Up to 35% off this tour

Road to Budapest

24 Days

Moscow to Budapest

Check Dates and Prices

Moscow to Budapest

Tour Code: EEBU

24 Days

Moscow to Budapest

Tour Code: EEBU

US$3,819

From US$ 2,482

+ Local Payment of €380.00

Check Dates and Prices

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What our experts say

Matt- CEO

This is a great trip for combining Russia and the Baltic States with Central Europe. Each country is special in some way and the food is fantastic, no matter where you go.

Tour Overview

This fascinating journey takes you from the dazzling capital of Russia through the little known Baltic states and countries once hidden behind the Iron Curtain to Budapest, Hungary's charming capital. Immerse yourself in the deep history, diverse cultures and warmth of the local people as you travel through cosmopolitan cities and towering mountain ranges.

About this tour

Group Size: Normally 4-17. Average 10.
Recommended Age: 18-65
Physical Rating:
Accommodation:22 night(s) in hotels, 1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains
Transportation:Overnight Train, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Foot, Train, Tram, Metro, Public Bus
Meals:23 Breakfast(s)
Other:Tucan Travel Tour Leader
Country:Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

UP TO35% OFF

Included Activities

Moscow Kremlin guided tour
Guided tour of St Sophia's Cathedral
Entry & Guided tour of the Hermitage Museum
Guided tour of Trakai Castle
Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp

What should you expect?

This group tour ranges in size from 4 to 17 people, with an overall average of 10 people.

This tour is modular and made up of four sections. This means there will be people leaving and joining in Tallinn, Warsaw, Prague and Budapest. You will have one tour leader from Moscow to Tallinn and another down to Budapest.

Europe is cobbled streets, winding staircases and lots of walking. You will need a decent fitness level to fully enjoy this trip.

This trip uses a range of public buses, trains and private vehicles. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage at all times, on and off transport and sometimes up stairs, or along cobbled streets. You MUST ensure you can comfortably carry it, and keep to one piece of luggage and one small bag.

Hotel rooms in Europe tend to be much smaller than in America, Canada or Australia. Double beds are sometimes two single beds pushed together.

Depending on your nationality, you may also require a Schengen visa. It is your responsibility to research and arrange this.

This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrive Moscow

Welcome to Moscow! You are free to arrive today at your leisure and start enjoying all that Moscow has to offer.

Golden onion domes and towering skyscrapers, cosy cafes and hushed churches, Russia's capital city is beautiful, atmospheric and overflowing with history. There is plenty to see and do here, including numerous cathedrals, museums, art galleries, palaces, the State History Museum and the iconic St Basil's Cathedral, towers and monuments. We highly recommend arriving in Moscow a day or so earlier to make the most of this fascinating city.

Moscow's Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshad) is the main centre of the city and was a market place during the fifteenth century. The red part of its name does not refer to Communism or to the colour of the stone (which is actually grey) but derives from the old Russian word krasniy meaning beautiful. During the Soviet regime the square was known for its May Day parades and is the site of Lenin's Mausoleum.

It is said that soon after January 21, 1924, the day that Vladimir Lenin died, the Soviet government received more than 10,000 telegrams from all over Russia, which asked the government to preserve his body somehow for future generations. Lenin's tomb, and final resting place, was then promptly set about being designed and a wooden tomb was constructed within 6 days of his death. A larger mausoleum was constructed later that year and stands today in the centre of the city in the prominent Red Square.

There will be a pre departure meeting held in your hotel at 6pm tonight. Please check reception for details.

