Upcoming Tours

Join us in 2027

Posted on by Liz


Come! See for Yourself.
Anyone who’s spent time with Andrea knows she doesn’t just lead tours — she pours herself into them. And when the stars align, she’s the one guiding you through Hungary in person. With three decades in tourism under her belt, she has an insider’s feel for the country, and every group that travels with her gets the benefit of that deep well of knowledge.

I’ve made the trip to Hungary and Transylvania more times than I can count, and I still walk away having learned something new every time. Working alongside Andrea is one of the real joys of putting these tours together — if you ever see a photo of us cracking up together, that’s just what happens when we’re deep in the planning process. We genuinely have fun doing this.

Travel with Us!
There’s something that shifts in you when you stand where your ancestors once stood. If you’ve dug into your family history already, you understand exactly why that sense of place matters. And if you haven’t started digging yet, a trip to Hungary has a way of sparking the questions anyway — what made them leave? What were they hoping to find on the other side of that decision?
Our tours are built around variety. We spend most of our time in the Hungarian countryside, tracing how earlier generations actually lived day to day. Along the way, we stop at small, family-run businesses that still carry on Hungarian traditions. The regions change from year to year, so each tour brings its own local flavor — but folk artisans, traditional cooking, and hands-on food experiences are always part of the mix. Add in a castle, a palace or manor house, and a healthy dose of folk custom, and you’ve got the shape of the trip.

Spirit of Hungary Wine Country & Heritage Traditions
JUNE 2 – JUNE 12, 2027
A cultural journey through Hungary’s finest wine regions, historic cities, and hidden countryside treasures.
Budapest • Pécs • Villány • Lake Balaton • Káli Basin

Join us for 10 nights/11 days. This tour begins and ends in Budapest, Hungary. We’ll spend our time discovering the beauty of Lake Balaton and the surrounding counties, with a mix of planned excursions and free time built in. We’ll meet you at the Budapest airport when you land and see you off again for your flight home.

Typical tour size: 12–18 participants
$5,300 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement $850.
$2,000 deposit required.

Here is a brief overview of our planned excursions:
• Blue Dye Workshop
• Zwack Unicum Experience

• Szekszárd & Villány Wine Regions
• Historic Pécs
• Tihany Peninsula

• Káli Basin
• Festetics Palace

• Cooking Experience 

• Badacsony Wine Dinner

• Tapolca Lake Cave

• Herend Porcelain Factory
• Historic Veszprém

Every Tour Includes:
• Two meals each full day
• All entrance fees to activities
• Overnight accommodations
• Full-time, bilingual tour guide
• Time in the countryside
• Private bus transportation between cities
• Airport transfers in destination city
• And so much more!

Email [email protected] for the information sheet and registration form for the tour you’re interested in. Want to add a side trip to your ancestral village? Let’s talk — we can work that in too!

Tour Testimonials

Emery, Texas

Posted on by Liz

A Piece of My Heart in Transylvania

When I journeyed through Transylvania, I expected to find beauty — but I discovered something far deeper. In the heart of those mist-covered mountains and forested valleys, I met the Székely people, whose spirit is as enduring as the land itself. Their love for their homeland is not just seen, it’s felt — in their songs, their traditions, their laughter echoing through the hills.

As I stood beneath vast skies and looked across rolling meadows dotted with ancient churches and quiet villages, I felt a connection I can hardly put into words. There is a soulfulness to Transylvania — a sense that time slows, and life moves to the rhythm of the earth itself.

I left a part of myself there, among the pine-scented winds and the steadfast hearts of the Székely. To anyone who dreams of places where beauty and mystery intertwine —go. Transylvania will welcome you, touch your heart and never let you go!

Tour Testimonials

George, Mississippi

Posted on by Liz

Western Hungary & Western Slovakia – A Journey of Discovery and Connection

Traveling through Western Hungary and Western Slovakia was an immersive learning experience that blended history, culture, and personal connection in a memorable way. From the moment our group gathered in Budapest, the itinerary struck a perfect balance between expertly guided programs and the freedom to explore on our own.

