Will be in Budapest in early June and would appreciate any thoughts on the following two questions:<BR>1) Has anyone been to Tihany Peninsula on Lake Balaton? Is a day trip from Budapest feasible? Are there tours from Budapest or does one take train or car?<BR>2) Has anyone been to Holloko? Is it worth a trip?<BR>Thanks, in advance, for your advice.

Hi Jim, I can only answer part of your question. I took a day trip to Lake Balaatone when I was Budapest. You can take a trean, bus or a tour. There are several tours that leave early morning from Budapest. Haave not been to the peninsula so can't comment there. Lake Balaton is very pretty. Hope you will enjoy it.<BR>Regards,<BR>Art<BR>

I went to Tihany from Budapest as a day trip. It was five or six years ago, so I don't remember all of the details, but I do remember taking a fairly early train from Deli station (like maybe 7 or 8 o'clock), arriving in Balatonfured over two hours hours later, taking a bus to Tihany without a problem, having several hours there, and then doing the reverse trip and getting into Budapest pretty late. If you're planning on doing major walking on the Tihany Peninsula, this may not be enough time for you. Sorry that my details are so vague, but I can tell you that I got the practical info on this from the Lonely Planet guide.

I took a tour from Budapest to Lake Balaton in July. The main road to Lake Balaton from Budapest was under construction. Lake Balaton was one of the most crowded tourist spots that I have been to. I did not care for Lake Balaton that much. Coming back to Budapest, the main road was shut down before we got back to Budapest. We had to detour through the countryside and was an hour late getting back to Budapest. A lot of the locals from Budapest take off thursday afternoon and head for Lake Balaton and come back on sunday afternoon. Try to avoid the weekend. If you go, I would recommend a train.

Thanks for your input. Anyone been to Holloko?

Jim: We enjoyed both the Lake Balaton Area and Holloko. We did go to both by car, which is our standard method of travel; to Lake Balaton from Koszeg on the way to Pecs and to Holloko as a day trip from Eger. In each case the the countryside was interesting and at times, beautiful. Tihany is quaint and touristy, especially in the village proper where the shops cater to the visitor. There are some good restaurants. If you hike up to the Abbey Church which is nice, not special, the views of the Lake are gorgeous. The tomb of King Andrew dating from 1066 is very interesting. Hike further up onto the hillside and you can wander among many homes dating from medieval times and the views become even better. Many people complain about the crowds, but never leave the village center area. <BR>While Tihany is a major attraction and about two hours by train from Budapest, you will miss much of what Lake Balaton has to offer if you go by train. Travel around the Lake is very slow and ineffecient by train. If you travel by car (it is easy) you can stop at the Herend Porcelain Factory at the village of the same name where they have been throwing ceramics since 1826. It is considered the finest porcelain in Hungary and has graced the tables of many Royal European Tables since that time.<BR>Veszprem is worth a stop for the tomb of the wife, Gizella, of King Stephen (Istvan), the first Christian King of Hungary and the 13th Century Frescoes that adorn the walls of Gizella Chapel.<BR>But, our favorite stop was at Keszthely (which would be a four hour trip by train from Budapest) and the Festetics Mansion. The 18th Century Home is impressive, but the hand carved, floor to second level ceiling, oak bookcases in the library are awe inspiring. They were carved by Janos Kerbl, a local master. This is truly one of the most beautiful libraries we have seen in all of Europe. In summer, there are concerts in the Mansion's Concert Hall almost every evening. The daily market near Fo ter (Main Square) is a bustling morning scene with every manner of foodstuff, household goods and clothing for sale. The Keszthely waterfront is "resorty". Ferries do ply the waters of Lake Balaton.<BR>Holloko can be done from Budapest by bus. It takes about three hours one way with an exchange at Scecseny. There are about six buses per day. As we stated above, we drove from Eger. Holloko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where art and crafts predominate and many locals are in costume (their standard dress) all of the time. The views from the Castle Hill (14th Century and restored)are exceptional. The village is quaint, mostly 14th Century and in good repair. The 14th Century wooden church is noted for it's "peasant architecture". Emboidery is available everywhere in process and for sale. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the visit. If you have any other questions, please ask.

Wow. Ask and you shall receive. Thanks for the advice.

I love Lake Balaton! I go by train. so cheap too. But, I often wonder about renting a car in Hungary! first I look at how they drive!!! And It has been years since I have driven a standard car. I know they give you standard very often, even if you ask for automatic! It happened twice to My Aunt and Uncle. And those Magyars drive worse then New Yokers! I fear for my life just trying to get across the streets in Budapest! I hear it is not cheap to rent a car there, and that the insurance is very high too. Please if anyone knows any good car rentals and can give me any information on it, like cost, I would be so grateful! Also about parking? In the last couple of years the Police were really craking down on that. Can't find parking spots for free anywhere in Budapest, I've heard too. Most lots are over $5.00 a night too. Is this all true? Please help me? I would like to rent a car.. should I or shouldn't rent a car there? Thank you in advance for any help. Alice<BR>