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Magyar, otherwise known as the Republic of Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe surrounded by seven other nations – Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia and the Ukraine. It lies on Europe’s longest river, the Danube, which affords easy access to Austria and the centre of Western Europe, and provides sea access via the Black Sea. It also stands at the eastern end of the European Alps and covers a generally low lying landmass with no impassable mountains. This strategic position has over the years ensured a steady stream of invaders from the Romans, who ruled it as Pannonia, the horseback invaders of Attila the Hun, considered to be the ancestral predecessors of the present day Hungarians, and the Germanic tribes of the Ostrogoths and Lombards. Eventually the tribal states of the area coalesced into the Kingdom of Hungary in the late 9th century when the seven Magyar tribes united, crowning their first King of Hungary, Saint Stephen, in 1000 A.D. at Esztergom. The monarchy lasted for almost nine centuries until the communist takeover of 1947, which lasted until 1989, when a democratic form of government was established. All of these periods in the history of the nation have left behind influences that have created a unique, diverse and interesting culture, that at one time was a major cultural influence of the Western World!!
The capital of Budapest is considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and its famous Castle Region is a reflection of these historical influences which can be read like a book by perusing the ancient ruins, monuments, historic buildings and the abundance of galleries and museums that comprise part of this immensely cultural city. Throughout the country scattered medieval towns preserve their heritage of 2000 year old Roman ruins which stand side by side with 400 year old Turkish monuments. These picturesque towns surround glorious palaces, historic churches and hilltop defensive castles and are complimented by the rolling hills of the northern uplands and the immense grasslands of the open Plains, which cover almost 50% of Hungary. Within the country there are 10 national parks protecting such things as the wetlands and bird sanctuary of Lake Ferto, or the largest grasslands of Europe which exist around the village of Hortobagy where the famous big horned grey cattle and the traditional csikosok (Hungarian Cowboys) can be seen, or the glorious scenery and hills of the Danube Bend area just north of Budapest, where the Citadel of Visegrad stands overlooking the river, and was once the capital of Hungary for over 200 years!!
Geographically the country is divided into three by the two largest rivers, the beautiful Danube and Tisza, and is home to over 1000 lakes one of which is the largest lake in Europe, Lake Balaton being known as Hungary’s inland sea. Known for its scattered thermal bathing centres, Hungary offers a diverse range of pleasurable pursuits from its tasty wines and traditional foods, hiking and skiing, extremely palatable beers and tasty fish soup, windsurfing and horseback riding, Hungarian gypsy music and palinka!! Palinka is a brandy style drink made from fruit, usually plums, apples, pears and apricots. It is double distilled and usually has a 40% alcohol content!!
Home to an estimated 10 million residents, Hungary is the 18th largest country in Europe and a popular tourist destination, with an estimated 20 million visitors per year. Now part of the EU, Hungary assets lie in its fertile lands, abundant water, lignite (brown coal) and bauxite (aluminium ore) and of course its people, who are friendly towards tourists and make any holiday a dream!!
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| Locations | Regions | Accommodation | Activities |  |
| Budapest |
 Budapest is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Hungary. The city is located on the banks of the River Danube and is backed by the leafy hills of Buda, and historically has been considered to be one of Europe’s major cultural centres. It lies in the Region of Central Hungary, and was fo... |
| Esztergom |
 Esztergom is a small city of an estimated 32,000 residents that lies on the northern border of Hungary, just 50 kilometres north-west of Budapest in the Region of Central Transdanubia. This important historic city stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Danube and is testament to the strugg... |
| Gyor |
 Gyor, sometimes referred to as the ‘town of rivers’, is a small historic city which is the gateway to the west as it is located mid-way between Vienna and Budapest in the Region of Western Transdanubian, Hungary. It stands at the confluence of three rivers namely the Marcal, Raba and Rabca, and lie... |
| Szentendre |
 Szentendre (pronounced sen ten dreh), meaning St. Andrew, is a small, charming and picturesque, riverside town, known for its south European atmosphere, Baroque architecture, narrow side streets and winding cobblestone roads which lead upwards to the Roman Catholic Church which stands on the hilltop... |
| Tatabanya |
 Tatabanya is a small city of approximately 70,000 residents that lies in the Region of Central Transdanudia, Hungary, roughly 55 kilometres west of Budapest close to the Slovakian border. The city is located at the foot of Stone Hill in the valley of the Gallie River, between the Vertes Hills to th... |
