Budapest & Vienna
Discover two of Central Europe’s most captivating cities on a 6-night twin-centre escape to Budapest and Vienna, combining cultural discovery, local flavours and a unique literary experience.
Explore the atmospheric streets, historic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods of Budapest, while enjoying time to discover the city’s rich culture and cuisine. Your reading retreat continues in elegant Vienna, where imperial architecture, charming cafés and artistic heritage provide the perfect backdrop for literary discussion and exploration.
Along the way, immerse yourself in two compelling novels: The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, set against the backdrop of pre-war Europe, and The Café with No Name by Robert Seethaler, offering a poignant glimpse into post-war Vienna.
With fascinating places to explore, delicious local cuisine to savour and books to bring the destinations to life, this is a truly memorable way to experience Budapest and Vienna through both travel and literature.
This trip will be lead by reading guide Paul Wright, or one of his experienced team.
Paul Wright – With over six years of experience running large book clubs in Bristol and Exeter, Paul has cultivated a deep understanding of what makes a great gathering. Since 2023, he has organised Books in Places trips, blending his love of literature and travel. the focus for the trip is on creating relaxed and sociable experiences where like-minded people can connect over books they love.
This will be an exceptional trip and reading retreat for book lovers, providing a chance to connect with fellow readers and travellers who share your passions.
The Hotel
Cotton House, Budapest – This charming hotel combines character and comfort, with cosy rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, a bar, fitness centre and sauna. Located on Jókai Street, just a five-minute walk from Nyugati Station, it provides a peaceful base for reading and unwinding while being perfectly placed for exploring Budapest. Spend quiet mornings with a book before discovering the city’s cafés, architecture, culture and iconic landmarks.
Hotel Ruby Lissi, Vienna – A stylish and welcoming hotel in the heart of the city. With its distinctive design, comfortable rooms, relaxed bar and inviting atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Situated in Vienna’s historic 1st district, close to the Danube Canal and within easy reach of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and the city’s renowned cafés, the hotel provides an ideal base for experiencing Vienna’s culture, architecture and vibrant city life.
Your Room
The double or twin rooms all feature air conditioning, a safe, a private bathroom and complimentary toiletries. At Cotton House Budapest, rooms are traditional in style, spacious and bright, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, Ruby Lissi’s rooms offer a more contemporary feel, with luxurious furnishings, modern design and stylish touches for a comfortable city stay.
Hotel Facts
- Excellent city centre location
- Air conditioning
- Bar
- WiFi
- Complimentary toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Safe
- Flat screen TV
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin your Central European adventure. In the evening, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant (payable locally).
We recommend that all flights arrive by 17.00.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel then discover the highlights of Budapest on a three-hour guided walking tour through the city’s historic heart. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore the fascinating story, architecture and culture of both Buda and Pest.
See iconic landmarks including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Shoes on the Danube Bank, the Danube Promenade and Széchenyi Chain Bridge, before exploring the atmospheric streets of the Buda Castle District.
In the evening we will all get together and discuss the book over a meal in a local restaurant.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Visit a museum, relax in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, browse the markets or simply enjoy a leisurely coffee in a traditional café.
In the evening, we’ll come together for dinner and our final discussion of The Invisible Bridge.
Day 4
After breakfast, make your way to the station for the 11.30 direct train to Vienna, arriving at 14.20. From the station, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to our new hotel, making the transition between cities easy and hassle-free.
Once settled in, enjoy some time to explore your new surroundings before coming together for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a three-hour guided walking tour of Vienna, discovering the highlights of this elegant and historic city. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore Vienna’s rich history, impressive architecture and fascinating cultural heritage.
See some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the Austrian National Library and the historic streets of Vienna’s Old Town, while learning about the city’s imperial past and vibrant café culture.
In the evening, we will come together to discuss the book over a delicious meal in a local restaurant, sharing our thoughts and experiences of the story against the backdrop of this beautiful city.
Day 6
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to discover Vienna as you wish. Take in more of the city’s sights, visit a museum or gallery, relax in a traditional coffee house or simply soak up the atmosphere.
In the evening, we’ll meet again for dinner and our final book discussion, reflecting on the story, the city and the experiences of our reading retreat.
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast before making your way to the airport. The direct airport bus departs just a 5-minute walk from the Ruby Lissi Hotel, providing a convenient connection to Vienna Airport for your journey home.
Budapest
Location
Budapest
Stay at the centrally located Cotton House Budapest, in the lively Terézváros district, perfectly placed for exploring Budapest on foot. The hotel is within easy reach of St Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera, Parliament and the Danube, with cafés, restaurants and shops close by. Budapest combines grand architecture, fascinating history, lively café culture and excellent food, making it a wonderful setting for our literary retreat. With direct flights from the UK taking around 2½ hours, it’s an easy city break destination.
Vienna
In Vienna, we stay at Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna, right in the heart of the historic 1st district. From the hotel, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Stephansplatz, the Hofburg and Vienna’s famous cafés and restaurants are all within easy walking distance, while Schwedenplatz U-Bahn is just a few minutes away. Elegant and atmospheric, Vienna is the perfect place to explore imperial history, beautiful architecture and its celebrated coffee-house culture — all while bringing The Café with No Name to life. Direct flights back to the UK take around 2½ hours.
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