PUCCINI FESTIVAL IN BUDAPEST 22-26 NOVEMBER   The Hungarian State Opera, which staged a succsessful Verdi Festival at the beginning of the year, has chosen to devote the second half of November to a showcase of the works of Giacomo Puccini. The Hungarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra will be joined by international guest artists for this special season. Operas are sung in the original language.

Travel for the Arts' five day tour includes a fascinating programme of visits including a day exploring the country's illustrious musical past.

THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER

Depart London Heathrow on Malev Airlines at 0755. Arrive Budapest Airport at 1125 and transfer by private coach to the 4 star Hotel K & K Opera. The hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance of the Hungarian State Opera House. This evening rendez-vous in the hotel bar for a welcome drink and walk across to the theatre for this evening's performance.

Evening performance of LA BOHEME (Puccini) at the Hungarian State Opera. Cast to be announced.

FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER

This morning join your guide for a tour of the two sides of the city of Budapest which is bisected by the River Danube. Set out to Heroes Square and continue for a tour of the splendid neo-Gothic Parliament building.

Cross the river and climb Castle Hill for a visit of the striking Matyas Church which dates back to the 13th century. Surrounding the church is a labyrinth of small streets lined by multi-coloured houses interspersed with gothic archways and hidden courtyards.

Visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a decorative folly built at the beginning of the 20th century and continue to the Citadella at the summit of Gellert Hill for splendid views of the capital.

Optional evening performance of MADAMA BUTTERFLY (Puccini) at the Hungarian State Opera. Cast to be announced.

SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Morning tour exploring Hungary's musical past. Set out to Martonvasar, home of the Brunswick family where Beethoven stayed and composed the Sonata Appassionata dedicated to Josephine Brunswick with whom he had fallen in love.

Return to the city and visit the Liszt Museum in the Academy of Music. The apartment of Hungary's most illustrious composer contains scores and personal memorabilia. Lunch at Gundel's restaurant in the City Park with its fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle and lake.

After lunch continue on this musical journey to the Bartok House in the Buda Hills. Bela Bartok (1881-1945) introduced a controversial new musical style when he became head of the Budapest Conservatory at the age of 26. This owed much to his research and cataloguing of Hungarian folk music and melodies with his contemporary, Zoltan Kodaly which he incorporated into his compositions.

A piano recital and champagne reception have been arranged at the house. Optional evening performance of NABUCCO (Verdi) at the Erkel Theatre.

SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER

Morning departure by coach tracing the path of the Danube to the north of the city to the artists' town of Szentendre. Visit the museum of the potter, Margit Kovacs and time at leisure to browse in the galleries and shops in this attractive town and perhaps do some Christmas shopping.

Afternoon return to Budapest. Evening performance of TOSCA (Puccini). Cast to be announced.

MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER

Morning at leisure in Budapest. Afternoon transfer by private coach to Budapest Airport and depart on Malev Airlines at 1810. Arrive London Heathrow at 2000.

	PRICE per person 5 Day Tour Price £795.00 Single Room Supplement £80.00 Deposit required £195.00 Booking Deadline 30 JUN Tour Code BUD Tour price includes flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - buffet breakfast daily - one lunch - top category tickets for La boheme and Tosca - tour manager. Dress: Lounge suit Supplements 23 Nov Madama Butterfly £60.00 24 Nov Nabucco £60.00