back to Hungary

Hungary

Saints of the Danube: A Pilgrimage to Budapest

Journey to the great city on the Danube — where a thousand years of Christian faith is written into every dome, spire and riverbank.

In the year 1000, Stephen was crowned Hungary's first Christian king, and the story of a nation's faith began. A millennium on, Budapest still keeps that story close — in the golden basilica raised in Stephen's name, in the coronation church high on Castle Hill, and in a chapel carved into the living rock of Gellért Hill.

Thoughtfully arranged and fully supported, this four-day Discovery pilgrimage brings together prayer, history and the quiet beauty of one of Europe's loveliest cities. With daily prayer, time for reflection and unhurried days, whether this is your first pilgrimage or a long-held hope, you will find Budapest a place of unexpected grace.

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Budapest

    Meet your Airport Representative and fly from London to Budapest, where you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Your guide offers a short introduction to Hungary's Christian story — from St Stephen's coronation in the year 1000 to the present day — followed by opening prayers and a welcome dinner together.

  2. St Stephen & the Heart of Pest

    After a relaxed start and buffet breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to St Stephen's Basilica, including the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand, where the preserved hand of Hungary's first king is venerated, with time for private prayer. The afternoon is free, or join a gentle optional walking tour along the Danube promenade to the moving Shoes on the Danube memorial — a place of reflection on faith and witness in the 20th century. Evening prayers and dinner follow.

  3. Buda: Matthias Church & the Cave Church

    This morning, cross the Danube to the Castle District to visit Matthias Church, the coronation church of Hungary's kings, and take in the views from the Fisherman's Bastion. In the afternoon we come to the Cave Church on Gellért Hill, home of the Pauline Fathers, time for reflections in the rock chapel — the day framed by the story of St Gerard, the missionary bishop martyred on this hillside. This evening, a farewell dinner.

  4. Homeward Bound

    After breakfast, and flight times permitting, enjoy a morning at leisure — a final visit to the Basilica, a wander through the Central Market Hall, or simply coffee in one of Budapest's grand cafés. We gather for closing prayers before your transfer to the airport and the homeward flight.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights London–Budapest
  • 3 nights at a central 3★ hotel
  • Half board — breakfasts & dinners
  • Guided touring with a private coach & local guide
  • St Stephen's Basilica & the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand
  • Matthias Church & the Fisherman's Bastion
  • The Cave Church on Gellért Hill
  • Return airport transfers
  • Accompanying McCabe chaplain (Revd Canon Peter Hall)

This Pilgrimage is Ideal if You Are:

  • New to pilgrimage and want a well-supported introduction
  • Drawn to the saints and Christian heritage of Central Europe
  • Seeking a short break that blends prayer, culture and comfort
  • Travelling alone or wanting a welcoming group

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Read reviews

Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Saints of the Danube: A Pilgrimage to Budapest Budapest Discovery 2027 Departing From London Prices from £1800 pp Revd Canon Peter Hall 13/09/2027 for 4 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

Send to a friend




    The Apostle's Island: A Taste of Christian Malta (5 Days)

    Prices from £1,860 pp

    Read more

    Northern Saints: Durham, Whitby & Holy Island

    Prices from £1,090 pp

    Read more

    Fellowship Tours

    A portfolio of tours with regular travellers in mind

    Read more