ESE Tour

Lake Balaton+ the cultural heritage of Pannonia (Transdanubia)
Duration 7 days/6 nights Routing Lake Balaton+ the cultural heritage of Pannonia Includes accomodation, 6 breakfast, 5 dinner, transportation, and sightseeing with guide Language English

Rates 420 €

Programme

First day: Morning: Departure from Budapest to Zánka Zánka: Occupying the accommodation Morning: Excursion to the Káli-medence (Kali basin), one of the most beautiful area of the National Park in Balatonfelvidék (Balaton uplands). Lake Balaton was formed mainly by tectonic forces 12,000-20,000 years ago, the Salföldi kőtenger (sea of stones) is the remains of the underlay of the Pannon tenger (sea) with calcareous remains. Visiting the Kornyi lake between Kővágóörs and Köveskál. Afternoon: Trip to the National Park's conservation farm. Csikos show, archery and Huszars on horseback. Return to accommodation

2 day: Breakfast Morning: Visiting Tihany, the first written historical record in Hungarian from 1055: the founding charter of the Benedictine Abbey founded by I. Andras in the XI century. Afternoon: Boat trip to Siófok, the "capital" of Lake Balaton, staying on the beach Return to accommodation

3 day: Breakfast Morning: Trip to Tapolca, famous for its cave-system: visiting the 4 km long lake in the cave Afternoon: Visiting Balatonfüred, staying on the beach Return to accommodation

4 day: Breakfast Morning: Visiting Badacsony, the north shore of Lake Balaton. The nearby basalt mountains are unique geological area, the peculiarly shaped forms are the result of volcanic activity. The entire area is recognised for its wine, with vineyards dating back to Roman times. (Vine tasting in Varga vineyard) Afternoon: Short stop in Veszprém, the city of Queens, it was the favorite city of Queen Gisela, wife of St Stephen. With architectural features going back to the first settlement of Hungarians. Visiting the the castle/fortress and the St Michael cathedral) Return to accommodation

5 day: Breakfast Morning: Visiting Pannonhalma, the Pannonhalma Archabbey and its library. The first Benedictie monks settled here in 996. Built on top of Mount of St Martin, one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary, part of World Heritage since 1996. Afternoon: Visiting Győr, the sixth largest city in Hungary. Visiting the Bishops' Cathedral where the most valuable of filigrees are kept, including the reliquary of I. Laszlo and the sarcophagus of Bishop Apor Vilmos. Return to accommodation

6 day: Breakfast Morning- afternoon: Trip to Pécs, The European Cultural of Capital 2010, fifth largest city of Hungary, spiritual, cultural and economic centre of the south-west. Sightseeing in the city centre, visiting the St Peter and Paul Cathedral and the mosque. Return to accommodation in Pécs

7 day: Breakfast Early afternoon: Arrival to Budapest