Danube Bend Tours

Among the best tours and excursions from Budapest, you will undoubtedly always find the option of touring the Danube Bend, a walk that is worthwhile for its landscapes and the history of each of the towns that are part of this area.

50 kilometres north of the city of Budapest, the Danube makes a bend to the south, where you will find towns that preserve history, tradition and offer wonderful views, such as the small town of Visegrád, where you can visit a medieval citadel and the ruins of a royal palace.

You'll see cobbled streets, craft markets and small eateries. This is definitely an excursion you should include in your itinerary. To do so, my recommendation is to check out the many organised tours available to you.

Of the many options, my recommendation is to look for organised excursions that include a tour of approximately 8 hours through the three most beautiful and representative cities of this area, such as Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre: Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre, a route that is known as the Blue Danube.

Why I like this option: I think it is a complete option if you want to take something from each of these places and not focus on just one. The approximate cost of this alternative is €60 per person, including, among other things, transport and a professional guide.

It is also an ideal option, among the alternativetours and excursions you can take from Budapest, if you have a busy schedule and want to make the most of your visit to Hungary.

What to see in Esztergom

This type of excursion usually starts in Esztergom, and almost always includes a visit to St. Adalbert's Cathedral, considered the largest basilica in Hungary, and the main attraction of this town.

Some other interesting places to visit are the Vizivaros quarter, which stretches along the banks of the Danube and where you'll find beautiful architecture and places to eat. There is also the castle, built around 1070.

What to see in Visegrád

Usually on organised day trips along the Danube Bend, this is the place to stop for lunch and enjoy this medieval-looking place with its breathtaking views, making it the best setting for a delicious meal.

The Citadel is perhaps one of its main attractions. A superb fortress built in the reign of Bela IV to defend against Mongol invaders.

What to see in Szentendre

My favourite and in my opinion the perfect way to end your day of exploration. The small town of Szentendre offers a bohemian and artistic atmosphere that will captivate you. You'll find small galleries, squares and parks with a cultural vibe that will win you over. Some tours take you back to Budapest from here, offering a relaxing cruise along the Szentendre River, an ideal ending, as you can return to the city on a cruise, another of Budapest's not-to-be-missed plans.

Interesting details

• Price: from 50€ to 60€ approximately per person, you can find this type of 1 day excursion touring these three small towns.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Type of transport: air-conditioned vehicles. In some cases, depending on the season, the return to Budapest is by boat.
  What'sincluded: professional guide, boat trip between Szentendre and Budapest (depending on the season), air-conditioned vehicles, entrance to the Esztergom Basilica and entrance to the Danube River.
• Number of persons: these tours are usually organised for no more than 45 persons.
• Advantages: a complete option if you don't have much time and you want to get to know a bit of the three most important places in this region of Hungary.
• Disadvantages: You may miss some of the attractions of the sites, as the itinerary of the tour may not allow you to do free tours. If there are many people on the tour, it can be difficult to communicate with the guide.

If the 1-day organised tours can be chaotic because of the number of participants, this option seems perfect if you want to have a more private space to get to know in detail the area of the Danube Bend. This type of tour fits your family or travel group, so you won't have to share transport with strangers and you will have a professional guide during the whole tour.

Including a meal, which is usually lunch, this tour costs approximately €90 per person.

This type of tour also follows the Blue Danube route, via Visegrád, Esztergom and Szentendre. It also includes entrance to the Esztergom Basilica, for example. This option also has the advantage that it gives you some free time that you can use to explore each place independently, at your own pace and let yourself get lost in its beauty.

Interesting details

• Price: From €90 you can find private tours to visit this Danube Bend route.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Type of transport: private transport by minivan or air-conditioned car and return river cruise (from 30 April to 30 September except Mondays).
  What'sincluded: a 3-course lunch, private local guide, transfer to and from the hotel, private visit to Esztergom Cathedral, return cruise to Budapest.
• Number of people: this is a private option, so it will only be organised for your travel group.
• Advantages: this is a private tour so all the attention will be for you and your group. Multilingual local guides and the possibility of free time to explore each place more independently.
• Disadvantages: More expensive than a general organised tour option, but worth it if you're looking for a relaxing day with all the attention on you and yours.

