I have been traveling in Austria and Eastern Europe with Adriatic Mototours now for five days, and have been impressed with how well organized the tour is. In addition to the very detailed tourbook we tour members were sent originally, each morning we have a briefing in the hotel lobby before saddling up. I feel very well taken care of by the amiable hosts, Dusan and Mateh.
After leaving Graz, Austria, we ride in a group east to Hungary for a stay Monday at the town of Tihany on Lake Balaton. The hotel is across the road from the lake, which is the largest in Central Europe, and from our hotel we can see people fishing and swimming. Gee, some of the women here wear very brief bathing suits…not that that’s a bad thing.
On Tuesday we leave for Budapest, taking the long route through the Hungarian countryside. It is relatively flat and the roads turn bumpy, so I’m glad to have chosen a BMW R1200 GS to ride for its wonderful adjustable suspension.
Budapest is spectacular, and our hotel is located on the Buda side, right across the Danube from the lavish Parliament building which was finished in 1902 and boasts something over 600 rooms. As soon as we’re situated, we’re treated to a three-hour guided bus tour of the city.
Above Budapest stands what has been named The Statue of Liberty, an heroic woman standing on a column with her arms upraised and holding what appears to be a palm leaf. It was erected by the Russians in 1947 to celebrate their victory in the war; our local guide refers to it as “The Statue of Occupation.”
We spend a rest day in Budapest on foot enjoying the restaurants, the markets, taking a scenic cruise on the Danube, dodging the bicycles. Next we’ll be on to the town of Stary Smokovec, Slovakia, in the High Tatras. There is just too much to tell; watch for the full article in an upcoming issue.
This is the second post in a four-part series.
- Read the first part by clicking here.
- Read the third part by clicking here.
- Read the fourth part by clicking here.
