Hungary Budapest & Lake Balaton

Staying at Hotel Danubius Astoria, Budapest & Anna Grand Hotel, Lake Balaton

8 DAYS | 18th September 2026

Few fail to fall for the culture, beauty and history of Hungary. Beginning with the iconic city of Budapest, the capital boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Danube embankments, the Buda Castle quarter, Andrássy Avenue with its magnificent buildings and squares, and Europe’s oldest underground railway. Our guided tour of the city is the perfect introduction, then you will be free to explore as you please. Take a cruise on the Danube, visit one of the city’s health spas, enjoy panoramic views on Gellert Hill, or see the moving ‘Shoes on the Danube’ art installation. The options are endless!

The second half of our trip takes us to Lake Balaton, a 50-mile long lake with beautiful waters in the middle of Transdanubia; one of Hungary’s most precious natural treasures, it is also the largest lake in central Europe. Staying in the picturesque town of Balatonfured, you will see a mixture of traditional styles and Baroque elegance with beautiful promenades, tree-lined avenues and a delightful array of cafes, bars and shops.

FRIDAY

We depart early morning for the short journey to Manchester Airport and our morning flight. Upon arrival in Budapest we will be met by a local coach company who will then take us to the 4* Hotel Danubius Astoria in time for dinner. Ideally situated in the heart of the city with beautiful surroundings, the River Danube, shops and famous bath houses are also within walking distance. All bedrooms are en-suite and the hotel offers a bar and restaurant.

SATURDAY

We begin our day with a guided coach tour of the city, taking in many of the most famous sights. Culminating at a brilliant local market, this is the perfect spot to sample traditional Hungarian cuisine. Why not try a Langos? A local delicacy. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

SUNDAY

A day to explore the city at your own pace. A great and easy way to see the sights is on the Hop on Hop off bus, why not stop off at the ever-impressive Parliament Building or Buda Castle? In the evening you have the option of joining us on an evening river cruise; the banks are especially impressive at sunset and after dark, and on board you can enjoy live music performances and a welcome drink plus buffet dinner as you glide along the Danube. Transport to the river is not included, however it is just a short walk from our hotel. The cost is £78.00 (please confirm at the time of booking if you would like to include the cruise).

MONDAY

After breakfast we board the coach for our journey to Lake Balaton and our hotel for the next four nights. We make a stop at the Bory Castle, where we have time for a leisurely stroll and morning coffee. We then continue the short journey to the 5* Anna Grand Hotel, located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton and a mere 100 meters from the Tagore Promenade. With a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, infrasauna and steam bath, as well a very pleasant restaurant bar and café, the Anna Grand is perfect for a relaxing reprieve from the big city.

TUESDAY

Today we meet a guide for a short walking tour of Balatonfured. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please; why not venture into town or take a walk along the Lake?

WEDNESDAY

Meeting at the jetty just a short walk from our hotel, our excursion today takes us by boat to the historical peninsular of Tihany. Off the boat we board a land train that takes us up to the village where you will have free time to explore and perhaps visit the abbey and museum. Mid-afternoon we take the land train back to the boat and return to our hotel.

THURSDAY

A day to spend at leisure. Why not pamper yourself at the hotel with its fabulous indoor spa or take a walk by the Lake and visit one of the cafés. The choice is yours!

FRIDAY

We board the coach after breakfast for our return journey to Budapest and our flight home. We arrive in Manchester where a coach will be waiting to collect us for the short journey home.

*NB. Flight times & itinerary subject to change. Roy McCarthy Coaches act as retail agents for Greatdays Holidays, financial protection is provided by ATOL 4279