Budapest

The Danube flows through the City splitting Buda (built on two hills, Castle Hill and Gellert Hill) and the flatter landscape of Pest.Then there is the lesser known Obuda, the third of Budapest's cities - this lies on the same side of the Danube as Buda and is the oldest part with Celtic & Roman ruins.

Budapest has almost 100 thermal springs and 12 medicinal baths. In Hungary, thermal water is much closer to the surface than elsewhere hence the proliferation of springs & baths. 350,000 cubic meters of thermal waters (over 30C) break the surface daily in natural springs and drilled wells around the country. 

Three of the best known spas are at the top of Gellert Hill. The Royal Palace is at the top of Castle Hill and was built originally in the 14th century and then rebuilt 400 years later in the Baroque style. Also on Castle Hill, the 700 year old Matthias Church is now the site of organ and choir performances. 

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is known to the locals as the Hungarian Sea. The lake is 50 miles long and the most frequented tourist resort in the country. Excellent wines are made in the region. While there don't forget to try the local delicacy - toothfish. 

Pecs

Pécs is about 200km from Budapest in the southern part of Hungary at the foot of the Mecsek mountains. The town is a significant cultural centre for the region and the country. It was founded by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. Hungary's first university was founded here in 1367. The architectural monuments of the 150 years of Turkish occupation, the mosques, the Turkish bath and Pasha Idris's tomb, can still be seen. The Early Christian Mausoleum is not to be missed.

If you have time, do also visit some of the following:

• Millenarian Benedictine Abbey at Pannonhalma 
• Old Village of Hollóko 
• Hortobágy National Park 
• Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovakian Karst 
• Historical Wine Region of Tokaj 
• Lake Ferto