Hungary & Slovakia's Story

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

Eger is a picturesque and wonderfully unique little city, complete with perfectly preserved baroque architecture and a hilltop castle overlooking the Old Town and the surrounding countryside, which is filled with 10,000 acres of bountiful vineyards. This is the perfect destination for feel-good relaxation, as you can readily sample the local vintages and also indulge in the thermal baths that date from the 1600s. You’ll have a wonderful time exploring the city and the gastronomic culture of the surrounding region. Dobo Ter is Eger’s main square, and it is high up on the list of must-see sights. Here you’ll find lovely restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as wine and music festivals, depending on the time of year. A trip to the castle is also highly recommended. Here you can take a tour and explore Eger’s rich past. You’ll definitely want to explore the nearby Valley of the Beautiful Women, which houses numerous vineyards and wine caves carved into the hillside. Here you can sample numerous local vintages and mingle with the friendly locals. Eger is quaint and quiet, the heart of wine country and a wonderful place to enjoy a timeout from the busier cities of Hungary.

Slovakia's second largest city, Kosice (pronounced "Kosh-eet-sa") features a well-preserved Old Town, rich with Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic exemplars. Literally standing above it all is the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the country's largest church, which reflects 15th century Kosice's brief but glorious time as one of Europe's largest cities. Fought over by a confusing array of armies and kings, cosmopolitan Kosice's many inhabitants are reflected in its architecture and culture, with traces of the Jews, Germans, Turks, and Hungarians who have called this "City of Peace" home, helped make the place a European Capital of Culture, and given it more protected historical monuments than anywhere else in the country. Spend a day strolling the Old Town, then an evening indulging in its lively arts scene, and you won't leave disappointed.

Also known as the Slovakian Alps, the High Tatras are gorgeous at any time of year. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or just relaxing, this is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city to revel in the breathtaking nature of Central Europe. You’ll find numerous trails for all modes of transportation, from hiking to biking and skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. The mountain air is crisp and clean, the locals are friendly, and everywhere you look you’ll see a picture-perfect view. There are numerous ski resorts in the area, several of which have spas that offer massages and other wellness treatments. The High Tatras central location near the must-see cities of Budapest and Krakow also make it perfect for a stop-over, or the home-base for a series of day trips in the region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or the ultimate in relaxation, you’ll find it nestled in the rolling hills and rocky crags of these incredible mountains and their unique, inviting atmosphere.

The capital of Slovakia and the largest city in the country, Bratislava is the political and cultural epicenter of the region. It has quickly joined the ranks of modern EU capitals, sitting at the crossroads of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture and design of the city, as well as in its cuisine. A true city of culture, Bratislava boasts numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls. In the past, giants of classical music including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have composed and performed here. Step through a gateway into the walled-in Old Town and you’ll find cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleys and plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings, and lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, from the traditional to the hip and modern. There is deep Jewish history here to explore. The most prominent site in the city is Bratislava castle, which sits stately on a hill overlooking the city on the Danube. Memorable excursions to wine country outside of Bratislava are available, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines. Bratislava’s compact size, combined with its variety of local activities and excursions, and its proximity to Vienna and the beautiful High Tatra mountains, make it a perfectly inviting destination.

Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.