Hungary Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours to Hungary

With its capital bisected by the Danube and its culture evolved through Celtic, Roman and Ottoman times, Hungary is an enchanting mix of spas and bathhouses, majestic architecture and medieval towns, rolling hills and rich red wines.

Why choose a tour in Hungary?

Sharing borders with six countries, Hungary is landlocked but not short of waterways. The fifty-mile length of Lake Balaton is dubbed the ‘Hungarian Sea’ by the nationals; and among the countless rivers threading through the country, the legendary Danube bisects it, north to south, and divides its capital, Budapest, into two very different parts.

With Buda’s hills on the west bank and Pest’s broad boulevards on the fairly flat east, the two are connected by six bridges, historic and modern, and complement each other to form one fabulous ensemble, sprinkled with hot springs and thermal baths, and brimming with beautiful buildings.

Buda is home to the fortress, with fine views from Fisherman’s Bastion; the majestic Matthias Church, where Hungarian kings were crowned; the quirky Rock Church in caves on Gellért Hill; and the funicular from the famous Chain Bridge. Pest boasts the splendid Parliament Building; the Opera House, Art Nouveau façades, and the Seven Magyar statues of Heroes’ Square; St. Stephen’s Basilica, the city’s tallest structure; and monumental Budapest Synagogue, the largest in Europe.

To the north is the former capital, Esztergom, one of the oldest towns in the country. Founded in 927AD, and the seat of the Hungarian Roman Catholic church for over a thousand years, it lines the right bank of river with medieval lanes and myriad churches, including its huge, neo-classical basilica; while modernity makes its mark in the Maria Valéria Bridge, crossing the Danube, and the national border, to Slovakian Sturovo.

To the south, on the Danube’s left bank, pretty Kalocsa dates back to the 11th century. Famed for the 4,400-pipe organ of its grand cathedral, and for its fabulous folk art and floral embroidery, it sits in the timeless landscape of the Pannonian Plains. Here, in the protected Puszta prairie, age-old traditions and little-changed lifestyles are encapsulated in the culture of the ‘gulyas’ (Hungarian cowboys), who display their horsemanship in a show of skill by both human and equine performers.

Jules Verne’s journeys in Hungary focus on and around the Danube, and our tours are teamed with the highlights of neighbouring Slovakia and Austria.

When to go on Hungary holidays

With seasonal changes to the landscapes and climate, spring, summer, and autumn all have their advantages. Add winter cruises to the Christmas Markets, and Hungary makes a year-round destination. The country’s continental climate is cold and often snowy in winter, with daytime temperatures hovering from -4° to +5°; averaging 16° in spring and autumn, and 27° in summer.

Who are Hungary tours suited to?

With leisurely cruising on river vessels, tours that take the history of the Habsburg Empire, the country’s cultural landmarks, the lifestyle of the ‘gulya’ cowboys, and the traditions of the Christmas Markets, Hungary has something to delight a broad range of visitors.

When you choose a Jules Verne small-group tour, you can be confident that your fellow travellers will share your interests.

Why book Hungary tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Our various journeys in Hungary include visits to UNESCO sites, a folklore show aboard the river cruiser, and a walk to Visegrád Fortress, for views of the Danube Bend.

Our guided tours to Hungary are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.