A Festive Escape to Budapest & Vienna
24th – 29th November 2026
Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – Arrival in Budapest & Pest City Discovery
We will meet our tour leader at Malta International Airport at 06:00hrs for our flight scheduled to depart at 08:00hrs to Budapest. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our local guide and proceed with a city tour of the Pest side of Budapest.
During the tour, we will explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe’s most striking governmental buildings, and Heroes’ Square, a grand monument showcasing Hungary’s historical leaders. We will also drive along Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO-listed boulevard lined with elegant buildings, passing by the Hungarian State Opera House.
The tour will include a stop at St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s largest church, where you may admire its magnificent interior. We will also pass through City Park, home to the fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
Following the tour, we will transfer to our centrally located hotel for check-in and time to settle into our rooms. Once everyone is ready, we will head out to explore the charming Christmas markets, where you can enjoy traditional Hungarian treats, local crafts, and the festive atmosphere of the city.
Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Buda Heritage
After a delightful breakfast, we set off on a guided city tour, who will share fascinating insights into the history and culture that make Budapest such a remarkable destination.
Our exploration will focus on the historic Buda side, where we will visit the charming Buda Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobbled streets and medieval atmosphere. We will continue to the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Danube and the Pest side of the city. Nearby, we will admire the stunning Matthias Church, renowned for its colourful tiled roof and rich history.
There will be time to stroll through the area, take photos, and soak in the spectacular views before returning to the hotel.
Later in the evening, you may choose to join an optional Folklore Dinner Show, where you can enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine accompanied by lively music and folk dancing, offering a memorable cultural experience.
Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Explore the Historic Danube Bend
After breakfast, our journey today will take us to explore the Danube Bend, a stunning geographical area where the Danube River makes a dramatic 90-degree turn, flowing from north to south. This picturesque region is renowned for its rolling hills, historic towns, and traditional villages.
We will visit Esztergom, once the royal seat and now the center of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Here and St. Stephen’s Cathedral known to be the largest church in Hungary. Today you will, enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River, which forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia.
A drive to the pretty historic town of Visegrád, a former royal seat. The town showcases medieval castle ruins and superb panoramic views of the Danube Bend.
Our final stop will be at Szentendre, a charming town known for its cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and Mediterranean feel. Often referred to as the “town of artists,” Szentendre has long been a haven for creatives. You will be given the time to purchase unique Hungarian crafts and souvenirs.
After a day filled with culture, history, and scenic views, we will return to the hotel for a rest.
Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Hungarian Traditions & Danube by Night
Today, we will be picked up for our excursion to the Hungarian countryside near Kecskemét, where we will experience the renowned Puszta programme and horse show at a traditional csárda.
Upon arrival, prepare to be captivated as skilled Hungarian horsemen showcase a performance like no other. Witness thrilling displays of horseback acrobatics and traditional equestrian skills, including the famous “puszta five,” where a rider controls five horses at once. Admire the discipline and agility of the impeccably trained horses while learning about Hungary’s rich equestrian heritage.
This unique experience offers a glimpse into life on the vast Hungarian plains, where man and horse once worked in perfect harmony. The programme includes local hospitality with traditional food, refreshing drinks, and lively music, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
We will return to the hotel later in the afternoon.
In the evening, the highlight will be a Danube River Cruise. You will be picked up from the hotel reception and transferred to the pier. The cruise offers a magical one-hour journey along the Danube, showcasing Budapest’s beautifully illuminated landmarks against the night sky—a perfect way to end the day.
Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Optional Full-Day Excursion to Vienna – Christmas Market Special
After breakfast, we head on an optional magical full-day excursion to Vienna, the elegant Austrian capital that comes alive during the festive season.
Departing early in the morning from Budapest, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque countryside before arriving in Vienna. Upon arrival, we will begin with a guided city tour, discovering some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks and festive highlights, including the famous Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and other beautifully decorated streets and squares filled with Christmas charm.
Following the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets at your own pace, including the renowned Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets, as well as the markets at Maria-Theresien-Platz and the stunning Belvedere Palace. Browse charming wooden stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, seasonal treats, and the irresistible aromas of mulled wine and roasted almonds. There will also be time to enjoy a rich hot chocolate or delicious pastry before we return to Budapest in the evening after a memorable festive day in Austria’s capital.
Itinerary Overview: Day 6 – Departure
After breakfast, we will reflect on the memorable experiences shared throughout our stay in Budapest. Following hotel check-out, we will transfer to the airport for our return flight departing at 12:55 hrs.
As we bid farewell to this captivating city, rich in history, culture, and festive charm, we leave with wonderful memories and the spirit of Budapest in winter to cherish for years to come.
Tour Pricing and Inclusions
| Adult in a single room | €950 |
| Adult in a twin/double room | €820 |
| Adult in a triple room | €760 |
Price Includes:
- RyanAir flight – Malta – Budapest – Malta
- 20kgs luggage and small backpack
- 5 nights’ accommodation in a 4* hotel in Budapest – Hotel Marmara or similar
- Daily breakfast
- Danube river cruise with welcome drink
- Visegrad Hilltop castle entrance fee
- Hungarian Puszta – show and lunch
- All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of a Maltese speaking Kercem A’ Tours tour leader
- Insolvency Fund Certificate
Not Included
- Parliament entrance fee per person for EU citizens (on show of passport) – €26.50
- Folklore Dinner Show on day 2 – €35 – 3-course meal + drinks + show
- Optional Lunch on day 3 – €25
- Optional full day excursion to Vienna – €70 (This optional excursion will take place only if a minimum of 25 participants is reached)
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €400 deposit per person.
Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone.
For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details: Kercem A Tours
Account Number: 50023350130
IBAN: MT68VALL22013000000050023350130
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name. Eg. Budapest and Vienna – MR AND MRS VELLA