May 26-27 London to Budapest

May 26

Early start to get to the terminal in good time. Some minor hiccups with the flight ( self serve check in, self serve baggage tagging, late or non arriving passengers) nothing too bad. We just went with the flow.

Arriving in Budapest just a little late it was lovely being met and transported to our hotel. After checking in and settling in our room we had plenty of time to explore.

With a reasonable map and a reasonable sense of direction we went in search of Cafe Gerbeaud. Highly recommended it did not disappoint.

We had time for a rest before we joined the rest of our tour group for an evening of very good food and entertainment. Restaurant Georgy (or similar) is set in what looks like an old wine cellar. Lots of atmosphere and traditional gypsy musicians and dancers who were excellent.

A great start to our Jewels of Dalmatia tour.

May 27

After a lovely breakfast at the hotel we met our guide, Anamaria, and our local guide Peter, for a prompt departure for our morning tour.

The sights and buildings in Budapest are amazing and we covered a good portion of the main sights on both sides of the river. The history is substantial and the post-war years until the revolution in 1956 were only briefly touched on. A dark time in Hungary's history.

Here its just a taste of what we saw during the morning.

Memorial to the people of the city who were lined up and shot by the Russians and fell into the river

Chain Bridge

Hero Square

Hero Square

Bath houses

High up in Buda

Cathedral reflected in the windows of the Hilton Hotel
Money talks!!!!

Parliament building

Overlooking the Danube

After a quick visit to our room to drop off some things, we teamed up with another couple to explore. First stop Cafe New York.

Cafe New York

This extraordinary cafe is a city icon. The food was beautifully presented and we soaked up the atmosphere while enjoying our lunch.

We then decided we would walk to the basilica as it had been suggested it was worth it. You can be the judge

Then we walked down to the river and along to the famous parliament buildings.

The legs were telling me it was time to head back. No chance we were going out again so we dined in the hotel.

Next stop Balatonfured.