Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
This 9-night rail tour begins with your arrival in Prague, by overnight sleeper train from Zurich. Explore the exquisite beauty and elegance of Prague’s historic centre, with its cobbled streets and squares, mediaeval architecture, Baroque palaces and churches. Prague is easily explored on foot; Mala Strana and the imposing castle and St Vitus cathedral are linked to the Old Town by Charles Bridge spanning the River Vltava. Not to be missed are the Astronomical Clock dating from 1410, a Laterna Magika show and the old Jewish cemetery. Prague’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced in visits to any number of museums in the city: Czech museum of music, Mucha museum, Franz Kafka museum, Antonin Dvorak museum, the Narodni museum and the City of Prague museum. From Prague you travel for most of the day through Bratislava to Budapest, a fascinating mixture of two settlements: Buda and Pest, dissected by the Danube. On the hill in Buda, there is the 13th Century Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque Fishermen’s Bastion. Linking Buda to Pest is the magnificent Chain Bridge built in the mid-19th Century. Pest is a city of wide boulevards, parks and gardens, neo-Gothic buildings such as the Parliament containing the Hungarian Crown Jewels, and the two-mile-long Andrassy út., lined with important buildings including the State Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts. Budapest is also home to the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Your third central European city is the great city of Vienna, on the banks of the River Danube and at the heart of central European history since the Roman times. Vienna never fails to impress and satisfy the visitor eager for historical and cultural references. ‘Dream and reality’ still resonate and your days in Vienna can be filled with a mixture of galleries, museums, opera, concerts or eating and drinking in a ‘Heuriger’ in the Vienna Woods. The history of Vienna can be witnessed in the Roman Museum, the Neidhart frescoes dating from the 1400s, the mediaeval Basiliskenhaus, the Imperial Palace and the numerous Jugendstil buildings, and of course in the City of Vienna museum. At the end of your holiday, travel back by rail on the overnight sleeper from Vienna to Cologne, and then back by train and Eurostar to London. (This holiday can be done as a 7-night duration with flights to Prague returning by air from Vienna).
Highlights
Zurich • Prague • Bratislava • Budapest • Danube valley • Vienna
Day by day
Begin your holiday by travelling to Zurich by rail. You will catch the Eurostar from London to Paris and after changing stations, carry on to Zurich on a direct service which takes a further 4 hours. Once in Zurich, time to have supper near the station before continuing your journey on the EuroNight overnight sleeper train to Prague.
You arrive in Prague mid-morning if travelling by sleeper train. Check into your hotel in Prague for two nights. (If you fly into Prague, this is day one of the holiday).
Take a stroll across Charles Bridge as it spans the River Vltava and links the old town with the Mala Strana (lesser or little town) and continue uphill towards Prague Castle, one of the city’s most popular sights. St Vitus Cathedral is near to the castle and can be seen from around the city. Spend another day exploring Prague’s old town where you can enjoy Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock (dating from 1410 and the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still working) and Wenceslas Square. Prague enjoys a cultural reputation of immense stature in Europe and there are numerous opera and concert performances that can be booked. Unique to Prague is the Laterna Magika where classical principles of non-verbal theatre mingle with dance, film images and black light theatre. Prague’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced in visits to any number of museums in the city: Czech museum of music, Mucha museum, Frank Kafka museum, Antonin Dvorak museum, the Narodni museum and the City of Prague museum. Be sure to taste traditional pork or beef and dumplings at a typical Old Town restaurant.
After a leisurely final breakfast in Prague, depart on the direct service from Prague to Budapest via Bratislava in Slovakia. You stay in Budapest for two nights.
