Hungary Travel Agent Specialist

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Szilvia Gresham, Travel Agent in Oceanside, CA

Szilvia Gresham

Oceanside, CA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Szilvia Gresham

Oceanside, CA · 10 Years of Experience

Szilvia Gresham, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(15)
100% Recommended
My husband and I always wanted to visit Budapest, and when we decided to finally make it happen, a friend recommended Szilvia. She knows the city... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Hungary, Budapest, Balatonfured, Eger, Esztergom

Interests:

Historical Sites, Architecture, Wine Country Vacations, Spa & Fitness, Culinary & Foodie

About Me

Budapest Hungary
Budapest Hungary

If you haven't been to Hungary yet, you're missing out on one of Europe's best kept secrets. One of Hungary's best features as a travel destination is its affordability, its generous conversion rate means that you can have your dream vacation without spending nearly as much as you would in other European cities, making it an incredible value for travelers seeking rich culture, stunning history, and unforgettable experiences. As someone who was born and raised in Hungary, this beautiful country holds a deeply special place in my heart, and I am passionate about sharing everything it has to offer with every traveler I have the privilege of guiding there. The capital, Budapest, is a city that never fails to leave visitors completely spellbound. Known for its spas, with over a hundred natural hot springs and beautiful bathhouses like Széchenyi and Gellért that are just as relaxing as they are rich with history, Budapest offers a unique and rejuvenating experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. Stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge at sunset, with the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building glowing golden along the banks of the Danube, and you will quickly understand why this city is considered one of the most beautiful capitals in all of Europe. Those with a hunger for vibrant culture and breathtaking views will find themselves right at home at St. Stephen's Basilica and the lively St. Stephen's Square in the heart of downtown, while popping into a cozy, gorgeous café feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way. As the evening sets in, Budapest's legendary ruin bars in the historic Jewish Quarter come alive with an electric and unique atmosphere that is unlike anything else you will experience on your travels. Beyond Budapest, Hungary's incredible diversity continues to captivate and inspire. The charming city of Pécs enchants visitors with its stunning cathedral, vibrant arts scene, and beautifully preserved Roman and Ottoman heritage that tells the story of centuries of rich and fascinating history. The hills of Eger wine region invite you to explore centuries old castle ruins, winding underground wine cellars, and some of the most scenic and picturesque countryside in all of Central Europe. The legendary wines of Eger, including the famous Bull's Blood, are bold, complex, and deeply satisfying, a perfect reflection of the region's proud winemaking heritage. Further east, the world-renowned Tokaj wine region produces some of Europe's most unique and celebrated wines, including the exquisite Tokaji Aszú, often referred to as the wine of kings, which has been enchanting wine lovers for centuries. Along the shores of Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, you will find quaint villages, sandy beaches, charming waterfront restaurants, and a wonderfully relaxed lakeside atmosphere that is pure magic during the warm summer months. The surrounding hillside vineyards, historic abbey at Tihany, and stunning sunsets over the water make Lake Balaton one of Hungary's most beloved and cherished destinations. Hungary's cuisine is equally unforgettable, from hearty goulash and delicate chimney cakes to lángos, my personal favorite, and fine Hungarian wines, every meal here is a celebration of bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying flavors that reflect the warmth and generosity of the Hungarian people. Whether you're soaking in a historic bathhouse, wandering through the ruin bars of Budapest's Jewish Quarter, sipping world class wines in the rolling hills of Tokaj, or simply exploring the stunning landscapes of the Hungarian countryside, this beautiful country has a remarkable way of surprising and delighting you at every turn. There is something truly special for everyone in Hungary, and I would love nothing more than to help you discover it for yourself.

Additional Languages
Hungarian

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
15 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 15 reviews

