Post-Cruise: Budapest to Venice
- Enjoy a night in Budapest back on dry land
- Take high-speed Austrian RailJet trains through to Vienna and down to Bled.
- A full day to explore Vienna in more detail
- A relaxing stay at magnificent Lake Bled in Slovenia
- End the holiday in Venice, or extend your stay elsewhere in Italy
- Reverse the itinerary (Venice to Budapest) if you prefer to arrange a pre-cruise holiday
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Upgrade your rail journey to First Class
- Let us suggest the most scenic routes
- Standard Class rail travel, with reservations as required
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- City maps and 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 in Budapest off your river cruise. Whether or not you have enjoyed a final night in dock on board the ship, we have included a night at the Adina Apartment Hotel, in the city centre.
If you have already been staying in Budapest a while, we can organise a rail transfer straight to Vienna for you, depending on the time that you disembark the ship.
Make your way to Keleti station in Budapest this morning for your 3-hour journey to Vienna. On arrival, check in at the Zeitgeist Hotel (or similar) opposite the station, for a 2-night stay.
One of Europe’s most famous imperial cities, Vienna is chock-full of grand palaces and historic museums, many set around the elegant boulevard known as the Ring.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Vienna today. Take time to visit the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the famous State Opera House, or take in a performance at the Spanish Riding School. You can also just have a tour of the Spanish Riding school if you would prefer. We can arrange this in advance for you – please call for details.
Take a lunchtime RailJet this lunchtime which takes you south over the Semmering Pass, right at the eastern end of the Alps. Make an easy platform-change at the town of Villach and connect onto another train to Bled. On arrival check in at the Rikli Balance Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Nestled in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Lake Bled is an absolute gem. The blueish-green lake contains an idyllic island which is home to a beautiful church. You can walk around the entire circumference of the lake in just over an hour.
If you fancy a scenic rail journey, you can take a day trip on the picturesque Bohinj Railway which runs southwest from Bled.
Make an early start this morning on your train back into Austria, where you once again change at Villach. Here, you pick up a direct train that takes you through the mountainous terrain of north east Italy, and eventually over the causeway into Venice. Check in at the 4-star Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Once you are in Venice, you have the whole of Italy open to you! You can reach Rome (pictured) in just over 3 hours, the Amalfi Coast in 4 hours, Lake Como in 3 hours and the Cinque Terre in just under 4 hours… the whole of holiday Italy is within easy reach.
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.
Vienna
Only 350 metres from the Main Train Station, Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna offers rooms with free high-speed WiFi, a restaurant, and a rooftop sauna which is available free of charge. The air-conditioned rooms come with large windows, comfortable beds, a large flat-screen cable TV and a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. Some rooms have an own terrace.
Bled
Set in the heart of Bled, Rikli Balance Hotel enjoys an elevated position boasting panoramic views of Lake Bled, its Castle and the Julian Alps. It features a modern spa centre with indoor and outdoor pools. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and have a balcony. They are equipped with satellite TV, safe and a minibar. Private bathroom includes a shower and a hairdryer.
Venice
Combining the traditional Venetian style with a great location and modern facilities, the Hotel Bisanzio is a great base in Venice, just 10 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wooden floors and Murano-glass lamps. There is also a delicious buffet breakfast served daily.
Upgrade your accommodation
Budapest
Blending the sumptuous decor of royal Budapest with the five star comfort of a modern hotel, the Corinthia Hotel boasts luxurious facilities including a classic spa area with steam baths, hot tubs, mud baths and an indoor swimming pool. There are also three restaurants, a lobby bar and a cafe.
Vienna
One of Vienna’s most famous luxury hotels and home of the famous torte of the same name, the Hotel Sacher has been welcoming guests since 1876. The hotel is located opposite the Vienna State Opera House in the centre of the city, with elegantly furnished bedrooms, a luxurious spa and plenty of options for dining. You can also enjoy a slice of Sachertorte in the beautiful Sacher Café.
Lake Bled
Located on the shore of Bled Lake with a panoramic view of the lake’s island and the surrounding Alps, Grand Hotel Toplice provides thermal pools and a wellness centre with saunas, massages and a solarium. Traditionally decorated air-conditioned rooms have a TV, a safe and private balcony, some with a lake view.
Venice
Located just off the famous St Mark’s Square, this splendid hotel is an icon of Venice. The hotel consists of the Bauer L’Hotel, the Casanova Rooms annexe and the palatial Bauer Il Palazzo, which fronts onto the Grand Canal. The De Pisis restaurant is known throughout the city for its quality and service.
