last updated Mar. 6, 2007

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The Halászbástya or Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace situated on the Buda bank of the Danube on the Castle hill in Budapest. Its seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin

The Bastion takes its name from the guild of fishermen which was responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls in the Middle Ages. It is a viewing terrace, with many stairs and walking paths.

Matthias Church is in the heart of Buda's Castle District Officially named as the Church of Our Lady, it has been popularly named after King Matthias Corvinus (Good King Mátyás) who ordered the construction of its original southern tower.

Heros Square was built in 1896 to celebrate the millennium of the Hungarian conquest of the Carparthian Basin, The high column which supports the winged figure of the Archangel Gabriel is encircled on its pedestal by statues of the seven conquering Magyar tribal chiefs on horseback. Behind, are two semi-circular colonnades housing the statues of the most famous rulers in Hungarian history.

A steam train took us out to the Puszta to find authentic Hungarian cowboys. They are known across Europe for their prowess on horseback. Many of them are masters of the famous "Puszta Five," a feat of equestrian skill that involves three steeds in front and two in back, on which the cowboy stands, steering with the reins. A meal featuring delicious goulash was also served before the horsemanship demonstration.

A special evening of music and dance was enjoyed at the hotel. The gypsy music features an instrument called the cimbalom

Budapest has a large indoor market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables and every kind of meat and fowl product, the market sells an amazing variety of Hungarian paprika

The Elegant Lady was waiting for us in Bratislava. We were given a special welcome back as the whole staff came out to greet us. 

The special lunch buffet on the sun deck was so good and plentiful that the captain's dinner had to be postponed for several hours so that we could get our appetites back.

After a good nights sleep it was time to bid farewell to the Elegant Lady and head for an early morning flight home. It was a great trip and we have many memories. Thanks to The crew of the Elegant Lady and the staff of Jerry Van Dyke Travel who made this trip a very special time.

Cruising the Main and Danube Rivers - Part 4
Budapest to Vienna

Folk Dance Demonstration

Assistant chef Theo prepares the seafood table

Farewell to the Elegant Lady and her terrific staff