Optional Excursions

St Basil's Cathedral - 700 RUB • Tretyakov Gallery - 500 RUB • Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts - 300 RUB • Moscow Metro & Novodevichy Cemetary Tour - from 15 EUR • State Historical Museum - 500 RUB • Museum Panorama (Battle of Borodino) - 250 RUB • Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics - 250 RUB • Christ the Saviour Cathedral - Free • Bolshoi Theatre - from 500 RUB

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Izmailovo Gamma or similar

Day 2 - Moscow & Kremlin Tour

Today you will have a guided tour of the Kremlin. The famous building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a main focus of Russia's political and historical heritage since the 13th century, housing both royalty and religious figures. The Kremlin wall contains a mass grave of Bolsheviks who perished during the battle for Moscow in 1917, together with the ashes of a number of well-known Russians, including writer Maxim Gorky and Yuriy Gagarin, the first Russian man to visit space.

You will have the rest of the day free to enjoy the many activities in Moscow.

Included Excursions

Moscow Kremlin guided tour

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Izmailovo Gamma or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 3 - Moscow & Overnight train to Veliky Novgorod

We have the whole day to spend in Moscow enjoying some last minute sightseeing before we next head to Veliky Novgorod by overnight train.

Moscow's metro system is a network of beautifully and artistically decorated stations. Why not take a self-guided tour of the system and discover Moscow's original underground art scene.

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 4 - Veliky Novgorod

One of the oldest cities in Russia, Veliky Novgorod is steeped in history. It was one of the first hubs of religious, political and commercial activities in Russia and it is here where we find St Sophia's Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Russia.

Admire the five domed architecture that dominates the Kremlin in Novgorod, and visit the exhibition of the ancient bells that used to ring in St Sophia's bell tower. Previously, the bells were heard from a 50 mile radius and had a distinct melody in memory of the composer Sergey Rakhaminoff, born in Novgorod. The bells were damaged during World War II, so unfortunately they now are grounded, however you can still enjoy panoramic views of Veliky Novgorod from the bell tower itself.

Included Excursions

Guided tour of St Sophia's Cathedral

Optional Excursions

Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture - 150 RUB • St George Monastery - Free • Fine Art Museum - 150 RUB

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Volkhov or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 5 - St Petersburg

This morning we will make our way to St Petersburg. The cosmopolitan city of St Petersburg is known as the 'Venice of the North' because of its rivers and canals which are fascinating and easy to explore by boat. St Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia and sits on the port of the Baltic Sea. Often considered the country's cultural capital, St Petersburg has a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed historic centre and the Hermitage Museum; one of the largest art museums in the world!

We will take an orientation walk around the key sights of the city, including a visit to the aforementioned Hermitage Museum to explore the extensive art collection there, and then you will be free to explore this great city at your leisure.

Included Excursions

Entry & Guided tour of the Hermitage Museum

Optional Excursions

City Tour - From 45 EUR • Vodka Museum Tour and Tasting - 600 RUB • Mariinsky Theatre - from 1000 RUB • Catherine Palace - 700 RUB • Peterhof Palace - 1000 RUB • Canal Boat Ride - 1100 RUB • Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) - 300 RUB • Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood - 350 RUB • St Isaac's Cathedral - 350 RUB • Cabin of Peter the Great - 200 RUB • Faberge Egg Museum Guided Tour - 700 RUB

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Cameo or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 6 - St Petersburg

Today you are free to further explore the city. There are many sights to see in this former capital including the Winter Palace, the famous Church of the Spilt Blood and the Hermitage museums. It is easy to spend hours wandering St Petersburg and taking in the city's European flare.

Other highlights you could opt to visit are the unique Faberge Egg Museum or the Mariinsky Theatre to see a ballet performance.

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Cameo or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 7 - Tallinn

Saying goodbye to Russia we make our way into the Baltic region of Europe. Our first stop is Tallinn, Estonia's capital. Famous for its enchanting historic centre, the city is a popular holiday destination on the Gulf of Finland. Roam the cobbled streets and explore scenic ruins or climb the hill of Toompea, which is filled with medieval buildings, 14th century churches, turrets, spires and enticing alleyways.

