... in one

Budapest is, the surrounding towns and tourist destinations further afield make it worth transforming a city break into an extended stay in the country. For me, that began with a short drive to Gödöllo, home of the Royal Palace of

Gödöllo. Also known as Grassalkovich Castle, it was a coronation gift to revered Habsburg Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria – affectionately known as Sissi to Hungarians. I found snippets of her tragic life as fascinating as the building itself.

Further away, but simply unmissable, is Lake Balaton which is Central Europe’s largest lake, making it a premier holiday destination. Its shoreline stretches 147 miles and visitors are drawn to its beautiful turquoise waters and the popular destinations dotted alongside it.

To drive there takes just 70 minutes from Budapest. The most famous spa near Lake Balaton is Hévíz, the world’s second-largest thermal lake. Its winter water temperature is 23-250C, rising to 380C in the summer. A tranquil dip and float in its waters is all you need to feel revived and energised.

The ancient city of Pécs in southern Hungary, close to the Croatian border, is three hours by train from Budapest. The Unesco world heritage site is home to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter created around the factory where the renowned namesake ceramics were made.

Pécs is also famous for its cathedral, where every visible inch is adorned with hand-painted decor or craftsmanship.

Also worth a visit is the Mosque of Pasha Qasim which incorporates Christian and Islamic design, represented through combined symbols of the crescent moon and the cross on the top of the dome.

Underground, a visit to its old wine cellars is fascinating. One of the longest networks of cellars in Hungary is found at Littke Palace where you will be kitted out in a hard hat, hi-vis gear and safety glasses. Visitors get to sample its sparkling wine while learning how it is made.

Hungary is quite simply a treasure trove of travel goodies – and one visit will never be enough.

Budda Castle houses an original collection of Houdini artefacts