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.

Let's Cook Hungarian Challenge, Previous Tours

February 2018 Winter Traditions Tour

Posted on by Liz

We explored Lillafüred, Budapest, Miskolc, Mezőkövesd, Tokaj Wine Region, Harkány, Pécs, Mohács and the Búsó festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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.
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