The picturesque small town of Szentendre lies on the right side of the Danube 20 kms north of Budapest. Many artists chose to settle in this quiet and beautiful historic town when Budapest became too crowded and expensive. The town is full of small galleries, ateliers, cosy cafés, museums and restaurants. Most of the architecture is untouched since the 18th century providing a unique opportunity to encounter Hungarian art and history. On the way out from Budapest the bus can stop at the Roman amphitheatre in Óbuda, or the Roman town of Aquincum. On the outskirts of Szentendre the external exhibition of the Museum of Transport offers an insight into 20th century public transportation, and an open-air village museum introduces visitors to traditional village life and architecture. Many dining and wine tasting opportunities can be found in Szentendre and on the hills surrounding it.

The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is one of the largest baroque palaces of Hungary. Built by a rapidly rising new aristocrat, it is an emblem of how wealthy a military officer can get in the service of the Habsburg empire. When the family was left without an heir, the property fell back to the crown. Queen Elizabeth I of Austria and Hungary (or better know as Sissi from the popular Austrian movies about her life) spent a lot of time in the palace when she felt the need to escape from the bureaucratic and snobbish court of her husband, emperor Franz Joseph. Gödöllő is only 35 kms away from Budapest, making it a perfect short trip by bus out of the capital. The popular pilgrimage place and abbey of Máriabesnyő lies only a few kilometers outside of Gödöllő, where the counts and princes of the palace are buried in a beautifully designed and disturbing baroque crypt. Many restaurants in the neighbourhood offer traditional Hungarian dishes, and the local wine of the region can also be tasted.

Visegrád lies 45 kms north of Budapest, approximately an hour’s travel by coach from the capital. Visegrád castle was built on the top of a steep hill in the Danube band, and it offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding countryside. The castle was a royal fortress built in the 13th century and had kept its military significance until the late 17th century protecting the northern territories from Turkish attacks. Below the citadel King Matthias Corvinus built a Renaissance summer palace where he spent most of his holidays. A marble fountaine that sprinkled wine can still be seen in one of the courtyards. Nearby picturesque hillside restaurants offer fish dishes and excellent wine. A luxury thermal hotel and spa is just a few minutes by bus. As the road back to Budapest crosses Szentendre, the bus can also make a stop, and visitors can enjoy a pleasant evening walk among the 18th century buildings and contemporary art galleries.

Esztergom lies 50 kms north of Budapest by the side of the Danube. It is the seat of the archbishop of Hungary, and its magnificent cathedral was the crowning place of Hungarian kings for centuries. Many museums and art galleries can be found in this cosy little town. A recently rebuilt bridge connects the city to Slovakia, providing an excellent opportunity to visit the northern neighbour of Hungary by walking across the bridge. Sturovo on the opposite side offers delicious and rich Slovak cuisine with famous Czech beer. In the aquapark on the outskirts of the city visitors can exercise, swim, relax in the thermal pools, or enjoy the aroma cabins in the sauna. Esztergom grows its own wine, and its excellent restaurants serve both traditional Hungarian food and world cuisine.

The above examples give a short glimpse into the countless possibilities from which custom coach tours can be assembled. Contact us for further tips and ideas, tailored to the group, the season, the timeframe and any other influential factor. Call us to discuss complex packages including bus rental, dining, entrance tickets, accommodation and more. Save time and money, avoid the stress and enjoy the service!