Custom Travel Hungary and Czech Republic

My wife and I had a very enjoyable 12 days in Hungary in October ’12 arranged by Adam Molnar of Custom Travel Hungary (Marczi­bányi tér 9, Budapest, H-1022, Hungary; phone [36 1] 316 9947). 

We began corresponding nine months prior to the trip. Designing the itinerary and selecting and booking the hotels, Adam made all of our arrangements outside of Budapest. He would pick us up in Bratislava, Slovakia, and drop us off in Budapest. 

The cost of our trip was $4,680, which included all hotels outside Budapest (with breakfast), all entrance fees, car, driver/guide, a local guide in Pécs, all tips except Adam’s and, for our stay in Budapest, transportation vouchers (bus, tram and Danube cruise). 

Not included were international airfare, our hotel in Budapest, lunches and dinners (except for an outstanding 3-course venison lunch included on the Danube excursion). 

We first visited northwest Hungary, including Pannonhalma Archabbey, Sopron and Széchenyi Palace. Turning south, we spent a day on Lake Balaton and continued via the historic city of Szigetvár to Pécs. After three wonderful days in and around Pécs, we moved north to Budapest, stopping at the Roman ruins of Gorsium and Aquincum on the way. We stayed five nights in Budapest, having two days there on our own. 

Out of Budapest, Adam took us on a day excursion to the Danube Bend and on an overnight excursion to the northeast to visit the baroque town of Eger and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Much of our knowledge about Hungary was gained from our conversations with Adam during the course of driving and walking. In this fantastic experience in Hungary, all of our expectations were fulfilled by Adam Molnar. (He also does Slovakia.)

Prior to visiting Hungary, we spent several days in Slovakia and Czechia (aka the CZECH REPUBLIC). For a one-day excursion outside Prague to the castle of Konopiště and the spa town of Karlovy Vary (aka Carlsbad), Ádám recommended Jiri Svoboda (jiri.svoboda@cila.cz).

In addition to driving, Jiri arranged for our castle visit and provided excellent historical background. The trip took 11 hours, and the rate for his services and a ŠKODA Superb sedan was CZK900 (near $46) per hour. He also can provide a Mercedes minivan. We strongly recommend him.

JOSEPH B. LAMBERT

San Antonio, TX