Cheryl Fredrickson
Apple Valley, MN
Hungary
Budapest is my absolute favorite European city! Visitors should be sure to include the following locations on their Budapest “to-do” list…
- Buda Castle and Castle Hill: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views of the city...
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Budapest is my absolute favorite European city! Visitors should be sure to include the following locations on their Budapest “to-do” list…
- Buda Castle and Castle Hill: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views of the city and housing historical museums and the Royal Palace.
- Parliament Building: One of Europe’s most iconic parliamentary buildings, stunning both inside and out, especially when illuminated at night.
- Thermal Baths: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas Baths, where visitors can relax in naturally heated waters.
- Chain Bridge: A symbol of Budapest, this suspension bridge connects Buda and Pest and offers beautiful views of the Danube River.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica: A majestic church dedicated to Hungary’s first king, with a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the city.
But wait, there's more! There is so much to see outside the city of Budapest as well.
Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. It’s a popular summer destination with beaches, sailing, and quaint lakeside towns. The Tihany Peninsula is known for its historic Benedictine Abbey and lavender fields, offering stunning views of the lake.
Eger Castle is a historic fortress that played a significant role in Hungary’s defense against the Ottoman Empire. Eger is home to beautiful baroque buildings, including the Minorite Church and the Lyceum. Eger is famous for its "Bikavér" (Bull’s Blood) wine, and the Valley of the Beautiful Women is a popular spot for wine tasting.
Hortobágy National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s Europe’s largest semi-natural grassland, known for its unique landscapes, traditional Hungarian shepherd culture, and rich birdlife.
Pécs offers the Early Christian Necropolis, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient burial site dates back to the 4th century. Here you’ll also find the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter which celebrates the Zsolnay family’s contributions to Hungarian ceramics, with museums, workshops, and exhibitions.
The Tokaj Wine Region is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s known for its sweet Tokaji Aszú wine, made from grapes affected by noble rot, and picturesque vineyards.
Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city, known for the Great Reformed Church, the Déri Museum, and its vibrant cultural scene. Nagyerdei Park is a large park with a spa, zoo, and the University of Debrecen’s botanical garden.
Danube Bend is a scenic stretch of the Danube River north of Budapest, featuring charming towns like Visegrád, Esztergom, and Szentendre, known for their historical sites, castles, and art galleries.
Szeged is known as the "City of Sunshine" for its sunny climate. Szeged is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, the Votive Church, and its annual open-air theatre festival.
Aggtelek National Park is home to the impressive Baradla Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Aggtelek Karst, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
The Gödöllo Palace one of the largest baroque palaces in Hungary, once the favorite residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria-Hungary, with beautiful gardens and historical exhibitions.
Visegrád is known for the Visegrád Citadel, offering spectacular views of the Danube Bend, and for its Renaissance palace and medieval tournaments.
I look forward to helping you plan your vacation to Hungary and introducing you to its treasures.
Can Be Reached At
1-952-432-6272
Italy
Italy is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world, offering a unique blend of history, culture, art, and natural beauty. Here are some compelling reasons to visit Italy:
Rich History and Ancient Sites
Rome: Known as the "Eternal City," Rome is home to iconic historical sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Walking through Rome feels like stepping back in time.
Pompeii and Herculaneum: These ancient cities, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.
Venice: A city built on water, Venice is a marvel of engineering and history, with its winding canals, historic palaces, and the famous St. Mark’s Basilica.
Art and Architecture
Florence: The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to world-renowned art galleries like the Uffizi and masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David. The city itself is an architectural gem, with the stunning Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
Milan: Italy’s fashion capital also boasts incredible art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano.
Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and countless other works of art. St. Peter’s Basilica is an architectural masterpiece.
World-Class Cuisine
Regional Specialties: Italy’s cuisine varies greatly from region to region. Enjoy pizza in Naples, pasta in Bologna, seafood along the Amalfi Coast, and truffles in Piedmont.
Wine: Italy is one of the world’s top wine producers, offering famous varieties like Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco. Wine-tasting tours in Tuscany or the vineyards of Piedmont are a must for wine lovers.
Gelato and Coffee: Indulge in Italy’s famous gelato and enjoy a perfect espresso or cappuccino at a local café.
Breathtaking Landscapes
Tuscany: Rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves make Tuscany one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Explore charming towns like Siena and San Gimignano.
Amalfi Coast: With its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and charming coastal towns like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast is a stunning destination for relaxation and exploration.
The Dolomites: These jagged mountain peaks offer some of the best hiking, skiing, and outdoor adventures in Europe, along with breathtaking views.
Charming Villages and Towns
Cinque Terre: These five colorful cliffside villages along the Ligurian coast are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their stunning views and hiking trails.
Verona: The setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a beautiful city with a well-preserved Roman arena and a charming old town.
Alberobello: Famous for its trulli, unique conical-roofed houses, this town in Puglia offers a glimpse into traditional Italian life.
Festivals and Events
Carnival in Venice: Experience the grandeur and mystery of Venice’s Carnival, with its elaborate masks and costumes, parades, and balls.
Palio di Siena: This historic horse race, held in the Piazza del Campo in Siena, is a thrilling event full of pageantry and local pride.
Opera and Music: Italy has a rich musical heritage. Attend an opera in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater or a classical concert in one of Italy’s historic theaters.
Mediterranean Beaches
Sardinia and Sicily: Italy’s largest islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and stunning coastal scenery.
Puglia: The heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia boasts beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns like Polignano a Mare and Otranto.
Romantic Destinations
Venice: A city synonymous with romance, Venice’s gondola rides, and intimate canals make it a perfect destination for couples.
Lake Como: Surrounded by mountains and dotted with luxurious villas, Lake Como is a romantic retreat favored by celebrities and travelers alike.
Warm and Welcoming People
Italians are known for their hospitality and passion for life. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a small village, you’re likely to experience warm, friendly interactions and a genuine appreciation for visitors.
Italy offers a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a destination that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins, indulge in world-class food and wine, or simply relax in stunning surroundings, Italy has something for everyone.
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