The variety of tour offerings kept each day fresh and engaging. In Hungary, we wandered through the baroque streets of Győr, explored the Blue Dye factory at the Kékfestő Múzeum, and enjoyed one of the my most memorable meals at Erhardt Étterem in Sopron. The food there was spot-on fantastic and the service was flawless.

One of the most moving stops was the Paneuropean Picnic Park, a site layered with history and hope. Standing there, reflecting on its meaning, felt deeply relatable and memorable —I’m so glad we went.

Our hands-on experiences were just as unforgettable. I’m biased and a bit of an attention hot dog, but making Meggyes-Mákos Rétes (sour cherry and poppy seed strudel) was a highlight. I was proud of my creation… and yes, I ate far too much of it.

The Luka Pinczéset Winery was another gem. The owner welcomed us like old friends, sharing heartfelt stories about her award-winning pride and joy. Her whimsical frog collection made me smile, and the wine —well, let’s just say I enjoyed it generously.

Crossing into Slovakia, we explored Hrad Devin, which was majestic, steeped in incredible history (Napoleon demolished it), and offered a breathtaking view over the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. It was worth every step.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip was the camaraderie among fellow travelers. Whether sipping Pálinka, sharing a table at a beautiful Hungarian restaurant, or swapping stories on the bus, our group quickly became a close supportive group.

The trip ended with the Esztergom Basilica — a perfect bookend to my visit. On my own, at the very start, I had toured the Dohány Street Synagogue. Both were stunning, steeped in history, and essential to understanding Hungary’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

By the end, I felt I had not only seen two beautiful regions but truly experienced them—through their history, flavors, landscapes, and the warmth of the people I met along the way.

Previous Tours

Fall 2018 Wine & Culinary Tour

Posted on by Liz

Our Wine and Culinary Tour featurined Szekszárd, Siklós, Harkány, Badacsony, Lake Balaton, and Budapest.

This tour includes:

  • A/C coach services & English speaking guide from arrival till departure
  • Two meals each full day
  • 12 nights in 4 hotels with time to explore each location!
  • A/C coach services & English speaking guide
  • All hotel accommodations (4 star or best in region)
  • Two meals each full day
  • Relax at the spa in Harkány
  • Visit the artists and museums of Tolna County
  • Tour the Búsó Museum in Mohács
  • Explore medieval castle in Siklós
  • Enjoy the shops, sights, and smells of lavender in Tihany and tour the Abbey
  • Wine tastings in the Etyek, Szekszard, South Balaton, North Balaton, and Villány/Siklós regions
  • Explore the Festetics Palace in Keszthely
  • Spend the day in Etyek and enjoy a hands-on Hungarian cooking class as you prepare your own lunch
  • City tour in Budapest and Pécs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Tours

2018 Summertime in Hungary

Posted on by Liz

Featuring Kecskemét, Szeged, Gyula, Budapest, Ópusztaszer, and a day trip into Serbia

This tour includes:

  • 12 nights in 4 hotels with time to explore each location!
  • A/C coach services & English speaking guide
  • All hotel accommodations (4 star or best in region)
  • Two meals each full day
  • Time to relax at the spas in Kecskemét and Gyula
  • A visit the Kodály Zoltán Institute of Music pedagogy
  • A tour in the Pick Sausage Museum
  • The medieval castle in Gyula
  • A traditional Hungarian horse show with gypsy music
  • A wine tasting in Serbia at Maurer Winery and in Hungary at the Bagolyvár Estate
  • Dinner in a typical csárda
  • City tour in Budapest
  • A pálinka distillery tour
  • A tour of the sausage museum in Gyula
  • And several other surprises

