Budapest is evocatively known as ‘The Pearl of the Danube’. A jewel of a city dating back 2000 years, the hilly, scenic district of Buda and the flat promenades of Pest, divided by the languid blue ribbon of the Danube, is a declared UNESCO World Heritage site. Our Christmas break offers you the opportunity to discover this historically and culturally rich spa town, still a haven for writers, musicians and artists, and to explore the verdant surrounding region, including the Baroque towns dotted along the Danube Bend.
Budapest • Szentendre • Esztergom • Gödöllö
DAY 1 LONDON • BUDAPEST
We begin with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Heathrow Airport and our direct scheduled British Airways flight to Budapest. On arrival our coach transfers us to our hotel, the Hilton Budapest. We enjoy a welcome drink with our hosts before dinner is served.
DAY 2 GÖDÖLLÖ • EGER
After breakfast we depart for an excursion to Gödöllö, located just a few kilometres from Budapest. Here you will visit the famous castle, an impressive 18th century Baroque complex and the preferred summer residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz-Joseph. Following Gödöllö is a visit to Eger with its baroque centre and beautiful local frescoes. You may also have the opportunity to taste the local wine famously nicknamed “bull’s blood”.
DAY 3 BUDAPEST - CHRISTMAS EVE
After breakfast we are joined by a local guide for a tour that will include many of Budapest’s fascinating sights and an explanation of the city’s history. You will view St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Parliament buildings, cross the Danube at the Margarete Bridge and see the Royal Castle on the Buda Side where you will be able to view the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. The afternoon is at leisure for further exploration before dinner at your hotel this evening.
DAY 4 BUDAPEST - CHRISTMAS DAY
Morning at leisure when you may wish to take a stroll to work up an appetite for your Christmas Day lunch. This afternoon you are free to relax before enjoying evening dinner followed by musical entertainment.
DAY 5 BUDAPEST • SZENTENDRE • ESZTERGOM - BOXING DAY
The scenic historical heartland of Hungary is located in the Danube Bend which was a once one of the most important of the Roman Empire. Our first stop is in the picturesque town of Szentendre, a charming baroque town. We then continue to the ancient Roman settlement of Visegrad where the river emerges from the mountains. Finally, we arrive in Esztergom which, after Buda, became the political capital of the country in the 14th century, and which has also remained the ecclesiastical capital, reflected by the magnificent domed cathedral and the largest in the country. We return this evening to our hotel in Budapest before evening dinner, after which there will be musical entertainment.
DAY 6 BUDAPEST • LONDON
This morning we depart for Budapest airport and our direct scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow. On arrival our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door.
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