HUNGARIAN TREASURES
6 days / 5 nights

 

Hungarian treasures, a tour with unique experiences!

                                

 

1.day – Arrival in Budapest

Arrival at the airport of Budapest. Transfer to the hotel. Take-over the rooms. Dinner in the hotel

2. day – Sightseeing in Budapest

After breakfast guided sightseeing tour in Budapest, visiting the most famous sights of the capital: Heroes Square, Andrássy út with the Opera House (from the outside), St.Stephen's Basilica (from the outside), Vaci Street- pedestrian area and Great Market Hall.
Lunch individually
In the afternoon the sightseeing continuous on the Buda side: Castle District with the Castle of Buda (from the outside), Matthias Church (facultative entrance), Fishermen's Bastion (facultative entrance)
In the late afternoon drive back to the hotel. 
Dinner in the hotel. 

3.day – Culture and cuisine

After breakfast visit at the Budapest Opera House with a mini concert, which includes 2 arias performed by one opera singer.
The Hungarian State Opera House is not only the sanctum of music and dance, but also a historical monument. The construction started in 1875 with the permission and financial support of Franz Joseph, emperor of Austria and king of Hungary. The plans and personal instructions were conducted by Nicholas Ybl. The Opera House opened its gate in front of the public on the 27th September, 1884. 
After the visit Cruise on the Danube with lunch. Enjoy the delicious meal, whilst we are passing the beauties of the city next to the Danube. Many of the greatast attractions by the river Danube are located in Budapest, whose riverside sights are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
After the cruise some free time.
In the evening drive to the Great Market Hall, where we will take part on a culinary program. Have you ever tried how to fill a sausage? We will show it for you! The group is divided into smaller groups and the sausage filling challenge begins with the help of a professional chef. Good mood is guaranteed! The program is followed by a dinner, where you can certainly try the homemade sausage aslo!
Return to the hotel.

4.day – Hollókő

After breakfast drive to Hollókő: Hollokö is an outstanding example of a deliberately preserved traditional settlement. This village, which developed mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries, is a living example of rural life before the agricultural revolution of the 20th century.
After the arrival the guests are welcomed by a woman (called Aunt „Piros” í.e.”Red”) dressed in Hollókő folk costume, and according to the good Hungarian custom she offers them brandy, mineral water and salty cakes. She evokes the long ago vanished atmosphere of the weaving houses and tells about colours, patterns, passions and habits in a snappy manner. As a coronation of the atmosphere she robes two volunteers to folk costume. In a little while smoke rises into the air, fire blazes up and popping of corn begins. The guests can taste the fresh made delicacy. The group accompanied by Aunt Piros leaves for a short walk to the Old Village where they can have a look at the gem of the Palóc folk architecture. 
After this short walking what else we could think of as a bounteous, delicious lunch.
After the program drive back to Budapest and free time.

Dinner in the hotel.

5.day – Keszthely and Héviz

After breakfast drive to Keszthely. Visit at the Castle of Festetics. The baroque castle was started to build by Festetics Christopher in 1745. In 1883-1887 it got its present form and size by enlargements. This was Hungary's third largest castle. From 1976 it hosts the Helikon Castle Museum. The Helikon Library is one of the most beautiful room of the castle, the only aristocratic private library remaining in original form in Hungary, the current book and journal stock exceeds ninety thousands. In the suites of the castle are located the exhibition of aristocratic way of life of the 18th-19th century, and a historical weapon collection. In the castle garden 70 thousand flowers are planted each year by the gardeners. There is a pond, a rockery combined with a small waterfall, and the Lion Fountain with fresh, drinkable water in the park.
Short walk in Keszthely and lunch individually
Followed by drive to Hévíz and bathing in the famous warm water lake of the city, it is Europe’s largest thermal lake. The 4.44 ha water-surface lake is surrounded by a 60.5 ha nature conservation area. Springs of different temperatures diffuse in a narrow cave, and became a constant (38,5 °C) temperature stream when entering the lake. Beautiful water lilies, brought to Hungary at the end of the 19th century, dot the lake, supporting the eco-life, with leaves slowing down evaporation, and creepers protecting the medicinal mud on the bottom of the lake.
After bathing drive back to the hotel and dinner in the hotel.

6.day – Homeward journey

After breakfast transfer to the airport, homeward journey.