Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history, dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. From soaring mountains to golden sands, Eastern Europe reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures – always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.

Welcome to incredible Hungary – the land of the Magyars with its stunning architecture, vital folk art, thermal spas & Europe's most exciting capital after dark are Hungary's major drawing cards.

Arrive in the capital Budapest, which has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters & a nightlife that is unrivalled in Eastern & Central Europe.  

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Historic Overload | Cultural Dynamism | Super Structures | Folk Culture

Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city.

Despite all the history to be explored, Budapest has a youthful, vibrant feel. It is easy to get around the city on foot or by public transit.

Budapest’s beauty is not all God given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic & art nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Overall, though, Budapest has a fin de siecle feel to it, for it was then, during the capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19^th century, that most of what you see today was built.

Hungarians are rightly proud of their country’s rich cultural heritage, and the capital Budapest, with its dramatic cityscape & extraordinary buildings. The city proudly spans the left & right banks of the River Danube, thereby creating the distinct Buda & Pest districts, both of which are studded with architectural landmarks & flaunt Viennese & Parisian-inspired architecture - they don’t call Budapest “Paris of the East” for nothing.

They say the past is another country, but it’s always been just around the corner in Budapest. Witness the bullet holes & shrapnel pockmarks on buildings from WWII & the 1956 Uprising. There are sad reminders like the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial, but ones, too, of hope & reconciliation – like the 'sword' of the former secret-police building on Andrassy ut now beaten into the 'ploughshare' that is the House of Terror, with both sides of the story – left & right – told.

The 19^th century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13^th century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

The city is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been a Budapest experience since the time of the Romans. The choice of bathhouses is generous - you can choose among Turkish-era, Art Nouveau & modern establishments. Some people come seeking a cure for whatever ails them, but the majority are there for fun & relaxation - though we still maintain it’s the world’s best cure for what Hungarians call a macskajaj (cat’s wail) - hangover.

There is a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash & it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Eastern & Central Europe. Magyars may exaggerate when they say that there are 3 essential world cuisines – French, Chinese & their own. But Budapest’s reputation as a food capital dates largely from the late 19^th & the first half of the 20^th century and, despite a fallow period under Communism; the city is once again commanding attention. So, too, are Hungary's excellent wines – from Eger's complex reds & Somlo’s flinty whites to honey-sweet Tokaj.

A few days in Budapest - perhaps alongside some countryside discovery - would make for a wonderful European experience.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or depending on the time, perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Evening, proceed to the Pier (on your own) to enjoy a 1 hour sightseeing cruise on the Danube to get a riverside view of the sites you will tomorrow.

The river cruise is one of the highlights here, without a doubt. A river cruise in Budapest will let you see the most fascinating sights of the historical city of Budapest, which is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of East. On a romantic cruise on the river Danube, you will marvel at the genuine grace & beauty of century old Budapest.

The evening sightseeing cruise is combined with a sound & vision show. The boat departs from the Pier in the centre of Budapest and makes a loop around the city. Live music will set the mood as you glide past the capital city’s stunning backdrop.

Admire Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listed urban panorama & notable sights showcased along the river, and you will have a front-row seat to admire the glowing Buda Castle Quarter, the Freedom Monument & Andrassy Avenue. You will also pass the Gellert Baths, where Hungarians & visitors alike come to swim & relax, as well as the Chain Bridge - a suspension bridge that spans the river and connects Buda and Pest connects the eastern Buda & western Pest.

As you cruise along , enchanted by the illuminated sights, famous personalities from the Hungarian history, kings, queens, poets, inventors  will come alive & even the Danube tells you legendary stories about the town. Through TV screens you will be able to look behind the walls of the buildings passing by & admire the hidden interiors.

The Cruise ends and you will return to the hotel (on your own).

Balance of evening is free. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  

Morning at 09:00 am, you will be picked up for a 8 hour sightseeing tour of this gothic city.

Budapest is a truly exciting city, shaped by both ancient & modern history and where Eastern & Western culture meets.

First stop will be the picturesque Chain Bridge, arguably the most striking of all the 7 road bridges that span the Danube.

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is a chain bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda & Pest, the western & eastern sides and is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.

The city's oldest twin-towered Bridge, named in honour of its initiator, Istvan Szechenyi, was actually built by Scotsman Adam Clark, who enjoys one of the few places reserved for foreigners in the Hungarian panoply of heroes. The Bridge opened in 1849, was unique for 2 reasons - it was the first link between Buda & Pest and the nobility – previously exempt from all taxation – had to pay up like everybody else to use it.

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest & Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube. It is one of the symbolic buildings of Budapest, the most widely known bridge of the beautiful Hungarian capital. Before it was built, the river could be crossed only by ferry or by a pontoon bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.

Continue along the pedestrian 'Promenade' of the Bridge with great views of Gellert Hill & Castle Hill on the opposite bank.  Stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque & Hungarian motifs.

Hop back into the car, crossing over the Danube via Margaret Bridge & drive over to Buda side where the Royal Castle is located. Make a stop in the Castle District & walk around the important sights of this area.

Get to know the Buda Castle District from the first stone set to the modern day version we see today! Through this guided tour you will learn all about the history of the Buda Castle District.

The Castle District encompasses Castle Hill (Varhegy) – nerve centre of Budapest’s history & packed with many of the capital’s most important museums & other attractions – as well as ground-level Vízivaros (Watertown). What the latter lacks in sights it makes up for in excellent restaurants, many of them around Szell Kalman ter, a major transport hub & the centre of urban Buda. Major changes are afoot, as the government aims to consolidate Castle Hill as the seat of power & the Hungarian National Gallery is eventually due to move to a purpose-built facility in City Park.

Walk through the small cobblestone streets & squares stopping at historical points feeling the medieval aspects from the first stone laid to the present day evolution and the roles it played throughout the Hungarian history.

Reminiscence how the Castle Hill was originally built & designed and how the area has been used over the centuries by many different cultures & nations. Learn how the Castle District survived & helped its inhabitants defend & live through invasions & occupations for centuries.

Walk to the Matthias Church dating back 500 years, with its stories & legends. Parts of Matthias Church, notably the carvings above the southern entrance, but essentially the church itself (named after King Matthias Corvinus who married Queen Beatrix here in 1474) are a neo-Gothic confection designed by the architect Frigyes Schulek in 1896.

Steps in the northwest corner of the Church lead up to the Royal Oratory & the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art (Matyas-templom Egyhazmuveszeti Gyutemenye), contain ornate monstrances, reliquaries & chalices, plus replicas of the Crown of St Stephen & other items of the coronation regalia including the coronation throne. Ascending the 200 odd steps of the steeple will bring you to the top of the Panoramic Tower (Torony Panorama) with stunning views of the city.

After visiting the Church, walk down Tarnok Utca to the Royal Palace & the National Gallery, devoted exclusively to Hungarian Art.

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Organ concerts take place in the Church on certain evenings (usually Friday & Sunday at 7pm or 7.30pm), continuing a tradition dating from 1867 when Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Coronation Mass was first played here for the coronation of Franz Joseph & Elizabeth, the beloved queen affectionately known as 'Sissi'. The current 7000-pipe organ was built in 1909.

Admire the views from the famous lookout towers of Fishermen's Bastion.

