Greater Budapest for Seniors - 3 days

The city of Gödöllő, just 30 km from Budapest, is home to Hungary’s largest Baroque palace. Antal I. Grassalkovich started constructing the palace in the 18th century. After the family died out, the building had several owners, until the Hungarian State gave it to Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth as a coronation gift in 1867. Later, during World War II, Miklós Horthy and his family resided here. Their memory is preserved in the Horthy bunker 10 metres underground, which is open to visitors. The legendary songs of Katalin Karády are played in addition to authentic news broadcasts. The palace hosts several permanent exhibitions. Follow in the footsteps of the Sissi cult at the exhibition on the life of Queen Elisabeth, then find out who and what the building housed during the stormy period of the 20th century. The palace has many attractions not only inside the walls, but also outside. The Királydomb Pavilion stands in the fabulous park, displaying 54 oil paintings depicting warlords from the time of the conquest, and Hungarian kings.

Next day, continue your tour with renewed vigour – don't stop until you reach Székesfehérvár! The centre of Székesfehérvár, considered one of the most important towns in the country in terms of both history and tourism, is worth a long walk, since practically every building is home to a museum or a cosy restaurant or café. Art Nouveau and eclecticism can also be discovered here and there in the mostly Baroque town – undoubtedly this diverse mixture of styles makes Székesfehérvár even more exciting. Visit the buildings of the Hungarian Royal Hotel, the Vörösmarty Theatre and Saint Stephen's Basilica, and if you’d like to immerse yourself even more in the town's rich historical heritage, visit the exhibition grounds of the King Saint Stephen Museum. The second-largest museum in the country, with a collection of millions of works of art, awaits you in several locations and with a number of permanent exhibitions. This grandiose exhibition unites materials and intellectual heritage from a total of four disciplines—archaeology, ethnography, fine arts and applied arts. Take a peek into the medieval ruin garden, the Old County Hall or the Csók István Gallery, but don't miss the Palotaváros Open-Air Museum, which also promises unforgettable experiences. And if you’re curious to learn about the scientific past of herbology, the Fekete Sas (Black Eagle) Pharmacy Museum is the place to be. Follow up with a pleasant lunch within the historical walls of the town centre.

What is an English-style castle doing in Martonvásár? And what has it got to do with Beethoven? For an answer to all those questions, visit stunning Brunszvik Castle. Here's a little taster for the curious. Construction of the English Neo-Gothic-style, snow-white castle began in 1785. The estate fell into the hands of the famous Brunszvik family only in the early 1800s, and they continued to shape it, bit by bit, over the centuries. At the end of the century, ownership of this unusual building fell to the brewer Antal Dreher, and it was turned into a military hospital during World War II. It is currently under the control of the Academy of Sciences. The most magnificent element of the castle is the 70-hectare English garden, where special trees such as dwarf almonds, cedar and swamp cypress were planted by its creator, Ferenc Brunszvik. The special feature of the park is that the water of the St Ladislaus stream flowing through it was dammed and an island was created. But let’s return to Beethoven, who, al though he did not like to teach, made an exception with Teresa and Josephine Brunszvik. The world-famous composer visited Martonvásár several times, as he developed a friendship with the family through teaching. The castle commemorates this special story by housing the Beethoven exhibition, where, among other things, you can take a look at the composer’s piano and correspondence with Josephine. After wandering around the castle and the park, we invite you for a little hike in nature.