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
Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Traveling to Canada offers a vast and diverse experience, with its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Here's why Canada should be on your travel list:
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
Banff National Park (Alberta): Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers breathtaking mountain scenery, pristine lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.Niagara Falls (Ontario): One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a must-see. You can take a boat tour to get up close to the falls or enjoy panoramic views from the Skylon Tower.
Jasper National Park (Alberta): Another gem in the Rockies, Jasper offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the chance to explore the Columbia Icefield or stargaze in one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves.
Vancouver Island (British Columbia): This large, diverse island offers everything from rugged coastlines and rainforests to charming towns like Victoria and Tofino, known for whale watching, surfing, and exploring tide pools.
Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne is known for its dramatic cliffs, fjords, and geological wonders. It's a paradise for hiking, boat tours, and experiencing the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
The Northern Lights: Northern Canada is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. Visit locations like Whitehorse in the Yukon, Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, or Churchill in Manitoba for a chance to see this natural phenomenon.
Outdoor Adventures
Skiing and Snowboarding: Canada is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Mont Tremblant in Quebec, and Banff/Lake Louise in Alberta offer world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences.
Hiking: With its vast wilderness, Canada offers incredible hiking opportunities. Explore the trails in national parks like Banff, Jasper, and Gros Morne, or take on the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island for a challenging coastal hike.
Whale Watching: Canada’s extensive coastline offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world. Visit places like Tofino in British Columbia, Tadoussac in Quebec, or the Bay of Fundy to see orcas, humpbacks, and belugas.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle through Canada’s pristine lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. The Boundary Waters in Ontario, Algonquin Park, and the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit in British Columbia are just a few of the many options for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
Wildlife Viewing: Canada is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, bison, and wolves. Visit national parks, reserves, and wilderness areas for opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitats.
Fishing: Canada offers world-class fishing opportunities in its numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. From fly fishing in the Rockies to salmon fishing in British Columbia, anglers will find plenty of spots to cast a line.
Unique Experiences
Polar Bear Tours (Manitoba): Visit Churchill, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” to see these magnificent animals in the wild. Tours typically take place in October and November.
Ice Hotel (Quebec): Spend a night at the Hôtel de Glace, a unique hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Open from January to March, this hotel features intricately carved ice rooms, an ice bar, and even an ice chapel for weddings.
Rocky Mountaineer Train: Experience the Canadian Rockies in luxury on the Rocky Mountaineer train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and wildlife, with gourmet meals and top-notch service.
Rideau Canal (Ottawa): In winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink. Rent skates and glide along the frozen canal, stopping for hot chocolate or a BeaverTail pastry along the way.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia): Drive or cycle the Cabot Trail, a scenic loop around Cape Breton Island known for its dramatic coastal views, charming fishing villages, and opportunities to spot whales and eagles.
Canada's diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences makes it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, history, or a taste of something new. Whether you're exploring the wilds of the Rockies, the vibrant streets of Montreal, or the serene beauty of the Maritimes, Canada has something to offer every traveler.
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