Emery, Texas

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!

George, Mississippi

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.

Bea, Oregon

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!

Donna, Louisiana

The trip of a lifetime is the best way I can explain my February 2018 tour with Magyar Marketing. I have traveled to Hungary several times but was never fully immersed in Hungarian culture until touring with this group. Since my ancestors were from Hungary, this was very important to me.

Our tour guide, Andrea, provided us with a wealth of information on Hungarian people, places, culture, and history. Part of our fascinating journey took us not far from my paternal Grandfather’s birthplace of Tizadob. Liz and Andrea surprised me with a tour of Andrassy’s Palace in Tizadob – where my grandfather often watched ongoing activities while working in fields close by as a young boy. I can’t begin to explain the feelings running rampant at the thought of possibly walking on the same soil where my grandfather was born and raised. Little did I know, this was the beginning of two weeks of wonderful adventures. We took a short train ride through the snowy Bükk National Park in Lillafüred and enjoyed a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the countryside to learning about storks at Fehér Gólya Museum (stork museum) in Kölked and visiting Polgar Winery in Villány – where the owner reminded me so much of my dad. I felt like I was dreaming. We visited the Memorial Park of the Battle of Mohaćs where ~20,000 lives were lost and the culminating activity of trip – experiencing the Busó Festival first-hand in Mohaćs. What an experience to behold!

I will be forever grateful to Liz of Magyar Marketing, Andrea, and Christian, our skilled bus driver, for fulfilling my dream of a lifetime in becoming fully immersed in Hungarian culture. I am looking forward to future trips with Magyar Marketing and all this company has to offer.