Journey into Hungary's history, beginning with an optional pick-up at your centrally located hotel in Budapest. Head out in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, and start off by enjoying the remarkable city of Esztergom and the largest Catholic church in the country.  Before the tour, get time to enjoy a 3-course lunch before continuing on to the magical artist’s village of Szentendre, where your guide takes you on a walking tour. During the course of the day, you’ll have the opportunity to see Esztergom from another perspective during a photo stop in Slovakia. At the end of the tour, return to Budapest. In the summer (from May until September), you'll return by boat or from October to April, you'll return by coach. In case of low water level, the return to Budapest-city center will be by bus.

Visit two countries in one trip! Explore Hungary's largest basilica, get panoramic views of the Danube bend, and taste the best wines of the region in a beautiful vineyard. Dine in a local restaurant for an authentic Hungarian dish, before sampling traditional Palinkas. Begin with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned minibus. From there, enjoy the 45-55 minute drive to the Neszmély wine region through the hilly landscape of the Pilis Mountains. After arriving in the village of Kesztölc, you'll visit an exceptional, charming vineyard, known by wine lovers for its unique organic and traditional wine selection. The winery produces a small amount of wine each year, which is mostly sold in selected restaurants and from their cellars. You'll tour the cellar and taste 6 wines from their selection with traditional snacks, as the wine-grower provides explanations and answers your questions about the hard work of making wine. Next, go to the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest basilica in Hungary and the 4th largest in Europe. After admiring the magnificent sculptures and frescoes of the church, it is worth climbing the stairs up to the dome. From up there, the view over the Danube Bend is breathtaking. From the basilica, you'll take a short walk to the restaurant Csülök Csárda. The restaurant itself has a long history, with its cellar having been built in medieval times. It will be there you will have lunch, which will consist of the country's favorite traditional dishes. The restaurant also has a great selection of the Hungarian spirit "palinka". Your guide will explain the origin and making of this strong drink before you finish your day with 3 samples of different flavors from palinka. Before or after lunch, you will be able to have a brief visit in Slovakia. You can see the basilica from the other side of the Danube river and take pictures on a 10-15min bypass. At the end of the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Budapest.

Marvel at the beauty of the lake on a scenic, 10-minute ferry ride to Tihany peninsula. Upon arrival, experience the beauty of the peninsula up close. Thanks to the special attributes of its landscape, its geological idiosyncrasies, its diverse flora and fauna, it was the first designated protected area in Hungary. On its smaller hill, a church and a monastery were founded as early as nine centuries ago. The tour includes a visit to the most famous abbey of Hungary, as well as to Balatonfüred, the capital of the northern shore. Balatonfüred was always beloved by artists and writers and for good reason; the pretty promenade and beautiful villas and mansions will very likely steal your heart. While there, your guide will show you one or two totally off-the-beaten-track treasures of the region. At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your hotel in Budapest.

Once you have gathered with your group and guide outside the Ritz-Carlton, your experience to encounter and taste the national Hungarian spirit of palinka will begin. It is known that vodka is associated with Russians, whisky is with the Scottish, gin is clearly English, Zubrowka is Polish, and Becherovka is for the Czechs, and through this experience you will learn all about how palinka is the national drink of Hungary.  Visit the Agardi Distillery, only a 45-minute drive from Budapest. Throughout the journey your guide will explain why palinka is an important part of the history and culture of Hungary. During your tour you will taste 6 different types of palinka, as well as an Agardi gin and whisky.