This is the 10th Explore holiday, we have covered places like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, India and this just covers 5 holidays.
These are not for everyone, as some are very full on, but the two Balkan trips were easy, although some of this group had not read the itinerary properly and this was a bit too much for them!
The Cuba and South America were what I call, sanitised back packing, as sleeping out in the open and you can have very early starts, around 4 am and late finishes.
However, you really see the place and interact with the local people. This is why we love Explore tours.
If you want total comfort and not really interact, then Saga or like is for you, as you do have to rough it on some trips.
One trip in particular was India, two days going up the Ganges on a wooded raft, inches from the water and sleeping on the bank at night with the snakes and wild dogs, just an amazing experience, and you know you are alive!
Another was in the jungle of Cuba, no tent, just under the stars, but I did get attacked by the smallest ants in the night, but still a fantastic experience, one I won’t forget!
Our tour guides have all been very good, but on this trip, Constantin went beyond the norm.
The only criticism on this trip was no local experts and Constantin had to do it all, which makes it very difficult for him to become an expert in every area, town etc.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Regi
Bucharest, Sofia, Black Sea Region, Kaliakra, Transylvania, Sibiu, Belgrade
This long weekend trip packs in a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelming. It's a good combination of town and country, with a touch of good fun tourism included in the trip to Bran Castle. Accommodation was as described and very comfortable. Romania has a fascinating history and the food is great. Our guide was brilliant and we had a terrific time. Highly recommended.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
What does Budapest Cards include?
If this is your first time visiting the Hungarian capital, then we recommend the Budapest Card for you.
- You can use all public transportation within the city limits of Budapest completely free of charge – whether it's buses, trams, metro, trolleybuses, suburban railways (HÉV), or trains, the city card is valid on all.
- You'll also receive a free map of Budapest and a catalog with the card, so you can have all the information about the participating locations at your fingertips.
- 30+ museums and attractions await you for free: for example, you can visit the exhibitions at the Hungarian National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hungarian National Gallery at no cost.
- You can participate in free city tours in both Pest and Buda.
- You can redeem a free entry to Lukács Thermal Bath.
- You'll enjoy a beautiful panorama during the free Danube river cruise.
- Choose from 50+ discounted programs and services – you can avail of discounts between 10% and 50% with the city card.
Please note that most of the museums are closed on Mondays!
We had a great cruise with this agency! Staff was very helpful and kind. City looked amazing at the evening with all the lights and the sunset. Drinking champagne on the deck of the boat and watching beautiful lighted buildings was one of the highlights of our trip to Budapest!
Exceptionally well organized with the owner a fair and reasonable individual. Also, as soon as I booked he set about organizing the trek immediately over WhatsApp, even though he was a very busy man (I assume because of the other good treks he runs.) Just make sure you have a good insurance company. Apparently with trekking companies it is common to include a hard to find clause stating you will fully indemnify the company if your insurance refuses to pay.
Located only 40 minutes away from Budapest, Etyek village is the center of the Etyek wine region, which is the youngest and fastest developing wine region of Hungary. Next to the well-known international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc you can taste quality wines from local grapes like Princess or Zenith.
The 5 hour program includes a cosy walk amongst the vineyards with a friendly guide, wine tasting at the traditional wine cellars and finishing with a home-cooked Hungarian lunch or dinner. You can meet personally with the local winemakers and learn the secrets of wine making. In the small group you will make new friends and discover the unique atmosphere of the Hungarian countryside.
The vibrant city of Budapest has various faces. At night it calms down, the lights are lit, and a new city awakens after sunset. We created this program for those, who would like to enjoy the wonderful view of the city swimming in lights, accompanied by a real candlelight atmosphere with a romantic dinner and live music.
Our 2 hour program takes you on a 1,5 hour long cruise on one of our air-conditioned/heated ships, on which you will also have the best view of the panorama from the upper deck of the ship.
The salon music is performed by 3 members of the Zoltán Kodály Awarded Rajko Folk Orchestra. The performance also features a marvellous original Hungarian instrument, the famous “cimbalom”. The combination of string instruments and the cimbalom provides a uniquely Hungarian, unforgettable harmony and an outstanding atmosphere on-board.
Wish to hear your favourite popular song in a whole new adaptation? During the performance, guests will have a chance to ask for their favourite songs from the artists to play.
Possible to book with Two Drinks (welcome drink and one more glass of soft drink/wine/beer)
or with open bar!
Dinner menu:
Soups
Goulash soup (G, L)
Seasonal vegetable cream soup (Vn, G, L)
Hot main course
Turkey fillet cooked in gravy (G, L) with ragout (G, L)
Beef stew with Villány red wine (G, L)
Stuffed cabbage from turkey (G, L)
Oven-baked vegetables (G, V)
Vegetable couscous (L, Vn)
Side dish
Rice (G, L, Vn)
Dumplings (L, V)
Roast potatoes with parsley (G, L, Vn)
Dessert
Variation of strudel (L, Vn)
Somlói Galuska (V)
Fruit bowl (only on request for those unable to eat other desserts)
Salad
Mixed salad with pesto (L, G, Vn)
Pasta salad with yoghurt (L, G, V)
Extra side
Cucumber salad with sour cream (L, G, Vn)
L – lactose free
G – gluten free
Vn – vegan, vegetarian
V – vegetarian
Learn about the rich Hungarian history from your local tour guide. He will give you helpful tips and advice about cultural programs and attractions that the locals like. You will also learn about current politics, economy, cuisine, every day life style etc relating to Hungary.