Estonia has a long and fascinating history, having been inhabited since at least 9000 B.C. It has been ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, with the more distinctive Estonian identity coming to light in the late 19th century. During World War II, Estonia was ultimately incorporated into the Soviet Union after years of contest, which lead to years of communist rule. On August 20th, 1991, Estonia gained its independence.

Modern day Estonia is progressive and traditional all in one. In 2005, they became the first country to hold elections over the internet, and in 2014 the first country to make e-residency possible. The city of Tallinn has been listed as one of the most digitally advanced in the world, with the likes of Skype emerging from the small city. Nevertheless, the old quarter of Tallinn is one of the most charming and other wordly corners of Europe!

Optional Excursions

Kadriorg Palace & Park - 6.50 EUR • Tallinn City Museum - 4 EUR • Estonian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum - 10 EUR • TV Tower – 13 EUR • St. Olav’s Church & Viewing Deck - 3 EUR • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Free • Walking Tour - Free • Ghost Tour - 15 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Economy Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 8 - Tallinn

You are free today to wander the charming city and check out the highlights. Climb St Olav's Church for some incredible city views, check out the splendid Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or stroll the gardens of Kadriorg Palace and Park.

The city is full of artists and artisans so you may also find wonderfully made glass, weaving and pottery here. The cafe scene is thriving and you can find everything from sunlit street cafes to Art Deco style bakeries. Within the walls of the Old Town there are lots of excellent restaurants to enjoy and a thriving nightlife, with clubs open until the wee hours. Estonians are true beer lovers so you might like to try an authentic local brew. When darkness falls, why not opt for a ghost tour of the old town, where you will learn the myths and legends behind the spooky buildings in the town!

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Economy Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 9 - Riga

Saying goodbye to Tallinn we make our way to the next Baltic city, Riga. Riga is more than 800 years old and its clever blend of medieval centre and modern city infrastructure will enchant you. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town has its own particular charm, while the city is also famous for its fascinating Art Nouveau architectural heritage which you can discover as you wander the streets of this 'Paris of the East'.

Arriving just after lunchtime, we will take a short orientation of the city before you have free time to start enjoying the sights. Start by exploring the Old Town and its many hidden alleys, looking out for the historical buildings and quaint churches.

Come evening, find a local medieval style basement restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere as you dig into a hearty stew.

Optional Excursions

Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum - 4 EUR • St Peter’s Church Tower - 9 EUR • Museum of the Occupation of Latvia - Free • Walking Tour - Free • The Dome Cathedral - Free • Museum Art Nouveau - 9 EUR • Academy of Sciences Observation Deck - 5 EUR • Art Nouveau Tour - 20 EUR • Night Kayaking - 30 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Irina or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 10 - Riga

Spend today soaking up the sights in Riga. A must-do is a visit to Riga's most famous Gothic church, St Peter's, thought to be about 800 years old. Its famous spire has been rebuilt three times in the same form since 1667, with its latest rebuild completed in 1973. Climb the spire (or take the lift!) and enjoy spectacular views over the city.

You could also take a walking tour of the unique Art Nouveau district, enjoy a kayaking or boat tour along the river or check out the biggest market in the city - The Riga Central Market. Watch the world go by as you enjoy a beetroot soup, or maybe even a traditional black balsam!

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Irina or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 11 - Vilnius

The adventure continues as we pack our bags and head for the next Baltic city! The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts an attractive baroque Old Town ,which is the largest in Eastern Europe and is praised as the 'New Prague'. Located on the edge of the Neris River, with its pine covered hills, friendly people, and blend of old and new, this is a picturesque city well worth exploring. You will have time to explore the main sights of the city including Gediminas Castle on the top of Gediminas Hill and Cathedral Square at the base of the hill, which is dominated by Vilnius Cathedral and its 57 metre-tall belfry.

While you're exploring the square between the cathedral and the tower you should hunt for the secret stebuklas (miracle) tile. The tile marks the southern end of the 2 million person, 650 kilometre long human chain between Tallinn and Vilnius, which was formed in protest against Soviet occupation in 1989. Local legend has it that if you find the pretty mosaic-covered tile you should stand on it and turn around three times clockwise while making a wish, which shall then be granted.

