Hungary

Embrace the allure of a romantic architectural style, captivating scenery, and an abundance of tranquil thermal baths to relish at your own pace.

Situated in landlocked Central Europe, Hungary is geographically very diverse: with low mountains to the northwest, the Great Plain to the east, many lakes and rivers, the most famous being the Balaton - the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, and an extensive system of caves on the Unesco World Heritage list.

A visit to Hungary reveals a land of many cultures, which for centuries served as a barrier to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in Europe. The Turkish and Roman influence is evidenced by the popularity of the thermal spas, which abound in the country. Among its attractions are the crystal-clear Lake Balaton and its summer resorts, the medieval charm of Sopron and Visegrad, Sumeg Castle and the Art Nouveau buildings of Szeged, full of charming little cafés.

The country's cultural identity lies in the capital Budapest, a fascinating city with imposing architecture, crossed by the River Danube, a source of inspiration for poets and artists. The medieval Budavári Sikló in Buda, the grand neoclassical buildings along Andrássy Avenue in Pest and the 19th century Széchenyi Lánchíd Bridge are some of the city's treasures. The illustrious past of Pécs, known for its spectacular Ottoman monuments, its operas, ballets and leather crafts.