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Tours

Fall 2017 Wine & Culinary Tour

Posted on by Liz

2017 Fall Wine and Culinary Tour

  • Dinner in the Fehérszarvas Restaurant in Eger
  • Wine tasting in the Juhász Winery in the Szépasszony Valley
  • Dinner with Wine Knights inauguration program in the Kulacs Csárda
  • Visit to the Stühmer Chocolate Factory
  • Organ Concert in the Basilica in Eger
  • Trout picnic in Szilvásvárad
  • Hand made cheese tasting
  • A visit to Mezőkövesd
  • Wine tastings and dinners in five award winning wineries
  • Visit with tasting in the Wine Vinegar House in Bodrogkeresztúr
  • Visit to a barrel manufacturer
  • Visit to the Synagogue and the Aszú House in Mád
  • Visit of the Castle in Sárospatak
  • Boat trip on the Bodrog
  • Pálinka tasting in the Pálinka House in Veresegyház
  • Lunch in the Szűcs Fogadója Restaurant
  • Cooking course and wine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Tours

Carnival Tour in Hungary – Winter Traditions

Posted on by Liz

Carnival Tour in Hungary

February 1 – 14, 2024

Come! See for yourself!

Space is limited!

Experience the beauty of Hungary during a slower paced season. Step back in time and visit workshops of folk artists, learn folk dances, and enjoy and learn how to prepare wonderful foods. We will explore the architectural and historical heritage of Hungary in a variety of palaces and castles. We will learn a lot about history and traditions and enjoy excellent gastronomy! This is just a brief overview of the tour. Each full day includes breakfast and one main meal, an English-speaking guide, motor coach transportation, transportation to and from the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to your hotel. Entry fees for all sightseeing tours and programs are included.

For more information, a registration form, and day-to-day brief itinerary, email [email protected]

  • 13 nights in comfortable accommodations
  • Visit the refurbished Castle District in Veszprém
  • Visit the refurbished Ozora Castle
  • Wine dinner in Villány Wine region
  • Folk dance show and folk dance learning
  • A day tour in South Baranya, today in Croatia
  • Visits to folk artist workshops
  • Classical music concert in a special venue
  • Visit the Siklós Castle and Máriagyűd a pilgrimage site
  • Experience the Búsójárás in Mohács
  • Gastronomy workshops in traditional countryside venues
  • Winter at Lake Balaton – Traditional Disznóvágás (pig processing and sausage filling party)

This tour starts and ends in Budapest, Hungary. Please be in Budapest no later than Saturday, February 1st! If you would like to add days either before or after the tour and need assistance making those arrangements, we are happy to do that and can include it on your invoice.

Tour price is $5300 USD, per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement (private room) is an additional $960 USD.
Deposit: $2000 USD per person
Returning Traveler Discount: $150 USD per person
Check or money order Discount: $150 USD per person (Please note, the entire trip must be paid this way to qualify for this discount.)
All discounts will be factored in during the final invoice.

Want to add a visit to an ancestral village before, during, or after the tour? Email [email protected] and let us know that you are interested in this opportunity!

Our tours require moderate physical effort and mental independence. Knowledge of the Hungarian language is useful but not required. Our smaller group size (15-28 people) allows us to visit smaller venues and artisans. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance! If you need help booking tickets and securing travel insurance, email me for a recommendation.

Our tour price does not include: airfare, passport and luggage fees, gratuities, travel insurance, or alcoholic drinks (unless a part of our activity). We are not responsible for any theft, accidents, or insurance-related incidents while traveling.

 

Previous Tours

Folk Art & Culinary Tour May 2024

Posted on by Liz

Folk Art & Culinary Tour

May 2 – May 13th, 2024 — Budapest,  Gyula, Debrecen, and Nyíregyháza (11 nights)

Space is limited!

We will explore the folk art and enjoy excellent gastronomy in eastern and northeastern Hungary. We will learn all about pálinka, the healing waters of several spas, and the wooden churches of the area as well as other architectural highlights.   This is just a brief overview of the tour. Each full day includes breakfast and one main meal, an English-speaking guide, motor coach transportation, transportation to and from the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to your hotel. Entry fees for all sightseeing tours and programs are included.

