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
Greece
Traveling to Greece offers an incredible mix of ancient history, stunning landscapes, beautiful islands, and rich culture. Here’s why Greece should be on your travel list:
Rich History and Ancient Ruins
Athens: The capital city is home to some of the most iconic historical sites in the world. Visit the Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands as a symbol of ancient Greece. Explore the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
Delphi: Known as the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology, Delphi is home to the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi. The archaeological site offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Greece's religious history.
Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia offers ruins of the ancient stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Hera.
Mycenae: Discover the ancient city of Mycenae, famous for its Lion’s Gate, royal tombs, and its role in Homer’s epics, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."
Epidaurus: Known for its ancient theater, which is still used today, Epidaurus was also a center for healing in ancient times, with a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
Stunning Islands
Santorini: Famous for its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets, Santorini offers breathtaking views of the caldera, beautiful beaches, and charming villages like Oia and Fira.
Mykonos: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is also home to beautiful beaches, whitewashed windmills, and the charming neighborhood of Little Venice.
Crete: Greece's largest island offers a mix of stunning beaches, ancient ruins like the Palace of Knossos, and diverse landscapes, including the Samaria Gorge.
Rhodes: Known for its medieval Old Town, Rhodes offers a blend of ancient history, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master and the ancient city of Kamiros.
Corfu: This lush, green island offers a blend of beautiful beaches, Venetian architecture, and a charming Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Naxos: The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos offers beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages. Don’t miss the Portara, the giant marble doorway, and the Temple of Apollo.
Beautiful Beaches
Navagio Beach (Zakynthos): Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is one of Greece’s most famous beaches, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a shipwreck resting on its sandy shore.
Elafonissi Beach (Crete): Known for its pink sand and clear shallow waters, Elafonissi is a must-visit beach in Crete.
Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia): This stunning beach is framed by steep cliffs and offers vibrant blue waters, making it one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
Balos Lagoon (Crete): A spectacular lagoon with shallow, warm waters and a backdrop of rugged mountains, Balos is accessible by boat or a hike.
Porto Katsiki (Lefkada): Famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters, Porto Katsiki is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Islands.
Delicious Cuisine
Greek Salad: A fresh and simple dish made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil.
Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
Souvlaki and Gyros: Popular street foods, souvlaki are skewers of grilled meat, while gyros are slices of meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
Tzatziki: A refreshing dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, often served with pita bread.
Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.
Seafood: Greece’s coastline offers fresh seafood like grilled octopus, calamari, and a variety of fish, often simply prepared with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Charming Villages
Oia (Santorini): A picturesque village known for its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and stunning views of the caldera.
Plaka (Athens): The oldest neighborhood in Athens, Plaka is full of charming streets, neoclassical buildings, and cozy tavernas.
Monemvasia (Peloponnese): A medieval fortress town built on a rock, Monemvasia offers narrow streets, stone houses, and stunning views of the sea.
Chania (Crete): A beautiful Venetian harbor town with narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
Metsovo (Epirus): A traditional mountain village known for its stone houses, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Greece is a destination that combines history, culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on a beach, or savoring local cuisine, Greece offers an unforgettable travel experience.
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