The highlight of a vacation in Hungary is Budapest, its capital, with the Danube river running through it, and among Europe's most beautiful cities. Take a medicinal thermal bath at Szechenyi, which has 21 pools.The sightseeing, architecture, cuisine, and Jewish heritage are incredible. The 60 iron shoes by the riverside are a stirring memorial to the Jews that perished in WWII. It is certainly one of the key highlights of a Danube River cruise itinerary. The wine industry is seeing a resurgence in the wine regions of Eger, Tokaj and Villany.

Hungary's gastronomy is rich and varied, and sure to find fans among foodies. The national spice is paprika, and here are some top picks: Gulyás (goulash) is Hungarian spicy beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and vegetables and paprika. Paprikás Csirke (chicken paprikash) is another popular dish of chicken in a creamy, paprika sauce. Hungary has its version of crépes called palacsinta which can be sweet or savory: Hortobágyi are filled with meat, onion, topped with a creamy paprika sauce, and Gundel, filled with ground walnuts, raisins, topped with chocolate sauce. Halászlé (fisherman's soup) is a paprika-spiced broth with chunks of river fish. Rakott Krumpli is a baked casserole of sliced potatoes, eggs, sausage, sour cream, and cheese. A favorite is Töltött Káposzta, stuffed cabbage leaves with meat and rice and tomato sauce. There's much on the sweet side, too. Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) is the pull-apart spiral sweet bread baked outdoors over charcoal and dusted in sugar and cinammon. Dobostorta (Dobos cake) is the chocolate buttercream-layered sponge cake, topped with crystallized caramel and nuts. And the strudels (rétes) are noteworthy.

Enemies of the People (K. Marton), Strangers in Budapest: A Novel (J. Keener), The Radetzky March (J. Roth), Love and Treasure (A. Waldman), The Habsburgs: The History of a Dynasty (B. Curtis), The Door (M. Szabó), Origin (D. Brown), Fatelessness (I. Kertész).