For more information, a registration form, and day-to-day brief itinerary, email [email protected]

  • Comfortable accommodations
  • Visit the castle of Gyula
  • Visit the town spa of Gyula
  • Pálinka tasting at the Gyulai Pálinka Distillery
  • A visit to the Zwack Unicum Distillery
  • Dinner with folk dance show and gypsy music.
  • A visit to the Great Reformed Church
  • Horse show and lunch at the National Park Hortobágy
  • Visit to the Skanzen in Nyíregyháza
  • Gastronomy workshop
  • A visit in Tard to learn about Matyó embroidery
  • Coffee and cake in Maklár at the Stühmer Café

This tour starts and ends in Budapest, Hungary. Please be in Budapest no later than Thursday, May 2nd, 2024! If you would like to add days either before or after the tour and need assistance making those arrangements, we are happy to do that and can include it on your invoice.

Tour price:
$5300 USD, per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement (private room) is an additional $750 USD.

Deposit: $2000 USD per person
Returning Traveler Discount: $150 USD per person
Check or money order Discount: $150 USD per person (Please note, the entire trip must be paid this way to qualify for this discount.)
All discounts will be factored in during the final invoice.

Want to add a visit to an ancestral village before, during, or after the tour? Email [email protected] and let us know that you are interested in this opportunity!

Our tours require moderate physical effort and mental independence. Knowledge of the Hungarian language is useful but not required. Our smaller group size (18-28 people) allows us to visit smaller venues and artisans. We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance! If you need help booking tickets and securing travel insurance, email me for a recommendation. Our tour price does not include: airfare, passport and luggage fees, gratuities, travel insurance, or alcoholic drinks (unless a part of our activity). We are not responsible for any theft, accidents, or insurance-related incidents while traveling.

Come! See for yourself!

 

Travel Tips for Hungary

What to do while you wait for your trip!

Posted on by Liz

What to do while you wait for your trip:

Hungarian Language: Work on your Hungarian language skills. We have been offering small group Hungarian language instruction with some excellent teachers and it helps to be doing something practical. We would love to have you join us! Find a language app that works for you. Make vocabulary flashcards. Take a course.

Genealogy: Since we aren’t free to travel, it might be a good time to work on your genealogy projects. How far back can you go in your family line? Are there places you might be stuck? We will be hosting new classes this fall!

Health: Keep up your health! Start or keep walking or biking or whatever you do so, when the time comes for travel, you are ready to go! Track your miles, find a podcast to listen to while you walk! Change up your routine!

Culinary Arts: Are there some Hungarian foods you want to try to make? Now is a great time to experiment in the kitchen! Take one of our online cooking classes! Challenge yourself to make a Hungarian dish at least once a month. If you have a family recipes to work with, that’s even better! If you don’t love to cook but miss Hungarian food, maybe you are lucky enough to have a Hungarian restaurant or organization near you that is cooking! Support them if you can!

Folk Art: If you have been interested in learning some aspect of Hungarian folk art, now is a great time to do some learning! Recently, I had a couple of nights away and I took a sketch pad with me and I just practiced drawing some Hungarian folk art flowers. It was fun to play around and figure out how to sketch a few things. Even though I am not particularly artistic, I was able to come up with a few satisfying drawings!

Reading: Find books that have to do with Hungary — whether they are historical accounts or historical fiction or simply novels and stories by authors who have a connection to Hungary, it doesn’t matter. It is always interesting to read different perspectives and “travel” with a good author! There are books for all ages with a connection to Hungary!

Movies: There are plenty of movies out there with a connection to Hungary — either written or directed by a Hungarian, set in Hungary, about the topic of Hungary, or with actors that have Hungarian heritage.

Music: Hungarians are well known for their passion for music. Check YouTube for a wide variety of music from folk songs to current hits to gypsy orchestras! This is a great time to expand your experience with Hungarian music!