The neo-Gothic bastion with a medieval masquerade offering some of the best views in Budapest was built as a viewing platform in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek, the architect behind Matthias Church. Its name was taken from the medieval guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the castle wall. The 7 gleaming white turrets represent the Magyar tribes that entered the Carpathian Basin in the late 9^th century.

Next, drive on to the Gellert Hill (Citadel) & enjoy a breathtaking view of the city on a brief stop for memorable pictures.

Standing atop Gellert Hill & proclaiming freedom throughout the city is the lovely Liberty Monument, Budapest’s most visible statue. Lady Liberty looks down on the Taban, a leafy, once very Serbian neighbourhood dating to the 17^th century. Today the greater area is home to the prestigious Budapest University of Technology & Economics (BME) & its students, which can only mean cheap eateries & a decent nightlife. The main thoroughfare, Bartok Bela ut, is fast laying claim to being the 'happening' part of south Buda – around here you will find trendy cafes, a wine bar & vegetarian / vegan eateries.

Drive back to Pest through Elisabeth Bridge & get acquainted with Pest, the Paris of the East! Discover the original charm & lively character of this inspiring part of the city as you explore the most exciting spots in Eastern Budapest, stopping ‘briefly’ to admire architectural masterpieces along with a few well-kept local secrets. You will see ‘some’ of the main sights.

See the popular Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) building, designed by Gustav Eiffel. Head up to the 1^st floor for Hungarian folk costumes, dolls, painted eggs, embroidered tablecloths, carved hunting knives & other souvenirs.

Completed in 1897, this is Budapest's biggest market, though it has become a tourist magnet since its renovation for the millecentenary celebrations in 1996. This cavernous 3 story market teems with people browsing stalls packed with everything from salamis & red-paprika chains to folk embroideries and souvenirs.

Gourmets will appreciate the Hungarian & other treats available here for less than they would pay in the shops on nearby Vaci utca: shrink-wrapped and potted foie gras, garlands of dried paprika, souvenir sacks & tins of paprika powder & as many kinds of honey as you would care to name.

Drive down leafy Andrassy Avenue to downtown Pest passing by the Hungarian Opera House & the impressive St Stephen’s Basilica & the largest Synagogue of Europe & Budapest’s beloved City Park.

A brief stop at Hosok tere (Heroes' Square) the largest & most symbolic Square dominated by the Millenary Monument (Ezereves emlekmu), a 36m high pillar topped by a golden Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian crown & a cross.

It was designed in 1896 to mark the 1000^th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin. At the column's base are statues of Prince Arpad & 6 other Magyar chieftains who occupied the Carpathian Basin in the late 9^th century. The other 14 Statues in the colonnades behind, are of rulers & statesmen - from King Stephen (far left) to Lajos Kossuth (far right).

Drive by Budapest Zoo & Szechenyi Baths, the largest thermal Spa complex in Europe & probably Budapest’s most popular baths. The outdoor section is stunning, but it gets quite busy. Iconic "sparties" take place here on some Saturday nights.

Last stop will be the highlight of the day - the impressive neo-gothic architecture of House of Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest's left bank.

Discover Hungary's largest building on this guided tour & see some of Budapest’s finest architectural achievements such as the splendid Session Room, the Great Vaulted Hall & impressive central staircase.

The magnificent Hungarian Parliament was built between 1885 & 1902 along the Danube embankment built by 1,000 workers & was for a long time the world’s largest parliamentary building. With 691 rooms & staircases stretching for more than 12 miles (20 kilometers), the building is topped by a vast elegant central dome soaring 226 feet (69 meters) into the sky. Ornamented with white neo-gothic turrets & arches, spacious arcades & high windows, the Parliament is one of the city’s most outstanding landmarks

Its regal exterior has become an iconic site in the city’s panorama & the interior hosts the Holy Crown of Hungary.

The Tour-guide will lead you through the Session Room, the central staircase & the Great Vaulted Hall & you are free to ask questions as you travel from room to room & learn more about the last 1000 years of Hungarian history.

Finish with the Parliament & walk to the nearby City Centre, an area full of stately old buildings, grand avenues & innumerable tiny streets, where the sightseeing concludes (the Tour-guide will leave you here after offering advice you need, if any).

Walk to the stately & sprawling Liberty Square (Szabadsag ter). In the Square's center,  remains a gold hammer & sickle atop a white stone obelisk, one of the few monuments to the Russian 'liberation' of Budapest in 1945.

From here we walk to one of the liveliest places in Budapest, Vorosmarty Ter - a large pedestrian-only Square at the north end of Budapest's best known shopping street - Vaci Utca, - which has undergone a full transformation over the last 10 years.

You will return to the hotel on your own.

Balance of day is free. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight. B

Today, you have the full day at leisure for independent explorations. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

You have a lot to discover in Budapest. From a vibrant & eclectic nightlife (check out the ruin pubs, housed in formerly abandoned buildings) to great shopping & plenty of architectural landmarks to visit

Overnight.  B 

Morning at 07.00 am, depart for the town of Eger, enroute visiting Szentendre & Holloko.

Reach the lovely town of Szentendre by 09.00 am & commence a ‘walking’ tour of the enchanting town with a rich history.

The charming little town  riverside town in Pest county along the 'Danube Bend', is known for its well-preserved houses on narrow cobble-stoned streets, charming Squares, Serb temples, dozens of art museums, galleries & artists, churches.- an ethnographic museum showcasing real village life.

The location was largely uninhabited until the arrival of Hungarians in the 10^th century, but had been entirely depopulated during the Ottoman conquest of Hungary in the 16^th century. Under the Romans, it was called Ulcisia Castra, meaning Wolf Castle. During the Great Turkish War (1683-1699), Serbs have participated in the war on the Christian side, alongside Germans & Austrians, but the aftermath of the war did not provide liberation for the Serbs, and many have been forced to flee from Kosovo & southern regions of Serbia in fear of Turkish revenge. Home to the Serbs who settled here during the 14^th - 17^th centuries when Austrian emperor Leopold I allowed Serbian refugees to cross the Danube.

Most of the Serbs who survived First & Second World Wars have migrated back to Serbia. There are now less than a hundred Serbs inhabiting the city & the connection with Serbian culture has, unfortunately, practically disappeared. Today the town's best-known inhabitants are artists & small galleries that can be found on every street corner.

Today, it is the south European atmosphere with baroque architecture, churches of various faiths, narrow side streets & cobblestone roads characterizes this town.

Szentendre boasts a well-preserved 18^th century Baroque townscape. Old but well-kept merchant houses encircle Main Square like the block on the eastern side of the square that was rebuilt under the same roof after a fire. Winding streets lead off from the Main Square packed with architectural masterpieces, museums, restaurants, cafes & souvenir shops.

As an art colony turned lucrative tourist centre, Szentendre strikes many travellers as a little too 'cute' & hosts a vibrant collection of artists & a large selection of contemporary art galleries & museums have formed there, as a result. A nearby artists’ quarter houses many of the great minds behind the works on display. The main square, Fo Ter, & the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums & shops.

Out of the 9 churches of Szentendre the Baroque-Rococo Greek-Orthodox Blagovestenska Church is the best known, built in the mid18^th century by settlers living in the Greek quarter next to the church. Above its wooden gate frescoes of St Helene and St Constantine greet you while inside you can admire the remarkable iconostase.