Optional Excursions

Grutas Park – 7.5 EUR • Walking Tour – Free • Cathedral Crypts Tour – 4.5 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Panorama or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 12 - Vilnius

Today we will visit the nearby attraction of Trakai Castle, a fairytale building with surrounding mote. The castle is steeped in history and we will explore it on a guided tour.

Constructed in the 14th century, Trakai held a strategic position and was one of the main centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Vilnius.

Included Excursions

Guided tour of Trakai Castle

Optional Excursions

Grutas Park – 7.5 EUR • Walking Tour – Free • Cathedral Crypts Tour – 4.5 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Panorama or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 13 - Warsaw

Taking a packed breakfast, will leave Vilnius early in the morning to make our way to Warsaw.

Warsaw is the heart of Poland, the business and intellectual centre and a city bursting with culture and history. After being left in 85% rubble from the war, the Old Town has risen from the ashes and showcases beautiful, coloured buildings and traditional restaurants. We will arrive in the afternoon where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 14 - Warsaw

Today you are free to enjoy Warsaw. You could learn about the fight against Nazi occupation at the interactive Warsaw Uprising Museum, a touching tribute to those who died while fighting for independence. There are various other museums to explore including the Marie Curie Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Modern Art of the National Museum in Warsaw. We recommend taking a walking tour of the Old Town, to learn about the history of Warsaw, events of the war and the rebuilding of the city. The Old Town was rebuilt between 1949 and 1963 in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Old Town was even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. You can also visit the Historical Museum of Warsaw and Royal Castle at nearby Old Town Square.

Another highlight is the Science and Culture Observation Deck, where you can experience some of the best views of Warsaw. Be sure to sit down for some pierogis after all your exploring!

Optional Excursions

Warsaw Uprising Museum – 25 PLN • Palace of Culture and Science Observation Deck - 20 PLN • Museum of the History of Polish Jews - 25 PLN • Lazienki Park and Palace - 40 PLN • Royal Castle Tour - 30 PLN • Walking Tour - Free • Wilanow Palace - 20 PLN

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 15 - Kraków

This morning we depart Warsaw and hop on a local train to Kraków. Poland's more famous and cultural city, Kraków has managed to preserve centuries of amazing architecture and artistic traditions as most of the historic buildings and monuments emerged unscathed from World War II.

Kraków was the royal capital for 500 years so a must-see is the royal Wawel Castle, a beautiful renaissance palace which now houses a museum. During the evening the cosmopolitan city offers a wild nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, music clubs and bars to explore.

We highly recommend taking a guided tour of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine produced salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest operating salt mines. With underground churches, chandeliers and beautifully made statues (all from salt!) the mine is something special to experience and a highlight of any trip to Kraków.

Please Note: The salt mine requires pre-booking. Please advise your tour leader as soon as possible if you wish to take part in this.

Please Note: If you wish to visit Oskar Schindler's Factory, pre-booking tickets in advance is essential.

Optional Excursions

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour – 175 PLN • Oskar Schindler's Factory – 25 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica – 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum – 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle – 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 16 - Kraków

Kraków is our base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. The camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis.

You will be collected for your guided tour this morning and return to Kraków mid afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Included Excursions

Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Optional Excursions

Oskar Schindler's Factory – 25 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica – 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum – 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle – 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 17 - Wroclaw

This morning we will return to the station and hop on a train to the charming city of Wroclaw. Brimming with culture, the city was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2019 after successfully hosting the Theatre Olympics, European Film Awards and being named the World Book Capital back in 2016. Upon arrival you are free to start exploring what is considered one of the prettiest cities in Europe. The beautiful main square encompasses colourful buildings and bars and restaurants, as well as the popular Town Hall which has become one of the main landmarks in the city.

