Suggested Private Excursions for Budapest

9:30 Your private car and
guide will pick you up at the pier to take you on a full day tour of the Lake
Balaton. 
The "Hungarian Sea", is
the people's name for the 50 mile long lake with silky green-yellow water in
the middle of Transdanubia. 
Lake Balaton is one of Hungary's
most precious treasures and most frequented resort. It is the largest lake in
Central Europe. At its center, the depth is 52.5 ft. The southern shores are
ideal for small children because of the shallow water. On the north shore the
water gets deeper immediately. The summer water temperature of around 80 °F
is warmer than the air in the morning and in the evening. The water and the
silky mud of the lake are very good remedies for nervous complaints, anemia
and nervous fatigue. 
Rich vineyards in the region
produce an assortment of excellent wines that go very well with the delicious
local food. Large numbers of inns and restaurants welcome guests. 
Veszprém one of the oldest
towns in Hungary, lies on the banks of river Séd. People call it 'The city of
queens', because it was the bishop of Veszprém, who crowned the Hungarian queens.
Exceptional treasures of Hungarian church history are to be found in this beautiful
town. Walk throught the Gate of Hereoes to the fire tower, then to the Archbishop's
Archives and Library in the beautiful Baroque archbishop's palace, the Gothic
Gizella Chapel, the St. George Chapel and the Queen Gizella Museum. From the
Castle which overlooks the city there is a stunning view of the slender St.
Stephen viaduct that bridges the valley. The 'Kálmán Kittenberger' Plant and
Game Park is one of the most attractive zoos in Hungary. 
Herend porcelain, loved
by the British and the Austrian dynasties, has won 24 first prizes and gold
medals at international fairs. The china factory was founded in 1826 and its
products are made entirely by hand. More than 8000 crafted objects from the
factory can be seen in the Porcelain Art Museum. The Porcelanium, a mini-workshop,
demonstrates the process of making the china.
 In the Apicius Restaurant
and coffee shop, original Herend porcelain is used on the tables; and there
is a gift shop where the visitor can browse and buy favourite pieces. 
After touring Herend, we
drive to Tihany, located in a national park. In the town of Tihany, we visit
the ancient abbey (founded in 1011) and the almost 1000 year old tomb of King
Andrew I. The old streets of Tihany are lined with thatch-roof cottages in traditional
style. 
Return to your awaiting
ship.