Budapest Christmas Market Tour with wine tasting (DB10)

Voted in 2009 as the best Christmas Markets in Europe! A short intro to the Christmas traditions, culture and markets in Budapest.

Budapest year after year is voted one of the best Christmas shopping destinations. Each year new and unique markets and areas are popping up to explore. Our tour takes you around several of these markets and we through in a wine tasting too!

Highlights:

  • Guide tour and orientation visits to 2 Christmas market areas
  • See Budapest’s inner Pest sights all illuminated
  • Stories about Hungarian Christmas culture and facts
  • 3 tier wine tasting
  • Hot (mulled / spiced) wine

Inclusions:

  1. Private English speaking guide for the tour
  2. 3 tier wine tasting in private wine cellar
  3. 1 hot wine per guest
  4. Small surprise gift Small groups with a private guide

Get the local’s point of view on the Chritmas traditions and culture while seeing some of Budapest’s best inner city sights. Your guide will walk you through 3 Christams markets showing you the Hungarian handicrafts, trinkets, souveniers as well as the local foods and sweets on trade. Along the way you will see the Opera House, Andrassy Blvd and St, Stephen’s Basilica with option to see the holiday decorations inside and on the square all illuminated.

Besides a great intro tour to the city and orientational diretions on how to find the markets you’ll be treated to a 3 tier wine tasting in a private wine cellar. Halfway through the tour you’ll ge the chace to relax a bit while sipping away famous wines from Hungary such as Bull’s Blood and Tokaj.

At the end of the tour we invite you for a hot wine and then leave you in the biggest Christmas market on Vorosmarty square to self-explore and do some holiday shopping. Also off this square is the famous walking street Vaci where many shops can be found for more traditional shopping.

Our tour is intented to give you a short intro to Budapest, some of the sights and orientate you in and to the markets to make your shopping experice better and more enjoyable.

Our walking tours are small and generally do not have more than 15 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to ask questions and get to know your guide.

When

14:00 every Wed to Sun on dates between Dec 1st to Dec 30th only
No tours on 2013 Dec 24th, 25th and 26th

Duration

2 hours

Meeting Point

Discover Budapest Tour Center – Located on Lazar utca (street) 16 in the VI. District just behind the Opera House.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Discover&hl=en&cid=3917092168887568995

Conclusion Point

Guests will be left to enjoy the biggest Christmas Market in central Budapest. Guides will happily give directions or call taxis for guests to go home.

Inclusions

Private English speaking guide for the tour, 3 tier wine tasting in private wine cellar, 1 hot wine per guest, Small surprise gift

Exclusions

Entry fees to sights and museums, food and beverages except where noted

Infant Policy

free

Children Policy

Must be 18 years or older in order to try the wines!

Terms / Info

This program is not led by a professional sommelier. Program is indoors in our private tasting cellar and out in Budapest’s Christmas markets. Tour goes in all weather conditions – guests should dress appropriately. Not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where as no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Budapest Absolute All In One Walking Tour – 3 hours (DB1)

More Than Churches and castles!

The most recommended tour in Budapest!  Complete overview of history, Buda Castle, Inner Pest sights, Heroes’ Sq, City Park & all the major sights in between in an entertaining & interactive walk divulging Budapest’s best kept secrets.

  1. Small groups with a private guide
  2. Free coffee and two Hungarian pastries included*
  3. Innovative stories, interactive participation encouraged
  4. Overview of Hungarian History and Culture
  5. Visit to Heroes’ Sq and City Park with a peek into a bath house
  6. Inner Pest – Opera, Andrassy, Basilica, Deák Sq, Elizabeth Sq
  7. Walking District Area – Vaci St, Vörösmarty Sq. Danube Promenade, Chain Bridge
  8. Buda Castle District – Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church
* choice of coffee, cappuccino, tea or mineral water

The Absolute Walk, more than churches & castles! Recommended by all the major guide books. Our walking tour begins at the Opera House and then a short ride on the Millennium metro out to the Heroes' Sq and City Park. There we learn about Hungarian history and culture through the line of kings displayed in chronological order. Then we walk through the park to visit the Vajdahunyad Castle (outside only), a complex built for the world EXPO in 1896 displaying typical architecture found throughout Hungary. Next, a stop off at Szechenyi bath house (with a peek inside when open) to learn about the amazing bath culture this country has to offer. Next we take the Millennium metro back towards the city center and stop off at the end of Andrassy Blvd. teaching you about the significance the street brought to culture and nobility.