Travel Tips for Hungary

Money Travel Tips

Posted on by Liz

I am often asked about important money tips to consider when traveling to Hungary. Here are a few of the ones I’ve figured out over my years of international travel:

  • Contact your bank or AAA before you leave if you want to have some Hungarian forints (HUF) in your pocket as you land in Hungary, or you can exchange a small amount of money at the airport. Just keep in mind you won’t get the best exchange rate at the airport so don’t exchange all the money you brought from home, just enough to tide you over until you get to town!
  • Money exchange places are in Budapest and the larger cities. Exchange money before you go to the countryside because not every place takes a credit card. But, do not go to the ones called INTERCHANGE that have an orange sign. They are notoriously more expensive.
  • Be sure to call your credit card companies and tell them to note on your account when and where you will be traveling internationally, including the countries you are connecting through on your way to Budapest if you do not have a direct flight. If your credit card company thinks your card or card number has been compromised, they will shut it down. Bring along more cash than you think you need.
  • If you will have a layover in a European country that uses Euros, don’t stress about having euros as long as you have a credit card without foreign transaction fees. My time is typically so short at the airports I just use my credit card for food and souvenir purchases and I don’t mess with Euros at all.
  • Bring a combination of cash and credit cards. DO NOT bring travelers checks or money orders because you cannot cash them in Hungary. Make sure your credit card has a chip, doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and please set up and remember your pin code! Also, that important number on the back of your card to call in case you lose it or it is stolen? Make sure you have that number with you separate from your card! American Express and Discover cards are not widely accepted. If you are planning to spend some time out in the countryside it is best to plan on using Hungarian forints for transactions. Most small family businesses do not accept credit cards.
  • Always keep 250-300 HUF with you when you travel in Hungary. While coffee shops and restaurants are required to have restrooms (WC) for their patrons there are many places where there is a fee to use the WC.
  • Be

 

Copyright 2020, Magyar Living

Tour Testimonials

Helen, New York

Posted on by Liz

After drooling for a few years over Magyar Marketing’s tours, my husband and I joined their Wine & Culinary tour in the autumn of 2019.  My father fled during the ’56 Revolution and relocated to America.  I was raised in a household filled with Hungarian traditions, food, music, and love.  I had previously traveled to Hungary twice under communism and once post communism.  Each visit was filled with my extended family’s visits accompanied by homemade food, wine & palinka, and their proud sharing of their town’s tourist sites.  Unfortunately, when I was ready to visit again, only one family member remained in Hungary.

I’m an adventurous person by nature, but I decided to see Hungary from a tourist’s perspective.  My husband and I have never traveled with a group, so we had uncertain expectations.  Prior to travel, Liz of Magyar Marketing was always promptly available to answer questions and assist with any concerns and arrangements.  She handled each detail with a lilt in her voice exhibiting the joy and passion she possesses with sharing of our mutual heritage.

We were a group of about 18 individuals ranging in age of 30’s to 80’s, a combination of singles, couples, parent & child, aunt and niece.  I believe each and every one of us had a wonderful twelve days touring, eating, drinking, and sharing. There was variety for all at every stop, nothing was cookie-cutter or repetitive.  The guides were extremely informative with excellent English and not only guided, but were knowledgeable in addressing every inquiry made by our group.

The tour allowed for free time at each destination for further exploration, shopping, or simply soaking in the moment on a park bench.  The tour is not a fast paced, on the bus-off the bus, on to the next destination.  Each day allowed sufficient free time to enjoy the day’s tour without feeling stressed, physically or mentally.  Departure times were reasonable and our group was respectful of such.  Our lodgings were comfortable and accommodated all our needs and then some.

One item that comes to the forefront of the tour was the flexibility offered for individuals within our group.  Liz’s and her guides’ abilities to meet specific requests while on tour offered such a  personal touch.  I personally requested making a slight side-tour to my father’s village of birth, another left our tour to visit with friends for the day and met up with our group later.  They arranged another day trip for members to visit a specific town to look for ancestral records.  An impromptu bacon roast was arranged one evening which was not part of our tour.  One of our guides assisted me in locating, procuring, and delivering a specific vintage of wine. Such impromptu personalization was welcomed and achieved.