If you like to travel at a leisurely pace, even if you have fewer places to see, the Danube Bend tours also offer options to visit only some of the villages, giving you the chance to get to know each place in detail. In this case, you can take an organised excursion to Szentendre, a place that will inspire the artist in you. This option, which lasts approximately 4 hours, includes transport, a professional guide and costs approximately €40.

A tour to explore Szentendre at leisure, strolling through its cobblestone streets and enjoying restaurants and bars with a bohemian and Mediterranean flair, where you can sample, among other Hungarian delicacies, a local speciality such as lángos, which is also popular in other European countries such as Austria, Serbia and Slovakia. It's a flat fried bread that you'll love.

This tour may include:

• Aquincumi Museum.
• Ruins of an ancient Roman city.
• Guided walk through the city centre and along the river bank.
• Cruise back to Budapest, depending on the season. This option is usually available between May and September, with the walk lasting approximately 1 hour.

Details of interest

• Price: from €40.
• Duration: approx. 4 hours.
• Type of transport: air-conditioned transport and return to Budapest by river cruise (from May to September).
• What's included: professional guide, lángos (fried Hungarian bread), transport, entrance to the Danube River.
• Number of people: this activity is usually scheduled for a maximum of 30 people.
• Advantages: you stop at one of the most picturesque and entertaining places in the region. You can enjoy a more detailed and peaceful excursion.
• Disadvantages: You may be left wanting to see more of the area, as you choose to visit Szentendre exclusively.

Of the many things to see and do in Budapest, including a Danube cruise or Danube Bend tour is definitely a good choice. And if you want to focus on one of the most representative cities of the region, I recommend you to opt for this alternative with costs starting from 40€, which takes you on a tour of approximately 4 hours through Esztergom.

Here you'll come across Hungary's largest Basilica, explore the colourful Vizivaros district and finish with a walk along the Little Danube, where you'll enjoy beautiful views.

Details of interest

• Price: from €40.
• Duration: approximately 4 hours.
• Type of transport: air-conditioned transport, pick up from accommodation and return.
• What's included: professional guide, transport, entrance to the Danube River.
• Number of people: depends on the tour operator but usually it is programmed for 30 people maximum.
• Advantages: you get to see the largest cathedral in Hungary and visit a place with a wealth of history in a detailed and guided tour.
• Disadvantages: it can be a short time to enjoy the attractions of Esztergom, apart from the basilica.

Another recommended excursion and tour from Budapest is to dedicate an organised tour exclusively to Visegrád. This point on the bend of the Danube offers a walk through its incredible fortress and medieval buildings. Costing from €40 and taking around 4 hours, including transport and a professional guide, you can explore this magical place.

From Visegrád Castle, you can get incredible views of the scenery and the Danube River. You will also find here Solomon's Tower, located below the Citadel, a structure that was part of the defence system of Visegrád Castle.

Interesting details

• Price: from €40.
• Duration: approximately 4 hours.
• Type of transport: air-conditioned transport, pick up from accommodation and return.
• What's included: professional guide, transport, entrance to the Danube River.
• Number of people: this activity is usually scheduled for a maximum of 30 people.
• Advantages: an ideal excursion for those who love history and are attracted by medieval architecture.
• Disadvantages: Unlike Szentendre and Esztergom, this place does not have many highlights, but you can still enjoy the natural environment and beautiful views.

You will definitely have an unforgettable time if you decide to take any of these Danube Bend tour options. Your choice will depend on your specific interests, how much time you have and what budget you have for such activities.

If your visit to Budapest is for 5 days, for example, I would consider including such an excursion. It will give you a different feel, another look at the region and many more travel memories.

Without a doubt, the sunny months with friendlier temperatures are my favourite. In April you have a lot to do in Budapest and it will be an ideal month for such an excursion. The activities in September in Budapest are also extensive. In addition, from April to September, you will have the possibility to return from these excursions by cruise ship, which will give your trip extra fun.

When choosing atour or excursion from Budapest, keep in mind:

• What's included: check very carefully the specifications and what is included in the excursion of your choice. Very important if it offers a hotel pick-up service, or if you have to travel to a meeting point.
• Where you will eat: this is a key aspect to consider. If you are travelling with young children, check the meal times and what options are available to you included in the tour. Don't forget to communicate any allergies or restrictions that need to be taken into account by the tour operator.
• Itinerary: check if you will have free time or what each of the stops are. This will give you an idea of what you will see and for how long.

Enjoy the Danube Bend!