Hungry for Hungary

Hungry for Hungary

Many people visit Hungary to trace their ancestors, but otherwise, it is not on the top five list of European countries to visit. The country’s thousand year history comes to life in the Lake Balaton region. This is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, and is located in one of the most popular regions in Hungary, located just 90 minutes drive from Budapest and stretching across almost 48 miles in the west part of the country the lake attracts visitors from all over with its magnificent landscape of volcanic mountains, vine covered slopes and green valleys. Once established as a summer destination, Lake Balaton’s revitalized viticulture and developing gastronomic scene along with its many diverse attractions have seen it become a destination worth visiting year round.

This expanding wine region is one of the largest in Hungary with vineyards covering over 22,000 acres. Local family wineries host afternoon wine tastings while summer festivals offer enthusiastic partying. Centuries old Roman traditions are still used in modern wine making and visitors can choose vintages from six large wine regions that encompass 22 smaller ones with. Primarily known for its white wines, the basalt rich soil and unique climate shaped by the volcanic mountains and massive lake yield grapes that produce mineral rich flavorful wines.

Over the last few years, Hungary’s culinary scene has expanded with new restaurants, bistros and street food vendors popping up all over the country. Numerous family owned diners serve up authentic delicacies, such as paprika spiced fish soup or stuffed cabbage with sour cream, in family friends settings. Those looking for more of a fine dining experience can choose from multiple Michelin starred restaurants presenting exceptional fare in artistic and ingenious ways.

Food themed festivals are also gaining in popularity throughout the country with the Gourmet Festival and the Budapest Wine Festival which is held in Buda Castle, among them. In addition, farmers markets are also becoming more common with vendors selling goods grown in their own gardens., The cozy and lively atmosphere of these places make them worth a visit. I love seeing all the spices of our course, everyone should buy some paprika which they are famous for. I bought several little jars to give as unique gifts. Their Goulash soup is so good, I had some every night I was there.

With numerous beer, sparking wine and chocolate factories, and a variety of cooking courses throughout the country, visitors will also find lots of opportunities to learn how to make many of the Hungarian dishes.

A good tour is the Best of Hungary’s Food and Wine, see Budapest and Topaj with Exeter International. 6 nights at a great price, Offer No. 1361646. Go check it out on own web site www.froschvacations.com This package includes luxury accommodation, breakfast daily and two dinners, private one hour Danube river cruise, guided sightseeing and private transfers between destinations and included activities. If you want to stay longer in this region, then take a Danube River cruise for a few days.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340

www.froschvacations.com

enter the Offer I.D. and click SEACH