Budapest Tours

 

We woke up bright and early this morning. Certainly much earlier than needed. I went to the small fitness area to do my stretching, then we went for breakfast as soon as it started at 7:30am. I had a lovely poached egg and avocado dish along with my usual yogurt & fruit. The forecast is for hot and sunny, up to the high 20s.

I had opted for the Gellert Hill hike tour this morning. There were 17 of us in the group, and we headed off just after 9:30am. First along the Danube, then across Liberty bridge to the Buda side. We first visited the "Stone Church" built in a cave near the base of the cliff. Then a very hot climb up the winding paths to the top of the hill, which is crowned by an old fortress and the Liberty statue. (the statue was erected by the Russians which is quite ironic!) The views of the city from the top were wonderful. Then we took the paths down the hill on the other side towards the Castle District (the castle is long gone). We walked through the streets below the old palace and across the Chain bridge to the Pest side again. Then past the shoe memorial and Parliament buildings before catching one of the electric trams back to the ship.

I was really ready for my lunch & a cold beer!

In the afternoon both Ian & I did the Buda tour at 2:30pm. We went by bus up to the top of the Castle District, then had a walking tour and visited the Fisherman's Bastion with incredible views of the city, and the very ornate St Matthias Church. Again it's clouded over a bit in the afternoon and there is a nice breeze so it's not as hot as predicted.

We got back to the ship in time for a quick shower before cocktail hour, then a talk about the next day itinerary. Then dinner and at 9pm we started cruising up the Danube. It's just getting dark, and the lights of Budapest are coming on. So beautiful, and a lovely warm evening! Perfect to sit up on the top desk and watch the city slip by. A magical night!

Lots of pictures on todays post, Budapest is such a beautiful city that it's hard not to go overboard!














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