Hungary is situated in the eastern half of Central Europe and boasts one of the world's most beautiful capital cities: Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube", whose wonderful panorama is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Pretty little historic towns with their lovingly restored Baroque and Art Nouveau style buildings sit along the Hungarian countryside, offering endless variety and numerous opportunities to relax - in particular, by means of walking holidays, taking the waters at one of the many spas and, above all, by horseback riding. Hungary has experienced more than its far share of 20th Century tribulations, especially in relation to its Jewish population decimated by the Holocaust during World War II. The recently refurbished Great Synagogue in Budapest also happens to be the world's largest synagogue outside New York and offers a moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Hungary exudes old world Central European charm, with thermal spas, a fascinating history and a national obsession with cakes. It is a paradise of sweets; from the incredible Dobos cake (layered chocolate cream cake with a toffee top) to all manner of poppy seed and cherry strudel, and time is always put aside for the mid-afternoon cake hour.