Optional Excursions

The City Museum of Wroclaw – 15-35 PLN • Hydropolis – 27 PLN • Ostrow Tumski – Free • Market Square – Free • Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice – 30 PLN • Cathedral of St John the Baptist – Free • Aula Leopoldina – 10 PLN

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Europejski or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 18 - Prague

This morning we will continue the adventure to Prague. Also known as the City of a Thousand Spires, Prague is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. Stroll the largest castle complex in Europe, admire the gothic church of St Vitus and watch as the unique Astronomical Clock strikes on the hour.

Spend the rest of your day exploring the beautiful city, not forgetting to try one of Prague's tastiest pastries known as 'Trdelnik', a sweet rolled dough in the shape of a cone that is filled with anything from ice-cream to warm chocolate sauce.

Prague is a town that loves to party so you may also want to experience the nightlife as there are many great bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of night clubs to enjoy. Czechs have been brewing beer since the 9th century and invented the world's first Pilsner, so Prague offers a great opportunity to sample some of the world's finest beers.

Optional Excursions

Kutna Hora Day Trip – 800 CZK • Brewery Tour – 1200 CZK • Beer Tasting – 590 CZK • Hradcany Castle – 350 CZK • Jewish Museum – 330 CZK • Town Hall Clock Tower – 250 CZK • River Cruise – 12 EUR • Mucha Museum – 300 CZK • City of Prague Museum – 120 CZK • Karlstejn Castle – 320 CZK • Astronomical Clock – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 19 - Prague

You have a full day to enjoy Prague. For something a little unique, take the train to Kutna Hora where you can experience the "Bone Church" otherwise known as Sedlec Ossuary. The small Roman Catholic chapel is believed to contain between 40,000 to 70,000 bones which have been arranged in various artistic ways to decorate the chapel. The centrepiece is the huge chandelier of bones that hangs in the middle.

Prague is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, and because of this you can easily pass hours just wandering the narrow streets and checking out the local establishments. The Old Town is bursting with museums, restaurants and ancient architecture.

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 20 - Vienna

Welcome to Austria!

Arriving early afternoon, you will have the rest of the day to start appreciating the city. Vienna is a city worlds away from any other found in Europe. The city's grandeur can be instantly felt as you wander through the centre, admiring the mixture of architecture from Baroque to Roman and Gothic to Art Nouveau.

Birthplace of some of the greatest classical musical compositions, Vienna charms with its cultural history and opulent beauty. Known as the city of music, many composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss were born or worked here and you can learn all about their works in places such as Haus der Musik and Mozarthaus, Mozart's main apartment in Vienna which holds an insight into his celebrated life.

Highlights include the Museum quarter, where you can find the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the renowned Leopold Museum. The complex of the Hofburg Palace is a must see and an experience in itself! This grand building is the former palace of the Habsburg dynasty and today serves as the workplace of the President of Austria. This is where you will also find the world famous Spanish Riding School, where you can opt to book a ticket for tomorrow mornings training session.

Optional Excursions

Albertina Museum – 17 EUR • Schoenbrunn Palace – 16 EUR • Spanish Riding School Morning Exercise – 15 EUR • Belvedere Palace – 22 EUR • Sigmund Freud Museum – 9 EUR • City Bike Tour – 35 EUR • Vienna Mozart Concert – from 55 EUR • Hop on Hop off Bus – From 29 EUR • City Walking Tour – 17 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 21 - Vienna

Today you have the full day to soak up the sights of Vienna. Perhaps you would like to catch a jaw-dropping orchestra performance at the Vienna Philharmonic, or watch a ballet or opera performance at the Wiener Staatsoper? You may also choose to visit the Schloss Schonbrunn, the palace of the Habsburg family, and discover the Baroque grandeur of the Austrian dynasty.

Once you have delighted in the culture and beauty of Vienna, there are a host of lively restaurants, cafes and bars to soak up as you watch the world go by in this vibrant city.

