We offer you the highlights of perhaps the most exotic country of Europe, a taste of history, natural beauty and cuisine. Budapest, the capital is not only gem with vibrant cultural life. In the Danube Bend enjoy the stunning views of nature (once painted by Amrita Sher-Gil) and go along the path of the Hungarian kings.
Visit the Royal Castle of Gödöllő and continue to the east to Eger, a wonderfully preserved baroque town, taste famous wines in vineyard cellers there. Go south to the Great Plain (Puszta) to watch the Hungarian “csikósok” performing horse tricks and eat spicy surprises in a “csárda” inn. We look at the folk art in Kalocsa and discover multicultural Pécs, Cultural Capital of Europe 2010. We carry on to Europe’s largest thermal lake Hévíz and meet the lands of the Hungarian Tuscany, the northern shore of Lake Balaton.
Meet and greet with B2Sky’s representative at the airport. Transfer to the centrally located hotel in Budapest.A charming and elegant capital, Budapest, sits either side of the mighty Danube River and offers a city break with a fantastic mix of history and culture. From the architecture of Buda, to the boulevards of Pest, famous cuisine to thermal baths, there is so much to experience and it is easy to see why Budapest City Breaks have always been a firm favourite. UNESCO has recognized the embankment area of the Danube, Castle District and the Andrássy Avenue area as World Heritage Sites, and they are a part of your city break which cannot be missed. Overnight at the hotel in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel.Panorama city tour in Budapest with guide and air conditioned vehicle (3,5 hrs): visit the most beautiful and famous places.On Pest side visit the famous Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square (photo stop), drive around the City Park. In the City park you can see the imposing Vajdahunyad Castle, one of the oldest Zoo in Europe, Circus, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest thermal bath in Central Europe. We drive along the Andrássy avenue- where you can see the State Opera House and then the Basilica from outside. We cross the Chains Bridge to Buda side. Nice walking in the Castle District which is home of the Fishermen’s Bastion, the neo-gothic Matthias Church (entrance ticket included) and the Royal Palace.
During the tour we stop at the birth place and memory table of the Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil.From the Citadel on Gellert Hill, you can experience a wonderful panoramic view of Budapest (photo stop). We cross the Liberty Bridge to Pest side again and look at the Central Market Hall, National Museum, after it you’ll have the opportunity to see outside the Dohány Street Synagogue, the 2nd biggest in the world.In the evening enjoy the illuminated panorama on a 3 hours cruise on river Danube with buffet dinner and live music. Transfer with guide and air conditioned vehicle. Overnight at the hotel in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel.Full day excursion to the Danube Bend with guide and air conditioned vehicle:Visegrád, Szentendre (and Esztergom as an alternative), the three most beautiful cities on the Danube Bend. Enjoy the picturesque viewpoints and get acquainted with Hungarian history along the “Blue Danube”.Esztergom: the Northern gate of Budapest – the centre of the Catholic Church. We visit the largest cathedral of Hungary (also burial place of famous cardinals of Hungary). Enjoy the view across the Danube to Slovakia.In Visegrad we walk at the 750 year-old stones of the Upper Castle of the Hungarian kingsand enjoy the fascinating panorama on the Danube valley.
On the way back we stop in the artist’s lovely riverside town of Szentendre. It is a small city at the gate of the Danube Bend, at the meeting place of the river Danube. We walk along the cobbledstone streets around the baroque settlement. The numerous churches in town reflect the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity of Szentendre, Mediterranean-style architecture.You can also take the opportunity to visit the museums or you can choose to visit the art galleries and souvenir shops of the village. (Distance 102 km) Overnight at the hotel in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel and start to the countryside.We go east to the Baroque Palace of Gödöllő, the former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) and Franz Joseph (Habsburg Emperor and Hungarian King). This interior tour of the Museum and the garden will tell you about the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.Travel to Eger, which is famous for its history, baroque architecture, bath-culture and world famous top quality wines like “Bull’s Blood”. Delve into local history with a sightseeing tour of the city (2 hrs) : visit the Basilica and 16th-century castle, the Turkish time remnants. Enjoy the internationally awarded wines in a tasting tour in a nearby volcanic tufa rock cellar.(Distance 178 km) Overnight stay in Eger.
