Europe

Hungarian around the bend

Now they say that the best way to address a fear is to confront it and heights drove one particular Hungarian around the bend, my old pal Edina.

Not that vertigo was going to stop this particular force of nature.

From guiding a tour of walkers around the Tyrol in Austria.

Reward: Edina deserves her dessert

Of course Edina nailed it as we knew she always would…

She is made of good sturdy stuff and had the miles in her from being one of those active, outdoorsy Hungarian types.

If you’ve never trekked through Hungary then you’ll know that it truly does drive you around the bend… the Danube Bend.

The phew Danube

Blue for you: The Danube

Our pals at Travel Department do and they’ll make the whole trip go smoothly.

The Danube Bend is a region of peaks and river towns.

And where the hills on both banks force the river to turn sharply and flow southward.

TD say it is arguably the most picturesque stretch of the Danube.

And that’s good enough for us.

On this seven-day holiday, you’ll explore the highlights of this breathtaking region up close.

You’ll take daily walks through the countryside with an expert, local guide.

Hungary’s Camelot

Kings and queens of the castle: Visegrad

Your home for this holiday will be the small town of Visegrád.

It is Hungary’s ‘Camelot’ in the 15th century (so you’ll be guaranteed a round table for socialising).

And it is home to Renaissance-era palace ruins and incredible views from its forbidding hilltop fortress.

The group will divide into two parties; moderate and challenging.

Depending on the participant’s fitness levels, during all five walking days.

And watch out here for any septuagenarians… looks are deceptive and they sprint ahead.

Walk this way

Hunker down: And throw some stones

The moderate walks will be a between 7km-11km.

With a maximum daily walking duration of up to six hours.

The challenging walks will be between 12km – 20km.

With a maximum daily walking duration of up to six and a half hours.

And, of course, this being Hungary then you’ll want some good meaty food fuel and it is the home of goulash.

From €1,249 pp including return flights, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation on a half board basis, walking guides Departs 3rd October.

So go for it and join a Hungarian around the bend.

 

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Father’s Day Budabest unless you’re English

I’ve stepped on some toes here with this Father’s Day teaser… it’s Budabest unless you’re English.

England is revolting (no, it’s friendly rivalry, I like them and even married one).

Their beloved Three Lions, their soccer side, have just been stuffed 4-0 at home by Hungary, on the back of a 1-0 defeat over there.

So the city on the Danube is probably the last place the Engerlish would think of visiting right now.

Celtic nations celebrations

Remember them: Puskas and the 1953 6-3 win

But among England’s Celtic neighbours there were smiles, chief among them Scotland, who won 4-1 in Armenia.

With the Jocks the last team to beat the Auld Enemy by four on their patch.

In Ireland too, my second home.

Bridge of highs: On the Danube

And with Father’s Day around the corner we should all be dropping hints about the joys of Budapest.

Online travel specialists Click&Go are offering this three-nighter 3* on the Danube from €229pp for this September.

You’ll be staying at the Agape Apartments and saving €22.35, a couple of goulashes and beers there.

Click to it

River of dreams: Budapest on the Danube

Click&Go’s deal includes return flights from Dublin to Budapest on a room only basis.

Now you’ll be staying in Pest area of the city, next to the great boulevard.

And you’ll be bang in the night life with restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, pubs, shops and stores all within a short walking distance.

A bus and tram stop are just 150 m while Budapest airport lies some 20 km away.

There are 40 accommodation units in total with brand new, spacious suites or apartments.

Specs appeal 

Who needs that? The Grandhotel Budapest

And the specs are appealing.

The modern, stylish and cosy studios and apartments feature TV, a well-equipped kitchen with fridge, microwave and coffee facilities.

And there is a pleasant bathroom with bathtub, hairdryer and towels features.

It’s Father’s Day Budabest unless you’re English.