Budapest is a city of two halves divided by the mighty River Danube and sewn together by a collection of beautiful, elegant bridges. The most famous is the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the first permanent crossing to link the two halves of the city. The two parts of the city are very different; the flatter, lively region of Pest looks across the water to its older, historical neighbour, the hilly Buda that rises up away from the banks of the river.
Pest is the busy, modern part of the city, with excellent shopping, trendy bars and modern restaurants. Buda has a distinctly medieval atmosphere, with beautiful old buildings and cobbled streets. Budapest was once the joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian Habsburg Empire. The city and its buildings have been restored to their very best in what is now one of Europe's finest, grandest and most picturesque cities. Budapest is known for its baths - the hot bath water is said to flow from a hundred streams. Home to the city's famous bathing chess players, the Széchenyi Bath is Budapest's most famous outdoor baths, which was built in New Baroque style and is open all year round.
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Classic
(190 reviews)Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating holiday by rail. Starting amid noble Vienna's glorious Habsburg palaces and ornate architecture, enjoy a strudel-making show with tasting before savouring the delights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Absorb panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda Castle during an...
River Cruise
(96 reviews)Join us on a luxurious and enchanting cruise on the Danube River. Along the way, we journey through picturesque cities, quaint villages, and renowned vineyards with the chance to indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the finest local wines. After exploring the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the delightful...
River Cruise
(51 reviews)Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Experience the enchanting town of Dürnstein, where time seems to stand still with its cobbled streets and charming architecture. We admire the dramatically located Abbey of Melk, perched majestically on the...
River Cruise
(26 reviews)Embark on a mesmerising journey down the classic blue Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new tapestry of historic cities, architectural wonders, and cultural richness. We delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest. From the picturesque town of Linz to glorious...
River Cruise
(40 reviews)Our adventure starts by exploring two European giants, Berlin and Prague. We then experience the magic of the Danube and the lovely Wachau Valley, cruising comfortably to idyllic villages, visiting medieval towns and grand cities. Enjoy a private music recital onboard in Vienna and discover Baroque treasures in Bratislava and Budapest. Interested...
Discoveries
(109 reviews)Explore the fascinating cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, encountering their rich heritage of art, history and culture while savouring world-class castles, palaces and museums. Fly into Prague to experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, a magical city of exquisite architecture. Travel by train to Vienna to uncover the timeless...
River Cruise
(63 reviews)Experience the convenience of direct flights to and from Munich with our 8-Day Danube river cruise. This effortless itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the must-see highlights of the Danube. Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Discover the...
River Cruise
(9 reviews)As we glide through the majestic Swiss Alps on the iconic Glacier Express, we enjoy unrivalled views of the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround us. This holiday is a perfect blend of beauty and culture as we ride on mountain railways, discover charming towns, and sail the Danube river from Budapest to Regensburg. Interested in this tour but...
River Cruise
Experience an eclectic cruise along the blue Danube, with landscapes brimming with ancient cities, architectural marvels, and cultural significance. Enjoy a scenic rail journey to our cruise ship, soaking up the picturesque landscapes along the way. Once onboard the luxurious Amadeus Imperial, explore the rich legacies of this iconic river. From...
Buda Castle
Standing impressively on the banks of Buda Hill, overlooking the Danube, is Buda Castle. The historic castle and palace complex, which was completed in 1265, has UNESCO World Heritage status and was home to the Kings of Hungary. The complex contains some fascinating museums including Budapest Historical Museum, the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Gallery.
Hungarian opera
Budapest rivals Vienna as an international Opera capital.
The city's fantastic neo-Renaissance opera house, the Hungarian
State Opera House, was built in 1884 and is worth visiting even if
you don't enjoy opera.
Statue Park
One of Budapest's most remarkable (and controversial)
attractions is the Statue Park (Szoborpark), located in a quiet
suburb of Buda. Described as a "Communist Theme Park", it contains
(among others) a gigantic statue of Lenin and Cubist statues of
Marx and Engels.
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