monastery. What better way to sample the high culture of this musical city!
Day 9
Day 9 - Traveling to Prague by Private Car
You are exchanging one musical city for another today as you leave Salzburg and head off to Prague. We'll arrange for a private driver to pick you up and bring you directly to your accommodations in Prague. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.
3 Nights in Prague
3 Nights in Prague
3 Nights in Prague
“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it all in standing in the magnificent Old Town Square and admiring the craftsmanship of its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring the history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, which is evident on every street, including the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.
“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it all in standing in the magnificent Old Town Square and admiring the craftsmanship of its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring the history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, which is evident on every street, including the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.
Day 9
Day 9 - Arrival in Prague
Your driver will bring you straight to your Prague accommodation.
Get Lost on Medieval Streets
On your first night in Prague we recommend strolling around the center's side streets. It's easy to get lost here, but the river and signage make it easy to find your way home. Prague's city center side streets. With so many buildings lit up, we think this romantic walk will help you fall in love with Prague right away. There are many rooftops bars open in the summer, for which your local JayWay contact will provide some recommendations. If you don't feel like having a drink, climb up one of the lookout towers open after sunset, especially the Old Town Bridge Tower and Powder Tower.
Day 10
Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Prague
Get to Know Prague on a City Walking Tour
Experience the Life Monastic
Indulge in the Finer Side of Life in Prague
Day 11
Day 11 - Your Second Full Day in Prague
Explore Bohemia on a Day Trip from Prague
Europe is full of stories of kings stumbling across treasures while hunting, and Karlovy Vary, named for Charles IV is no exception. Also known as Karlsbad (“Karl’s Bath”) in German, the area’s natural hot springs delighted the Holy Roman Emperor. Nobility and celebrities have flocked to the town in the centuries since. Every year from the end of June to the beginning of July, Karlovy Vary hosts one of the world’s most famous film festivals (and one of Europe’s biggest), but celebrities are also drawn to the town’s 5-star grand hotels, whether to shoot films, or relax in their opulent spas. While a classic spa town, we recommend walking about, through the town’s varied colonnades, then perhaps taking a tour of the Becherovka distillery museum to learn how its namesake herbal bitters is made, or taking a funicular to the Diana Lookout Tower. We can also incorporate a visit to the Moser crystal factory and museum. This is a 9-hour excursion, as the drive from Prague is a 4-hour round-trip. The tour includes a 1.5-hour tour with a local guide, and admission to the 12th-century Gothic Loket Castle with thick walls, where part of Casino Royale was filmed. Your driver will be at your disposal throughout the trip.
Day 12
Day 12 - Departure Day
A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Prague airport for your departure.
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
Vienna
Salzburg
Prague
The 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
Our local staff are at your service throughout your journey via the local prepaid cellphone which we provide.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
Tami & Joseph
Wisconsin
I highly recommend using JayWay Travel! It made our customized trip planning extremely easy!
I highly recommend using JayWay Travel! It made our customized trip planning extremely easy!
Visited : Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Berlin, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
Visited : Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Berlin, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
Vicky & George
Florida
Jay Way Travel makes it easy to plan a trip the way we prefer to travel: with a lot of support, planning help and guidance and yet you are not in a big group but independent. Definitely recommend. And thank you for a great nine days!
Jay Way Travel makes it easy to plan a trip the way we prefer to travel: with a lot of support, planning help and guidance and yet you are not in a big group but independent. Definitely recommend. And thank you for a great nine days!
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Poland
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Krakow
Rating :
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Poland
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Krakow
Rating :
Cynthia & Michael
Illinois
I wish JayWay Travel provided services for all destinations world-wide! Making travel plans abroad is challenging with language barriers, currency differences, transportation uncertainties, etc. You made travel planning so easy and your first-hand, expert advice was much appreciated. JayWay Travel provides just the right amount of support, while allowing travelers all of the independence needed for a great travel experience.
I wish JayWay Travel provided services for all destinations world-wide! Making travel plans abroad is challenging with language barriers, currency differences, transportation uncertainties, etc. You made travel planning so easy and your first-hand, expert advice was much appreciated. JayWay Travel provides just the right amount of support, while allowing travelers all of the independence needed for a great travel experience.
Visited : Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Krakow, Budapest
Rating :
Visited : Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Krakow, Budapest
Rating :
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