Day 1 – Friday 01 December 2017
Your tour will start with an early morning flight to Budapest. Flying with Aer Lingus, your flight Dublin at 06:15 and arrives into Budapest airport at 10:10. 

On arrival in Budapest, meet your local guide for private coach transfer to the 4* Budapest President Hotel, located in the centre of Budapest, where you are booked for three-nights on a bed & breakfast basis. 

A welcome lunch will be served in one of Budapest’s local restaurants and afterwards join your local guide for a city tour of Budapest (via coach). Budapest is Hungary’s capital and it’s largest city with a population in excess of 1.7 million. Additionally, it is Hungary’s principal cultural, commercial, industrial, political, and transportation center and covers an area of roughly 525 square miles. The city’s primary allure is the beautiful Danube River as it gracefully meanders its way through the city. 
Your city tour will finish at the main Budapest Christmas Market will mulled wine and Christmas cake.

This evening is at your leisure. Perhaps try dinner in the hotel restaurants or in one of Budapest’s many local restaurants. We would be happy to advise you on recommended places to eat.

Day 2 – Saturday 02 December 2017

This morning after breakfast, join your local guide and head to the Béla Bartók Memorial House, A museum dedicated to Béla Bartók and his music. Here you will have a guided tour of this, the former house of Béla Bartók (1881-1945), a prominent pianist regarded as one of the greatest Hungarian composers of the 20th century. The house was built in 1924 and it was Béla Bartók's last residence in Hungary before seeking asylum in the US in 1940. Some of his masterpieces like the 'Sonata For Two Pianos' or the 'Contrasts' were composed here. Photos, furniture and some of his personal belongings are exhibited in the two-story building. The first floor was converted into a concert hall where classical music performances are held regularly.

Afterwards, take some time to relax at a tradition wine tasting experience at Doblo’s Wine Bar where you will sample four types of Hungarian wines. 

After a busy morning, you have the afternoon and evening free for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit the glittering Budapest Christmas Markets and enjoy mulled wine, traditional handicrafts and the beautiful, festive lights or perhaps take time to spend the afternoon at the popular pedestrian shopping street of Váci utca. 4

Day 3 – Sunday 03 December 2017

Today, you have a free day to relax and unwind. Discover the beauty of Budapest at Christmas time at your leisure. Perhaps revisit your favorite sights, do some Christmas shopping or take time to visit the famous Turkish baths. With their thermal waters reputed for their healing qualities, the Turkish baths are the ideal place for relaxing in and letting the city’s charming atmosphere soak in. 

In the early evening, meet your local guide for private coach transfer to the Erkel Theatre for the evening performance of The Nutcracker (with category 1 tickets). Performance start time 18:00.

The Erkel Theatre 
The Erkel Theatre opened its gates as the Peoples’ Opera on 7 December 1911. Designed by Dezső Jakab, Marcell Komor and Géza Márkus, only traces of the original construction can be seen today. The redevelopment works the building has gone through over the years are worthy of an academic study. The theatre has been the Hungarian State Opera’s second performance venue since 1951. Since its opening, the Erkel Theatre has been the country’s largest auditorium. It currently seats up to 1819 people. Please note: The Hungarian State Opera’s 2017/18 season will take place at the Erkel theatre as renovations at the Opera House mean that the opera house will not be opening its doors in September. 

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker - A fairy-tale ballet in two acts 
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has for decades been an essential part of the Opera's run-up to Christmas. In memory of Vasili Vainonen and Gusztáv Oláh, the opera is presenting a newly buffed-up show that follows classical ballet traditions while still conforming to the requirements of 21st century dance and set design. Partnering with Tamás Solymosi to choreograph a new fairy-tale ballet for the classical-music piece will be a true Nutcracker specialist: the internationally renowned Wayne Eagling. 
After the performance, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine at Callas Café and Restaurant. Callas Café is located next to the Opera House and offers modern luxury in a historical setting. The palace was designed by the architect Vilmos Freund in neo-renaissance style in 1880. The building, which is a national monument today, was completed one year before the opening of the Hungarian Opera House. The palace regained its function as a café in the 2000’s and it is now a popular Budapest eatery 
Return transfer by coach at the end of the evening. 

Day 4 – Monday 04 December 2017

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and following breakfast check-out. Meet your local guide for private coach transfer to Budapest airport for your return flight. Flight departs Budapest at 10:45 and arrives Dublin at 13:00
Please note that flight times are subject to change at airlines discretion

Price is based on 2 adults and includes:

• Return scheduled flight from Dublin, taxes
• Airport transfers with guide assistance
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast in the four start superior Hotel President Budapest 
• Two-course lunch on arrival
• Guided sightseeing tour of Budapest finishing at the Budapest Christmas Markets with mulled wine and Christmas cake
• Guided tour of the Bela Bartok Memorial House with glass of champagne
• A wonderful wine-tasting experience in one of Budapest’s local wine bars
• Evening transfer with guide assistance to the Erkel Theatre for ballet performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with category 1 tickets 
• Post-opera dinner at the famous Callas Cafe
• Private coach and guide assistance for all transfers and excursions
• 10kg hand luggage per person

Not included:

• Checked-in luggage
• Travel Insurance

Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information please contact us on 021 427 7094, request a call back using the red button or submit an enquiry through the form below.