First time in Hungary
Reviewed By Citylights - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Budapest | Hungary | Europe
My husband and I always wanted to visit Budapest, and when we decided to finally make it happen, a friend recommended Szilvia. She knows the city inside out, and she regularly visits Hungary. From our very first conversation, we knew we were in great hands. She arranged our flights, a hotel in downtown Budapest along the banks of the Danube, and provided us with knowledge that elevated our experience. She recommended trying out the public transportation, which is excellent in Budapest, even late at night! We visited the Gellert Thermal Baths, which is not as known as the Szechenyi Baths, but the experience was amazing, as you can see the Danube from the top of the building sitting in one of the thermal pools, incredible! We also walked across the Chain Bridge at sunset, with the Hungarian Parliament Building glowing golden on the riverbank, it was one of the most romantic sights either of us had ever seen. We explored the historic Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion, where the panoramic views over the city and the Danube simply took our breath away. Szilvia also recommended we visit the famous Ruin Bars of the Jewish Quarter, which turned out to be one of the most unique nightlife experiences of our lives. We visited the beautiful St. Stephen's Basilica, ate traditional Hungarian cuisine including goulash, chimney cakes, and langos at local restaurants Szilvia personally recommended, and ended each evening with a glass of Tokaji wine watching the city lights reflect off the Danube. Every moment of our Budapest trip felt magical, and that is entirely thanks to Szilvia's expertise, passion, and personal touch.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Unforgettable Trip
Reviewed By KC0219 - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Seattle | Washington | USA
Seattle is a place I've been dreaming of going to since I was twelve, and it was through Szilvia's hard work and attentive eye for detail that this trip was able to happen. I had booked concert tickets and needed this trip to be planned around that. She helped me book my flight at an ideal time with an incredible price and upon my request was even able to book a hotel where I never had to Uber, and was able to walk everywhere I needed to: including the concert that I had booked, the Seattle space needle, and a variety of the activities that she'd worked into my itinerary. She helped me maximize my time and money there, and I am really looking forward to having her help out when I return. I cannot sing my praises for Szilvia enough.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Our Maui Vacation
Reviewed By JoeY2014 - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Maui Island | Hawaii | USA
I wanted our first Hawaiian vacation to be perfect, so I decided to get a help of a travel agent and contacted Szilvia to assist with the planning. She arranged a nonstop flight from San Diego to Kahului, a rental car, and our accommodations at the Royal Lahaina Resort for a five night stay. Our main goal was to relax and unwind, but thanks to Szilvia's insider knowledge, we also discovered some truly incredible hidden gems along the way. She pointed us to an amazing secluded snorkeling spot at Honolua Bay, giving us detailed directions through a scenic trail to get there. We also visited the breathtaking Nakalele Blowhole, where powerful ocean waves crash into the lava rocks and shoot up into the air in a natural geyser display. We rounded out our adventure with the iconic Road to Hana, and made memorable stops at the stunning Black Sand Beach and the beautiful Wailua Falls. Thanks to Szilvia's careful planning and personal recommendations, our first Hawaiian vacation turned out to be absolutely perfect.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Perfect vacation
Reviewed By TravelMind - Budapest, Hungary | Traveled to San Diego | California | USA
As a Hungarian family based in Budapest, we had always dreamed of bringing our children to Disneyland in the United States. Planning a three week trip from Hungary to the USA is not easy, which is why we entrusted Szilvia to handle every detail of our vacation. From the moment we arrived in Los Angeles to our time exploring San Diego, everything was seamlessly organized and exceeded our expectations. Szilvia arranged everything, international flights, hotel accommodations, rental car, and theme park tickets, taking all of the stress out of what could have been an overwhelming experience. We stayed at a beautiful property in Vista, complete with a pool, gym, tennis court, and barbecue area, all just ten minutes from the beach and steps away from a hiking trail. She also arranged two nights in Anaheim within walking distance of Disneyland, which was an absolute highlight for the entire family. Throughout our trip we visited Disneyland, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Safari Park in Escondido, and the USS Midway Museum in downtown San Diego. Szilvia even secured tickets to the Del Mar Fair, an annual event we had no idea was happening during our stay, which turned out to be a very memorable experience. Our vacation was perfect, and it would not have been possible without Szilvia's expertise, dedication, and care for her clients. We will absolutely be reaching out to her for our next adventure.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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CA Road trip
Reviewed By Fam5 - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Monterey | California | USA
We had been talking about a California road trip for years, so I contacted Szilvia to help plan it, because I don’t like to worry about the planning part. She arranged a rental car, found us a hotel in Monterey, and mapped out the perfect itinerary for our family drive up the California coast from San Diego. Everything was organized and ready to go, all we had to do was hit the road. The drive itself was half the adventure. Szilvia told us to take the Pacific Coast Highway, and it was such a beautiful drive, coastal cliffs, crashing waves, seaside towns, and views that had us pulling over every few miles. We stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch, explored the beautiful mission and the vibrant State Street, and arrived in Monterey feeling like the trip had already been worth every mile. We visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was the kids’ favorite. I believe it’s one of the biggest aquariums in the world and must visit for any family traveling to the area. We hiked the trails of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, did the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, with amazing ocean views, and saw the famous Lone Cypress. This was one of our favorite family trips, thank you Szilvia.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Travel Stories

Christmas market in Budapest

Christmas in Hungary

I always wanted to bring my family to Hungary during Christmas time, to see a real winter and a real Hungarian Christmas market. Since we live in Southern California, my kids always get excited when we go to a cold and snowy place in the wintertime. I was born and raised in Budapest, so we went to visit family and friends first.I love Budapest d...
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