Budapest & Slovakia – the Hidden Heart of Europe

Upon arrival in Budapest, Hungary, we are welcomed by our guide and bus driver. After loading our luggage, we head to the city center for a shared lunch, our first taste of Budapest. Refreshed, we embark on a guided Budapest City Tour, focusing on the Pest side of the city. Highlights include the iconic Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, and Heroes’ Square. Our tour concludes at the Great Market Hall, where we have free time to explore and browse Budapest’s largest indoor market. After an afternoon of sightseeing, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and enjoy dinner together. Nemzeti Hotel Budapest or similar

Our day begins with breakfast at the hotel before we set out to explore the Buda side of Budapest. We start with a funicular ride up to the majestic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by visits to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and other notable landmarks. Midday, we enjoy some free time to enjoy lunch on our own in the city center. Next, we gather for a guided tour of the House of Terror, a powerful memorial museum commemorating Hungary’s difficult yet important history under the communist regime. We end the day on a lighter note with an optional scenic dinner cruise along the Danube River, enjoying a delicious meal as the sun sets over the city ($150 per person). Those not joining the cruise can relax in the city or return to the hotel. Nemzeti Hotel Budapest or similar

Today we travel to Slovakia! After breakfast, we check out and load our luggage for the scenic drive to Košice. Along the way, we stop in Eger, Hungary, to explore the Beatles Museum and enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant. Once in Košice, we stretch our legs on a walking tour through the city’s charming streets, including the underground passages and an inside visit of the magnificent St. Elizabeth Cathedral. We end the day with a relaxing dinner at our hotel. Double Tree Hilton or similar

This morning, enjoy some free time to visit St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral on your own and hear the choir sing during the Latin Mass. After a leisurely start, we depart for the renowned Tokaj wine region. Along the way, we pass through charming countryside villages surrounding Košice before arriving at Château Bari Winery. Here, a guided tour, wine tasting, and a delicious lunch await, all set against the backdrop of the vineyards. On the drive back to Košice, our guide may share stories of early Czechoslovakian history and how Slovakia has evolved over the years. Once back in Košice, enjoy some free time at your leisure. We come together in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant, which features one of Slovakia’s oldest beer cellars beneath it. Double Tree Hilton or similar

After checking out of our hotel, we journey to the High Tatras Mountains, home to some of Slovakia’s most breathtaking scenery. Along the way, we pause for a photo stop at the impressive Spiš Castle before continuing to Ždiar. Here, we visit the Muzeum Ždiarsky Dom to learn about the mountain Goral people, admire traditional costumes, and enjoy a special surprise experience. Nearby, we enjoy lunch at a charming penzión (mountain guesthouse), accompanied by traditional Goral music that transports us back to the early days of Slovak life in the High Tatras. Our hotel is just a short distance away, where we spend the evening taking in the stunning mountain views and enjoying dinner together. Grandhotel Praha Tatranská Lomnica or similar

After breakfast, we take a short bus ride to Starý Smokovec and then a quick funicular ride up to Hrebienok Hill. From there, we enjoy a scenic walk to the Cold Creek Waterfalls, surrounded by the beauty of the High Tatras. After a morning in the mountains, we arrive at Bilikova Chata, one of the region’s charming mountain cottages, where we sample a Slovak specialty, Tatra Tea. Our guide will assist in ordering lunch, and we recommend trying some traditional Slovak dishes. After a hearty meal and a bit of rest, we return via the funicular and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to shop, relax, or enjoy the hotel’s wellness spa. Dinner tonight is on your own. Grandhotel Praha Tatranská Lomnica or similar

Our morning begins at Salaš Krajinka, a charming sheep farm. We tour the farm, sample a variety of cheeses, and have time to explore their sourdough bakery, where you can enjoy a sweet or savory treat. Afterward, we drive about an hour to Banská Bystrica, known as the capital of Central Slovakia following the Slovak National Uprising of 1944. Here, we take a short walking tour before enjoying some free time to explore this picturesque town on your own—perfect for souvenir shopping, sipping a cappuccino, or wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the beautiful architecture. We check into our hotel for the evening, followed by a highly recommended Banská Bystrica Underground city of Košice Fisherman's bastion Food Tour for dinner, featuring four stops to sample authentic local dishes and drinks. Hotel Arcade or similar

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin our drive toward Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, stopping first in Zvolen to visit a local home and enjoy a coffee break—sure to be one of the trip’s highlights as our Slovak hosts share their culture, history, family life, and more. We then continue to the enchanting town of Banská Štiavnica for a guided walking tour of its historic streets and landmarks, concluding with a falconry presentation by local students studying Forestry in the nearby universities, followed by some free time to explore the shops. Our lunch today is a very special traditional Slovak meal accompanied by a presentation of local musical instruments and perhaps even a little dancing. Afterward, we drive to Bratislava, check into our hotel, and take an evening walking tour of Old Town, ending with a special surprise. Our guide will suggest dinner options for those who wish to dine on their own, and we return to the hotel afterward for a well-deserved rest after a full and memorable day. Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel or similar

Today is our final day in Slovakia. After a delicious breakfast, we journey to Bratislava Castle, where we enjoy views of the Danube River, the castle’s Baroque garden and a bird’s eye perspective of the city as it starts its day. Next, we visit Medolandia in Dolná Krupá, home to Slovakia’s largest rosarium, for a tour and lunch paired with two mead tastings. Afterward, we continue to Modra for a pottery tour and hands-on workshop. Modra pottery, a traditional Slovak craft dating back to the 17th century, is still handmade and handpainted today, and here we have the chance to create our own unique piece, which can be shipped home once it has been glazed. (Shipping is an additional cost). Following a fun and creative afternoon, we return to Bratislava and enjoy free time to explore the city’s sights and sounds. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant Carnevalle sharing our favorite moments and memories from the week and savoring one last meal in Slovakia before our journey home tomorrow. Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel or similar

Our journey comes to an end as we transfer to the Vienna airport. We are leaving with full hearts, carrying wonderful memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Slovakia’s rich culture, traditions and history.