No visit to Budapest in December is complete without wandering its legendary Christmas markets. Browse handcrafted gifts and traditional Hungarian treats — think kürtőskalács (chimney cake), steaming lángos and, of course, plenty of forralt bor (mulled wine!) - beneath twinkling lights strung across the city's grandest squares. It's Budapest at its most magical, and you'll have time to soak it all in.
Your home for the visit is the Grand Hotel Savoy, a beautifully restored Art Nouveau landmark dating back to 1909. Set on the tree-lined József Boulevard, on the edge of Budapest's historic Palace District, the Savoy pairs old-world elegance with stylish modern comforts — the perfect retreat after a day of markets and music. You'll find the city's major sights, restaurants, cafés and shopping streets all within easy reach, with excellent public transport links just three minutes' walk from the door.
Return flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and option to return to Liverpool John Lennon
5 nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel Savoy on bed & breakfast basis
Welcome dinner at one of Budapest's fine restaurants, 4 further suppers/dinners all with wines & soft drinks
excellent stalls seats a the various venues for:
10 December - Renowned Czech conductor János Kovács marks his 75th birthday with a performance of Mahler Symphony No. 6 with the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra in the stunning contemporary setting of the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall
11 December - the highly respected MAV Symphony Orchestra perform an evening of English Geniuses at the iconic Liszt Academy with violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky
Benjamin Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4
Benjamin Britten: Violin Concerto, Op. 15
Henry Purcell: Abdelazer Suite, Z. 570
Benjamin Britten: Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34
12 December - Lancashire born Maestro Justin Doyle is Chief Condcutor of the legendary chamber orchestra Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and the RIAS Kammerchor, one of the world's finest mixed choirs, founded in Berlin in the years immediately following the Second World War. The collaboration of these two storied Berlin-based ensembles promises a highly authentic and thrilling interpretation of our national classic Messiah. To further ensure the authenticity of the performance in the work's original language, the production features a star quartet of renowned British soloists, including Roderick Williams, counter-tenor Tim Mead, Soprano Juila Doyle and tenor Thomas Hobbs.
If the Messiah is not for you, you can attend a performance of the Nutcracker at the Budapest Operetta Theatre. This production, presented to sold-out houses in Győr and at the Vienna State Operas, is a joint production with the Hungarian Dance Academy directed and choreographed by Gyula Harangozó so presents a chance to see some of the country's excellent young dancers in the title roles.
13 December - we complete our musical weekend with a restored production of the classic 1937 Hungarian State Opera production of La Boheme!