We start the tour at the Central Tourist Information Office at 10:00 am.
We walk across Elisabeth Square and see the Danube Fountain and the lovers' locks. We then visit the monumental Saint Stephen’s Basilica and admire its interior splendour.
We cross the Danube on the majestic Chain Bridge and go onto visit the Royal Palace from outside with a panoramic break on its terrace and meet the guards of the presidential palace.
We continue on to see the oldest cable car in the world and walk in the Buda Castle district. See the amazing Matthias Church from outside as well as the city view from Fishermen's Bastion.
End of tour in central Budapest.
Check the Czech cuisine! Learn how to cook a traditional Czech meal in a fun and interactive way in the largest cooking school in the Czech Republic. Each class is taught by one the Chefparade chefs, who will lead you through the whole food preparation.
As part of the program, participate in a market tour guided by our chef. Take in the atmosphere of shopping for fresh local products, find out interesting facts about Czech cuisine and stop for several tastings.
Itinerary:
09:00: Market tour
10:00-12:30: Cook 3 dishes in a hands-on cooking class. You will be the one tasting, eating and drinking.
13:00: End of the class
Come explore Budapest's nightlife with our Original Budapest Pub Crawl. Starting with a one-hour, all-you-can-drink beer and wine session, our guides will take you to the best bars and clubs in town. From Budapest's famous ruin pubs, which utilize old, abandoned buildings in the city, to multi-level clubs, there's always something for everyone.
Need to know the best place to go? Don't worry, we've it covered! This guided nightlife tour meets every night at Wombat's Hostel, where you'll get to know your guide and other participants. From there, your guide will take you to our ever-so-popular power hour and then off into the depths of Budapest's party district.
Did we mention there's a free shot at every stop? Yes, you heard it right. But the pub crawl does not end there. After enjoying the best drinks on offer, you will head for the city's most famous clubs with VIP entry.
Discover the sights in Budapest with our tour guide. Let us show you the main sights on both parts of the river in Budapest. Walk around the Castle District, enjoy the view from the Citadell, drive along the Andrássy Avenue until Heroes’ Square passing by many sights in the city.
Begin your tour near the Parliament, the world’s third largest Parliament building, then take the Margaret Bridge to drive over to the Buda side. We stop in the Castle District and during a short walk we show you the main attractions of the area. We walk to Matthias Church and to the Fishermen’s Bastion (from where you can enjoy the beautiful panorama).
Next, we drive to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) and show you the most spectacular view of Budapest. We then take you over the Elisabeth Bridge to Pest and show you the famous Central Market Hall and the largest Synagogue of Europe, after which we drive to the City Park. We pass by Europe’s largest thermal spa, the Budapest Zoo and the Amusement Park, then stop at the Heroes’ Square (with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes).
We then take the Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, pass by the Opera House and the St Stephen’s Basilica. During the tour we offer a brief overview of the last 1000 years of Hungarian history. The Tour ends in the city-centre.
Begin your tour near the Parliament, the world’s third largest Parliament building, cross over to Buda and passing by the Funicular we are heading up to the Old Town of Buda founded in the mid 13th century.
We stop in the Castle District and, taking a short walk, we show you the main attractions of the area (Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Square). After the guided walk there is a short free time to stroll around the historical area.
Next, we take you up to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) from where you can enjoy a gorgeous view to the city. We return to the city centre, where the tour ends, close to the well-known pedestrian street ‘Váci utca’.
For those wanting to walk in the Castle District and see more than the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion, this tour is meant just for you.
This small area has seen more turmoil and prosperity than other parts of the country altogether. As the royal court, it served as the centre of administration and knowledge as well as the capital for long. King Matthias set up his observatory and library, the Turks stored gun-powder in the palace, several battles and sieges took place. Besides admiring the view of Pest, you can gain access to places excluded from guidebooks on our Fabulous tour!
Several battles and sieges took place in our city. The last was the blood-drenched siege of 1944-45 winter at the end of WWII (you can still see bullet holes on some buildings). For weeks the Buda castle citizens found a refuge in the mostly naturally created cave system under today’s nicely restored houses. Yes, there is a 3-level cave system undernearth the Buda Castle hill.
We usually say Buda is like a town within the city – it’s so compact with all you need for modern everyday life but it’s also like a bubble and a time capsule.
During our tour we would like to introduce you to the drinking and eating habits of the Hungarian people showing you why the Hungarian cuisine is one of a kind. We are going to provide some insights into the latest food trends, and shops of Budapest, as well as tasting some traditional drinks and food.
On this tour:
> You will taste some delicious Hungarian food and drink products, at the great market hall and independent locally owned venues, all recommended by locals.
> You will experience Budapest from a different view.
> You will be introduced to the history of the Hungarian cuisine.
> You will have all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food, our suggestions on hot spots, and a surprise sweat treat included in the price
> You will interact with our local personal guide who is happy to share her passion for food.