Next we continue to see the central areas of Deák Square and Elizabeth square, then over to the St. Stephen’s Basilica (a peek inside when open) before we take a break in a café for a taste of Hungary’s famous pastry called “retes” which is a traditional type of strudel. Here guests will each get two pastries and a coffee or mineral water (included in the tour price). After our refreshment break we head towards the downtown area stopping at Vaci walking street and Vorosmarty Square, then down to the riverside’s famous Danube Promenade. Here we will look at the spectacular view of Gellert hill and the Citadel, Buda Hills and the Buda Castle District as we walk along the river. We stop at the Vigado (outside) the former municipal hall with loads of historical stories and then a picturesque photo op with the little princess before crossing the famous Chain Bridge.

For the final part of the tour we climb the steps up into the Buda Castle District to the Royal Palace (outside only) and then walk through the old cobble stone streets and alleys to our finishing point in front of the Matthias church and Fisherman’s Bastion. At the conclusion of the tour the guide will help with ideas, directions and more!

Our walking tours are small and generally do not have more than 15 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to ask questions and get to know your guide.

When?

Walk Goes Everyday!
2012 Year Round -  Daily at 10:00
* No tours Dec 25th & 26th 2013, Jan 1st 2014

Duration

3 – 3.5 hours

Meeting Point

Discover Budapest Tour Center – Located on Lazar utca (street) 16 in the VI. District just behind the Opera House.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Discover&hl=en&cid=3917092168887568995

Conclusion Point

Tour ends in the Buda Castle District near the Matthias church

Inclusions

Private English speaking guide, coffee or water with 2 pastries, public transport tickets during tour when applicable, many stops for photos and questions.

Exclusions

Entry fees to sights and museums, food and beverages, gratuity/tip.

Infant Policy

Free

Children Policy

Free up to 14 yrs

Terms / Info

Participants will need to be fit for light continuous walking, with short breaks, for up to 3 hours. Tour goes in all weather conditions, not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour – 3.5 hours (DB2)

The way it was comrade!

  1. Bits of communist History of Hungary
  2. Buda castle area, history of occupation.
  3. World War I with Red Hungary – 120 days of communism
  4. World War II – Nazi take over, Deportation
  5. Start of communism to how we lived during communism
  6. Visit to private exhibition room
  7. 1956 Revolution insight
  8. Free Exhibition on how life was under the iron curtain with real life artifacts and relics
  9. Fall of the Iron Curtain, free elections and promotion to democracy
  10. Communist History of Hungary

The Hammer and Sickle tour - the way it was comrade! Written and raved about in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal and other major newspapers around the world. This tour takes you on a journey back to the times about how life was like during our 50 years of communism in Hungary with the events before, during and after all building Hungary as we see it today through the occupations!

An in-depth overview of the Buda Castle district, with a walk through the area of the historical occupations of Hungary. Red History WWI – the short lived worker’s party revolution that led to the first 120 days of communist rule, before being crushed.

WWII & 1956 Revolution – Starting with a tour of the Castle district we drop back in time, visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and talk about the history and events that lead to the start of WWII and the installation of a communist government. After delving through the history we walk through significant areas in inner Pest that reflect the historical points and sites.

Communism Real Life facts and items in a private exhibition room – After various sightseeing stops in the city we will visit a private exhibition of how life was like during the socialist times. Here you see a realistic room filled with items from everyday use with emphasis on a collection of socialist and communist elements such as passports, party member books, medals, awards and much more.

We summarize how it (communism) all started here, how big brother told us what to do and what not to do. We’ll teach you about how life was like behind the iron curtain. How children were brought up, what families lived like, how we could travel, where we could travel, how long it took to get a passport and many other interesting experiences from black markets to banana lines.

Our walking tours are small and generally do not have more than 15 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to ask questions and get to know your guide.

When

Daily at 14:00 Year Round
* no tours 2013 March 15, Aug 20, Oct 23, Nov 1, Dec 24, 25, 26, 2014 Jan 01

Duration

3 hours

Meeting Point

From 2013 Feb 1st Meeting point: Buda Castle District I, Szentháromság tér 7-8.
http://goo.gl/maps/NNpni

Conclusion Point

Tour ends at our tour center behind the Opera House

Inclusions

Private English speaking guide, entry to Budapest castle district’s Fisherman’s Bastion, entry to private exhibition room about communist times.

Exclusions

Food and beverages, gratuity/tip.