In Budapest explore the tree-lined boulevards of Pest and the cobbled hilly streets of Buda. The city straddles a curve in the River Danube and is packed with interesting sights to visit on foot but also easily reached by underground. Visit the Castle District in Buda where you can find mediaeval buildings such as the Royal Palace which has been rebuilt several times over the past seven centuries and houses the National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also visit the 13th Century St Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic Fishermen’s Bastion nearby. The world-famous Gellért Thermal Baths are highly favoured by locals and tourists alike. Margaret Island is a pretty park situated in the middle of the Danube reachable by tram or bus. It boasts more than 10,000 trees, beautiful gardens and a swimming pool. Linking Buda to Pest is the magnificent Chain Bridge built in the mid-19th Century. On the east of the river, you will find Pest which is home to historical buildings such as the neo-Gothic, vast, Parliament which houses the Hungarian crown jewels. Another building not to miss is the Hungarian State Opera House where you can experience a guided tour or an opera performance. On two-mile long, tree-lined Andrassy ut you will find elegant shops and houses, Heroes Square and the Museum of Fine Arts. The thermal springs of Budapest have been enjoyed since Roman times and baths are to be found in both Buda and in Pest, where the Szechenyi Baths are one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, with outdoor and indoor pools, built in modern Renaissance style.
Take the train from Budapest to Vienna in about 3 hours’ enjoying the scenery of the Danube valley. You stay in Vienna for three nights.
You have two full days to explore Vienna at leisure. Vienna, on the banks of the River Danube, has been at the heart of central European history since the Roman times. Vienna never fails to impress and satisfy the visitor eager for historical and cultural references. ‘Dream and reality’ still resonate and your days in Vienna can be filled with a mixture of galleries, museums, opera, concerts or eating and drinking in a ‘Heuriger’ in the Vienna Woods. The history of Vienna can be witnessed in the Roman Museum, the Neidhart frescoes dating from the 1400s, the mediaeval Basiliskenhaus, the Imperial Palace and the numerous Jugendstil buildings, and of course in the City of Vienna museum. The Hofburg contains numerous national collections from the Crown Jewels to the Imperial armoury. Perhaps on your second day, explore the city’s inextricable link with music. Take time to listen to the Mozart Orchestra playing in the Musikverein, and to enjoy coffee and cake at Demel’s. A fun way to see the sights of the city is to take a tram around the Ringstrasse, hopping off and on as you want.
Take the overnight sleeper service from Vienna to Cologne. A deluxe double cabin is included.
You arrive in Cologne this morning then change to take a train to Brussels and on to London by Eurostar, arriving late afternoon.
My daughter and I had a fabulous time on our holiday. The hotels were all spectacular in their different ways, the train journeys were exciting and gorgeous scenery and the organisation from the various rail networks was spot on.Mrs B, June 2022
Holiday price guide From £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement about £460 per person.
Holiday Code EEBR08
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
Begin your holiday by travelling to Zurich by rail. You will catch the Eurostar from London to Paris and after changing stations, carry on to Zurich on a direct service which takes a further 4 hours. Once in Zurich, time to have supper near the station before continuing your journey on the EuroNight overnight sleeper train to Prague.
You arrive in Prague mid-morning if travelling by sleeper train. Check into your hotel in Prague for two nights. (If you fly into Prague, this is day one of the holiday).
Take a stroll across Charles Bridge as it spans the River Vltava and links the old town with the Mala Strana (lesser or little town) and continue uphill towards Prague Castle, one of the city’s most popular sights. St Vitus Cathedral is near to the castle and can be seen from around the city. Spend another day exploring Prague’s old town where you can enjoy Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock (dating from 1410 and the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still working) and Wenceslas Square. Prague enjoys a cultural reputation of immense stature in Europe and there are numerous opera and concert performances that can be booked. Unique to Prague is the Laterna Magika where classical principles of non-verbal theatre mingle with dance, film images and black light theatre. Prague’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced in visits to any number of museums in the city: Czech museum of music, Mucha museum, Frank Kafka museum, Antonin Dvorak museum, the Narodni museum and the City of Prague museum. Be sure to taste traditional pork or beef and dumplings at a typical Old Town restaurant.
After a leisurely final breakfast in Prague, depart on the direct service from Prague to Budapest via Bratislava in Slovakia. You stay in Budapest for two nights.