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 22 - Bratislava

Departing Austria this morning we take a short ferry ride along the Danube to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bursting with culture and an urban atmosphere, Slovakia has a modern feel that still manages to captivate the avid traveller through its post-socialist architecture such as the famous 1,400ft UFO Tower and bridge. You will have the day to explore the city, not forgetting to wander along the Danube River and the classic Old Town.

Optional Excursions

Bratislava Castle – 10 EUR • Devin Castle – From 5 EUR • The Blue Church – Free • Walking Tour – Free • UFO Bridge Observation Deck – 7.40 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Tatra or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 23 - Budapest

After a short train journey we arrive in Budapest, Hungary's stylish capital. It is known as the 'City of Spas' for its abundance of natural thermal springs. To fully explore the city why not book a few extra nights in the city to enjoy some of its sights?

Straddling the Danube River, the city is comprised of two very different historic cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Highlights here include Castle Hill, Matthius Church, Fisherman's Bastion, the Liberation Monument, the fabulous St Stephen's Basilica and the much photographed Parliament Building.

Terror Haza (Terror House) is a popular museum recounting stories of espionage and atrocities committed during World War II and during the communist period. During your optional visit you can view very moving testimonial footage from survivors and visit old jail cells, torture chambers and interrogation rooms.

The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and features stunning decorations. You can also wander around Central Market Hall and enjoy the intoxicating sights and smells of'Budapest's pantry' and get an idea of Hungary's food culture - you can even buy chocolates by the kilo!

The perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing is in a traditional bath. The Szechenyi Medicinal Baths are one of the city's more famous Neo Baroque-style baths with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal pools, saunas and massages in a beautiful setting. After a nice soak you can visit numerous restaurants and bars to visit on Liszt Ferenc for an enjoyable evening's entertainment.

Optional Excursions

Budapest Parliament Tour – 7250 HUF • Szechenyi Thermal Baths – 6000 HUF • House of Terror – 3000 HUF • Great Synagogue – 4000 HUF • Danube Cruise – 4200 HUF • Hungarian National Museum – 2600 HUF • Memento Park – 1500 HUF • Buda Castle – Free • Fisherman's Bastion – 1000 HUF • Walking Tour – Free • Hop on Hop off Bus – from 6000 HUF

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 24 - Depart Budapest

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Booking Tip

Don't delay! Book today to guarantee the price you see below as our prices can change day to day as a result of availability. Tours are departing from early 2021 through to 2022.

Select Dates

Dates

Availability

Price

Fri 02 Apr Sun 25 Apr

Available

30% off US$3,739

US$ 2,617

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 02 Apr Sun 25 Apr

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30% off

US$3,739

US$2,617

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

US$1,122

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Fri 30 Apr Sun 23 May

Available

30% off US$3,819

US$ 2,673

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 30 Apr Sun 23 May

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30% off

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US$2,673

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

US$1,146

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Fri 28 May Sun 20 Jun

Available

30% off US$3,819

US$ 2,673

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 28 May Sun 20 Jun

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30% off

US$3,819

US$2,673

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

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Fri 25 Jun Sun 18 Jul

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35% off US$3,889

US$ 2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 25 Jun Sun 18 Jul

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35% off

US$3,889

US$2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

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Fri 23 Jul Sun 15 Aug

Available

35% off US$3,889

US$ 2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 23 Jul Sun 15 Aug

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35% off

US$3,889

US$2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

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Fri 20 Aug Sun 12 Sep

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35% off US$3,889

US$ 2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 20 Aug Sun 12 Sep

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35% off

US$3,889

US$2,528

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

US$1,361

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Fri 17 Sep Sun 10 Oct

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35% off US$3,819

US$ 2,482

+ Local Payment of €380

Fri 17 Sep Sun 10 Oct

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35% off

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US$2,482

+ Local Payment of €380

Your Savings:

