Sunday, May 17, 2009

Europe Tours of Budapest: Discover a Place of Splendor

By Brad Morgan

If you are looking into European tours, you may have noticed that they tend to target the usual suspects.

You may see endless tours advertised for cities like Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona. But other European cities offer extraordinary attractions that tourists hear little about.

For instance, you may have never considered visiting Budapest, but "the City of Spas" and "Queen of the Danube" is a European gem. Capital of Hungary, Budapest offers a wealth of history and architecture to thrill any tourist. Even residents are held in awe of this beautiful city.

Budapest's Rich History

Once you are able to divert your eyes from the majestic scene that encompasses you, a multitude of activities are at your disposal.

Visit the Aquincum Museum and see the 2000 year old ruins of Aquincum, a city in the Roman Empire. If you love history, you will get your fill in Budapest.

The Budapest History Museum and Castle Museum are the main collection of Budapest?s archaeological finds and developments of the area from Romanic times.

If transportation fascinates you, visit the world famous railway system at the Transport Museum. This museum also houses one of the oldest collections of transport-related materials in Europe. You won't run out of wonderful, rich history to explore in Budapest.

History is treasured by Budapest, and the story of the Jewish people of Budapest is an important part of the city's identity.

Budapest was devastated by the Holocaust. More than a half million of its citizens were deported to the notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz. Then, as now, it is hard to believe the atrocity that took place in the midst of this stunning city.

Budapest's Landscape

Budapest boasts one of nature's most awe-inspiring attractions. Hot springs bubble up from the ground and are said to provide great healing benefits for those who bathe in them.

Each spring is unique in the eyes of the citizens, and like the greater city, each has its own story to tell. "The City of Spas" draws travelers from the world over in search of healing and relaxation.

Even in the icy midst of winter, you'll find travelers at the Szechenyi Bath. This is Budapest's premiere spring, and in fact, the largest bathing complex in Europe. Its hot, deep well soothes and warms even in frigid air.

These thermal waters of Budapest provide the visitor not only with natural hot springs in which to bathe, but also remarkable caves carved into the Budapest landscape.

Some of these caves are available to the public for spelunking and tours.

Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona are beautiful cities, but if you want a European tour unlike any other, Budapest should be your destination.

Staggering natural beauty, interesting and relaxing springs, a cherished remembrance of history: Budapest will keep you enthralled no matter which attractions you are visiting. You'll never forget this unique, gorgeous city.

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