Published on Jul, 2024
This private Budapest tour with Susan was the third tour we did in 2 days — and, we’re happy we left the best for last. We had an on-time pick-up at our hotel where Susan whisked us off to our first stop — Parliament! We had opted for a pre-arranged tour; and, Susan had printed our tickets, walked us to the entry and explained the tour process that we would partake in for 45 minutes while she waited. The outside of Parliament is exquisite; to see and learn about the interior past and current functions is well worth the time. Next stop was the Shoes Memorial on the Danube. We learned about Hungary’s dark times and seeing the Shoes was a sobering reminder of the Holocaust. Then, Susan drove us to the Central Market Hall, with its own history, for an efficient shopping spree where we bought paprika and more paprika for gifts. From there we headed to the Buda side — winding uphill — to land at an unforgettable view of the Pest side of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Susan walked us through the stunning Matthias Church with its own rich history and significance in both church and state. Time in the car with Susan crossing bridges and heading to the next destination was always full of learning and conversation. Susan had maps, postcards and historical photos always at hand to refer to; and she could answer every single one of our questions whether it was about Hungarian and Budapest history or how best to navigate the metro/tram system in the city. We closed the 5-hour tour with a stop and walk at Hero’s Square and City Park, which was the main venue of the 1896 Millennium Celebrations. Kindly, Susan drove us to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths to show us where the entry was (as it can be confusing) for our trip there the following day. We simply could not have covered the territory we did in a day with Susan had we attempted to do it ourselves and we might have learned a fraction of what she taught us. She is an experienced tour guide — a consummate professional who worked hard to make sure our time was amazing — and, it was. This was truly a first-class tour experience. PS — Susan is also a masterful parallel parker everywhere in the city!
