📍 Hungary

AROUND BUDAPEST: THERMAL ESCAPES AND DANUBE HERITAGE ROUTES

Danube bends framing fortified villages, thermal waters exhaling secrets, wines glowing by candlelight. Around Budapest, cultural richness.

≈ 9
Days
1238
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through Budapest and its baths, then follow Szentendre along the Danube. Climb to Visegrád, explore Esztergom and its basilica, then discover Gödöllő and its gardens. Bathe at Hévíz, wander through Pécs, then taste Tokaj. The Danubian valleys reveal a deep, warm, vibrant Hungary.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Szentendre

artist village danube embark

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic center of Szentendre, artists' village with colorful houses nicknamed the Hungarian Montmartre.
2
Visit to the Muveszet Malom, former sawmill transformed into a Hungarian contemporary art museum.
3
Discovery of the Belgrade Church, seat of the Orthodox bishopric, and its collection of Serbian icons.
4
Exploration of the Szentendre ecomuseum, open-air museum gathering more than 300 traditional Hungarian buildings.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 23min
2
Day

Visegrad

fortress hilltop danube crown

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7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent to the citadel of Visegrád and panorama over the Danube bend.
2
Exploration of the medieval castle ruins and the historic center of the lower town.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Danube and discovery of the surrounding natural trails.
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Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 26min
3
Day

Esztergom

basilica grandeur danube throne

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9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the basilica of Esztergom, largest church in Hungary and symbol of national Christianity.
2
Discovery of the episcopal palace and the Franciscan cloister.
3
Walk along the Danube and exploration of the medieval caves and the Hegyes tower.
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Next stop
Distance: 66 km
Travel time: 1h19
4
Day

Godollo

palace gardens royal escape

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the baroque castle of Gödöllő, imperial residence of Sissi, restored after the Soviet period.
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through the royal gardens and discovery of the history of Empress Elisabeth.
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Next stop
Distance: 243 km
Travel time: 4h51
5
Day

Heviz

thermal lake water miracle

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Lake Hévíz, largest natural thermal lake in Europe, surrounded by giant water lilies.
2
Exploration of the thermal resorts of Lake Balaton and its surrounding baroque churches.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxing swim in the warm waters of Hévíz.
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Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 456 km
Travel time: 9h07
6
Day

Pecs

ottoman bastion christian faith

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10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic center of Pécs, former European Capital of Culture.
2
Visit to Saint Peter's Cathedral and the Ottoman remains of the Gazi Kasim Pacha mosque.
3
Strolling through baroque alleys and local art galleries.
7
Day

Tokaj

golden wine legendary slopes

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the vineyards of Tokaj, birthplace of Tokaji, the famous wine of kings.
2
Exploration of wine cellars and discovery of Hungarian oenological heritage.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of local wines and discovery of the region's viticultural traditions.
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Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 431 km
Travel time: 8h37

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🛡️ Travel advice - Hungary

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, ideal conditions, pleasant atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, long daylight hours, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere.

Fall (September-November): Comfortable weather, harvest season, wine tourism, beautiful colors, fewer crowds, excellent value, cultural events.

Winter (December-March): Christmas markets, thermal baths perfect, indoor attractions, lowest prices, cozy atmosphere, cultural focus, spa season.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Hungary?

Central European gem with thermal baths, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Budapest's beauty, traditional cuisine, and authentic Hungarian culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and excellent value. Hungary provides Central European experiences with cultural authenticity and historical significance.