About this experience
Just 30 km from Budapest is one of the most famous country palaces. You will get acquainted with the masterpiece of Hungarian Baroque and hear about the 'uneasy' life of the bright imperial couple - the most famous representative of the Habsburg dynasty, Franz Joseph I, and the mysterious beauty Elisabeth of Bavaria.
What to expect
The 'summer' residence of the august couple
In the mid-19th century, the Gödöllő palace complex became the official residence of the Austro-Hungarian monarchs, who received it as a coronation gift. During the tour of the museum, you will get acquainted with the universally recognized masterpiece of Hungarian Baroque, which, however, should not be expected to be as pompous as Schönbrunn, Versailles, or Tsarskoye Selo. Gödöllő is a kind of cozy family home, and the focus of our attention will be the real life of the emperors outside the luxurious chambers, in seclusion. You will explore the exhibitions and restored interiors of the imperial chambers: the ceremonial hall, the reception room, Empress Sissi's bedroom, Emperor Franz Joseph's study, and smoking lounge. You will see many portraits depicting members of the royal family. And for a moment, you will be transported to the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Behind-the-scenes life of the monarchs
I will not only tell you about the unusual history of the palace - its long construction, flourishing, decline, and revival. I have prepared many interesting stories for you about its inhabitants and the social life of the emperors. You will learn what one of the most beautiful and mysterious empresses of Europe became famous for, why she loved Hungary so much, astonishing the entire Viennese court, and why she only felt free and uninhibited in Gödöllő. We will also talk about her husband - the outstanding representative of the Habsburg dynasty, Franz Joseph - about how often he appeared here, how he spent his free time, and why he preferred the local forests to the mountain ranges of Austria.
Who is the tour suitable for
The tour is easy, with short car transfers, so it is suitable for everyone - from children to the elderly.
Organizational details
- Entrance ticket to the palace complex is not included in the price (10 euros per person). Visiting the park is free.
- The tour is conducted in comfortable Mercedes class B or E cars.
- The tour will be conducted by me or my colleague, also a professional guide.
Additional offers
- The tour can be combined with a trip to the Serbian town of Szentendre with lunch at a local inn. In this case, the duration will be 7-8 hours, and the cost will be 300 euros.
- The tour can also be arranged for a larger number of participants. Please inquire about the cost and conditions in correspondence.
