Excursions to the countryside

Excursion into the Hungarian history : Danube Bend: Esztergom-Visegrád-Szentendre

Esztergom – first royal capital of Hungary – through Oldbuda and Range of Pilis, distance 60 km. It is the centre of the Hungarian Roman Catholic Church. Visit the largest cathedral of Hungary (5th in Europe) which is the burial place of the famous primate, József Mindszenthy.

Proceding to Visegrád which is located in the Danube Bend, from the 750 year old royal fortress on the Visegrád hilltop we can enjoy a fascinating panorama on the Danube valley.

By returning to Budapest alongside the river Danube through little villages to the artists’ town of Szentendre. It is a small baroque style town on Roman and medieval ruins. The town has got narrow and winding streets and a very unique atmosphere. There are 16 different museums of Hungarian artists who lived here in artists’ colony. We visit the world famous Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum, her collection is outstanding and unique.

 

Lake Balaton, the largest fresh water lake in Europe

First stop is Balatonfüred (130 km) the elegant resort place on the northern shore of the „Hungarian sea”, walking tour in the old town in 19 c. style and on the picturesque lake side.

Drive (10 km) to the peninsula Tihany, visit of the ancient Benedictine Abbey and Museum which holds one of the oldest document – Deed of Foundation of Tihany – in Hungarian language. Lunch in Tihany, if the weather permits swimming in Balaton.

Departure back via Székesfehérvár to Budapest. En route stop and a short sightseeing walk in the royal town of Székesfehérvár, visit the most outstanding places of interest (the main cathedral, town hall, ruins of the medieval coronation cathedral, pharmacy, theatre).

 

Great Hungarian Plain: culture, tradition, innovation

Departure to Kecskemét (85 km), tasting Hungary’s famous “Barack pálinka” (apricot brandy). Walking tour: Kodály institution, catholic, Lutheran, reformed churches, Jewish synagogue around the main square.

Driving to Szeged located at the ’blond” Tisza river bank. Visit the University and town Library (medieval collection), the Museum of IT (opened in 2013) demonstrating the “matusalems” of computer technics including the unique devises developed in the former communist countries during the co-come period. Walking tour in the art nouveau style down town of Szeged awarded by Europe Nostra Prize.

Driving back, en route stop a mansion, horse show, learning about other native Hungarian animals, includes the tasting of “lángos” (scone, traditionally with sour cream and cheese on it) with wine

 

From a famous baroque style palace in Gödöllő to the smallest Hungarian world heritage site village Hollókő

Departure to the royal palace of Gödöllő (distance: 35 km), the favorite place of Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) at the 19-20 centuries. Comprehensive guided tour in the palace including the visit of the 18th century baroque theatre (it is one of the three existing in Europe).

Drive to Hollókő (distance: 65 km) located in a beautiful valley of the Cserhát hills. After arrival in Hollókő (raven stone), home made lunch at local families. Walk through the old village, seeing rural architecture, a typical local dwelling house and the old weaving looms still in use.

Short introduction of folk dancing and singing of the local ladies dressed in their colorful folk costumes richly decorated with embroideries.

 

Royal towns and Herend porcelain: Székesfehérvár-Herend-Veszprém

Departure from the hotels. Arrival in Székesfehérvár: welcome reception at the town hall with refreshment. Walking tour in the down town, history, churches, art memorials. Lunch in an authentic country inn.

Drive to Veszprém to the town of the Hungarian queens. Walking tour in the old castle area of Veszprém, passing by historical buildings, enjoying the panoramic view over the valley „Séd”.