You will experience a Mediterranean atmosphere that few other Hungarian settlements offer. No wonder that lots of artists come to find inspiration & work here and so today the town's best-known inhabitants are artists & small galleries that can be found on every street corner.

You will have an hour to stroll briefly through this gorgeous little town.

Go inside one of the most visited museum of Hungary - Margit Kovacs Museum - a tiny jewel-box. Housed in a baroque merchant house, it features charming ceramic works representing a combination of traditional folk life with a modern touch, visions of goodness, beauty & humanity. Margit Kovacs was born in 1902 & originally wished to become a graphic artist but later became interested in ceramics. In her 20s, she went to study in Vienna with a very famous Austrian ceramic artist. Then, she studied clay modelling in Munich & mastered the art of modelling with chamotte clay to make figurines.

Hop on the vehicle & continue your drive.

Reach Holloko, a UNESCO World Heritage listed Paloc ethnographic village inhabited by approximately 650 people.

The Cserhat Hills may not be graced with soaring peaks (none of them is higher than 650m), but they are cloaked in a rich folk-culture tapestry belonging to the Paloc people. Holloko (Raven Rock), a two-street village nestled in a tranquil valley, is the epicentre.

Holloko is an outstanding example of a deliberately preserved traditional settlement. This village, which developed mainly during the 17^th - 18^th centuries, is a living example of rural life before the agricultural revolution of the 20^th century.

The rural architectural ensemble, which covers 145 ha, consists of 55 residential buildings, farm buildings & the church. Together, the traditional Paloc use of architectural forms & materials form a harmonious unit with the surrounding landscape & natural environment, characterized by strip-field farming, orchards, vineyards, meadows & woods.

What sets this picturesque village apart from others is the 'Old Village' where 50 little white houses on cobbled streets have been listed & declared historic monuments. Throughout time, Holloko has managed to preserve its unique ethnographic and folk art values.

Atop the nearby hill we can view what remains of a 13^th century castle that was blown up by the Hapsburgs. This castle played a decisive part in the feudal wars of the Paloc & the Hussite and served as protection for the village whose ruins have been found a little way from its walls.

At the end of the Ottoman occupation (1683) the Castle & the village were finally abandoned & the present village established which evolved gradually. As was customary in the region, the first generation of inhabitants settled on either side of the main street. In this one-street village, subsequent generations built their houses at the back of the narrow family plots, thus progressively enlarging the built-up area. The barns were built apart from the village, on the edges of the fields, according to Palocz custom. The village has burned to the ground many times since the 13^th century (most recently in 1909), but the residents have always rebuilt their houses exactly to plan in traditional wattle & daub.

In 1782, Holloko was still a typical one-street village. Later, a second street developed to the east of the main street. A plan from 1885 shows that the topography was already like that of the present-day plan: the amount of cultivated land had reached its maximum by the mid19^th century & the village could therefore grow no further. Growth is now strictly controlled.

Spend an hour here & drive on to your final destination.

Reach the town of Eger, situated in the Eger Valley between the Bukk & Matra Hills, by afternoon.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Eger is a city in northern Hungary. Everyone loves Eger & it is immediately apparent why. Filled with beautifully preserved baroque buildings, Eger (pronounced 'egg-air') is a jewellery box of a town with loads to see & do. Eger is one of Hungary’s most famous towns, characterised by superior wines, natural healing water springs & noteworthy monuments.

Eger has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the early Middle Ages the area was inhabited by German, Avar & Slavonic tribes. Taken over by the Hungarians in the 10^th century, Eger reached an age of prosperity during the 14^th - 16^th centuries. Wine growing, for which the town is still famous, began to be important at that time.

During the Turkish occupation of Central Hungary, Eger became an important border fortress, successfully defended by Hungarian forces in the 1552 Siege of Eger, in the face of overwhelming odds. Eger is influenced by Christian culture (around the time King Stephen made Christianity the religion of the nation) & Turkish culture, Baroque & Classicist architecture.

The town has a charming medieval atmosphere, where a thousand-year-old castle, 38 temple towers & hills with vineyards provide a compelling backdrop.

Eger is Hungary’s historical wine region. The region’s grape & viniculture dates back nearly 1,000 years. The best place to try exceptional wines in Eger is in the Valley of Beautiful Women (Szepasszony volgy). Here you will find more than 200 producers, some of the best wines in Hungary, assembled along one of the country’s most famous wine cellar routes. Naturally, you can also taste wines at the many wine bars, restaurants & wineries around Eger.

Eger is more famous for Red Bull's Blood (Egri Bikaver) wine, its medieval library & having the northernmost minaret in Europe. There are still many accessible sites & much charm to the narrow streets, arcaded buildings, wrought-iron gates, Baroque towers & domes of the Old Town. This is the perfect walking city with something interesting at every turn. The nearby peaks of some of Hungary's highest mountains provide a natural backdrop for this city's historic monuments.

A small town's scenery & a big city's program variety is very charmingly mixed in Eger. At its heart is elegant, tree-lined Kossuth Lajos Street. Buildings along this stretch include County Hall, with its fine wrought-iron gate, and Eszterhazy Karoly College, crowned by the Astronomical Tower. Across the Eger River, medieval Eger Castle overlooks the city. On its grounds, the Istvan Dobo Castle Museum has a picture gallery & exhibits on the castle’s history.

The courtyards in the city centre are unique features of Eger. Instead of just a pedestrian street Eger has - a pedestrian city centre! 

First time visitors only notice the little winding streets. However, the locals more often, walk in the spaces among the house-blocks, too. What are these inner courtyards famous for?

Fellner courtyard got its name from the nearby street the peculiarity of which is that it was created "accidentally". During the construction of the Lyceum (school), temporary accommodation with small alleys / passageways in the front (some covered), was built for the workers, who continued to stay there even after the school building had been completed.

Some alleys were later was widened into streets due to the increased traffic while some remained in the original shape. For example, it is worth looking up when entering the ornamented gateway of the Fellner courtyard because 2 of the ceilings of the gateways are decorated with frescoes.

Perhaps Erzsebet courtyard has the nicest atmosphere with a playground & a statue of a fishing eagle in it. The iconic view from here is immortalised by being depicted on picture postcards as well, mainly the Baroque house with the arched balcony in front & the towers of the Minorite church in the background.

As the bad weather passes the festival season starts in Eger as well! During the year there are plenty of cultural, gastronomical & musical festivals: Spring Festival, Egri Csillag (Star of Eger) Weekend, Palinka festival, Beer festival, Street musician festival & the most famous one that cannot be missed: Egri Bikaver (Bull's Blood) Wine Celebration, every year the same time.

In Eger & the surroundings, there are plenty of good small producers, savour their produce & discover the markets on a fresh morning. Enjoy fresh fruit & vegetables at your breakfast.

During your free time, be sure to check out the Chimney Cake shop, among many options, that has been working for 15 years in the city centre on Szent Janos Street (meaning fragrant street thanks to the fragrance of cinnamon & vanilla of the freshly baked cake wafting in the air). The Chimney Cake is made using a traditional Transylvanian recipe with walnut, cinnamon, cocoa, coconut & hazelnut topping.

The gastronomical offerings in Eger are amazing with a wide variety of restaurants, bistros, cafes. In summertime, the city becomes one big restaurant because of the many small terraces.