| Visegrad |
 Visegrad (pronounced vee sheh grod) is a small castle town that lies 45 kilometres north of Budapest in the Region of Central Hungary. It stands on the banks of the River Danube as it curves to the south and meanders its way through Budapest to the Black Sea. As you see the village of only 1700 re... |
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Hilton Budapest West End Hotel
Budapest
 |  The Hilton Budapest WEst End is a contemporary four-storey hotel situated in the business and commercial district of Budapest, on the Pest side of the city. It is right next door to a major shopping centre and one kilometre from the Parliament building. The hotel offers warm and friendly service a... |
Ramada Plaza Budapest
Budapest
|  On the banks of the River Danube, facing Margaret Island on the Buda side of the Árpád Bridge, the distinguished Ramada Plaza Budapest is a noted city centre hotel within easy reach of the historic heart of Budapest. Already well established, the Ramada Plaza Budapest is renowned for its unique ther... |
Tulip Inn Budapest Millennium Hotel
Budapest
 | The hotel is on the main road from the airport to the city centre. You will need to either drive or use the metro to reach the attractions and the centre of the city. |
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Gyor
| The Romantic Hotel Schweizerhof was founded by a Swiss businessman in October 1995 and is still owned and managed privately. Due to its roots the hotel feels obliged to represent the well-known Swiss quality and hospitality also in Gyor. The group of buildings of the hotel consists of three separate... |
Radisson SAS Beke Hotel
Budapest
|  Built in the beginning of the last century, the four star Radisson SAS Béke Hotel in Budapest is decorated with frescoes of Jeno Haranghy and stained glass windows. The hotel first opened its doors in 1914 and has been renovated several times, but has always maintained its original artistic style, f... |
Hotel Raba
Gyor
| Hotel Rába is situated in the middle of the baroque centre of Gyõr, within easy reach from the M1-E60 motorway - half way between Budapest and Vienna. It was exactly 100 years ago that the Hotel Rába opened under the name of its founder the Meixner-Royal Hotel. The hotel has been the centre of socia... |
Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal
Budapest
 |  Behind its distinguished façade, located in the heart of Budapest, the old Grand Hotel Royal has been transformed into the superb, modern Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal. This new hotel has become the finest in Budapest and has set a new standard in luxury five star city centre hotels. With its wealth o... |
Mercure Budapest Nemzeti
Budapest
|  Mercure Nemzeti Hotel is a lovely traditional hotel housed in an historic building and it offers its own special ambiance. It is right in the heart of Budapest and close to the most important tourist sights as well as the business and financial districts. This boutique hotel is a delightful place ... |
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Budapest Bike Tour
Biking
Budapest | Your cycling tour begins on Andrassy Boulevard and at the Opera house. Ride to Heroes Square and city park along the tree lined boulevard where you will learn about Hungarian history and culture before biking through the park to Vajdahunyad castle complex. Continue back to the city center and down t... |
Budapest Wine Tasting and Lunch
Sightseeing
Budapest | Your tasting extravaganza provides an overview of Hungary's typical food and drink. You'll learn how Hungarian food is prepared and the exact ingredients that go into making the famous dishes, plus visit a market to see where the locals shop for traditional ingredients. You'll also get insider tips ... |
Danube Bend Dary Trip from Budapest
Sightseeing
Budapest | The day trip takes you by bus to Visegrad, with its medieval citadel and romantic ruins of the former royal residence. Then it's on to Esztergom for an interior visit of the town's famous cathedral.
After enjoying a three-course lunch with coffee, you will continue on to the Baroque artists' villag... |
Budapest Sightseeing Tour with Parliament House
Sightseeing
Budapest | You'll tour inside the magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament building, home of the Holy Hungarian Crown. Your guide will lead you through the splendid Session Room, the impressive central staircase and the wonderful Great Vaulted Hall. Along the way, you'll be entertained and informed by your guide's an... |
Budapest City Walking Tour
Walking
Budapest | Your walking tour begins with a short ride on the Millennium metro out to Heroes' Square and City Park. A walk through the park then takes you to the Vajdahunyad Castle complex, built for the world Expo in 1896 in typical Hungarian designs. Next stop is the Szechenyi bath house (peek inside when ope... |
Budapest Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing
Budapest | With a half day to discover Budapest, the Grand City Sightseeing Tour makes the perfect introduction for the first time visitor. With hotel pickup included and the option of a morning or afternoon departure, see all the key sites from the comfort of your motorcoach.Your travels will take you across ... |
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