Infant Policy

Free

Children Policy

Kids with paying adult 17 yrs and younger free

Terms / Info

Ability to climb 1 flight of stairs (10-12), walk continuously at reasonable pace for 2-3 hrs with frequent stops. Tour goes in all weather conditions, not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Hungaro Gastro - Budapest Food & Wine Tour– 3 hours (DB5)

The real Hungarian Food & Wine Experience!

  1. Visit to the great market hall
  2. Overview on the produce and food history
  3. 5 tier wine tasting
  4. Cup of soup, main course with garnish, dessert and beverage for lunch
  5. The secret to good Hungarian Cooking – Ingredients & Recipes
  6. Tips on where to go and eat while you are in Budapest

Don’t get caught up in some touristy place trying watered down goulash. We take you on a tour to a local food market and even throw in a wine tasting to give you a complete picture of what everyone is raving about! Hungarian food, wine, spirits and hospitality are known around the world, join us and find out why!

On our tour we provide you with an overview of the typical Hungarian menus we eat and drink on a daily basis. Learn how our food is prepared and the exact ingredients that go into making the meals. A 5 tier wine tasting depicting the typical well known wines of Hungary and the meaning and significance behind each one.

The tour will have 3 stops. First stop is the great market hall for an overview of the produce used in our culinary kitchen. Here you’ll visit market stalls learning all about the ways we use the paprika spice, what vegetables grow in our region, which meats are most commonly served (and how) plus all the funny things Hungarian like to eat. After the market we visit a typical local restaurant for our taster portion of the tour. Here you get to try the famous tasty Hungarian soup, choose a main course with a garnish while washing it down with a beverage of choice (mineral water, soft drink, glass of wine or beer). Afterwards, a typical Hungarian dessert is served.

Before lunch we visit a wine cellar for a wine tasting and informative talk on the wines you try. We explain the deeper meaning behind Hungarian wines and the significance they played in history and how they are now shaping the wine world.

Our walking tours are small and generally do not have more than 15 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to ask questions and get to know your guide.

When

2013 April to Oct 11:00 every Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat
2013 Nov to 2014 Jan 31st 11:00 every Sat only
Black out dates: 2013 March 15, Aug 20, Oct 23, Nov 1, Dec 24, 25, 26, 2014 Jan 01

Duration

3 hours

Meeting Point

Tour starts in front of the main gate of the Great Market hall on Vamhaz korut 1-3 in the IX. District.

Conclusion Point

Tour ends near to Opera house metro stop (VI. Dist.)

Inclusions

Private English speaking guide, 5 tier wine tasting, 3 course meal with beverage, Market Hall visit stops for photos and questions.

Exclusions

Entry fees to sights and museums, food and beverages except where noted

Infant Policy

free

Children Policy

Kids with paying adult 14 yrs and younger half price!

Terms / Info

This tour serves non-kosher food and wine products. Vegetarians can and will be accommodated if notified at the beginning of the tour. This program is not led by a professional sommelier. If and when market hall is closed and it is not a national holiday we will substituted it with a local grocery store. Tour goes in all weather conditions, not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Yellow Zebra Budapest Bike Tour – 3,5 hrs (DB6)

Budapest Bike Tour – Day tour is 3,5-4 hrs with coffee & pastry break, Evening is 3 hrs

  1. Hungarian History and Culture
  2. Heroes’ Sq and City Park (day tour only)
  3. Inner Pest – Opera, Basilica, Parliament, Chain Bridge
  4. Buda & Pest promenade bike lanes (evening tour only)
  5. Gellert Square, Liberty bridge, Market hall area & Margit bridge (evening tour only)
  6. Buda Castle District – Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church (day tour only)

Budapest’s original and most renowned biking tour is an innovative, entertaining, easy and relaxing way to see mostly all the city sights in a more intimate way through our grand roads and bike pathways. An excellent way to first get orientated with the city and its history before heading out on your own to explore. We offer two types of tour – our full day time tour and our relaxing evening ride.