You can choose restaurants based on your mood or for the view. You can try fine dining delicacies or street food variations. You can eat fast or slow enjoying the flavours just to your liking. The cool thing in Eger is that everything is within walking distance so you do not have to abandon even wine tasting.

Overnight.  B D 

Meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed on a 3 hour walking tour.

First stop will be Eger Castle with its Museum & underground casements.

The legend of Eger & of the castle of Eger was born by the heroic resistance in 1552 where Captain Istvan Dobo & his troops repelled the attack of the 30 times bigger Sultan's army led by Achmed pasha - chief commander. This victory is celebrated every year at the beginning of August by Border Castle historical festival.

The Castle of Eger is a construction of great historical importance & was built in the second half of the 13^th century following the Mongolo-Tartarian attacks when it used to be a knight castle. King Saint Istvan made Eger a seat of the 10 bishoprics.

The first Cathedral, in ruins now, used to stand on the site of the present Castle & the historic centre of the town was built around it. The remains of the cathedral can be seen on the so called "Rotunda" in the Castle. According to a legend, King Saint Istvan personally watched the construction works of the Castle from Kiralyszeke (King's Chair) hill.

Explore the bloody history of Turkish occupation & defeat at the hilltop Castle. Climb up cobbled Var koz from Tinodi Sebestyen ter to reach the Castle.

Walking on the grounds, visualising the circumstances the warriors defended the Castle in, Hungarians can recall the victorious fight of their forefathers against the Ottoman empire.

An exciting exhibition can be seen about the history of the Castle in the 1^st floor of the former Gothic Bishop's Palace. Models, drawings & artefacts such as armour & Turkish uniforms in the Castle History Exhibition, painlessly explain the Castle's story. On the eastern side of the complex are foundations of the Gothic 12^th century St John’s Cathedral.

Wander the castle grounds & have a look at the creepy dungeon nearby Enter the castle casements, hewn from solid rock, via the nearby Dark Gate.

Below the Bishop’s Palace a statue of local hero Istvan Dobo takes pride of place in Heroes’ Hall. The terrace of the renovated Dobo Bastion (1549), which collapsed in 1976, offers stunning views of the town; it now hosts changing exhibits. You can also listen to an organ performance at the colossal basilica; or relax in a renovated Turkish bath.

There are only 3 surviving Ottoman era minarets in Hungary. Torok Kori Minaret in Eger is the highest & best preserved of them. In 2016, a Turkish Muslim resident of Eger was permitted to call the Muslim prayer from the minaret balcony after 327 years. Visitors are allowed to climb the minaret;

Eger is famous for its delicious wines & historic wine region.  It is lesser known that the famous viniculture of Eger was established by Italian & Vallon settlers in the 1200s. According to a legend, a handful of Hungarian troops managed to be successful over a vastly bigger Turkish army is because they drank the blood of a bull. Wine was already being made in Eger in the 16^th century & later the tax payed for the Archdiocese could be paid in wine, too.

Excellent wines can be found in Eger & the top venue for tasting wine is the evocatively named Szepasszony-valley (Valley of the Beautiful Woman) not too far from the city center.

There are several versions regarding the origin of the name of the valley. According to Ferenc Bako, an ethnographer "Beautiful Woman" was a goddess of the ancient religion, a Venus-like figure, goddess of love to whom sacrifice was offered at this place. Peasants used it to refer to a really nice woman who sold fine wine in one of the cellars. Others say that the valley got its name after a cute lady of a noble villa here.

There is no other settlement in Hungary where there are so many underground tunnels & cellars like in Eger. More than 150 wine cellars located in neat rows covering almost 130 km are carved into rock at Szepasszony-valley.

But these cellars were not made at the same time, with the same purpose. There are cellars that were cut for storing wine, some were used for defense purposes, while the buildings of the Baroque city centre were partly built from tuff blocks extracted from below the surface.

Ballads about the quality of the wines available here have been sung by several acclaimed Hungarian poets: Sandor Petofi, Mihaly Vorosmarty & Sandor Marai as well.

Visit Szepasszony-valley, find your favourite wine & enjoy the magic of the place because there is some mystic quiet, charm & serenity here inspired by the past, art of viticulture & joyfulness of the locals.

Next, spend time traipsing from cellar to cellar, find your favourite wine & enjoy the magic of the place, tasting the celebrated ruby-red Bull's Blood (Egri Bikaver) or any of the whites – leanyka, olaszrizling & harslevelu – from nearby Debro straight from the cask. The choice can be daunting, so walk around first & have a look.

Flanked by northern Hungary's most inviting range of hills, the Bukk, Eger also provides nearby opportunities for hiking & other outdoor excursions.

The Tour concludes & balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

Later in the evening, meet the Journeys Rep & proceed to enjoy an experience synonymous with Hungary.

Good news for bathing fans! Eger is an elegant bath town. The water related buildings are worth visiting  even for their architecture but it is much more interesting to discover what is inside, to cool down in the summer heat (or even in winter cold).

Fancy a Hammam?

Eger has miraculous thermal water spring. The many Baths with individual character & services in Eger & vicinity, recall the peaceful times & there are now 2 more big swimming pools built over the thermal springs. There is also a health-park & a unique Turkish Hammam.

There are Thermal Baths & there is a Turkish Hammam.

Today, let us enjoy the Hammam experience.

The Wellness treatment in the Turkish Hammam in Egar is like time travel into the past: the oldest pool inside, simply called the Turkish pool, was built in 1610.

Visiting a Turkish bath for hygiene also denotes wellness & beautification. The essence of the Hammam is to completely cleanse / defoliate the skin, then rub it with perfumes made according to a Turkish recipe, to beautify the guest. A real Turkish Hammam, not only cleanses, but the high humidity of the warm air relaxes the muscles, stimulates blood circulation and destroys harmful bacteria & pathogens. Hammam massages, which are actually cleansing ceremonies reminiscent of Turkish bath culture, are extremely popular. In addition to the usual refreshing, soothing & therapeutic massages, guests can also try more exotic traditional Turkish massages.

The Turkish Bath dates back several centuries. The Turkish Basin called the Big Mirror Pool was built between 1610 & 1617, during the Turkish occupation, making it the oldest part of the basin. The rest of the Spa was gradually added to the original edifice over the centuries. A remarkable sight is the ornamented golden dome, renovated in 1980 & covered with about 200,000 gilded mosaics.

The Spa features not only the original Turkish-style pools (ilijia), but also a Hammam (massage, steam, pouring bath) reminiscent of Turkish bathing.

What makes it special is that the rare radon healing water of the Bath is the only one left in rural Hungary. The Bath, which evokes an authentic Turkish atmosphere inside & out, features 6 swimming pools and high-quality wellness & medical services.

The rare healing water of the Bath is the only one left in rural Hungary. 3 of the Pools are fed by their own ‘thermal’ spring with the medicinal water with radon content bubbling up from the springs under the sparsely laid artificial stone tiles on the floor.

Such medicinal water is quite rare. Its healing effects have long been known in medicine & are used worldwide. Radon enters the body partly through the skin & partly through inhalation producing endorphins which have a beneficial effect on our well-being.  Radon has an anti-inflammatory & analgesic effect by stimulating the immune system, as well as dilation of blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure & relieving rheumatic pains & circulatory disorders.

