)
Budapest to Ljubljana One-Way Transfer Tour
Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Székesfehérvár, the Festetics Palace and the historic town of Ptuj on your journey from Budapest to Ljubljana.
This tour is also available from Ljubljana to Budapest.
Trip Itinerary
-
Leave from Budapest
This tour offers hotel pick-up. You will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car.
-
Stop 1: Székesfehérvár
We’ll walk through the historic town of Székesfehérvár, exploring ancient ruins, grand architecture, and royal landmarks in Hungary’s former coronation city.
Read more
Székesfehérvár
What we'll do
We will walk through the historic town of Székesfehérvár, once the royal seat and coronation site of Hungarian kings. Exploring the charming Old Town, we’ll discover ruins dating back over 1,000 years, including the remnants of the medieval coronation basilica, where Hungary’s earliest monarchs were crowned.
The streets are lined with colorful Baroque and Renaissance buildings, elegant public squares, and peaceful gardens that echo the town’s noble past. Along the way, we’ll pass by important landmarks such as the Bishop’s Palace and the Ruins Garden, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Hungary’s royal and religious heritage.
About Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár, one of Hungary’s oldest and most historically significant cities, was once the royal seat and coronation site of Hungarian kings. Founded in the 10th century, it served as the political and religious center of the medieval Hungarian kingdom.
For centuries, the city hosted royal coronations, burials, and assemblies, becoming a symbol of Hungarian statehood. Although much of its medieval architecture was lost over time—especially during the Ottoman occupation—traces of its royal legacy still remain.
Today, Székesfehérvár is a lively regional hub, known for its charming Baroque Old Town, colorful facades, and peaceful public squares. Notable landmarks include the Ruins Garden, where the coronation basilica once stood, the Bishop’s Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Blending a rich royal past with a welcoming, modern atmosphere, Székesfehérvár offers visitors a unique glimpse into the early history of Hungary.
-
Stop 2: Festetics Palace
We’ll stroll around the Baroque-style Festetics Palace in Keszthely, admiring its elegant gardens, ornate architecture, and noble heritage.
Read more
Festetics Palace
What we'll do
We will walk around the beautiful Baroque-style Festetics Palace in Keszthely, one of the most impressive aristocratic residences in Hungary. Surrounded by elegant gardens and fountains, the palace offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the noble Festetics family, who lived here for over 300 years.
Built in the 18th century, the palace was expanded over time into a grand, 101-room residence, known for its architectural elegance and cultural heritage. As we stroll through the grounds, we’ll admire the ornate facades, decorative towers, and landscaped park, inspired by French design.
Festetics Palace also houses the Helikon Palace Museum, with exhibitions featuring historic furniture, artwork, and one of Hungary’s finest aristocratic libraries, holding over 100,000 volumes. Please note: Entry to the museum is not included in the price.
About Festetics Palace & Keszthely
Keszthely, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, is a charming lakeside destination located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Keszthely offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
The town’s most famous landmark is the Festetics Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Built in the 18th century, it houses the Helikon Palace Museum, showcasing the legacy of the noble Festetics family and an impressive library with over 100,000 books.
Beyond its historical sites, Keszthely is a gateway to Lake Balaton, offering scenic promenades, sandy beaches, and water activities. Visitors can also explore the town’s charming Old Town, with its colorful squares, cozy cafés, and lively markets.
With its fascinating history, breathtaking lakeside views, and cultural attractions, Keszthely is a must-visit destination for those seeking both heritage and natural beauty in Hungary.
-
Stop 3: Ptuj
![]()
![]()
We will explore the historic town of Ptuj, visiting its hilltop castle for stunning views, strolling charming streets, and enjoying the peaceful Drava River banks.
Read more
Ptuj
What we'll do
Our visit to Ptuj begins with a scenic walk towards Ptuj Castle, nestled atop a gentle hill, offering breathtaking views of the town and its picturesque surroundings. As we ascend, we’ll soak in the castle’s historic charm and the beauty of its grounds.
From there, we’ll wander through the town’s quaint streets, lined with traditional architecture that reflects Ptuj’s rich past. Our journey leads us to the peaceful banks of the Drava River, where we’ll take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere and stunning natural scenery.
![]()
![]()
About Ptuj
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Drava River, Ptuj is one of Slovenia’s oldest and most historically rich towns. With a heritage spanning over two millennia, this charming northeastern town has played a pivotal role throughout history.
Once a thriving Roman outpost known as Poetovio, Ptuj later flourished as a medieval market town, shaped by noble families and centuries of trade and culture. Today, its well-preserved medieval architecture takes visitors back in time, with highlights including the iconic Ptuj Castle, majestically perched atop a hill, and cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings.
Blending historical charm with breathtaking landscapes, Ptuj invites travelers to wander through its storied streets, uncover its fascinating past, and soak in the timeless beauty of Slovenia’s oldest town.
-
Arrive at Ljubljana
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Show more reviews
What's included?
- One-way transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana with 3 sightseeing stops
- Knowledgeable local tour leader
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car
- Room for a reasonable amount of luggage
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch (a break is scheduled for this)
- Gratuities (optional)
Good to know
- Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of booking.
- All tours are subject to availability.
- Minimum numbers for group size apply. There is a possibility of cancellation even after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or a refund. The Sidetrip team will also be happy to help you arrange alternative transport to your destination city.
- Paper free confirmation: just bring your confirmation code or a valid ID.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear flat shoes suitable for walking.
- Infant seats are available on request during the booking.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking (waterproof would be great in winter).
- The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. Our priority is to deliver you safely and on time to your destination. In the event of delays due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to abbreviate or omit certain stops to ensure your prompt arrival.
- All our public group tours are in English. Private tours in different languages are subject to availability.
Read more Read less
Meeting point
This tour offers hotel pick-up only for private bookings. For private bookings, you will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car. Please provide your preferred pick-up location when making the booking.
See the drop-off point in Ljubljana
Drop-off point
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Questions & Answers
-
Is this a one-way tour?
Yes, this is a one-way tour ending in Ljubljana. Please note that the tour does not take you back to Budapest.
-
How long is this tour?
The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. For the safety of our passengers and drivers, we are unable to accommodate requests to extend this duration.
-
Do you offer hotel pick-up/drop-off?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are only available when booking this tour as a private tour for a single group. Open group tours have a fixed meeting point and drop-off location.
-
Can I take my luggage with me?
Yes! We have space for luggage, similar to common airline baggage allowances. There is no extra charge for luggage that meets these criteria:
- One item of airline carry-on size: maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in)
- One item of airline checked size: maximum size of 80 x 50 x 30cm (32 x 20 x 12in), weighing less than 23 kg (50lbs)
- One personal item: maximum size of 15 x 15 x 10 cm (6 x 6 x 4in)
If you your luggage requires special consideration, please contact us.
-
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is not included in the tour price but a lunch break is scheduled. Kindly let our tour leader know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account.
-
Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes! With a maximum of 8 people in each group, our guide can make sure that the pace of the tour is suitable for everyone. Just note that the tour does include some walking at the stops.
-
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel more than 48 hours before the tour, your booking is fully refunded*. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the tour or in the case of a no-show, no refund is issued.
*Please note, that the credit card processing fee (1.5-3%, up to 5.9% if you paid by Paypal) charged by the third-party payment provider will not be refunded.
Want to personalize this trip? When booking a private transfer, tell us your itinerary and start time preferences and we'll do everything we can to accomodate your request. Note: open group tours cannot be customized.