In Budapest explore the tree-lined boulevards of Pest and the cobbled hilly streets of Buda. The city straddles a curve in the River Danube and is packed with interesting sights to visit on foot but also easily reached by underground. Visit the Castle District in Buda where you can find mediaeval buildings such as the Royal Palace which has been rebuilt several times over the past seven centuries and houses the National Gallery, Budapest Historical Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also visit the 13th Century St Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic Fishermen’s Bastion nearby. The world-famous Gellért Thermal Baths are highly favoured by locals and tourists alike. Margaret Island is a pretty park situated in the middle of the Danube reachable by tram or bus. It boasts more than 10,000 trees, beautiful gardens and a swimming pool. Linking Buda to Pest is the magnificent Chain Bridge built in the mid-19th Century. On the east of the river, you will find Pest which is home to historical buildings such as the neo-Gothic, vast, Parliament which houses the Hungarian crown jewels. Another building not to miss is the Hungarian State Opera House where you can experience a guided tour or an opera performance. On two-mile long, tree-lined Andrassy ut you will find elegant shops and houses, Heroes Square and the Museum of Fine Arts. The thermal springs of Budapest have been enjoyed since Roman times and baths are to be found in both Buda and in Pest, where the Szechenyi Baths are one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, with outdoor and indoor pools, built in modern Renaissance style.
Take the train from Budapest to Vienna in about 3 hours’ enjoying the scenery of the Danube valley. You stay in Vienna for three nights.
You have two full days to explore Vienna at leisure. Vienna, on the banks of the River Danube, has been at the heart of central European history since the Roman times. Vienna never fails to impress and satisfy the visitor eager for historical and cultural references. ‘Dream and reality’ still resonate and your days in Vienna can be filled with a mixture of galleries, museums, opera, concerts or eating and drinking in a ‘Heuriger’ in the Vienna Woods. The history of Vienna can be witnessed in the Roman Museum, the Neidhart frescoes dating from the 1400s, the mediaeval Basiliskenhaus, the Imperial Palace and the numerous Jugendstil buildings, and of course in the City of Vienna museum. The Hofburg contains numerous national collections from the Crown Jewels to the Imperial armoury. Perhaps on your second day, explore the city’s inextricable link with music. Take time to listen to the Mozart Orchestra playing in the Musikverein, and to enjoy coffee and cake at Demel’s. A fun way to see the sights of the city is to take a tram around the Ringstrasse, hopping off and on as you want.
Take the overnight sleeper service from Vienna to Cologne. A deluxe double cabin is included.
You arrive in Cologne this morning then change to take a train to Brussels and on to London by Eurostar, arriving late afternoon.
My daughter and I had a fabulous time on our holiday. The hotels were all spectacular in their different ways, the train journeys were exciting and gorgeous scenery and the organisation from the various rail networks was spot on.Mrs B, June 2022
Holiday price guide From £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement about £460 per person.
Holiday Code EEBR08
Our prices include
● Rail travel London to Prague and back via Cologne second-class (first class can be booked as a supplement).
● Deluxe double sleeper compartment on EuroNight sleeper train from Zurich to Prague and deluxe double sleeper on the Nightjet sleeper from Vienna to Cologne
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Hotel BoHo, Prague
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic double room at the Hotel Kozmo, Budapest
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic double room at the Hotel Kaiserhof, Vienna
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
● Transfers between station and hotels in any cities
● Flights from UK to Prague, Vienna to UK if you choose to travel by air
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
BoHo Prague Hotel is a 4-star sophisticated boutique hotel located in the heart of historic Prague. The rooms are very comfortable, with excellent bathrooms. There is a cosy lounge, bar and restaurant. The hotel is within easy walking distance of all the main sights in Prague.
Standard double room
The Hotel Kozmo Budapest is a boutique, 5-star hotel, occupying a landmark 20th century building in Pest. Chic and contemporary furnishings combine with top quality attention to detail and comfort.
Classic double room
Hotel Kaiserhof Vienna is a four-star hotel in an excellent central location not far from the Karlsplatz. The atmosphere is charming and welcoming, and it is furnished in a traditional way in keeping with the historic building of the hotel.