Magyar Marketing’s tour was well organized offering sufficient variety to pique everyone’s interest.  Liz, her guides, and drivers excelled throughout. My husband and I would certainly not hesitate to tour again with Magyar Marketing in the future……the sooner the better!

Helen & John, New York

Tour Testimonials

Sally, Arizona

Posted on by Liz

Last fall, I traveled to Hungary on a wine and culinary tour with Magyar Living. It was my first trip with this company and a wonderful experience. All my grandparents emigrated from Hungary in the early 1900’s, so I had a keen interest in learning more about the culture and history.

Our guides were extremely knowledgeable. They so eloquently presented historical facts as we
journeyed through northeastern Hungary including a day trip to Slovakia, and then to Budapest for our last three nights. With the exception of Budapest, we weren’t competing with lots of tourists and buses, confirming how unique our tour was.

Our meals included everything from modern Hungarian cuisine to the more traditional. The
pogácsa/pálinka greeting was something we got to enjoy at several stops starting with Day 1 on the bus!

There were excursions in small towns to see various artisans demonstrating their crafts including crystal, glass, cooper, vinegar, and more. There were several wine and other spirits tours – small wineries where the owners did the tour and served a meal, wine tasting in a vineyard, a craft beer tasting, a pálinka museum, a Unicum museum – all with more than adequate sampling included! There were visits to a wide variety of museums and special sites – a doll museum in a small town, an internment camp from the Communist period, Helia D cosmetics, a horse show followed by a huge lunch with gypsy musicians, Parliament tour, evening cruise on the Danube, and so much more.

We had an all day village experience in Tard, starting with a pálinka and pogácsa welcome, of course.
The day included cooking, baking, and noodle making lessons. We toured historic homes, learned
Hungarian folk songs, had embroidery lessons, had a short but excellent organ concert at the village
church, dressed a couple from our tour in traditional clothing – all so much fun! We were free to
participate in any activity, or just observe and ultimately enjoy the lovely meal we helped to prepare.

Because of the smaller tour group size and the presence of Don and Liz (Magyar Living owners) on the tour, there was more flexibility to accommodate individual requests and to adjust for the unexpected
(which can always be expected when traveling)! I was traveling solo, but never felt alone – everyone in the group was congenial. I’m 76 years old and, like many in my age group, have some challenges in terms of walking, getting on and off tour busses, etc. However, those limitations never kept me from
enjoying all the experiences. There was always a “work around” – elevator instead of stairs, a fellow
tour member willing to give a hand if no handrail, etc. There was only one mini tour to a castle high on a rocky hillside that I skipped but was able to entertain myself with an interesting medieval restaurant on site and homemade ice cream from a lady with a small vendor cart. She was a local and made the ice cream herself with fruit from her orchard – how delightful!

Sally, Arizona

Tour Testimonials

Bea, Oregon

Posted on by Liz

I went on the Fall 2019 trip to northeastern Hungary.  What a wonderful experience!  Each day of the tour brought interesting activities, places to visit, and beautiful countryside scenes from our tour bus.  The itinerary is varied and each day brings something new. 

There was some free time on the tour for us to relax, or shop, or stroll around.  This was a good balance to our active schedule.  Our great Hungarian guides, as well as Liz and Don, provided helpful information and answered our questions.

After a busy day, hotel dinners or winery/restaurant dinners were delicious and something to look forward to.  Also, the hotel buffet breakfasts were a favorite of mine – so many choices of fruit, vegetables, juice, breads and rolls, as well as heartier foods like meat and eggs.

I have so many good memories of the tour!

Tour Testimonials

Jim and Linda, Maine

Posted on by Liz

This was one of the most enjoyable trips that my husband and I have taken. While we’ve been fortunate to have taken many trips to Europe, what sets this trip with Magyar Marketing apart from the rest, is the in-depth look we got of Hungary. We not only visited places that tourists don’t usually travel to around the country, but also, we were able to take part in lots of fun and unusual activities.

