Your trip will start in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Many westerners are unaware of what a spectacular city Budapest is but the secret is out in Europe and Budapest has become a hot destination! You will soon see why as you view the city and the awe-inspiring Parliament building from Castle Hill on the Buda side of the Danube on day one. The views from the castle heights and Gellert Hill are breathtaking!

Today we will visit all the sites in Buda: the Citadella, Cave Chapel, the funicular railway, Mathias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion and the Royal Palace before crossing the mighty Danube on the Lanchid or Chain Bridge! Sound like a full day? It is! After day one you will be thinking, "what more could there be to see in Budapest?"

Day two will clarify any questions you may have as we take a fascinating tour of the striking Parliament building, visit Szent Istvan Bazilika (St. Stephen's Basilica) including a climb to the top for wonderful views of the city (again!), stroll the promenade and do some shopping on Vaci Utca all the while passing through several beautiful squares, including Heroes' Square!

But the attractions in Budapest don't stop there! Budapest is also home to many fine museums which can be visited...if you still have the energy! In the evening why not take in an opera or soak away your aches and pains in one of Budapest's famous thermal water baths, a true Budapest experience!

Hungarian cuisine is unique and varied. Breads and soups abound, as does the paprika, and yes, we will try some true Hungarian goulash! Hungary also produces some very good internationally acknowledged wines including wines from the Tokaj region and the Egri Bikaver or Eger Bull's Blood wine!  

This two-day tour of Budapest makes an excellent addition to our Romanian tours. Come and see one of the grandest cities in Europe!