Romantic castles and palaces of Hungary

Arrival in Hungary via Sopron. Possibility for a visit of the Eszterházy palace in Fertőd, also known as the Hungarian Versailles (Entrance to pay extra). Trip to Somogygeszti, around 20 km from Lake Balaton. Half board in a 3 stars palace hotel close to Lake Balaton.

In the footsteps of the famous composers at Lake Balaton, today you'll reach Keszthely, the main city on Lake Balaton, and visit the Baroque palace of the Festetics family. It is a popular tourist destination and a highlight is the collection of pieces of music by Haydn and Goldmark.

Alongside the northern side of the lake you'll reach the Tihany peninsula with a famous Benedictine Abbey and Balatonfüred. Finally, you'll reach Siófok on the southern side of the lake (entrance and ferry not included). During this tour there is a possibility for wine tasting in Badacsony. Late in the afternoon return to your palace hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Today you'll reach the city of Pécs in the southern part of Hungary. Many attractions in the city are Unesco World Cultural Heritage Sites; furthermore, Pécs is famous for Zsolnay porcelain.

The history of Pécs goes back 2000 years: here you can see grave chambers of the Roman times, mosques of the Turkish times, slim minarets, fine porcelain made by the Zsolnay factory. After sightseeing in Pécs you'll reach your palace hotel close to the city. Dinner and overnight in the palace hotel.

Today you are going to learn about Hungarian wine. Villány is one of the well known wine regions of Hungary. Red wine of the region is famous all over the world. Enjoy a walking tour among the wine cellars and taste the famous wine. Dinner and overnight in a 4 stars palace hotel in Bikal.

Passing through Gemenc forest, a paradise of wild animals, under natural protection, alongside the Danube you'll travel to Budapest. Gemenc forest has a territory of 50,000 hectares, located next to the Danube between Pécs and Budapest. You can explore the forest by train or have a boat cruise on the Danube.

Lunch and arrival in Budapest, where you'll enjoy a short sightseeing and have dinner. Accommodation in Budapest, in a hotel outside city center.

Today you'll visit the Royal palace of Gödöllő, the favourite palace of Queen Elisabeth of Habsburg. Visit the apartments which are beautifully decorated with tapestry and marble. Walk in the park (Entrance with a guided tour included) and then trip to the Church of Máriabesnyő, a popular pilgrimage site, built by the noble Grassalkovics family.

2 more kilometres and you'll arrive at the equestrian farm of the Lázár brothers with an elegant horse show where you'll also enjoy a ride on horse driven coaches. Dinner and return to Budapest.

Today you are going to visit Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom, picturesque towns of the Danube Bend. Optional: Competition of knights and lunch in the medieval restaurant in Visegrád. Lunch is served by servants of the court of King Matthias in the presence of King and Queen. Tunes of medieval lute music. Half board accommodation in Budapest.

Departure after breakfast.