From trying our hands at painting decorative eggs and participating in an actual paprika harvest, to a traditional fish-fry picnic in the wooded mountains, and an exciting horse show, as well as several wine tastings and pálinka tastings, we were truly immersed in the Hungarian lifestyle for the two weeks we were there. The food was to die for, as well!

Our guide, Andrea, was an encyclopedia of information from whom we learned much about Hungarian history, from the time of the Magyars through the years of the Soviet occupation. We even covered some of the recent struggles with the European Union and the plight of displaced refugees from Syria. Our bus driver, Christian, a delight to travel with, gave us a young perspective of Hungarian life today. The small size of our group enabled us to get to know our traveling companions quite well, and the fantastic accommodations added to our enjoyment. We hope to travel with Magyar Marketing again in the future!

Thank you Liz, for this wonderful, unforgettable trip!

Tour Testimonials

Jen, Michigan

Posted on by Liz

I always dreamt of traveling to Hungary (my grandparents were Hungarian) and my leery mother was going to be my traveling companion. While browsing for paprika on the Magyar Marketing website, I came across their Hungarian tours. I excitedly told my mother about it. She felt that it would be safer than traveling on our own, getting lost and starving. Even though I was looking for an adventure, I felt that this was a good compromise. The trip turned out to be amazing. We traveled to places that we never would have found on our own. My vacations typically consist of bars and shopping, whereas my mom’s consist more of museums and scenery but we found Hungary to be a great blend of both of our tastes.

My mother kept a journal and I was the photographer. While the journal has been passed along to family and friends to read, the pictures are still waiting to be developed.

It has been a long time since I spent over two weeks with my mom. We were both nervous that we would be sick of each other, but the trip was a great way to reconnect. We were still speaking after we arrived home, and we may even consider including my dad on the next adventure.

To experience exploring cultural roots with my mom was an opportunity to learn about my heritage and brought us closer together. The memories will last forever. ~ Jen, Michigan

Tour Testimonials

Frank and Hilda, New York

Posted on by Liz

We’ve been traveling as a couple both independently and with organized tour operators in the U,S., Europe, South America and the Middle East for almost five decades, and we’ve found your operation to be among the best we’ve experienced. Your trips are well organized and it’s easy to see that there must be a lot of planning and preparation behind these excursions and itineraries. We typically stayed at four star hotels, and this reduced the number of times we had to pack and unpack. Many of the hotels were close to city centers, our luggage was zipped into and out of each hotel so we didn’t have to lug them around, we didn’t have to find restaurants that were decent and open, and you did all the leg work for the sights and attractions for a full day. We put ourselves into your hands and did not regret it once.

In addition, we appreciate each tour’s balance between the natural beauty of the country, the rich history and culture of my wife’s homeland, and the unique products offered by the country’s talented artisans not to mention the amazing local cuisine, wines and of course, pálinka. Even though I am not of Hungarian decent and have been to Hungary four times in the past, I found your tour to be very interesting and fun. After all, you don’t need to be French to enjoy Paris.

We like the fact that each day’s schedule is not too ambitious or exhausting, and that your itineraries leave time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Also, the air-conditioned coach was clean and comfortable, and your local tour guide and the very skilled coach driver were knowledgeable and good-natured and always ready to help with any issues that came up. So, all in all, your guests get good value for their vacation dollars and a memorable experience. ~ Frank and Hilda, New York

Tour Testimonials

Barb, Michigan

Posted on by Liz

Although my parents took that cruise across the Atlantic to N.Y. to Cleveland, Ohio, I had never been to Hungary. Due to a notice in the Magyar Marketing e-newsletter, I took the plunge and signed up for a tour in May of 2016. I think I was the oldest traveler with the group, but I never felt that way.

It was the trip of a lifetime; fabulous in every way. Let’s start with the fact that I never wondered where I would lay my head any night. Each of the hotels was first class. There are days when I relish one of those fabulous morning buffets. “Just hop on the bus, Gus, no need to discuss much.” Each day was planned to precision with breath-taking sights and luscious meals. Funny that the stuffed cabbage on the Danube cruise tasted exactly like that my Mom made. I am so lucky to have her recipe.