Radon gas infused water must be used fresh on site for medical purposes as it gets dissolved during the activity. Radon is completely eliminated from the body within 3 days. In some places, radon gas bursts in significantly larger amounts, along with other gas bubbles. In the Turkish Bath of Eger, this lucky double radon gas burst can be detected & the skin-neutral temperature of 30-32° C is used to treat cardio-vascular ailments.

The bathing culture of the Mohammedans was based on religion & the purpose of bathing played an important role. In the traditional Turkish Hammam, men & women were strictly separated from the beginning, so separate Baths were built or visited alternately by ladies & gentlemen. The walls & floors of the Baths were heated with heated water or, as in Eger, with thermal water. To achieve a temperature of 50 degrees & 100% humidity, the rooms were occasionally watered.

Immerse yourself, giving a try to all the 6 pools of the Hammam, get pampered by the various massages & then recharge in the sauna & steam bath. This gentle steam is weaker than in a sauna.

You can stay in the Turkish Bath for 2.5 hours because of the radon content of the water. A basic 50 minute Therapeutic massage in included. Special Massage technique targets painful, problem areas. It relaxes the muscles, reduces back & spine pain, and as the metabolism increases, the body's waste products leave faster. Massage has a lasting effect on your physical & mental health as it reduces the feeling of fatigue leading to a relaxed & calm feeling (some say even a disease-preventing effect).

Walk back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B D

Early morning, depart for Pecs situated in Southern Transdanubia, a region of undulating hills, forest clad ridges & rural ambience.

Traveling parallel to the Danube River for much of the journey along a rural landscape, the route takes you past Budapest & Paks.

Paks is a small town in central Hungary, on the right bank of the Danube. Not a tourist town, it is home to the only Hungarian nuclear power plant, which provides for about 40% of the country's electricity consumption. It was an agricultural settlement & has some Roman ruins.

Arrive in Pecs by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

With an illustrious past, the ancient Pecs, lying at the foot of the Mecsek mountain close to the Croatian border in southern Hungary, is the 5^th largest city in Hungary. One of Hungary’s most beautiful city, Pecs has long prospered as a multicultural epicenter, the peaceful union of Hungarians, Croatians, Serbians, Germans & other ethnic groups garnering it the nickname “the Borderless City.”

Lying equidistant from the Danube to the east & the Drava to the south on a plain sheltered from the northern winds by the hills & blessed with a microclimate that lengthens the summer, it is ideal for viticulture & fruit production especially almonds. Yes, it is a city that invites wandering on sultry, cardigan-only evenings, but it is just as alluring in the winter - particularly when there is an illuminated Christmas tree & festive stalls doling out cups of heartwarming mulled wine.

The city’s roots stretch back more than 2,000 years, when it was first settled by the Celts. The city has been the point of intersection of many eras, religions & political views. The Romans founded Pecs in the 2^nd century AD. By the 4^th century the area, called Sopianae, was an important Christian center in the Roman Province of Pannonia. Since its time as the capital of the Valeria province under the Roman Empire, the city has maintained its historic cultural heritage.

Excavations began 2 centuries ago & have revealed the largest collections of sepulchral monuments in Central Europe. Romans built a series of tombs, burial chambers, chapels & a mausoleum. It is known for its architectural landmarks such as the 4^th century UNESCO World Heritage listed Christian Necropolis. Early Christian Mausoleum, which features interesting frescoed tombs showcasing the art of an ancient civilization.

The place is quite multifaceted, hosting early Christian monuments, a beautiful mosque, a basilica, a fantastic ceramic factory & even a cool contemporary building, a number of fine museums.  Also famous for its Zsolnay ceramics & Turkish ruins, Pecs is a popular destination for visitors interested in history & culture.

With a handful of universities, the nearby Mecsek Hills & a lively nightlife, many travellers put it second only to Budapest on their Hungary ‘must-see’ list. Although it delightfully lacks an intense, overwhelming sense of bustle, it is polished & subdued, teeming with densely built-up streets of elegant Baroque structures & ancient artistic treasures that helped make it - as well as Essen & Istanbul - a 2010 European Capital of Culture. This honor spawned an impressive slate of urban developments for Pecs, from the revitalization of parks & squares to the creation of the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter.

Pecs was always a multicultural city where many cultural layers are encrusted melting different values of the history. Hungarians, Croatians & Swabians still live in peace together in economic & cultural polarity. In 1998 Pecs was given the UNESCO prize “Cities for Peace” for maintaining the cultures of the minorities and also for its tolerant & helping attitude toward refugees of the Balkan Wars.

Later, take advantage of the opportunity to visit some of the magnificent fragments of history & culture that are interwoven in this beautiful city & enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town (unguided - on your own).  

There is much to explore as you stroll through the main Square & inner city. Some of the landmarks you can visit are listed below. 

You can observe Pecs’ Early Christian heritage from several points.

Gawk at one of Hungary’s most impressive churches, the 11^th  century St. Peter & Paul’s Cathedral Basilica which several incarnations later , is graced by a mighty collection of Romanesque sculptures.

Built during the reign of Stephen I, the building we see today is from 1880 & combines gothic, renaissance, romanticism, rococo & classicism elements. With its Romanesque design, this Cathedral is a symbol of Hungarian history. It is dominated by four 60 meter towers & has remained an important feature of the city for hundreds of years. Do not forget to go all the way up one of the towers. It is a steep climb, but the views are sure are worth the trouble.

If you think the exterior is cool, wait until you go inside. Walls are painted in gold, blue & red in what some call organized chaos. Divided by a splendid arch, the altar features frescoes by Hungarian artist Bertalan Szekely & others. There is also an interesting manual organ.

In the 16^th century, it was converted into a Turkish mosque before finally being claimed once again as a place of Christian worship, representing the years of cultural change within Hungary.

Sopianae, the predecessor to the city of Pecs, was inhabited by the Romans & included a Christian cemetery that many people still choose to visit today. An ever popular attraction, Sopianae, along with its Early Christian Mausoleum, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the category of culture-historical architecture. Discovered during renovation works in 1975, this Roman burial site dates back to the 4^th century. The burial chambers are home to a finely decorated twin grave as well as including fascinating murals which depict such characters as Adam & Eve, the Tree of Life & the Prophet Daniel.

The Turks’ powerful hold on Pecs for almost 200 years is most brilliantly revealed through the impressive Mosque of Pasha Qasim, a green copper-domed relic from the Ottoman Empire, constructed by Pasha Gazi Qasim after Turkish occupation of Hungary in the 16^th century. The Mosque is the best example of Ottoman architecture in Hungary. According to many, the mosque was as beautiful as the famous Yavuz Selim Mosque in Istanbul.

Of course, most Mosques were converted into Catholic places of worship as soon as they left. In fact, the Pasha Quasim Mosque became the Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1702 that we see today. However, the exterior looks exactly the same as it did when it was first constructed.

With its ogee windows & a mihrab, the building still contains many original features & elements of Ottoman design. Visitors can even find poems from the Koran written on the walls. This unique building incorporates both Christian & Islamic design, as illustrated through the combined symbols of the crescent moon & the cross on the top of the dome. The minaret was destroyed in 1766.

