Old World charm meets cosmopolitan glamour on the banks of the Danube…

With its multifarious history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary's capital deserves its reputation as the 'Paris of Central Europe'. It has a complex identity, somewhere between Western luxury and Eastern simplicity. Flowing through the centre of the city is the mighty River Danube, which is spanned by nine bridges joining the city. Budapest possesses a fascinating history as well as a vibrant culture. It is also called City of Spas, as there are thermal bath complexes served by over a hundred natural hot springs.

Stand in awe at the Aquincum Museum and Roman Ruins.These two-thousand-year old ruins are remains of a Roman town, and include an impressive remnant of an actual amphitheatre. The contents of the museum include murals, mosaic floors, a reconstructed water organ and a diorama showing how the Roman nobility feasted.

Extending to over 81/2 miles, Palvolgy Cave is the second largest cave system in Hungary, but its discovery was an accident. Legend has it that in June 1904 the ground suddenly opened up under a sheep grazing in the garden belonging to the local mine. Local people trying to save animal noticed that the hole that had opened up appeared to lead somewhere. For the next six years a determined band of amateur excavators succeeded in opening up a half a mile of caves. Visitors will witness weirdly shaped stalagmites and stalactites, sparkling crystals of calcite and fantastic fossils of shells. This is a world that appears to have petrified, where even the temperature remains constant regardless of season.

Budapest is richly endowed with natural springs of thermal waters, reprotedly possessing various medicinal properties, and it is these that supply the city's many thermal baths. With good reason is this known as the City of Spas. Among its most precious treasures are its sixteenth century Turkish baths. It is a uniquely timeless world of relaxation and healing, where Western convenience meets Eastern opulence. Go ahead. Indulge.