Liz and Andrea made sure we drank Hungarian wine in the middle of a vineyard on the back of a truck. Not only were our meals authentic but set in interesting places: outdoor poppyseed strudel baking, etc. We observed ceramic, glass and other folk artisans. I have treasures I could not have gotten in town. You will never regret signing up with Liz. ~ Barb, Michigan

Travel Tips for Hungary

Basic Travel Tips for Hungary

Posted on by Liz

 

I am often asked about important tips to consider when traveling to Hungary. Here are a few of the ones I’ve found most useful:

  • If you will have a smartphone along and you will have an international plan during your travel, be sure to understand how it works. Be informed because it is easy to run up a crazy high bill when traveling. Most of the hotels have Wi-Fi so even if you don’t have an international plan you can still communicate with friends and family back home –just always leave your phone in airplane mode! Also, don’t be so preoccupied with photos and videos that you forget to be where you are. It’s ok to just enjoy the moment and hold onto memories and not have digital documentation of everything! I always like to keep a paper journal – it is a nice keepsake too.
  • Always keep 150-200 HUF with you when you travel in Hungary. While coffee shops and restaurants are required to have restrooms (WC) for their patrons there are many places where there is a fee to use the WC.
  • Bring along a travel pack of tissues and have it on your person at all times. There are times when there is no toilet paper in the restroom stalls! You will thank me for this tip! My daughter also likes to carry a small container of hand sanitizer or liquid hand soap with her.
  • Start getting in better shape now! There is a lot of walking to be done in Hungary. There are cobblestone streets, and the castles are not handicap accessible. When visiting historic buildings they likely will not have an elevator. You may want a special pair of shoes for a special night out, but comfortable shoes for walking are a must. Do what you can to add more and more walking (and even stairs) to your routine as soon as you know you are going on a trip. It’s good for you even if you aren’t traveling. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have some special considerations.
  • If you use anything electrical, you will need an adapter or converter for Europe. Definitely limit the electrical items you bring along because otherwise you become a slave to the charger. If you have a used up plastic gift card, bring it along. Many hotels in Hungary have an energy saving feature. You insert your room key into a slot to turn the power on. When you leave you take the key with you which shuts down the power. A “spent” gift card is often a good substitute for a room key and will keep the power on so you can keep your device charging even while you’re out of the room.
  • Save a little money by washing your own socks and undergarments and hanging them out to dry in your room. The hotels we stay at typically offer laundry service but I have been to some places where there isn’t any. You can send off your pants and shirts to be done if you need to but it adds up quickly. It may be worth it to you; it all depends on how you prefer to travel! Irons are not common, so I always try to bring low-maintenance clothes.
  • Bring your own washcloth or body scrubber! Many Hungarian hotels only have a bath towel and a hand towel and no washcloth. If you buy a pack of inexpensive, colored washcloths you can choose to bring them back home with you or leave them behind in the hotel room. Just don’t bring white ones as room towels are generally white and they will be scooped up when your room is cleaned.
  • Soap and shampoo are often combined as one product and hair conditioner is not a common offering. Keep that in mind and if you have particular products you like to use be sure to bring them along. Hair dryers are commonly found in hotel rooms.
  • Pack one complete change of clothes in your carry-on. If your luggage gets lost you will have at least one back up outfit! Also, if you are traveling with someone else you might want a back up set of clothes in the other person’s suitcase so if your luggage gets lost you have another outfit until it (hopefully) gets returned to you.
  • Limit your use of strong scents. When traveling in close quarters on the planes and buses it is nice to only have neutral aromas floating around. While you likely love your favorite scent it isn’t guaranteed that everyone will!
  • If you think you will bring back fragile things, bring along some bubble wrap and some plastic bags to wrap those items well. You can always wrap things up in dirty clothes but I would still put them in cloth or plastic bags in case TSA starts rooting through your bags. It also helps you remember that there is something fragile when you get home after a long traveling day.

Reprinted with permission from Hungarian Living.