Peter Polczman tour guide in Budapest - still zigzag

Jim, You might try: <http://budapestyourself.com/book.htm> I retained Peter two years ago for a four hour tour of Budapest; he's very good. I believe you can talk to him about most everything. The card he gave me has the zigzag web site, but he must have abandoned it. What I've cited, above, came from a Google search and I hope it's current. If it's not, you might e-mail Rick Steves's organization to get a current e-mail or web site for Peter. Best wishes--Budapest is a very interesting town. jbjr

Another gentleman that I have used on and off for about ten years is Andrew ILLES: http://www.guideinbudapest.com If all fails with RS's recommendation you might give Andrew a try. I just sent a couple to tour with him a few days ago. If you wait a few days I will have a report as to how / if they enjoyed it. I always like to check myself.

The budapestyourself website is the current website. Peter was my guide on a RS tour of Eastern Europe and is spectacular. Book him immediately, he's popular and busy.

Peter is booked. Was wondering if anyone has experience with Andrew. I cross check everything with Tripadvisor (where I'm a contibutor or something with a badge, I forget). The top ratings are interesting....looking for a private 1/2 day or full day walking tour of Budapest using mass transit. Thanks!

Too bad about Peter - did you ask if he has any recommendations for other guides, he is definitely keyed in to the guide scene there. Here are two others listed in RS book, can't say anything about their quality other than Uncle Rick recommends them: Andrea Makkay (0920-962-9363, www.privateguidebudapest.com, [email protected]) Elemer Boreczky (0620-340-3598, www.culturaltours.mlap.hu, [email protected])

I know this is late, but you might try asking Etelka Parine Berecz at [email protected]. She was our RS guide on the 8-day Prague and Budapest tour in 2010. (She was fantastic and a great trip.) We had a local guide while in Budapest, but I do not remember his name. Etelka may know. She is from Hungary and may also have another contact in Budapest.

I was able to contact Peter via the budapestyourself website. His email address is contained there. And may I add to the chorus of praise for his guide skills? Peter ought to be getting a stipend from the mayor's office in Budapest, and one from the tourism bureau as well. He's the perfect ambassador to a beautiful, busy world-class city and vacation destination! His enthusiasm and joy for his work, for his clients, and for his city makes getting to know Budapest a snap; listening to him creates real excitement about exploring the city, and a confidence that you'll figure it out with ease. The itinerary and pace of our tour, his concise explanation of Hungarian history and culture, and his post-tour suggestions were all first rate, spot-on, and really added to our enjoyment of Budapest. But it's in the intangibles where Peter really shines...after meeting him we'd like nothing more than for him to visit us in Chicago and let us be his tour guide to repay him for the great introduction he gave us to his wonderful city! Bravo, Peter!!!

Two years ago we booked a guide through Andrea Makkay and were very happy with our guide.

Hi everyone and thanks for your suggestions. Our trip was actually in August 2012. We used Adam Bota as a tour guide and I would highly recommend him. You Google his site.

It looks like Peter is my guide for a rapidly approaching RS Eastern Europe tour. He definitely is well regarded.