I found Tímea's tour on Trip Advisor and she was my first choice after studying the reviews. My wife and I did a half day private tour and the best thing about the tour was the insight she was able to convey about the history of Judaism in Budapest, about how communism effected the people, current life in the city, a tasting of food and treats and even and even an introduction to ruin bars.
Timea provided not only a history but brought stories to life telling her family stories. For example, when she explained the Shoes on The Danube, she read to us an excerpt from her grandmother's diary about witnessing the event. We saw not only the synagogues but hidden sights like a section of the ghetto wall.
She brought to life what it was like growing up and living under communism. As we toured the Jewish Quarter and walked in buildings she explained how homes were taken away and divided and turning them on to numerous apartments. It was an enlightening experience which I never really understood from books and college.
We stopped for Chimney Cakes, a local treat, that was cooked over a wooden fire. We sampled local cuisine for lunch at a ruin bar (a style of bar popular in Budapest).
Timea not only gave a great tour but brought it to life and made it a personal experience. By the end of the tour we felt like Timea was like a lifelong friend having shared so much about her family. That evening she emailed me with suggestions on sights and restaurants she thought we would enjoy during our stay.
I wholeheartedly agree with all the reviews (except the guy who reviewed the wrong tour), this was an excellent tour. I am writing this review upon my return home two weeks later and realize the impact of this tour in that I keep thinking about various insights I learned.
