I understand completely. I go to the Balkans for what is working out to be at least twice a year and despite all the trips and the supposed knowledge, I still hire someone to plan the trip for me and take care of my getting from A to B. I don’t have to do this, but it sure is easier and, outside of Croatia, it’s so inexpensive that I can afford it.
I posted a name a few days ago. I haven’t ever used her, but she came well recommended so I threw out her name a few times over the past couple of years and everyone that used her came back with very good reviews. I haven’t used here because I have been coming here several times a year for about 20 years before I just stayed. Except for some very specialized things (wine, vineyards for the most part), I am comfortable enough to go without a guide. If the Balkans or Romania or Bulgaria or Ukraine are on your travel list, I do know exceptional guides in each of them. Exactly what you want.
In Budapest the contact I mentioned can be found here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/recommendations-for-guided-walking-tours-in-budapest Also is one reference for her and I think if you do a search on the forum with the company name or the individual’s name you might hit on one or two more references.
If you want a guide for a wine event, I can help you with that. I will send you a PM with that one. You will be there for the Castle Wine Festival and for the Jewish Cultural Festival, so forget the guide, buy your tickets soon.
30 August - 10 ✡️Jewish Cultural Festival https://www.zsidokulturalisfesztival.hu/
1 - 6 Downtown 🍺Beer Festival https://www.sorfesztival.hu/
9 - 12 🍷Buda Wine Festival https://aborfesztival.hu/en
OH, and because of the week you are going to be there, I would sort of get after the bookings as soon as you find someone.
If you need any help, feel free to ask. But I dont get back from the Balkans until the 10 your leave.
