Tuesday, October 6, 2009 metrolifeextra 19 TravelGetaway Where would you go for 1,000. I would definitely head to Budapest for a few days of pampering but as Id have change from 1K with Malev, I could afford to turn the trip into a two-centre holiday and combine Budapest with Moscow. Id stay in the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in Budapest and the Kempinski Hotel Baltschug in Moscow as both hotels are five star luxury located in the heart of the action. What do you like about it? Budapest is the city of thermal baths and soaking in the citys thermal waters is a great way to unwind with the locals. Its about 8 to enter the baths and after a 20minute vigorous Hungarian massage (about 12) youre invigorated to see the sights as the city is so easy to explore on foot. I would definitely head to Franz Liszt Square where all the chic modern restaurants are located for a posh dinner at a bargain price and head down Andrassy Street to the Hungarian State Opera for an opulent evening of culture in one of the most stunning opera houses in the world. Well relaxed, Id fly on to Moscow with Malv to the Kempinski Hotel Baltschug which is located right on the edge of Red Square. In just a short walk, you can spend at least a day exploring the Kremlin and on Red Square see Lenins Mausoleum, the picturesque Saint Basils Cathedral and for fashionistas get lost in the Gum Mall, which is bursting with designer stores. Moscow is almost as stunning as Budapest but its more spread out so every time you visit there is always a new quarter youve yet to see. Whats there to do/see? Both cities boast many cultural sights and evening attractions. Is it a tourist trap? All parts of Budapest are full of locals getting on with life eg the Central Market Hall designed by Gustav Eiffel is where many locals buy fresh fruit and vegetables but its also one of the top sights visited by tourists as its so atmospheric and authentic. In Moscow, around Red Square is a target for tourists and you need to be a little more street-wise. Who would the holiday suit (age group, families etc)? A two-centre holiday might be a little hard to manage with a young family so I would stick to just Budapest which has lots of family attractions like the outdoor water parks, the famous zoo and boat trips down the Danube. For all other ages, both cities have so much to offer and travelling via Budapest is hassle free. How to get there? Malv Hungarian Airlines flies direct from Dublin to Budapest and has onward connections to Moscow. All Malvs beyond Budapest destinations allow a free stop-over in Budapest to easily turn your trip into a two- centre holiday. How much would it cost? Fares to Budapest start from 130 return and Moscow from 89 return plus taxes. What made your visit memorable? Getting to combine two landmark Eastern European cities and having the time to explore them in comfort. For two-centre flights with Malv Tel: 0818 555 577 as its not possible to book online and for details on Kempinskis stunning hotels, visit: www.kempinski.com 1k get away for Ger Aherne-Kinane, Ireland manager with Malv airlines, tells Joanne Ahern where she would holiday for a grand This week: Budapest & Moscow .Looing oadver iseyourChristmasParty? pleaseca016375979 Budapest is the city of thermal baths and soaking in the citys thermal waters is a great way to unwind Getaway OutofOffice Toadvertisecall(01)6375979 spend your bank holiday wisely 4* ireland hotels, from 43 4* city breaks, 3 nights from 278 4* holidays, 7 nights from 519 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html