Welcome the New Year in Budapest! An unforgettable journey among majestic architecture, holiday lights, Christmas markets and unforgettable emotions with Journey Group.

Imagine seeing off the old year with a view of the illuminated Parliament, a walk along the banks of the Danube, and a festive atmosphere in the heart of the Hungarian capital...

This year, replace the ordinary holiday with the magic of Budapest!

Journey Group invites you on a special New Year's journey to one of the most beautiful European capitals, where history, elegance and festive mood become an unforgettable experience.

Day 1 | Welcome to Budapest

Departure from Sofia Airport with a flight to Budapest, Hungary. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Budapest is one of the most beautiful European capitals – a city where the magnificent architecture, rich history and romance of the Danube River create a unique atmosphere. Situated on both banks of the river, Buda and Pest impress with their historic districts, impressive buildings, beautiful bridges and spacious boulevards. Here, emblematic landmarks such as the Parliament, the Fisherman's Towers, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica combine with the modern rhythm of the city, cozy cafes and famous thermal baths.

Budapest reveals even more of its charm in winter. The festively decorated streets, Christmas markets, the aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and traditional Hungarian specialties create a warm and festive atmosphere that turns a walk through the city into a real pleasure.

Free time. Overnight stay.

Day 2 | Let's welcome the New Year

Breakfast. Free time or optional walking tour of Buda with a Bulgarian-speaking guide. 

We will head to the west bank of the Danube, where the hilly and historic part of Buda rises. We will climb to Castle Hill, from where our walking tour begins among centuries-old architecture, royal past and picturesque views of Pest.

Our first stop will be The Royal palace – an impressive complex that was once the residence of the Hungarian kings, and today houses the Buda History Museum, the National Gallery and the National Library. We will learn more about the restoration of the palace after World War II and its cultural significance today. In the courtyard we will also see the impressive King Matthias Fountain, depicting a legendary hunting scene, one of the most photographed sculptural compositions in the city.

We continue to the Honor Guard building, where if we are lucky we may witness the changing of the guard – a ritual that impresses with its discipline and solemnity. Along the cobbled streets we reach the heart of the old town – St. Matthias Church„, one of the most significant Gothic temples in Hungary, where royal weddings and coronations have taken place. We will go inside to admire the colorful frescoes, stained glass windows and the unique atmosphere, hearing the history of this holy monastery. Right next to it is the Fisherman's Bastion - a snow-white terrace with fairy-tale towers, from which a panoramic view of Pest, the Parliament and the Danube River opens.

We will have time for photos and a short break, enjoying the most beautiful view in the city. Then we will make our way through the small, cozy streets of the neighborhood, passing by the House of Hungarian Winemakers, several craft workshops, as well as The old Ruswurm cafe„ – one of the oldest cafes in Budapest, where we can try authentic Hungarian pastry classics if we wish.

In the evening we will welcome the New Year in the heart of Budapest, a city of lights, thermal waters and Danube magic. New Year's Eve in the Hungarian capital is colorful and diverse - a mix of centuries-old traditions, live music and a sparkling atmosphere that envelops the city from Buda Hill to the streets of Pest.

The squares and the banks of the Danube are filled with cheerful crowds, street concerts and fireworks that illuminate the silhouette of the Parliament, the Citadel and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Local residents and guests of the city gather in popular places such as Deák Ferenc Square and Váci Street, where music and cheers do not subside until the morning. Traditions dictate that there should be dishes on the table such as lentils for luck and baked sausages, and glasses should be raised with sparkling wine or Hungarian pálinka. The city pulsates to the rhythm of music - from jazz and rock to folk motifs, and the festive spirit conquers both the central squares and cozy cafes and ruin bars.

We will become part of this unique New Year's euphoria - among the lights of the Danube, the warmth of Hungarian hospitality and the feeling of a new beginning in one of the most beautiful European capitals.

Overnight stay.

Day 3 | Walking tour of Budapest

Breakfast. Free time in Budapest after the festive New Year's Eve.

The first day of the New Year in Budapest brings a sense of calm, coziness and a new beginning. After the festive celebrations, the city gradually wakes up, and the beautiful streets and squares retain their festive atmosphere. Many residents and guests of the Hungarian capital choose to start the day with a visit to one of the famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért, turning the first hours of the year into a real experience for the body and spirit.

Classical music lovers can enjoy the traditional New Year's concerts, which take place in some of the city's most beautiful concert halls and churches, including the majestic St. Stephen's Basilica, where the festive atmosphere is complemented by organ and chamber music performances.

Free time provides an opportunity for a pleasant stroll through the historic Buda Castle District, from where you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Danube River and the iconic Parliament. If desired, you can enjoy a romantic cruise on the Danube, during which the beautiful bridges and illuminated facades of the city reveal their unique evening charm.

For lovers of active recreation, the City Park offers one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Europe, located in close proximity to the fabulous Vajdahunyad Castle. On the first day of the year, Budapest retains its calm rhythm, and many museums, galleries and cultural sites welcome visitors wishing to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Hungarian capital.

According to local traditions, lentils are present on the table on January 1st - a symbol of well-being and financial prosperity in the new year, and the festive mood continues to be felt everywhere in the city.

The first day of the New Year in Budapest combines tranquility, culture and romance, turning a stay in the Hungarian capital into an unforgettable start to the new year.

Free time. Overnight.

Day 4 | Last sights 

Breakfast. Free time or optional walking tour of Pest with a licensed Bulgarian-speaking tour guide.

Our walk begins at the emblematic Heroes' Square - one of the symbols of Budapest, where the impressive Millennium Memorial tells the story of the Hungarian state through the monumental statues of rulers and national heroes. In the immediate vicinity is the beautiful City Park, among which rises the fabulous Vajdahunyad Castle - an impressive architectural ensemble, combining Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, becoming one of the most picturesque landmarks of the city.

We continue along the elegant Andrássy Avenue – included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered the most representative street in Budapest. Along the way, we will admire beautiful palaces, historical buildings, embassies, theaters and boutiques, and in front of us will be the majestic facade of the Hungarian State Opera – one of the architectural masterpieces of the 19th century and a symbol of the country’s rich musical traditions.

Next, we will visit St. Stephen's Basilica - the largest Catholic church in Hungary, dedicated to the country's first king. We will explore the impressive interior, learn interesting facts about the history and symbolism of the church, and if desired, we will have the opportunity to climb to the panoramic platform of the dome, from where a magnificent view of the whole of Budapest opens.

The walk continues to the banks of the Danube River, where we will pass by elegant historical buildings, including Gresham Palace and the building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences - one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the country. From here, a wonderful panorama opens up to Buda Castle, which majestically rises on the opposite bank and reminds us of Hungary's glorious royal past.

Along the promenade we will reach the "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial - one of the most moving places in Budapest, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The simple but extremely powerful symbol leaves a deep impression on every visitor.

The culmination of our tour is the Hungarian Parliament Building – one of the most beautiful and impressive parliamentary buildings in the world. Built in neo-Gothic style on the very bank of the Danube, this architectural masterpiece impresses with its exquisite facades, rich ornamentation and impressive dimensions, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Budapest.

Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to Sofia.

Arrival at Sofia airport.