Southern Transdanubia consists of three counties in southwestern Hungary, where the Transdanubian Hills eventually roll into the grasslands of the Great Hungarian Plain. The principal city of the region is Pécs, sitting in the Danube River Valley about 20 minutes north of the border with Croatia. A UNESCO City of Peace and a former European Capital of Culture, Pécs celebrates its long history, with Roman, Magyar, Ottoman, and Austrian influences found throughout the city. Pécs is a great jumping-off point to explore the nearby Danube-Drava National Park, as well as the towns of Szekszárd and Kaposvár.
Budapest, Hungary`s capital, is two cities in one! Buda is on a hill and Pest is on a plain, with both sides separated by the Danube River and connected by four magnificent bridges. Budapest is one of Europe`s most delightful and enjoyable cities. It throbs with life morning, noon and night.
Transdanubia comprises roughly the western half of Hungary and includes many popular destinations and sights, such as Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the cities of Gyor and Pécs; spa towns such as Sarvar and Szekesfehervar; and of course the enduringly popular Lake Balaton.
The Great Hungarian Plain comprises much of eastern Hungary. It is known for such historic cities as Debrecen and Szeged, both integral places in Hungary`s fight for independence and to the country`s culture. Hortobagy National Park, Europe`s largest grassland, is also located here.