Across from the cathedral is the petite Csontvary Museum, where up a grand staircase patrons find rooms solely dedicated to the poetic, large-scale works of Tivadar Csontvary Kosztka, (1856-1919), one of Hungary’s most significant Hungarian artists. Opened in 1973 & set in a Neo-Renaissance building, this Museum takes visitors on a chronological journey through Csontvary’s artistic career. Although his work was only recognized 5 years after his death, this Gallery seeks to emphasise his stylistic choices & inspirations. The exhibitions present everything; from the artist’s study drawings to his many paintings. Presented works include the ‘Baalbek’ which is the largest solar road painting in the world.

The landscapes from this quirky Hungarian pharmacist turned painter from the 19^th & early 20^th centuries are especially rich. However, the most noteworthy piece of art held by the Gallery & probably the artist’s best known work would be the ‘Lone Cedar’. But there are also vintage & politically charged exhibitions from modern-day artists like drMarias to peruse, maybe even followed by a live jazz performance.

Zsolnay Fountain, a notable landmark, serves as a commemoration to Vilmos Zsolnay. A city famous for its Zsolnay ceramics, there is no better way to spend time in Pecs than by visiting the monument dedicated to their designer. The fountain was donated to Pecs in 1908 by Zsolnay’s son Miklos & designed by Andor Pilch in 1909. However, it was not erected until 1930 & can now be found in front of the Hospitaller Church, standing at 4 meters tall. Two sides of the fountain present the coats of arms of the city whilst the emblem of the Zsolnay factory graces the remaining sides. The most iconic part of the monument is the 4 ox heads which release drinkable water.

Beyond fine art, Pecs is synonymous with the decorative arts, specifically porcelain from the storied Zsolnay ceramics factory founded in 1853. In fact, lustrous tiles produced here went on to decorate several Art Nouveau buildings in beautiful Subotica & across the country, like Budapest’s Museum of Applied Arts. There are 88 Zsolnay statues spread around. 

Wander around the cool Zsolnay Cultural Quarter which used to be the place where the Zsolnay family produced their world famous ceramics for ages.

The complex mostly made of bricks & colorful ceramic tiles actually encompasses 15 buildings, including a historic 5 hectares porcelain factory & a Museum introducing a range of Zsolnay ornate products. The highlight of the complex is the Golden Age of the Zsolnay-Gyugyi Collection, where many intricate vases shimmer with textured eosin glaze.

The complex is very popular with the young & creative crowd who while the day away in a maze of promenades, greenery & well-preserved buildings on the grounds of the original Zsolnay factory. MCXVI Architects revamped the Quarter from 2008 to 2012 & slightly modified the original structures. The Quarter has 3 headlined areas: arts & crafts, creativity & family and university.

Pecs is home to a huge range of restaurants offering delicious traditional & modern Hungarian cuisine. From historically intriguing restaurants to modern, award winning dining experiences, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. Indulge in delicious Hungarian cakes & a traditional meal.

For lunch, you may try the lovely Zsolnay Restaurant & Cafe, where freshly baked potato bread whets the appetite for sweet-potato cream soup & steak salad spruced up by balsamic-Dijon mustard vinaigrette & a smattering of Grana Padano.

Tettye Park & Ruins are located on a 250m high plateau & offers fantastic views of the city, ruins, a cave, a natural spring, a chapel & 4.5 hectares of green nature. The Tettye Ruins used to be the summer palace of Bishop Gyorgy Szathmary, then used as a dervish monastery during the Turkish rule in the 16^th century.  There is the the Tettye Lime Cave with an interactive exhibition inside. To the east of the Park is Havihegy, a white lime rock that tops Tettye. Climb up & walk to the Havigey Chapel, built to remember the plague of 1690.  Walk a little further towards Pinter Garden & reach the Tuke Wine House, where you can try more than 50 local wines & champagne!

The Bath of Pasha Memi located in a 1880 baroque dwelling house is the oldest surviving & functional Turkish bath in Pecs. It was excavated & renovated in 1970s. There is also an exhibition of artifacts informing visitors about Turkish Spas within Hungary.

Newest addition to Pecs architectural panorama is the slick Kodaly Centre, built as part of the 2010 European Capital of Culture project.

The Centre designed by Ferenc Csagoly & Ferenc Keller & opened in 2010 has been acclaimed as one of the best music venues in Hungary & even Central Europe. The 11000m2 Concert & Conference Center with its technological & musical advancement is home to the renowned Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra. Many artists have played within its Concert hall, including the Kronos Quartet & Al di Meola. The centre is adapted to hold a number of different music genres, from opera to pop. Visitors can take part in guided tours around the venue as well as chose to attend a performance (if there is one on your day of visit).

The perennially clogged Kiraly Street, surrounded by baroque style buildings, is the buzzing heart of Pecs attracts both tourists & the party-loving youth who attend the University of Pecs, Hungary’s first university.  The Palatinus Hotel with its Art Nouveau style is especially striking. Very popular, it is home to a number of stylish shops & cafes and close to most of the main attractions.

You may pay respects to the statue-adorned National Theatre of Pecs then pop into Cooltour Cafe, a cozy lair with mid-century furniture, for a nightcap of plum palinka, Hungary’s indigenous fruit brandy.

Overnight.  B D 

Morning at 09.00 am, proceed for a 6 hour excursion to visit the historic towns of Siklos & Villany, driving along the spanking new M6 Motorway, as good as any German autobahn.

Reach Siklos, is a small town of 10,000 inhabitants, a stone’s throw from the Croatian frontier & in the midst of one of Hungary’s greatest wine routes.

Inhabited since Roman times, each subsequent authority - Hungarians, Turks, Austrians - added their own edifices & architectural stamps, creating an architectural goulash as varied & rich as the Hungarians themselves.

The town also celebrates its diverse cultural inheritance; it has a restored15^th century mosque, the only one of its kind in Hungary, a Serbian Orthodox Church celebrating the legacy of Hungary’s once-vibrant Serbian community and Catholic & Protestant Churches reflecting the Hungarians diverse religious roots.

In a land generally known for its flatness, the south of Hungary has gently rolling hills, ideal wine country & topping one small hill is the Castle of Siklos.

Below the castle hill, a brisk wall from the Castle lies the Siklos Spa, a hip tastefully renovated family friendly thermal bath with 5,000 square meters of indoor & outdoor pools of various temperatures & strong mineral content. The kids love the waterslides. After dips in the various pools, saunas & salt rooms, highly trained masseuses are on hand to relieve the stresses of modern life.

The 18^th century Siklos Castle is among the best-preserved castle palaces in Hungary, which was also the domain centre & residence of numerous prominent historical families. Rising high above the town, the fortress of Siklos was first mentioned in a charter dating back to 1190. The owners rebuilt the castle several times & consequently, it shows the characteristics of the Gothic, the Renaissance & the Baroque style too. The most precious part of the Castle is the Romanesque / Gothic Castle Chapel with its beautiful vault & frescoes.

Spend an hour here & continue on to Villany - a town in Baranya county that is famous for its wine.

Villany close to the Croatian border in Hungary’s most southerly wine region with 2,476 hectares of planted vines boasting important historic vineyards, such as Kopar, Jammerthal, Csillagvolgy, Remete & Ordogarok, is one of the most popular destinations of wine enthusiasts, famous for its full-bodied & spicy reds.

