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
France
The Gardens of Versailles
Traveling to France is a journey into a country renowned for its rich culture, history, cuisine, and diverse landscapes. Here’s why France should be at the top of your travel list:
Iconic Landmarks
Eiffel Tower (Paris): No trip to France is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of Paris from its observation decks.
Louvre Museum (Paris): The world's largest art museum, home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre's vast collection spans from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris): This Gothic masterpiece, with its stunning architecture and historic significance, is a must-see.
Palace of Versailles: Located just outside Paris, this opulent palace was the seat of French royalty until the French Revolution. The Hall of Mirrors and the expansive gardens are highlights.
World-Class Cuisine
French Gastronomy: France is synonymous with fine dining. Indulge in local specialties such as escargot, coq au vin, and foie gras. Enjoy a croissant at a Parisian café or a gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Wine Regions: Explore the renowned wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Take vineyard tours, enjoy tastings, and learn about the rich traditions of French winemaking.
Cheese: France boasts an incredible variety of cheeses, from creamy Brie to pungent Roquefort. Visit local markets or fromageries to sample the best.
Pastries and Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with French pastries like macarons, éclairs, and tarte Tatin. Don’t miss trying a fresh baguette or a pain au chocolat from a local bakery.
Charming Cities and Towns
Paris: The City of Light is a global hub of art, fashion, and culture. Stroll along the Seine, visit world-class museums, and explore neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais.
Lyon: Known as the culinary capital of France, Lyon offers a mix of Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and exceptional cuisine. Explore the historic Vieux Lyon and dine in a traditional "bouchon" restaurant.
Nice: Located on the French Riviera, Nice is famous for its beautiful coastline, vibrant markets, and art museums. The Promenade des Anglais offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Strasbourg: This Alsatian city near the German border is known for its charming half-timbered houses, the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, and its rich blend of French and German cultures.
Marseille: France’s oldest city, Marseille, offers a dynamic mix of cultures, a bustling port, and landmarks like the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Bordeaux: This city is at the heart of France’s most famous wine region, with beautiful 18th-century architecture, world-class vineyards, and a thriving food scene.
Fashion and Shopping
Paris: The fashion capital of the world, Paris is home to luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and legendary department stores like Galeries Lafayette. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées or explore the chic Marais district for unique finds.
Markets: France is famous for its markets, offering everything from fresh produce and gourmet foods to antiques and artisanal crafts. Visit the markets in Nice, Aix-en-Provence, or Paris for a taste of local life.
Perfume: The town of Grasse in Provence is known as the perfume capital of the world. Visit perfume factories and create your own signature scent.
Romantic Getaways
Paris: Often called the "City of Love," Paris is a top destination for couples. Enjoy a romantic dinner by the Seine, a stroll through Montmartre, or a sunset view from the Eiffel Tower.
The Loire Valley: The "Garden of France" is perfect for a romantic getaway, with its fairy-tale châteaux, scenic vineyards, and charming towns.
Provence: With its lavender fields, olive groves, and quaint villages, Provence offers a serene and romantic atmosphere for couples.
The French Riviera: Enjoy the glamour and beauty of the Côte d'Azur with its luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Wine and Vineyard Tours
Bordeaux: As one of the world’s most famous wine regions, Bordeaux offers extensive vineyard tours, wine tastings, and opportunities to learn about wine production from expert vintners.
Champagne: Visit the birthplace of the world’s most famous sparkling wine, touring the prestigious houses of Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and others.
Burgundy: Renowned for its red wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Burgundy is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Explore the vineyards, wine cellars, and charming villages of this historic region.
France offers something for every type of traveler, whether you're interested in exploring world-class museums, savoring gourmet cuisine, relaxing in the countryside, or enjoying the vibrant energy of its cities. Each region has its own unique charm, making France a destination you can visit again and again, always discovering something new.
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