Budapest

Meet early in the morning at Thessaloniki Makedonia airport and board the Ryanair flight to the Hungarian capital. On arrival we meet our tour leader, and we suggest an evening Danube cruise to admire the sights under the city lights, dominated by the magnificent Parliament. After the cruise, transfer to the hotel, check-in and overnight.

After a good breakfast we waste no time getting to know the city. We start at the monumental Heroes' Square with the Millennium Monument, where we learn about the country's history. We then visit St Stephen's Basilica, Andrássy Avenue with the Opera and its well-preserved buildings, the huge neo-Gothic Parliament and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. We then cross to Buda to admire the Castle, the Liberty Statue, the National Gallery, the Fishermen's Bastion and the historic Matthias Church (where Hungarian kings were crowned). We end on the famous Gellért Hill, with a panoramic view of Buda, Pest and the Danube.

Day 3 is yours to spend as you wish, or you can join us on an optional excursion into the Hungarian countryside, which has some lovely places outside Budapest. The most famous trip is today's excursion to the villages of the Danube Bend. On a beautiful drive along the Danube we first stop in the picturesque village of Szentendre, home to many well-known artists. We continue to Visegrád, with its royal castle, and then to Esztergom, the first capital of Hungary, with its huge cathedral holding the Hungarian religious treasury. We return to Budapest at midday. In the evening, join us optionally for one of the highlights of the trip: dinner at a traditional Hungarian tavern, where spicy goulash and Gypsy violins will charm you.

Our last day, but as the flight is in the afternoon we have plenty of time. After breakfast we explore the city by public transport with our experienced tour leader to discover its hidden corners. We head to the City Park (Városliget), a favourite of locals and visitors alike thanks to its many attractions: museums, the zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, the famous Széchenyi thermal baths, Heroes' Square and much more, all in green surroundings. We then ride Budapest's first metro line, opened in 1896, to the famous Great Market Hall. Free time follows on the main pedestrian street, Váci utca, for souvenir shopping and a meal at one of the famous Hungarian restaurants. Transfer to the airport for the return flight, full of unique images, wonderful photos and plenty of smiles from this magical trip.