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...
Learn more about me.
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
Ireland
Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Traveling to Ireland is an experience rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here's why Ireland should be on your travel list:
Stunning Natural Landscapes
Cliffs of Moher: One of Ireland’s most iconic sights, these dramatic cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and are a must-see for any visitor.
Ring of Kerry: This scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula showcases some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rugged coastlines.
Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, this natural wonder features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
Wild Atlantic Way: This coastal route along the west of Ireland is the longest defined coastal driving route in the world, featuring stunning beaches, cliffs, and charming towns.
Rich History and Heritage
Ancient Castles and Ruins: Ireland is dotted with castles, from the well-preserved Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous stone, to the haunting ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on a cliff.
Newgrange: Older than the pyramids, this prehistoric monument is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an impressive example of ancient engineering and art.
Historical Sites in Dublin: Explore Dublin’s rich history with visits to sites like Trinity College (home to the Book of Kells), Dublin Castle, and Kilmainham Gaol.
Medieval Towns: Towns like Kilkenny and Carlingford offer a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past with well-preserved architecture and historic sites.
Vibrant Culture and Traditions
Irish Music and Dance: Experience traditional Irish music sessions (known as “trad sessions”) in local pubs, where you can enjoy live performances of folk music, or attend a Riverdance show to see Irish dance at its finest.Festivals: Ireland hosts numerous cultural festivals, including St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated with parades and events across the country, and the Galway International Arts Festival, showcasing music, theater, and visual arts.
Gaelic Games: Watch a game of hurling or Gaelic football, Ireland’s traditional sports, which are a huge part of the country’s cultural identity.
Friendly Locals
Warm Hospitality: The Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Whether you’re in a small village or a bustling city, you’re likely to be greeted with a warm welcome and engaging conversation.
Pub Culture: Ireland’s pubs are more than just places to drink; they’re social hubs where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy good company, music, and a pint of Guinness.
Gastronomy
Farm-to-Table Dining: Ireland’s culinary scene has evolved with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy dishes like Irish stew, seafood chowder, and soda bread in cozy pubs or fine dining restaurants.
Seafood: The coastal waters around Ireland are rich with seafood, offering everything from fresh oysters to smoked salmon. The west coast, in particular, is known for its excellent seafood.
Whiskey and Beer: Ireland is famous for its whiskey distilleries and breweries. Tour the Jameson Distillery in Dublin or the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the history and process of making these iconic beverages, followed by tastings.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Walking: Ireland offers incredible hiking opportunities, from the Wicklow Way near Dublin to the rugged trails of Connemara and the Mourne Mountains.
Cycling: Explore the scenic landscapes on a bike, with popular routes including the Great Western Greenway in Mayo and the Waterford Greenway.
Golf: Ireland is home to some of the world’s best golf courses, including Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Royal County Down, attracting golfers from around the globe.
Unique Experiences
Stay in a Castle: Experience the grandeur of staying in a historic Irish castle, many of which have been converted into luxurious hotels, offering a unique blend of history and comfort.
Explore the Aran Islands: These rugged, windswept islands off the west coast offer a glimpse into traditional Irish life, with ancient forts, stunning coastal scenery, and a strong Gaelic culture.
Skellig Michael: Visit this remote island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its early Christian monastery and as a filming location for Star Wars.
Myth and Legend
Celtic Mythology: Ireland is steeped in myth and legend, from the tales of the ancient Tuatha Dé Danann to the legends of heroes like Cú Chulainn and the lore surrounding the Giant’s Causeway.
Ireland’s blend of natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality makes it a destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or simply a good time with friendly locals, Ireland has it all.
Go to my main profile