BEAUTIFUL BUDAPEST

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Selected departure dates throughout 2008 & 2009
From 4 day durations
Return flights & hotel transfers
From 3 nights bed & buffet breakfast at a 3 star central hotel
FREE INSURANCE on selected dates

EXCURIONS OPTIONS

Matthias Church. At the very heart of Buda's Castle District is the Mátyás Templom. Officially named as the Church of Our Lady, it has been popularly named after King Matthias Corvinus (Good King Mátyás) who ordered the construction of its original southern tower. In many respects, the 700 year history of the church serves as a symbol (or perhaps a reminder for Hungarians) of the city's rich, yet often tragic history. Not only was the church the scene of several coronations, including that of Charles IV in 1916 (the last Habsburg king), it was also the site for King Mátyás' two weddings (the first to Catherine of Podiebrad and, after her death, to Beatrice of Aragon).

The Fishermen's Bastion (designed by Frigyes Schluek) is made up of seven round towers - each one symbolising the seven Magyar tribes that effectively gave rise to the nation a thousand years earlier. Almost fairytale like in appearance, its decorative white rampart and flowing staircases stretch alongside the eastern front of the Mátyás Templom. According to tradition, the area directly behind the church housed a local fish market during medieval times - hence the name of the Bastion. During the 18th century, the Guild of Fisherman are also said to have traditionally defended this part of the castle wall.Other Budapest places of interest.Castle Hill District Don't be fooled into thinking that you'll be able to conduct a whistle stop tour in a single day though. Almost every cobbled street leads on to a place of interest, whether it's a landmark building, a row of baroque houses or a charming little café where locals chat, play chess, or read the early morning papers. Regarded as Budapest's 'trump card' in attracting tourists, the beauty and historic importance of buildings here is reflected by the fact that the entire area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By far the most tranquil way of ascending Castle Hill to the Royal Palace is the Sikló or Funicular Railway. Originally opened in 1870, its main function was in providing cheap transport for local workers but it is now a pleasant and tranquil way to reach one of the cities most popular regions.

Parliament Building. Conceived and built for the millennium celebrations of 1896, the Imre Steindl design was only finished in 1902 (the year of his death). Inspired in part, by the Palace of Westminster, its white neo-gothic turrets and arches stretch for over 250 metres along the Danube embankment.

The Basilica of St. Stephen (which stands on the square of the same name) is Budapest's largest church holding more than 8000 worshippers.

The Budapest Eye was designed by legendary balloonist Per Lindstrand, and it is undoubtedly the best way to see the geography and layout of the city, including hilly Buda across the Danube. Rising 150 metres from the roof of the WestEnd City Centre (where the Eye is tethered) each ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

Central Market Hall. This grand structure originally incorporated an indoor canal by which goods were delivered to the market's traders and was opened at the start of the 19th century. It was fully restored in 1994 and the sheer size and grandeur of the hall reflects an era when Budapest was a city with big ideas.

The Great Synagogue. Completed in 1859 from a Lajos Förster design, the Great Synagogue is second only in size to New York's Temple Emmanuel. Two impressive 'Moorish' style domes make it one of the most distinguishable landmarks in Pest, while the detailed façade of the building is decorated with brickwork in the heraldic colours of the city - blue, yellow and red.The Royal Palace, which dominates the southern skyline of the Castle District, shares a similar history to that of the Mátyás Templom, namely one of upheaval and reconstruction. The building that stands today is a mock historic structure, comprising of original features from the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The Chain Bridge was the first permanent span across the Danube having been built between 1842 and 1849. Designed by English engineer, William Tierney Clark, with construction overseen locally by Scot, Adam Clark (the Square at the Buda end of the bridge is named after him), one of its first uses was to allow the Hungarian Army of Independence to retreat from the advancing Austrians in 1849. The Austrians then tried to blow up the bridge with explosives, but luckily the charges failed to detonate, however the Germans succeeded in collapsing a section of the bridge in World War 2, which was subsequently repaired. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point and is beautiful at night.

The Puszta are the great grassland plains and this full day tour will include a visit to Lajosmizse where you will see a traditional and world famous Hungarian folk & horse show, take a horse & carrriage ride and have a traditional Hungarian dinner.

Szentendre is a fascinating mediterranean style town on the banks of the river Danube and is a short coach drive from the city. You will be taken on a walking tour of the old town that will include entrance into the world famous ‘marzipan museum’, which also has a shop where you might be tempted to purchase some of these beautifully hand crafted sweets. You will visit the extensive wine cellars of the National Wine Museum and sample up to 9 different kinds of Hungarian wine as well as have the chance to purchase your favourites afterwards.

Hungarian Evening. Your final evening will compromise of a ‘folklore show’ and dinner in the cellars that house the Borkatakomba restaurant, where you will be entertained by gypsy music & dine on traditional Hungarian fayre. You will also have a tour and tasting at the Budafok Wine Cellars tonight.

PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS

Price on application
Single room supplements & minimum numbers apply

HOW TO BOOK

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Call Simply Groups on 01943 605999 or
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