Breakfast at the hotel.The round trip continues to the Great Plain, the Hungarian “Puszta” to Lajosmizse. Enjoy the exciting horse show and admire the skill of the famous Hungarian “cowboys” (“csikósok”). The program includes four-hand driving, pony carriage, cart pulled by Hungarian grey cattle and Puszta-five where a single horseman controls a team of five horses while standing on the backs etc. A typical Hungarian lunch is served.Drive further on to Kecskemét, one of the oldest Hungarian settlements, birth place of composer Zoltán Kodály (inventor of the Kodály Method) with an important artist’s community. Be impressed by the unique Secession/Hungarian folk art mixture styled buildings the “Cifrapalota”, City Hall, and look at the House of Science and Technology which was originally built to be Synagogue. 1 hour guided city tour.(Distance 214 km) Overnight in Kecskemét.
Breakfast at the hotel.Enjoy a short sightseeing tour in Kalocsa: land of the”red gold”, more commonly known as paprika. Embark on a walking tour of the Archiepiscopal Palace incl. library, the Baroque Cathedral, Folk Art Museum and the renowned wall-paintings and embroideries of Kalocsa women.We continue to Pecs, the most romantic city of Transdanubia. Half day city tour: feel the special multicultural atmosphere of the place. If you take a nice walk in the historical downtown area you can see the mosque of Pasha Gaza Kassim – today a catholic church, City Hall, National Theatre, spectacular romantic pedestrian precincts, Cathedral, Early Christian Mausoleum-part of UNESCO World Heritage, and the world-famous Zsolnay Porcelain Museum with its ceramic exhibition. (Distance 207 km).Overnight stay in Pécs.
Breakfast at the hotel.The tour continues to Hévíz. The Lake of Hévíz is the world’s largest warm water lake with renowned curative effects that has been used as medicinal bath since 1795. The lake is covered with pink and white lotuses originating from India and Africa.We continue to Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake of Central Europe and Hungary’s most popular summer resort. We drive drive along the northern shore, amongst the cultivated slopes of Lake Balaton uplands hills. Stop at Tihany peninsula, at the fishermen’s village. You will get acquainted with the history of Benedictine Abbey, founded in 1051. After a walk along Echo Hill see the spectacular panorama of the lake.Drive to Balatonfüred, popular yachting, fishing and beach destination by the lake. It also has a large State Heart Sanatorium where Rabindranath Tagore was treated. We will walk along the Tagore promenade to see the his bust under the Linden tree planted by him on the lakeshore to the harbour.(Distance 229 km) Overnigh in Balatonfüred. Overnight at Balatonfüred.
Breakfast at the hotel.Program starts with a visit to the most famous Porcelain Manufactory of Hungary, called Herend. The art of porcelain from Herend is famous throughout Europe and across the Atlantic too. Guided tour in Mini-factory and Museum. Afterwards have coffee at the “Porcelanium” or take the opportunity to do a bit of shopping
The history of Hungary dates back to 9th century when under the leadership of Árpád, Hungarians settled on the land of Hungary. Hungarians were considered as nomadic people who moved from Ural Mountains. In 1000, King Stephen 1 created the kingdom and nation of Hungary with declaration of Christianity as its religion.
Around 1241-42, Mongols invaded the state and caused a major destruction to the country which killed half of its population. After this attack King Béla ordered the construction of strong stone castles to defend the country from future attacks. In 1526, Turkish army defeated the Hungarian army and Turks invaded the nation with full domination. It took 150 years to drive out the Turks, reunite and free the nation from the Turkish domination.
In 19th century major reforms were made. The nation went through independence revolution and in 20th century the monarchy broke down and first government was established making it the Republic of Hungary. After various wars and destruction in the course of history of Hungary, it is now a free and independent country. If you visit this nation you will still find post-communist essence and hints of old fashioned customs of Europe.