Declared as Hungary’s first official wine road in 1994, the Villany-Siklos wine route is home to the famous Hungarian red wines.  The 30 km long route covers 8 villages in a protected wine-growing area which can be divided into 2 districts: Villany, which comprises the village of Villany & 4 other neighboring villages, and Siklos, which extends over 12 settlements.  

It is one of the sunniest wine districts of Hungary, where in the mild, sub-Mediterranean climate the grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Blue Portuguese, Blue Franc and Merlot feel perfectly at home.

Remains of an altar in a Roman villa near Nagyharsany document the existence of vineyards under the Romans, although there is evidence of sporadic viticulture in the area dating back to the Neolithic Age. Viticulture flourished during the early years of the Hungarian Kingdom & as elsewhere, was associated with the Church. The Mongol invasions destroyed the vineyards, which were later replanted. And the Ottomans restricted production without completely banning it, although constant battles in the area decimated both the vineyards & the population.

Once the Ottomans were expelled from the area in the late 17^th century, the abandoned vineyards ended up in the hands of the Viennese Court. They were considered ideal for serving as gifts for deserving subjects, such as Eugene of Savoy, whose huge estate comprising 26 villages reverted to the daughter of Maria Theresa & then her husband Archduke Carl Albrecht (since Maria Theresa died without any heirs). This, the Bellye estate, and another estate owned by the Batthyany family, had a decisive influence on Villany’s economy for centuries.

Waves of southern Slavs fled north, as elsewhere in Hungary & settled in Villany. By 1715 there were at least 40 Serbian families living in the village. They were followed by German settlers who brought advanced viticultural practices & a culture of hard work. They also brought a variety now known as Portugieser, which became a key variety in the region. By the end of the 18^th century, Villany was a German-dominated village, with 74 percent of its 2,200 inhabitants of German origin. The Germans’ hard work paid off and the village experienced a golden age in the mid-19^th century.

Villany suffered the same 20^th century tribulations as other Hungarian wine regions. But following the change of regime in 1989, the region was one of the first to realize the importance of working together as a community. By the end of the 1980s, winemakers had already been working together to promote their region & wines and to realize the importance of tourism. Many growers rushed to plant the Bordeaux varieties at this time. They were also early adopters of a protection of origin system & created a trademark in 2006 featuring a crocus as the symbol of the Villany origin protection.

Villany is best known for its big powerful ruby-tone red wines often with a generous seasoning of oak, primarily from the Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc), either as single varietals or in blends that are reminiscent of the Medoc wine style. They are generally characterized by high alcohol, richness & warmth. They have ripe tannins, high alcohol & full body, although some producers are now creating wines in a lighter, fruitier style.

The region’s producers decided several years ago to make Cabernet Franc their flagship variety, since it seems to perform particularly well here, so velvety Villanyi Franc is one the region’s key brands. More recently, the younger generation have created another community brand with the region’s historically most famous grape - Portugieser.

RedY is a youthful red wine based on Portugieser blended with other permitted local varieties, such as Kekfrankos. The wines bear similar labels & are marketed together. Incidentally, Villany is still Portugieser’s stronghold in Hungary.

Villany origin protected wines come in 3 quality levels – Classic, Premium & Super Premium. Premium wines must be aged in oak for at least 1 year (or 6 months in the case of Kadarka or Portugieser), while Super Premium wines may only be made from Cabernet Franc & must be aged for at least 2 years, one of those in oak. Kekfrankos is increasingly planted in the region & produces wines full of black berry fruit, with plenty of juicy acidity.

The Romans ruins uncovered at the base of the hills prove that people have been growing grapes and making wine here for over 2,000 years.

In the picturesque Villany village after which wine region is named, you will visit the Wine Museum, situated amongst the historic wine cellars & take a short walk, on the mild slopes of the southernmost wine region of Hungary.  Also visit some of the local cellars & sample some of the locally produced wines.

Experience Hungarian wine country as you explore some stunningly beautiful places, taste some truly unique wines & meet some talented winemakers. The Wineries (1 - 2) you visit will be a mix of the traditional, the experimental & the modern. You will see the production areas, wander in the vineyards & tour the ageing cellars (ranging from 500 year old ancient hand-carved ones to the ultra-modern).

Your Tour-guide will expand on the story of Hungarian wine to enable you to put the tour in context.

The Tastings includes a platter of local cheese or charcuterie with one of the tastings & a slow lunch - either homemade at a winery or at a winery-owned restaurant - where you will see how the regional food matches with the wine.

The Vineyard tour concludes & you return to your hotel in Pecs by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure to explore independently (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

In Pecs, the food is just as satisfying. Rustic Pezsgohaz Étterem, for example, is set in an old wine cellar with arched brick ceilings. Grape-strewn goat cheese followed by a trio of golden pork cutlets draped over parsley-infused mashed potatoes provides pure cold-weather comfort. By contrast, the upbeat Jokai Bisztro is swish & contemporary, showing off myriad bottles of wine while serving refined platters of baked beef & bread dumplings.

Afterwards, consider the animated Egylet, a craft-beer pub meets Balkan bistro decorated with black & white photos and alarm clocks that showcases small-batch brews like those from made-in-Slovakia Kaltenecker.

Overnight.  B L D

Morning at 07.00 am, depart for Budapest via Lake Balaton Region.

Spend the day exploring this region.

Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake with silky green-yellow water, in Central Europe, in the middle of Transdanubia & is often affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea".

It is a major holiday destination with beaches, volcanic hills, resort towns & high-rise hotels along its 197 km shoreline. The hilly north shore is a wine-growing region, with protected wetlands & hiking trails at Balaton Uplands National Park. The southern shores are ideal for small children because of the shallow water, but on the north shore the water gets deeper instantaneously. The summer water temperature is around 80°F, which is warmer than the average air temperature in the morning & in the evening.

The water & the sleek mud of the lake are excellent remedies for nervous complaints, anaemia & nervous fatigue. Picturesque vineyards in the region produce an assortment of excellent wines that go very well with the delicious local food. Large numbers of inns & restaurants welcome guests from home and abroad.

Picturesque vineyards in the region produce an assortment of excellent wines that go very well with the delicious local food.

Reach the town of Szantod Ferry Terminal & board the Ferry for the 10 minute crossing to Tihany on the other side of the Lake.

The place with the greatest historical significance on Lake Balaton is Tihany, a peninsula jutting 5 km into the Lake on the northern shore. 

Tihany was created by God when he was happy – or so the story goes among Hungarians. With its enchanting natural beauty, a trip to this peninsula will transport you far away from your everyday problems.

The volcanic origin Tihany Peninsula inhabited for almost a thousand years, is a nature reserve of hills & marshy meadows with an isolated, almost wild feel to it & was declared a National Park in 1952. It has a profusion of rare plants & animals.

Two inland basins are fed by rain and groundwater: the Inner Lake (Belso-to) is almost in the centre of the peninsula & visible from the village, while the Outer Lake (Kulso-to) to the northwest has almost completely dried up & is now a tangle of reeds. Both basins attract considerable bird life.

The area is well known for its historical monuments, beautiful panorama & its Mediterranean climate. Tihany village, perched on an 80m high plateau along the peninsula’s eastern coast, is home to the celebrated twin-towered Abbey Church distinctly visible from far.

Since the Abbey was rebuilt in the 19^th century, the peculiar phenomenon of echoes in the locality has made Tihany well-known across the whole country.

