Hungary Tour Packages

The Statue Park will be explored to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city streets after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One unmissable activity is a soak in the hot thermal baths. There are several around the city center ranging from the sumptuous and elegant to simple outdoor types. There are pools of varying degrees - some with whirlpools, chess boards and seats where you can enjoy it all while recuperating in the therapeutic waters.

Take a two-hour train east to Eger today. This beautifully preserved Baroque town is surrounded by hills and is home to some of the most renowned vineyards in Eastern Europe. Visit the wine cellars of the seductively-named Valley of the Beautiful Women with the group to sample some of the town's famous 'Bull's Blood' red wine, which supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire. Among the Turkish soldiers it was rumoured that the enemy army drank blood diluted with wine, as the firm resistance they encountered couldn't be explained any other way. In your own time, perhaps explore Eger's 13th-century castle, which was the scene of the historic siege that thwarted the Ottoman Empire's advancement into Western Europe. Here you can explore the Gothic Palace, a gallery of fine Hungarian art, and tour underground passageways of archaeological finds. You may also like to check out the town's 19th-century cathedral, the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe for views of the city, or the Minorite church in Dobo Square.

Travel by bus to visit the pleasant town of Debrecen (approximately 3 hrs). While there, you'll have time to explore Deri Square with its fountains and colourful buildings. Continue on by train and private vehicle to Romania (approximately 6 hrs). Time in Romania is an hour ahead of Hungary so don't forget to re-set your watch. Please note that Romanian visas are not available at the border. Should you require one, please organise this before you commence this tour.

The region of Maramures ('mah-ra-moo-resh') is a land that seems frozen in time. It's often said that Maramures contains Romania's heart and soul. It's a region of tradition, customs, rich folklore and ancient superstitions that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. One of the last peasant cultures in Europe continues to thrive here with traditional music, costumes and ancient festivals continuing to flourish. Each village has its own colours for outfits and their own style of straw or felt hats. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed sites. Set out to explore the region - visiting the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, the village museum in Sighetu and various other traditional villages.

Travelling through the pastoral fields to Sighisoara (approximately 9 hrs) and cross into the magical land of Transylvania - the name alone conjures up images of haunted castles, gothic churches, werewolves and vampires. Its connection with the famous Count Dracula, itself a literary myth, is a small part of what makes Transylvania an enchanting, romantic and exciting destination. The medieval masterpiece of Sighisoara ('Sig-he-shwara') is likely to seduce visitors' hearts more than any other place in Romania. Another World Heritage site, the town was first settled by the Romans but flourished under the Saxons from the 12th century. The more energetic are free to take a walk around the town which includes a 64m-high clock tower that dominates the citadel and cobblestone side streets.

Your next stop is less than an hour away, but it seems that you are in a different world. Viscri is a small Saxon/Roma town which was originally inhabited by the Saxons from the Luxemburg area. Visit the fortified church and museum, and learn about the Sock Project which supports the Roma community. Stay in a very special place in this Transylvanian village. The rooms are in different houses and have shared facilities with your host families. You have dinner with the families to sample the fresh produce, home-made wines and schnapps. This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for local interaction and indulgence.

Take a short train trip to the 13th-century Saxon city of Brasov (approximately 2 hrs). Also known by its German name of Kronstadt, the city of Brasov was a major medieval trading centre with ornate churches and townhouses, protected on three sides by mountains and the massive walls that still remain. Explore the city's main attraction - the gothic Black Church. This Protestant church was completed in 1477 and took its name from its fire-blackened the walls in 1689. The original statues from the exterior of the apse are now inside and some 120 Turkish rugs hang from the churches balconies (gifts from merchants who went on shopping sprees in Ottoman lands). For those looking for a little nightlife action, the city has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Heading south to Romania's capital city, Bucharest (approximately 3 hours), it is known to be one of Europe's biggest squares and with the Palace of Parliament to be the second largest building in the world. Guests are free to explore the place on their own as there are no planned activities for this final day.

Your tour ends today.