Scenic Mediterranean: 16 nights from Budapest with Scenic Opal
Oct 11, 2025

Budapest

The history of Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is a crossroads of history and culture and the ancient charm combines with modern dynamism. Born from the union of the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest has experienced Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg dominations, which have left a rich and varied legacy. Strolling through its streets, you can admire the Parliament, Buda Castle and Matthias Church.

Budapest's climate

Budapest has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The best season to visit the city is undoubtedly sping or early autumn, when the mild climate and sunny days offer the ideal setting for exploring the city on foot, discovering every hidden corners and its magnificent parks in bloom.

Attractions and places to visit

Crossed by the majestic Danube River, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, its historic monuments and breathtaking views. Not to be missed are the Parliament, one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe, Buda Castle, from which there are priceless views of the city, and the Chain Bridge, a symbol of unity between Buda and Pest. For a relaxing break, the Széchenyi Spa offers outdoor thermal pools, even in winter.

Local cuisine and typical products

Hungharian cuisine is a culinary adventure worth exploring. Thanks to dishes such as goulash, pörkölt and the delicious crepes called palacsinta you will discover intense falvours rich in history. You can taste them with a glass of Tokaji, Hungary's world-famous sweet wine.

Conclusion: an unforgettable holiday

Embarking on a cruise from Budapest offers a unique opportunity to start your journey by exploring a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, before sailing across the waters of the Danube to fascinating new destinations. Budapest is not just a stopover, but a starting point for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your spirit and your heart.

Budapest

The history of Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is a crossroads of history and culture and the ancient charm combines with modern dynamism. Born from the union of the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest has experienced Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg dominations, which have left a rich and varied legacy. Strolling through its streets, you can admire the Parliament, Buda Castle and Matthias Church.

Budapest's climate

Budapest has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The best season to visit the city is undoubtedly sping or early autumn, when the mild climate and sunny days offer the ideal setting for exploring the city on foot, discovering every hidden corners and its magnificent parks in bloom.

Attractions and places to visit

Crossed by the majestic Danube River, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, its historic monuments and breathtaking views. Not to be missed are the Parliament, one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe, Buda Castle, from which there are priceless views of the city, and the Chain Bridge, a symbol of unity between Buda and Pest. For a relaxing break, the Széchenyi Spa offers outdoor thermal pools, even in winter.

Local cuisine and typical products

Hungharian cuisine is a culinary adventure worth exploring. Thanks to dishes such as goulash, pörkölt and the delicious crepes called palacsinta you will discover intense falvours rich in history. You can taste them with a glass of Tokaji, Hungary's world-famous sweet wine.

Conclusion: an unforgettable holiday

Embarking on a cruise from Budapest offers a unique opportunity to start your journey by exploring a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, before sailing across the waters of the Danube to fascinating new destinations. Budapest is not just a stopover, but a starting point for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your spirit and your heart.

Novi Sad

Mohács

Belgrade

Iron Gates

Sulina

Vidin

Giurgiu

Bucharest

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Canakkale

Canakkale

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.