It is the capital city of Hungary and the largest one. It is considered as the most beautiful cities of Europe. The culture and history of this city is very rich which is quite visible in its architecture and landmarks. Budapest is called as the “Paris of the east” for its beauty and scenic settings. Surrounded by River Danube, this city is famous for its thermal springs and various UNESCO world heritage sites.
This lively and vivid city is a must visit if you are craving for something calm and cozy. It is unique for its cultural and intellectual heritage and is a melting pot of old traditions and new technological and industrial advances which makes it an internationally renowned city.
Debrecen is full of local museums and monuments which bring the Hungarian architecture to light. This place is unparalleled for its beauty and calmness but flourishing social life and scientific advances which keep it moving along with other cities.
Pécs is located in the south of Hungary. It is a home to the famous Zsolnay ceramics and it has large number of Turkish ruins in Hungary. It is rich in art and history which dates back to thousands of years. Being the well known university town of the nation, this place is lively and full of youngsters. In 20th century this city was converted into a industrial hub with rapids industrial transformations, thanks to its coal and uranium mines.
Today, pécs is a city of art and culture which has plethora of museums and galleries depicting its rich history and architectural beauty. It is called as the “city of grapes and wine” as it is a producer of wine for many generations. Villány, a place 60kms away from the city is a famous producer of premier red wine. This city is no doubt green, lively and rich in Hungarian culture which makes it a must visit destination.
Hungarians or the Magyars are the people who live in Hungary. They all have different physical features as they come from various backgrounds but they all are beautiful and good looking people. The fusion in the Hungarian people is prevalent through the mixture of Turkish, Slovak, German, Croatian, Serbian, Jew, Russian, and Romanian backgrounds. Even in their language you can find this interesting union.
Hungarians are very hard working people and are considered as big savers especially during difficult times. They do not believe in the concepts of credit and think that it is better to save than lend money from someone. They respect women and elders and they greet each other with pecks on both left and right cheeks. They are known for their hospitality that put extraordinary efforts to feed and care for their guests.
Hungarians are artistic people who are fond of music, art, chess, poetry and literature. They are intelligent and good in sports. Apart from this they strongly believe in family values. Hungarians also put time and investment in long term relationships and considered as very friendly. They stay committed towards their friends and expect it in return. They are so good natured that they believe it is better to find faults in themselves than in the other person.
Climate of Hungary is mild continental with warm and dry summers and cold snowy winters. January is considered as coldest with temperature going zero degrees during daytime. During summers, mercury hits 20-25 degrees, sometimes even 30 degrees. Overall it is sunny during the day. July is the warmest month of the year. Generally, the weather is best in May-September. During that time the days are warm and the nights are cool.
Lightweight cottons and linens clothing is advisable during summer months and it is best to keep an umbrella or raincoat handy for local showers. Warm clothing is preferred during winters with rainwear a must. If going to mountain regions a sweater is to be kept throughout the year for trekking in the mountains, even in the summer.
Although Hungary is a part of Europe it does not use euro as its currency that is Hungary is a bargain in comparison to other European countries. The Hungarian currency is FORINT (Ft, HUF). In hotels and tourist places they accept European currencies. There are plenty of currency exchange shops in the cities of Hungary which are easily accessible. 1 Hungarian forint equals to 0.25 Indian rupee.
For a crazy nightlife scene you must head to Budapest. It is famous for varied and lively nightlife. It has everything to offer: be it quietness of the night or the fun and cheerful bars and clubs to make you grove in the tunes of fine music. Be it young spirit or an old soul, Budapest does not fail to impress anyone.
Hungarian is the official language of Hungary. It is also spoken in the neighboring countries of Hungary like Romania, Croatia, and Serbia. The Hungarian name of this language is Magyar. Hungarian is spoken by around 13 million people because there are many Hungarian communities in Europe which speak this language. It is considered as the most complex language of Europe.
Hungary
Hungary,Budapest
Hungary
Hungary,Budapest