Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transfered to the hotel for check-in.
Full-day exploration of Buda and Communist Past
Today you will see and visit the most prominent sights on the Buda side of Budapest.
You will drive to the top of Gellért Hill to enjoy the most breathtaking views of the city. The Liberation Monument, an iconic communist-era memorial, can also be found here. We will stop by the Gellért spa lobby to admire the excellent example of outstanding art nouveau architecture and to learn more about Hungarian spa culture. Visit the Cave Church, set up in a natural cave, unlike most Catholic churches.
Continue to Budapest's oldest area, the castle district, spanning back to the Middle Ages. You can walk through the cobblestoned alleyways, narrow patios, and peaceful sidewalks, as well as see Matthias Church and the Fishermen's Bastion, which has a lovely observation terrace. This neighborhood also features the spectacular Royal Palace, which now houses various museums.
The second half of the day is dedicated to the Communist past of Hungary. During the tour, you will see the unique collection of communist statues at Memento Park outside of Budapest that are examples of social realism art. You will also see places related to the failed 1956 uprising, a desperate attempt to break free from communism. The freedom fighters couldn't be honored until the dictatorship ended in 1989. You will also visit a variety of memorial sites. You will be able to learn firsthand from your guide about what it was like to live under communism, and how much has changed since its fall.
Overnight in Budapest (Breakfast).
This tour will take you to the most notable landmarks on the Pest side of the capital.
This side of the city is still a reflection of the golden age and prosperous times, that Hungary experienced between 1867 and 1918, as part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
We will drive to Heroes' Square, and learn about Hungarian history in a nutshell by viewing the monuments of the most important historical personalities.
Later, we pay a visit to St. Stephen Basilica, Budapest's largest and most beautiful church. Walk around the administrative district, view many memorials from World War II, the 1956 anti-communist revolt, and the cold war, and see the amazing and stunning Hungarian Houses of Parliament.
You can stroll through City Park, visit Széchenyi Spa, and view Vajdahunyad Castle, which was built for the World's Fair in 1896.
Overnight in Budapest (Breakfast)
Learn more about Hungarian customs while enjoying some tasty regional wine!
This tour takes you to a small family owned winery just outside of Budapest in the picturesque village of Etyek. During the trip, you will learn everything there is to know about the area, the many varieties of grapes, the winemaking phases and processes from the most authentic source, the winemaker himself.
The wine tasting includes six distinct local wines as well as a sampling of a Hungarian cold plate (ham, sausage, liver pate, egg-cream, vegetables, bread, etc.)
The outstanding quality of the wines will make you appreciate Hungary's traditional wine culture!
Overnight in Budapest (Breakfast, wine tasting and appetizers)