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Fri 15 Oct Sun 07 Nov

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25% off US$3,739

US$ 2,804

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Fri 15 Oct Sun 07 Nov

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Your Savings:

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Essential Information

What's Not Included

Visas and travel insurance
Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
Airport transfers and pre and post tour accommodation

Joining your tour in Moscow

Your joining location is:

Hotel Gamma Delta @ Izmailovo Hotel Complex
Building Gamma
71, 4 G-D, Izmailovskoe shosse,
Moscow,
105613,

Phone: +7 495 737-7000

Below is the address of Hotel Gamma Delta Izmailovo in Cyrillic, helpful for taxi drivers.

Измайлово отель Гамма-Дельта
Корпус Гамма, Измайловское шоссе 71 4 Г-Д , Москва

The hotels have safe deposit boxes for your use. Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you.

It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.

Arriving in Moscow

When arriving at Domodedovo International Airport (34 kilometres south of Moscow) or Sheremetyevo International Airport (29 kilometres northwest of Moscow), we recommend that you obtain some Russian rubles as soon as you arrive. There are numerous international ATMs inside the airports. The rate will always differ slightly depending on where you go. The airport does offer a decent rate and it may otherwise be inconvenient to find an exchange office open in the city, depending on what time you arrive

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.

If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact address below if you are likely to be delayed.

Contact your arrival transfer

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7100 7370
Contact: Real Russia

Making your own way

If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your hotel, taxis are available from the airports but you may have problems finding drivers who speak English. The journey should cost approximately 1,500 rubles from airports. The taxi should be on a meter (make sure they start it when you begin your journey) and you pay the driver when you arrive at the hotel.

Moscow is equidistant from all the airports and the the journeys take approximately an hour depending on Moscow traffic which can be notoriously bad.

As taxis are expensive you may prefer to use public transport where possible:

To connect to the Metro network from Domodedovo Airport you can take a shuttle bus to Domodedovskaya Metro station. Travel time to Partizanskaya is about two hours.

From Sheremetyevo Airport the No. 851 bus goes to Rechnoy Vokzal Metro station. Travel time to Partizanskaya is about one hour and 20 minutes.

From Vnukovo International Airport, take the Bhykobo Commuter Train in the city and then transfer to the Metro. Travel time is approximately 1 and a half hours.

Click For a printable map of the entire Moscow network in English and Russian.

Please note: You must validate your Russia visa within 72 hours of your arrival in each Russian city. This can be done when you check in at your hotel.

Accommodation on tour

This tour uses a variety of hotels, guesthouses and apartments. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.

Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.

Alternative Accommodation

The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.

Twin Share

Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.

I'd like my own room

If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.

Check-in Time

Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.

Transport

This tour uses a mixture of public transport and private minivans. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability. Transport in Europe is some of the best in the world, with modern coaches and comfortable trains. Some transport will be equipped with WIFI and media facilities, while others will be more basic.

It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. Upon arrival to each city, we might be using trams, metros, subways or walking to the hotel.

Approximate travel times on this trip

The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your Europe tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.

Moscow to Veliky Novgorod - 8 hours by overnight sleeper train
Veliky Novgorod to St Petersburg - 3 hours by bus
St Petersburg to Tallinn - 7 hours by tourist bus
Tallinn to Riga - 4 hours by tourist bus
Riga to Vilnius - 4 hours by tourist bus
Vilnius to Warsaw - 8 hours by tourist bus
Warsaw to Krakow - 2.5 hours by train
Krakow to Wroclaw - 3.5 hours by train
Wroclaw to Prague - 4.5 hours by train
Prague to Vienna - 4 hours by train
Vienna to Bratislava - 1.5 hours by river cruise
Bratislava to Budapest - 2.5 hours by train

Public Transport in Europe

We will be making use of metros, buses and trams on this tour. When reaching the hotel or an included excursion, the ticket will be included in your tour cost however you will likely use these modes of transport in your own time too. Tickets are purchased from kiosks near/in the stations and you must validate your ticket in the yellow machines inside the transport. If you do not validate your ticket and an inspector comes on board you are likely to be fined.