Classic double room
My daughter and I had a fabulous time on our holiday. The hotels were all spectacular in their different ways, the train journeys were exciting and gorgeous scenery and the organisation from the various rail networks was spot on.Mrs B, June 2022
Holiday price guide From £2,520 per person based on two people sharing a double room and including for second class rail travel. First class supplement about £460 per person.
Holiday Code EEBR08
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
About Austria
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Austria gives travellers the chance to explore and experience this historic and diversely beautiful country. Crowned by the fading imperial glories of Vienna, with central Europe beckoning out along the Danube to the east, and a stunning, chocolate-box Alpine hinterland to the west, Austria is an unbeatable Mitteleuropa beauty. Throughout its eventful history, Austria has retained a penchant for indulgence, opulent aestheticism, and the cultivation of the higher pleasures in life. Visible in the rolling green pastures that cover the lands between the Alps, and in the grand architecture of the cities, this side to Austria still prevails. Inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age, Austria holds a wealth of dramatic and dynamic history within its fertile valleys. Former seat of the Habsburgs, the Austrian capital of Vienna is strewn with architectural riches. Provincial capitals Linz and Graz are now large, cultural towns with vast open squares, beautifully lit fountains, and hilltop castles, but they still retain their cobbled town centres. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is smattered with stunning baroque churches, and has an Alpine backdrop straight out of the Sound of Music. The wide turquoise River Salzach separates the modern buildings of recently-built Salzburg from the peaked roofs of the older parts of town, which circle the hill on which the stunning Hohensalzburg Castle is perched. Small boats disappear down the river into the lush green valley beyond, where wooden chalet-style houses climb the riverbanks. With ground-breaking cultural figures peppering Austria's history - Freud, Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, and Klimt, to name but a few - the country is awash with important galleries, concert halls, museums, and opera houses. In fact, you won't need to go in search of culture, in Austria it all but waltzes straight up to you. Coupled with spectacular Gothic churches and baroque cathedrals, this makes Austria a fascinating country to explore, with beautiful old coffee houses and cafes almost every step of the way. Beyond the towns, the Tyrol is a hiker's Promised Land, Innsbruck is the radiant, ethereal winter capital, with an array of ski resorts just a step away, and charming old stone village guest-houses. In summer, cowbells tinkle in flower-filled meadows, gluhwein is forever warming over the fire, and whole holidays can be spent just exploring the lakes, forests, summits, and valleys, without setting foot in a bustling, lively town.
Highlights of Austria
The idyllic pathways along the Danube set the scene for romantic afternoon or evening walks, passing either the city or the hilly green countryside dotted with old castles. Seek out the wine estates and cellars of Grinzing, in order to sample some of the best of Austrian produce in a location beyond compare across Europe. The beautiful, cobbled old town of Innsbruck will introduce you to the indescribable atmosphere of the quaint smaller towns of Austria, and act as your gateway into the untamed, rugged landscape of the Alps. The Bregenz Forest forms one of the main regions in Vorarlberg, and is home to the idyllic villages, tinkling cow bells, and alpine dairies that have become both iconic for the region and synonymous with Austria. The Grossglockner Road is a fantastic 30-mile drive that extends through epic glacial mountain scenery, climbing more than 8,000ft to Austria's highest peak, Mount Grossglockner. The phenomena at Krimml Falls include Europe's highest waterfall, which crashes down from mossy green cliffs over jagged brown rocks. For more of Austria's surprising natural beauty, visit the salt mine and ice caves of Hallstatt, a town of simplistic quaint churches and wooden-panelled houses that cling to the banks of the Hallstatter See. Head back into another of Austria's beautiful cities to see the baroque splendours of Salzburg, before climbing the hill of the Hohensalzburg Castle, the city's crowning glory. Krems an der Donau is a charming university town filled with Heuringen, or traditional wine taverns that seem to blend the iconic Italian love of wine with the rustic, homely establishments of the Alpine countries. The hip town of Linz is full of contemporary architecture, including the gravity-defying Voest Steelworks, which points out towards the undulating horizon. Austria's second city, Graz, has a lovely medieval centre with a buzzing cultural scene. Finally, on every stay in Austria, we would recommend soaking up the peace and serenity available at each of our Austrian hotels; the same peace and serenity that continually makes Austria such a fulfilling holiday destination.
