9 days in Hungary, Slovakia & Vienna Itinerary

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Fisherman's Bastion and Shoes on the Danube Bank. Get some historical perspective at Liberty Statue and Egyetemi Templom. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at House of Terror, ponder the world of politics at Residence Parliament, explore the activities along Danube, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Castle Hill.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Budapest online journey planner .

Bournemouth, UK to Budapest is an approximately 7.5-hour combination of train and flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from Bournemouth to Budapest is 1 hour. In December, Budapest is a bit cooler than Bournemouth - with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Gyor.

Győr is the most important city of northwest Hungary, the capital of Győr-Moson-Sopron County and Western Transdanubia region, and—halfway between Budapest and Vienna—situated on one of the important roads of Central Europe. Kick off your visit on the 14th (Thu): make a trip to Gyor Old Town Area, make a trip to Pannonhalma Archabbey, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Győr Pláza.

To find more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Gyor trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Budapest to Gyor in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December in Gyor, expect temperatures between 6°C during the day and -1°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can travel to Nitra.

Nitra is a city in western Slovakia, situated at the foot of Zobor Mountain in the valley of the river Nitra. On the 15th (Fri), don't miss a visit to Nitra Calvary, then explore the historical opulence of Nitra Castle, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Nitra day trip site .

Explore your travel options from Gyor to Nitra with the Route module. In December in Nitra, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -1°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can go by car to Bratislava.

Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, attracts visitors for its natural beauty and rich culture, offering a plethora of landscapes, outdoor activities, historical monuments, and a stately old town.

On the 16th (Sat), explore the historical opulence of Bratislava Castle (Hrad), enjoy breathtaking views from UFO Observation Deck, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St Elizabeth's / Blue Church, then appreciate the history behind Cumil, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Bratislava Old Town.

For photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Bratislava road trip planning site .

Traveling by car from Nitra to Bratislava takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December in Bratislava, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can drive to Vienna.

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Appreciate the collections at Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien and Museum Hundertwasser. Your inner history buff will appreciate Belvedere Palace and Ringstrasse. The adventure continues: examine the collection at Imperial Palace (Hofburg), take in nature's colorful creations at Schönbrunn Palace, admire the landmark architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral, and take a stroll through Historic Center of Vienna.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Vienna attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Bratislava to Vienna takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December in Vienna, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.