• Budapest

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe which is reputed to have one of the finest capital cities in the world. Budapest, the capital has a plethora of museums, conference centres, flea markets as well as first-rate facilities for showcasing musical events and ballets. This small country (with a population of around 10 million) is one of Europe's hidden wonders of culture and beauty and one of the great survivors of history. Today, Hungary keenly protects and preserves traditional and historical culture, embraces change and looks forward to a future as a popular, modern tourist destination. Although it is landlocked, a terrain of mostly flat to rolling plains with mountains on its Slovakian border and a network of rivers criss-crossing it, it is a very fertile country and boasts Europe's largest freshwater lake - Lake Balaton. Hungary has many conservation areas, ensuring that the landscapes you can explore will remain unspoilt and thousand of visitors flock here each year to rejuvenate and relax in the country's many spa's, famous for their healing spring waters. In recent years, resorts have undergone dynamic improvements in the range and standard of facilities and services offered to tourists, making Hungary one of the up-and-coming countries marketed as an ideal holiday destination. With warm summers and snowy winters, the country is a magical place at any time of the year, particularly as it is not yet overrun with tourists. Activities on offer vary from region to region, with many of the country's facilities based on or near the River Danube (which splits the country in half and flows through the centre of the capital, Budapest). Hungary is a protected living world, inundated with castle ruins, sleepy villages, beautiful churches and a stunning mix of architecture. Its cuisine is aromatic, spicy and based on century-old traditions. Hungary, where the hills harmonise with the rivers and the old blends superbly with the new, is colourful, varied and, like its people, friendly and welcoming.

Drive on the right, overtake on the left. The minimum age for driving in Hungary is 17, and seat-belts are compulsory for all travellers. Children must be at least 12 or over 1.5 metres to sit in the front, unless they are restrained in a child safety seat. Third-party insurance is required in Hungary, while the number plate and symbol indicating country of origin are accepted as evidence of insurance for numerous European countries, including the UK. Driving licence and vehicle documents should be carried at all times, and the vehicle must be fitted with a warning triangle, spare set of bulbs and a fire extinguisher. Dipped headlights must be used day and night, but do not use main beam in the towns. Use of the horn is prohibited completely in Budapest and at night in other towns. The centre of Budapest is closed to traffic. Here, you will have to pay for parking, otherwise the police will clamp or tow away your vehicle. In extreme weather conditions, snow chains are compulsory, as is a maximum speed limit of 50km/h. Finally, if your vehicle is damaged before entering Hungary or actually in the country, you must notify the police. Otherwise you will not be permitted to leave without the relevant paperwork. Do NOT drink and drive.