cas64

My husband and I are going on a Danube river cruise next year in the early part of September. We are spending a few days beforehand in Prague then cruising to the endpoint of Budapest. I would like to extend the vacation for a few days after but am not sure where this should be. I am thinking that we will have had enough of tours, bigger cities and crowds by then. So I would be looking for someplace smaller, even rural to wander streets, countryside, lots of sidewalk cafes serving local wines and beers,someplace to just chill before returning home. I would even consider someplace a short flight or train from Budapest. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

bilboburgler

From Budapest you might like Eger as a small city visit, Tokaji as a small wine visit and go to the wonderful underground spa at Miskolc.

Easy to take the train

cas64

Yes, Frankman, I had been looking at Hvar. I just was't too sure on how to get from BUD to Split other than Qatar Airlines, which does seem rather expensive. This rental looks about what we would be interested in, although I will have to brush up on my German to read the notes! How expensive is Croatia once you get there?

Bobandco

You don't have to look much further than the end of your trip. We always save Budapest for the end of our vacations because it is the ideal place to decompress. Why don't you rent an apartment in town, live like a local for a few days, hang out in the cafes, wine bars and maybe see a show or concert or two. There are some good reasonably priced hotels that will get you a similar result, But its about being in the exact right location in Budapest to make it work. If it interest you just send me an email and I will be happy to help out.

KayF

I would suggest Croatia, we found it relaxing there as there aren't the 'big things' to tick off your list. There are some beautiful small towns, like Rovinj and Dubrovnik, good food and we found the people friendly. I can recommend these apartments in Rovinj : http://www.portaantica.com/
Not sure about getting there from Budapest, train might be possible but public transport is not great in Croatia. Piran is another place that might be possible, it's on the coast of Slovenia and nothing much there but scenic views, a lovely square and lots of cafes, nice for wandering about.

Kay

bilboburgler

I like Brac, on the next island over from Hvar. However I still think my earlier recommendation is a great deal more interesting than Croatian island.

If you want to do a small boat cove to cove holiday I would look at the coast of Turkey. Very good value. Could do similar in Greece as well with even nicer villages.