Cultural highlights of Austria
Perhaps begin by exploring Vienna's handsome Gothic churches and the baroque cathedral, which look out over the atmospheric, cobbled streets, the most beautiful of which are situated around the University area of Schottentor. Then stop-off for lunch or a light afternoon snack in one of Vienna's coffee houses, or take one of the trams, straight out of the Third Man, which are a wonderfully romantic way to get about town. Admire the vast imperial facade of Schonbrunn Palace, former seat of the Habsburg Empire, and soak up the sunshine beside the Neptune Fountain in the palace gardens, with the charming arches of the Gloriette as your backdrop. For a taste of the city's intellectual culture, visit the Freud museum or the Kunsthistorisches museum, which houses several paintings by Gustav Klimt. Moving and memorable performances can be watched at Vienna's Spanish Riding School and the Boys’ Choir.
Facts in brief
Capital ViennaAirport Vienna is the main transport hub for Austria, but Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Innsbruck all receive international flights.
Size 32,000 sq. miles
Population 8 million
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
About Czech Republic
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Prague will capture the imagination of tourist, particularly during the winter months, when it becomes something of a sublime, icy wonderland. Its streets tell of magnificent dynasties, impressive battles, and a warm and welcoming culture that is ever-evolving. But this interest extends beyond the Czech Republic's capital, into the towns and cities beyond, with their colourful buildings and majestic squares, and the Gothic castles and chateaux that keep watch over the hillsides. Despite the emerging innovation of the Czech Republic's food scene and the modern, urban twist to the cities, this is a country that is firmly rooted in long-standing tradition and folklore. South Bohemia is the best place to experience this, with the plentiful summer festivals that take over towns such as Cesky Krumlov. Ancient traditions take to the streets once more, and the locals enjoy wonderful Czech food, music, and entertainment. One of the country's more famous exports is its beer. Urquell, Budvar, and Staropramen are just some of the names that visitors may recognise. Alongside the increase in gourmet restaurants and eateries across the country, there has been a return to tradition brewing methods and establishments, meaning that a visit to a Czech pub is essential whichever town you stop in. Whether you are drawn in by the history of the country, or attracted by the prospect of sampling Czech cuisine, we are able to offer tailor-made holidays to suit every traveller.
Highlights of the Czech Republic
Just under 20 miles out of the centre of Prague is the 14th century Castle Karlstejn. This Gothic fortress was once home to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Moulding to the shape of the hillside, it is split across three terraces, each relating to a different level of importance; at the bottom is the Imperial Palace, then the Marian Town, and finally the Big Tower at the top. The Big Tower was left vacant for God, with just a chapel inside, while the Empress lived in the Marian Tower, and the Emperor and Knights lived in the Imperial Palace. For an authentic taste of traditional Bohemia, head to Cesky Krumlov, situated further along the Vltava River. The town itself has been brilliantly preserved since the 18th century, with terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets, brightly coloured walls, and a stunning Bohemian Castle. The main pleasure of this town comes from simply wandering along its picturesque streets, stopping in local restaurants and cafes for some of the local food. To the east of Prague, is Kutna Hora, a town that began as a Bohemian monastery in the 12th century. The surrounding mountains were rich with silver, which lead the town to flourish. Today, Gothic buildings from a time of German rule are set beside a five-naved cathedral, the Italian Court Royal Residence, the Stone Haus, and the St Barbaras Church, all of which add a further dimension to a trip to the Czech Republic. Built around a hot spring reputed to have healing properties in western Czechia is Karlovy Vary. The colour and quaintness of this town is almost unparalleled across the country. The ice cream colours of each of the houses are brought to life by the dense forested areas all around. The highlights of this town, however, are its opulent spas, first commissioned by Charles IV. Many of these buildings were in part destroyed in the 18th and 19th centuries, but one prominent spa remains, dating back over six centuries. In the south-east of the country, your cultural and geographical exploration will continue, be it in the stunning underground caves and gorges of the Moravian Karst or in the waterside Renaissance palace at Telc.
