The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, flowing for 1,771 miles (2,857km) through nine different countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube Bend.  The cluster of towns on the bend offers an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture, particularly the small towns of Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.

It is an extremely scenic area with green valleys and hills rising up from the river, picturesque little towns and market squares and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. Many visitors choose to do a boat cruise on the Danube from Budapest stopping at the little towns along the way. Combined with good facilities and easy accessibility it is one of the more popular destinations in Hungary.

Location: Central Danube Region, Pest Country

'Szentendre Summer' and 'Szentendre Theatre' performance series provide high-quality entertainment

Location: Central Transdanubia, Pest Country

Population: 2.000

Average visitors per year: 100.000

Description: Visegrád preserves a great number of Hungarian treasures.In the 13th century, the Fellegvár /Fortress/ was built on the summit of the hill that rises above Visegrád.It played an important peacetime and wartime role in the history of Hungary.Visitors can learn about the building of the castle in the central castle court,which has been restored.From the terrace of the castle,visitors can look down on one the country's most beautiful panoramas:the picturesque Danube Bend.The third member of the monument group is the 13th century Salamon Tower which is now the home of historical exhibitions.

Events & festivals:

- August: Visegrád International Palace Tournament

Location: Central Transdanubia, Komárom-Esztergom County

50 km from Budapest

Population: 32.500

The red-marble Bakócz Chapel was built in 1511 and remained one of the most beautiful examples of renaissance architecture.The most precious possession of the church are contained in the Cathedral Treasury.The collection includes 400 exquisite goldsmith's works,chasubles,textiles,horn-goblets.

In the lower part of the church there are medieval gravestones and carvings.

Esztergom's newest sights is the Mária Valéria bridge that links Hugary to Slovakia in Pákány/Sturovo/.

Events & festivals:

• April: Bridge Festival-Aquacade,
• May: Programmes of the Párkány week,Pentecostal exhibition and fair
• July: Castle Wednesdays,Esztergom Summer Performances
• August: International Guitar Festival