Our day time tour begins on Andrassy Boulevard and at the Opera house (outside) and then a ride up to the Heroes’ square and city park along the tree lined boulevard. Here we learn about the Hungarian history and culture before biking through the park to the Vajdahunyad castle (outside) complex built to display the Hungarian architecture forms for the 1896 world Expo and Szechenyi bath house (peek inside if open). Next we ride back to the city center down to the St. Stephen’s Basilica named after the first Hungarian king (peek inside if open). After visiting the beautiful church and square and we ride to Liberty sq. for a picture of the last Soviet remembrance then on to the Parliament (outside), the second largest in Europe with its huge neo-gothic façade. Next we ride across the mighty Danube river over the first and oldest bridge, the Chain bridge. Now at the foot of the Buda Castle we’ll explain the visible sights and stories surrounding them before our leisurely ride up the old road to the base of the Royal Palace (outside). A break here gives us the UNESCO World Heritage lookout panorama view where you can capture all the best views of the city. After this break we ride through the old castle district streets to the Matthias Church (outside) and Fisherman’s Bastion (outside). Next is the reward we all road up for, the ride down! On the back road of the castle we coast down in comfort into the green park of the Taban and then back over to the Pest side slowly making our way back to the office to end the tour. Bike tour guests are also offered discounted rentals for those who wish to keep on exploring the city and maybe Margit Island on their own. A coffee and traditional Hungarian pastry break is included in the daytime tour.

Our evening tour will take a more relaxed and very flat ride and cover more areas along the bank of the Danube river. Starting from our office you’ll cruise along the Andrassy Boulevard before taking in the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica (outside only) and checking out the Liberty Square and Parliament building (outside only) before crossing the Margit Bridge over to the Buda side. Here you’ll ride along the banks of the Danube taking in the Chain Bridge, Clark Adam Square, Elizabeth Bridge, Rudas baths (outside only) and the famous Gellert hotel and baths (outside only) before crossing the Liberty Bridge back over to the Pest side to see the Grand Market Hall (a peek inside when open), and passing by the National Museum and the Great Synagogue before turning back onto Andrassy Boulevard and checking out the Opera House before finishing the tour. All of the sights will be seen at dusk and some will even be illuminated, giving great photo opportunities during the stops.

Our bike tours are small and generally do not have more than 15 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to ask questions and get to know your guide.

When

April to Oct 11:00 daily daytime ride
June to Aug 17:00 Evening Ride - No tours Aug 20th
Nov & March: Fri, Sat & Sun daytime ride only 11:00
No tours: 2013 Feb, Dec and 2014 Jan

Duration

Daytime tour 3,5 - 4 hours. Evening ride – 3 hours

Meeting Point

Discover Budapest Tour Center – Located on Lazar utca (street) 16 in the VI. District just behind the Opera House.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Discover&hl=en&cid=3917092168887568995

Conclusion Point

Tour ends near to Opera metro stop (VI. Dist.)

Inclusions

Private English speaking guide, bike hire and optional helmet included during the tour time. Stops for photos and refreshments. Day tour has a stop for coffee or beverage and pastry included. Night tour doesn’t offer or include food or drink.

Exclusions

1. Entry fees to sights and museums
2. Food and beverages except where mentioned above.
3. No public transport tickets

Infant Policy

Free

Children Policy

Under 7 free. 8-17 half price. Baby seats and children bikes available (bikes, trailers, tag-a-longs)

Terms / Info

Participants will need to be fit for light continuous biking with short breaks up to 4 hours (day ride) 3 hours (evening ride). Our evening ride is less strenuous and recommended for those looking for a more relaxed ride. Participants must know how to ride a bike. Tour goes in all weather conditions – refunds/exchanges are not given due to adverse weather. Not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where as no refunds for any reasons are refunded. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Pub Crawl & Budapest Nightlife Tour – 3+ hours (DB7)

Budapest’s best movin’ party!

  1. Welcome shot/drink at first venue
  2. Guided visit to at least 3 venues
  3. In-depth nightlife privately guided tour
  4. Local secret bars and pubs you would never find
  5. Only local places visited, no touristy ones!

A night out with us makes a fun and easy time, no stress in finding your own party as we take you to them. A Budapest time that will always be remembered for the local places you’ll get to see. We lead you to a minimum of 3 local establishments where you’ll enjoy not being a tourist and hanging out and being treated like a local.

Besides the good times you’ll be having the tour focuses on the importance of alcohol and the types Hungarians like to drink, usually in large quantities. We’ll also teach you the most important drinking lesson and why Hungarians don’t clink their beers! We provide a welcome drink in the first place we visit to kick off the night! You will experience what Hungarians like to drink and learn about what they are made from.

Alongside all learning and drinking you’ll be doing, you’ll get to mingle with locals, share stories and make new ones, meet other travelers and make new friends. The guide is also and endless fountain of information giving you undivided attention during course of the evening. The tour is designed to move around and switch between the most up to date and “fashionable” local places, as well as visiting some classics, so never expect a dull time with us. This tour makes an excellent intro to the nightlife of Budapest on your first night or visit to the city, and makes for a great base for you to go out on your own afterwards. Welcome drink is provided in an establishment and not on the street.

