Hungary

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Hungary?

Budapest is one of the great European capitals and, unlike Paris or Prague, it still has the quality of feeling genuinely undiscovered by many British travellers. The Hungarian Parliament on the banks of the Danube, the thermal baths that have been part of the city's culture for centuries, the castle district of Buda looking across at the grand boulevards of Pest, the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter - it is a city that rewards several days of proper exploration.

Hungary as a country is often reduced to Budapest alone, which sells the rest of the country short. The Danube Bend north of the capital, the historic town of Eger with its castle and wine tradition, the horse-herding plains of the Puszta, and the vineyards of Tokaj all make compelling additions to a wider itinerary. An escorted tour ties these elements together coherently, with the historical context - Hungary's unusual position within the Habsburg Empire, its experience of the 20th century, and its ancient Magyar culture - made legible by a good guide.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Hungary Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurant options in Budapest
• Vegetarian options available throughout and confirmed in advance
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Excellent value compared to western European destinations of comparable quality

Best Time to Visit Hungary

April and May are excellent: spring arrives pleasantly, the markets are lively and the Danube Bend scenery is at its greenest. Budapest in May is one of the great European city experiences.

June to August is warm and busy. The outdoor thermal pools are at their best, and Budapest's summer festival scene includes concerts and events across the city. Lake Balaton becomes the main domestic resort destination.

September and October bring harvest season, particularly good around Tokaj and Eger, and the city is more comfortable to walk around without the summer heat and crowds.

December is excellent for Budapest's Christmas markets, held on Vörösmarty Square and outside St Stephen's Basilica. Some of the better markets in central Europe.

Popular Destinations Within Hungary

Budapest - the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, the Great Synagogue (the second largest in the world), the Széchenyi thermal baths and Heroes' Square. A city that requires at least three days to begin properly.

The Danube Bend - a stretch of the river north of Budapest where the Danube curves dramatically through wooded hills. The towns of Visegrád, Szentendre and Esztergom all have significant historical character.

Eger - a Baroque town in northern Hungary with a castle that withstood an Ottoman siege in 1552, and a wine region producing the famous Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood). Good for a day trip or overnight.

Tokaj - a UNESCO-listed wine region producing some of the world's great dessert wines. The Tokaji Aszú has been prized by European royalty for centuries.

Lake Balaton - central Europe's largest lake, popular in summer for its warm, shallow waters. More of a domestic holiday destination, but useful as a scenic addition to a longer itinerary.

Pécs - a southern city with a well-preserved Ottoman heritage, Roman ruins and a pleasant café culture. Often missed but highly rewarding.

Practical Information

• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). Hungary does not use the Euro.
• Language: Hungarian; English spoken in tourist areas and hotels
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Hungary holidays are fully protected