Cultural highlights of the Czech Republic
One of Europe's most popular cities, Prague is the Czech Republic's capital city. Clustered around the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is also the capital of the historic and charming region of Bohemia, and was once the seat of the Roman Empire. Its streets are rich in both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the balance of which gives it its unique, enchanting atmosphere. The Charles Bridge is one of its most popular attractions and has crossed from Old Town into Lesser Town for over 600 years. As well as bustling with pedestrians, the Charles Bridge is the workplace of many musicians, artists, and vendors. Prague is a city of many squares, but none are more impressive than the Old Town Square, lined with magnificent townhouses that demonstrate everything from Rococo to Romanesque architecture. From here, you can appreciate the Tyn Cathedral, the St Nicholas Church, as well as the Old Town Hall. On the horizon is Prague Castle, which sprawls out across the city's highest point. Once a wooden fortress, it now encompasses the St Vitus Cathedral, a basilica, a monastery, beautiful gardens, and royal stables. For those looking for something slightly off the beaten path, it is worth seeking out the house in which Kafka lived, as well as the peaceful cemetery in which he was buried.
Facts in brief
Capital PragueAirport Prague-Ruzyne
Size 78,865km²
Population 10 million
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday by train offering highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna including journeys on overnight sleeper trains from Zurich to Prague and from Vienna to Cologne
About Hungary
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Hungary entices travellers as a country like no other, with a unique language and culture transplanted from Central Asia more than a thousand years ago. Situated right at the heart of Europe, and often mistakenly classified as one of the Balkan countries alongside neighbours Romania, Serbia and Croatia, Hungary boasts a spectacular setting on the banks of the Danube and an enchanting Mitteleuropa vibe – coffee houses and Turkish baths, Habsburg splendours and baroque architecture. Budapest naturally attracts the bulk of visitors to Hungary. With Budapest’s spectacular buildings and hotels, few ever venture beyond the city, except perhaps for a day trip on the Danube Bend. Richly rewarded as they will be, ignoring Hungary’s other towns and regions is a huge mistake: the farmland of the Southern Plain, the beautiful, vineyard-covered Villany Hills in Transdanubia, the forested Northern Uplands bordering Ukraine, the historic town of Sopron so enticingly close to Vienna, the Turkish-flavoured town of Pecs, and the resorts of Lake Balaton – Hungary is a fantastic country to explore, standing at the crossroads of East and West.
Highlights of Hungary
Budapest, with its coffee houses and thermal baths, as well of course as its wonderful cobbled Old Town, and the mansions, palace and sheer grandiosity of Castle Hill; Sopron one of the most charming medieval cities in Europe, and a gateway to the stunning Lover Hills; Esztergom, seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary, and site of the country’s most important basilica; Visegrad, with its hilltop medieval castle overlooking the Danube Bend; the baroque architecture and wine cellars of Eger; Hortobagy, a tiny village at the heart of Hungary’s puszta, the country’s original Wild West; the Great Plains cultural capital of Szeged, full of Art Nouveau masterpieces; the vineyards of Villany; Pecs, with its Turkish feel and fabulous museums and mosques, galleries and Roman tombs; Lake Balaton, full of water sports resorts; Heviz, Europe’s largest thermal lake; Sumeg, home to one of Hungary’s most imposing castles; Danube river cruises; Veszprem, with its perfectly preserved castle district.
Travel around Hungary
Public transport is well developed in Hungary, with efficient bus and, in many cities and towns, trolleybus services. Budapest, Szeged, Miskolc and Debrecen also have trams, and there's a three-line metro (underground or subway) system and a suburban railway known as the HÉV in the capital. Hungary's bus network is a good - and sometimes necessary - alternative to the trains, with train travel on the Great Plain in Southern Transdanubia normally involving several time-consuming changes.
Facts in brief
Capital BudapestAirport Ferihegy International Airport in Budapest
Size 35,000 sq. miles
Population 9.7 million