When

April to Oct 21:00 every Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
Nov to March 21:00 every Fri and Sat only
Tour Black out dates 2013 Aug 20, Dec 25, 26, 31, 2014 Jan 1

Duration

3+ hours

Meeting Point

Meeting point change: Discover Budapest Tour Center – Located on Lazar utca (street) 16 in the VI. District just behind the Opera House. In case of tour center not being open, please wait in front of the entrance.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Discover&hl=en&cid=3917092168887568995

Conclusion Point

Tour ends in the downtown in the final bar/club, the guide will always help with directions home or to your next destination or even call you a taxi

Inclusions

A private guide for the evening taking you to a minimum of 3 places with endless info about the nightlife. With welcome drink included in the first venue.

Exclusions

Entry fees to sights and museums, food and beverages except where noted,  No public transport tickets

Infant Policy

No infants allowed on this tour

Children Policy

No children allowed on this tour

Terms / Info

No suitable for children, right to refuse service and or drinks to overly intoxicated participants. Drink responsibly and have a good time! Tour goes in all weather conditions, not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents.
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where as no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.

Grand Budapest Segway Tour 2 hours + training time (DB8)

It’s new, it’s fun, it’s unique!

  1. Hungarian History and Culture
  2. Opera House and Grand Boulevard of Andrassy, the best shopping street in town!
  3. Inner Pest – Great Synagogue, Deák and Elizabeth Squares, St Stephen’s Basilica and Chain Bridge
  4. Walking District – Vaci St, Vorosmarty Sq, Danube Promenade, Vigado
  5. Parliament and Liberty Square areas

The tour starts with a 20-30 -minute orientation session in front of our office on the big open square (not included in quoted tour time). You will have time to practice on the Segways so that everyone feels comfortable and ready to go out and conquer Budapest.

Whichever tour, the day time or evening, we’ll give you a fantastic orientation of inner Pest and fabulous views of the stunning Buda Castle District. You will glide from our office in the city center to sites including St. Stephen's Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera House and the Grand Boulevard of Andrassy framed by its tree-lined avenues. Also on the Budapest Segway Grand tour you will see Deak Square, Elizabeth Square, Great Synagogue, Vorosmarty Square and the Vaci Walking District, the Vigado and Danube Promenades, the Chain Bridge, Roosevelt Square, Parliament area, Liberty Square and much more!

Our Segway tours are small and generally do not have more than 10 participants, making them interactive and personal and giving you plenty of chances to askquestions and get to know your guide.

When Daily Year Round 09.30 & 15:00
No tours any part of the day 2013 March 15, Aug 20, Oct 23, Nov 1, Dec 24, 25, 26, 31, 2014 Jan 01

Meeting Point

Budapest Segway Tours office is at Discover Budapest Tour and Info Center on Lázár u. 16 in the 6th District (directly behind the Opera House, 1 min from Andrassy Blvd. and Opera Metro stop).
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Discover&hl=en&cid=3917092168887568995

Conclusion Point

Tour concludes back at your departure point

Inclusions

Private guided training and tour , Segway machine rental, Stops for photos

Exclusions

1. Entry fees to sights and museums 2. Food and beverages

Infant Policy

No infants allowed with parents on tour

Children Policy

No children under 10 years of age or 40 kg. Parents must sign liability and wavier forms for younger participants under the age of 18 years.

Terms / Info

Tour goes in all weather conditions – refunds/exchanges are not given due to adverse weather. Please dress for weather and we encourage our guests to bring hats and gloves to keep the extremities warm during colder months of the season. Not responsible for unforeseen delays or accidents. Must sign wavier forms for tour participation.

Additional Info:

  • This tour must be booked at least 2 days of your arrival date
  • Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking.
  • Riders must have the ability to make motions such as climbing and descending stairs without assistance.
  • The Segway is not appropriate for those weighing over 280 pounds (130 kilograms).
  • Anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to ride and forfeit their right to do the tour, without refund.
  • Segway Tours are appropriate for anyone aged 10 and older
  • Unfortunately, pregnant women are NOT able to participate

Insurance Waiver and Damage Deposit: Insurance requires everyone to complete a liability waiver (children under 18 years must have an adult sign for them).
Booking Terms and Cancellation Points: Programs cancelled within 3 days of travel date incur 100% cancellation penalty where as no refunds for any reasons are given. No show or non-participation on tour/program is considered non-refundable for any reason.