Budapest to Dubrovnik via Lake Balaton
- Majestic Budapest on the River Danube
- The Hungarian resort of Lake Balaton
- Historic Croatian capital Zagreb and beachfront Split
- The unforgettable walled city of Dubrovnik
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Upgrade your journey to First Class
- Let us suggest the most scenic routes
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 11 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Coach transfer from Split to Dubrovnik
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive into Budapest and check in for a 3-night stay at the centrally located Hotel Rum (or similar).
You have two full days to explore the Hungarian capital, ranked one the most beautiful cities in Europe. Along with famous monuments like the iconic Parliament Building and the Széchenyi Bridge, you might also like to admire the views from the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion, or take a dip in one of Budapest’s grand and historic baths.
It’s just under 3 hours from Budapest’s Deli station to Keszthely on the Western shores of Lake Balaton, where you will disembark for the spa town of Héviz. Here you have 2 nights at the Danubius Health Spa Resort (or similar).
Enjoy some free time in Hungary’s favourite tourist destination. As well as sunbathing and swimming, you can also take advantage of some of the other water sports on offer, as well as walking and visiting the bountiful vineyards on the northern shore. Heviz itself is also known for its thermal lake, the second largest in the world and known for its medicinal properties.
Check out of your hotel after a leisurely breakfast and head back to the station at Keszthely. Here you’ll catch a train around the lake shore and south across the Croatian border to Zagreb. Check in for 2 nights at the Dubrovnik Hotel (or similar).
Zagreb is a capital city with a historic pedigree going back to Roman times. Explore the medieval Upper Town with its colourful buildings and majestic churches or take up bus up to the top of the Medvednica mountain for a 13th century fortress commanding fabulous city views.
Spend a last morning in Zagreb taking in the sights. Perhaps visit one of the many museums or, if the weather is fine, head to one of the city’s two lakes for some outdoor relaxation. After lunch, it’s time to leave Zagreb and take the train for a scenic journey up the Mrežnica Valley and then up into the hills, reaching 870 metres above sea level before dropping down towards the coast.
Arrive into Split and check in for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Jupiter (or similar).
Split is Croatia’s second largest city, with a UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town that was built around a Roman Emperor’s palace in 305AD. The city also boasts many other Roman remains along with a lovely waterfront on the Adriatic coast.
Spend your free days here exploring the walkable centre. Don’t miss a visit to the Diocletian’s Palace, one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. You might also like to browse the stalls at the Pazar (Green Market) or take a walk to the 15th century hermitage caves on Marjan Hill.
After a leisurely start today, catch a coach from Split down to Dubrovnik (in summer months, it’s also possible to take a ferry – please ask us for details). Check in for 2 nights at the Rixos Libertas Hotel (or similar).
Dubrovnik was at the heart of one of most prosperous Maritime Republics during the Renaissance Period, and this wealth is clear to see in the magnificent and endlessly photogenic Old Town, overlooking the Adriatic. The best views are to be had from the historic city walls.
Leave Dubrovnik today for your onward journey. From here, you can take a ferry across to Italy, catch a flight back to London or travel back to Zagreb for connections back to Australia.
Alternatively, if you would like to extend your holiday with additional nights and destinations, let us know and we can tailor make your trip!
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Budapest
Well located in the heart of historic Budapest, this comfortable hotel is close to many of the main sights and attractions of Hungary’s capital. Guests have access to excellent in-room facilities including cable TV, a mini-bar and air-conditioning whilst the hotel also offers a gym, pool, and massage service.
Lake Balaton
The Danubius Health Spa Resort is located close to Lake Heviz and offers extensive on-site wellness facilities. Bedrooms are all air-conditioned with a balcony and seating area. There is also a spa and wellness centre as well as a restaurant serving Hungarian and international cuisine.
Zagreb
Located in a great position on Zagreb’s main square, the Hotel Dubrovnik has been offering a comfortable base to explore the city since 1929. The bedrooms are decorated in a classic style with air-conditioning, a TV and minibar. There is also a popular restaurant in the hotel as well as a café and a rooftop terrace.
Split
Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Split, this boutique hotel offers 40 modern bedrooms near to the Diocletian Palace. Bedrooms come with a minibar, iPad docking station, safe and LCD satellite TV. There is also an à la carte restaurant, a sauna and a rooftop terrace with a lounge bar and hot-tub.
Dubrovnik
Less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel offers a retreat on the Adriatic, within easy reach of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Leisure facilities include seasonal outdoor swimming pools and a year-round indoor pool, a two-storey spa centre and a casino. There are also three restaurants and two bars, one overlooking the sea.
