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

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

2023 Fall Folk Art & Culinary Tour

Posted on by Liz

Fall Folk Art and Culinary Tour

September 2 – 15, 2023

Come! See for yourself!

Space is limited!

We will be exploring Budapest, Kecskemét, Szeged, and the areas in between. We love to visit small folk art creators, take part in local festivals, learn a bit about Hungarian cooking, eat wonderful food, and explore the countryside. This tour will feature folk art and culinary experiences! 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 a registration form and brief day-to-day itinerary, email [email protected]

  • 13 nights in comfortable accomodations
  • Wine dinners
  • Pálinka Distillery
  • Cooking class
  • Guided tour of St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Visit to Kalocsa
  • Lace Museum in Kiskunhalas
  • City tour and visit in Szeged
  • Embroidery workshop
  • Blue dye workshop in Bácsalmás
  • Ópusztaszer National Park
  • Coffee and cake in Gerbeaud Cafe

Tour price is $4900 USD, per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement (private room) is an additional $960 USD.
Deposit: $1500 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.

This tour will start and end in Budapest, Hungary. Please be in Budapest no later than September 2nd! If you would like to add days either before or after the tour and need assistance making those arrangements, we can help! If you want to visit a village or town in your family ancestry, we can arrange for a tour guide/translator to help you make the most of your visit. We are happy to do that for you and can include it on your invoice.

Take advantage of your airfare and participate in both September tours! Check out the details on our Explore Transylvania! tour.

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 referral.

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

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.

 

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

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.