If you stand on Echo Hill (a stone helpfully marks the best point) & shout towards the Abbey, your voice echoes 7 times in two seconds (especially on cold, clear winter days). According to an old & sad tale, a cursed princess is shut within the stones as a punishment for having been proud & cold hearted: she is obliged to answer every passerby who calls out to her.

The crypt of King Andras I founded in 1055, survived the turbulent past & still stands in its original form. Since then it has been a shelter for monks, a castle during Turkish times, an old peoples’ home during the socialist era & despite all of these tempestuous events, it still stands at the same spot. It is worth visiting the Abbey even if you are not a religious person, as there are also art exhibitions to attend.

The present Church was built over the crypt in the 18^th century in Baroque style & has many precious wood carvings. In the Museum of the Benedictine Abbey, you can find an exhibition about ancient times. During summer, the Church attracts so many people it is hard to find space to breathe & there are frequent organ concerts in the church.

Visit the Church, but then escape the madness by wandering around the tiny town filled with lovely thatched-roof houses.

There is the Lavender Garden planted by a botanist after the First World War. The lavender was brought straight from France & became a huge success due to its higher volatile oil content. Nowadays, the lavender grows across a 100 hectare plot, which is an absolutely stunning sight when in bloom.

You can also buy lavender pillows made by a nearby manufacturer. There is small center where you can see an exhibition about the area’s geological past, how humans & nature have co-existed harmoniously – an illustration of modern day Ecotourism.

There is also an old Castle built between the Bronze & Iron Age, and the remains are still visible. This place has provided shelter for people throughout the centuries. On the east side you can still find some of the caves carved by monks that arrived from the Kievan Rus, accompanying the wife of one of the Hungarian kings. A small well was named after them, bearing the romantic name of Cyprian Spring.

Check out the Restaurant & skanzen of old times – the name says it all!  It is not only a restaurant, but is dedicated to presenting the heritage of times gone by. You can experience how people ate & drank centuries ago, when you see all the food prepared in a beehive oven, wine coming straight up from the cool cellar & schnapps (palinka) was served from a demi-john. You can try to stretch your own strudel, or even practise your archery skills here!

Continue on to small spa town of Balatonfured on the northern shore of the lake.

One of Hungary's original spa towns, Balatonfured remains as a spa haven. Spas & Wellness Centres can be found throughout the town & are a real treat. Its mineral springs are therapeutic & extremely relaxing. It is not only the oldest resort on the Balaton’s northern shore, it is also the most fashionable.

The town was inhabited already when the Romans conquered parts of Hungary. The town is infinitely rich in historic memorial places which have been renovated & restored.

Balatonfured started to truly develop in the 18^th century, during the so-called Reform Era when it became a favourite meeting place for progressive politicians & artists and the city played a really outstanding role in the social life of Hungarians even before bathing & swimming took off as a mass pastime 100 years later. There are many national monuments, important buildings & numerous traditions that date from this era: for instance the first Anna Ball was held here in the Horvath mansion in 1825.

Walking around town, one can see relics of old times. Ancient living quarters, old buildings, churches, homely vineyards, parks, mighty old trees preserve & whisper their messages to the people living here today.

Foreign travellers start to feel the harmonious blend of past & present the moment they arrive. The location of the town captures everyone: tender mountains on the north, the beautiful lake on the south embrace the town, which radiates that special Transdanubian serenity for ages.

There are numerous villas & mansions in the town that contributed to the special beauty of Balatonfured that made the town famous in faraway places of the earth. In days gone by, the wealthy & famous 19^th century celebrities built large villas on its superb tree-lined promenade along the shore where everyone goes for their pre or post dinner stroll. Their architectural legacy can still be seen today & with stunning views of the Tihany Peninsula, this resort town is the finest on the Balaton shore. Historic traditions play a crucial role in the life & attitude of the inhabitants of the town and of those who are regular visitors here. The town is still the center of festivities.  Luckily, Balatonfured's Baroque elegance & traditional old town keep it from becoming too commercialised.

Balatonfured also has the most stylish marina on the lake. It is considered to be the capital of the Northern lake shore & is a popular yachting destination. This is the place where the first Balaton steamship started its trips & the first yachtsmen's association began here.

Balatonfured is known for its micro-climate which is very similar to the Mediterranean. Even the sun shines somehow more gently here. Balatonfured & its surrounding settlements are nicknamed “Balaton Riviera”.

The town has been a tourist attraction for ages & it became a so-called healing resort in 1971 when the acidulous thermal spring water containing carbonic acid, was officially accepted as healing water. Balatonfured also achieved the title of “International Town of Grapes & Wine” from 1987.

It has a world-famous State Hospital of Cardiology, on Gyogy Square, dating from the 1870s. Patients have been treated here for 300 years with the help of the mineral water sources, as the water is good for diabetes & digestive malfunctions.

Continuous air movement between the land & Lake Balaton, constant winds provide clean air free of dust for people living here and the air heals diseases of the heart & blood-vessels, too.

The water from the springs is used for healing in the National Heart Hospital. Outside, the neo-classical pump house dispenses Fured acidulous spring waters from Kossuth mineral spring, Berzsenyi well, Szeker Erno spring & Schneider well to the public.

Thousands of people suffering from heart disease recovered in this hospital. Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Nobel-prize winning Indian poet was healed here in1926.  A beautiful alley close to the lake shore is named Lakeside Tagore Promenade in his honour.

Due to its small size, walking around Balatonfured is easy. There are excellent footpaths & tree-lined promenades. Even better, the Hungarians in Fured are very polite when it comes to pedestrians. They will almost always stop to let you pass the street. Balatonfured is amazingly well sign-posted, so walking through the streets is simple. Many people choose to get around on bikes & there is an abundance of high quality cycle paths. Also, roller-blading and scooters are hugely popular.

Spend a couple of hours walking around before departing for Veszprem - a quaint & quiet town away from the lakeshore region.

Veszprem is one of the oldest urban areas in Hungary. The town already had a cathedral & castle in the 9^th 9^th century & was supposedly named after the Polish prince Bezprim. Between 1552 & the end of the 17^th century, Veszprem was intermittently occupied by the Turks. The city is built on 5 hills & contains many historical & architectural monuments: ancient houses, the Cathedral of St. Michael, the Gizella Chapel with valuable 13^th century frescoes, the Baroque bishop’s palace (1765 - 76), the Franciscan cloister & the fortress with its Heroes’ Gate.

Walk in the Castle Quarter & see the 13^th century frescoes at the Gizella Chapel.

And finally, it is time to depart for the final destination.

Reach the hotel in Budapest by evening & Check-in.

Balance of evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B D 

Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to the region’s warm hospitality & heritage and go home.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

No more Iron Curtain. Hungary is a place is where the East meets West, North meets South – literally & lyrically A beautiful country where you can see influences of different cultures intertwine. With roughly100 Castles & Gardens & Churches & ancient mystical Town Centers and of course, the 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, you will have a difficult time to choose.

You have seen a glimpse of stunning Budapest but there is so much more that we are sure will entice you to come back.

“When you leave Hungary, as the plane lifts, you feel that more than leaving a country, you are leaving a state of mind. Whatever awaits you at the other end of your journey will be of a different order of existence” – Anonymous

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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