Boat Trips and water based activities

This tour includes various locations where boat trips and other water based activities are either included in the tour or available to book as an optional excursion. It is your responsibility to wear life jackets and taking part in these activities is at your own risk.

Luggage and Packing

Luggage

You will be carrying your own luggage on tour. Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.

It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels.

Packing List

Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.

Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes. You will find you walk a lot in Europe, sometimes on uneven and cobbled streets.

In general, Europe is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong to cover up for this.

Clothing

A lightweight and waterproof jacket
Jeans/trousers
Underwear and pyjamas
T-shirts/tops/shirts
Shorts/dresses/skirts - depending on season
Trainers or walking shoes
Sandals
Jumper/cardigan/fleece
Swimwear/sarong/coverup

Electronics

Phone and charger
Camera and charger
Worldwide adaptor
Portable battery pack
Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
Antibacterial hand gel
Insect repellent and bite cream
Sun cream and lip balm
Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
Antiperspirant/deodorant

Other

One small day bag
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Cloth bag for shopping
Ear plugs and sleep mask

Documents

Passport
Visas
Insurance
Printed copy of your passport
Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers

Laundry

Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.

Meals and Dietary Requirements

On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about your tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of European cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.

If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.

Food in Europe differs between countries. In Eastern and Central Europe, the standard diet is mostly meat based. Vegetarians will have options but may find themselves more limited than back home. Vegans and those on a gluten free diet will find it more challenging and you might need to pick up your own supplies at a supermarket.

Money and Budget

Currency

This tour uses a total of 5 different currencies. This includes the euro which is used in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia and Austria. It is worth bearing in mind that many of the below countries may accept euro but they will give you change in their local currency.

Below are the other 4 currencies used on this tour:

Russian Ruble
Polish Zloty
Czech Koruna
Hungarian Forint

Local Payment

The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.

The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.

The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.

Cards

The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Europe will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.

Spending Money

We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Eastern Europe is much cheaper than Western Europe.

Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.

Tipping

Tipping is a big part of European culture, and while it is much more prominent in Western Europe it is still expected in most of the Eastern Europe countries. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are found in almost every destination throughout Europe, especially in the larger cities where you will find a few companies offering the same tour. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Depending on how much you enjoyed the tour, anything from 5EUR to 20EUR is appropriate. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.

Budget

Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund. With so much on offer your budget in Europe can vary a lot, but we suggest a bare minimum of 25EUR per day in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and a minimum of 35EUR per day in Central Europe, Slovenia and Croatia.

Backup Funds

Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.

Health and Safety

Emergency Contact

If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+44) 788 7498 617.

Safety in Europe

Europe is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.

Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
When in crowded areas and on metros keep your bag on your front.
Do not walk alone after dark.
Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.

Scams in Europe

Unfortunately there are many common scams occurring regularly across Europe. While these are normally harmless to your personal safety, they can leave you losing money. The most common are people approaching you seemingly offering a gift, to then turn around and ask for money, children distracting you while someone goes through your bag, people pretending to be stranded/lost/mugged and asking you for money or people asking you to sign a fake charity petition, while someone else dips into your pocket. Pickpocket gangs often work in teams, so while one bumps into you and fumbles around apologising, another might be searching for a wallet. These scams are easily avoided by keeping your bag zipped at all times and on your front in crowds, and using your common sense when someone approaches you.

Traffic and crossing the road

Traffic is Europe can be hectic. You should always look both ways before crossing the road, depending on the country they might drive on the other side of the road. Rules on jaywalking can vary between countries, so we suggest always using pedestrian and zebra crossings.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.

Age Restrictions

Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours.

Responsible Travel

As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.

Physical Rating

Physical rating on your tour

The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.

Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.