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Experience the magnificence of the Habsburg capitals while indulge in their distinctive Christmas markets during the festive season. From the grandiose Budapest to the romantic Vienna to the majestic Prague, you will be charmed incessantly by the magic of these Eastern Europe states and the way they celebrate Christmas in their winter wonderland.
DAY 1 Budapest
Welcome to Budapest! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure so you can either relax or begin exploring this illustrious capital, bisected by the Danube River, on your own. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Manager at your hotel.
Stay at: Mercure Korona (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 Budapest
This morning, join a sightseeing tour that takes you to all the main attractions including The Parliament Building, the Royal Palace, the Castle Hill area, Fisherman's Bastion, the Matthias Church, Heroes' Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. You will see why Budapest is a treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty which never ceases to enchant visitors from all over the globe. In the afternoon, visit the most exciting Christmas markets in the city, voted the best and most affordable one in Europe in 2023. Aside from the usual trinkets, treat your taste buds to traditional Hungarian dishes, crispy chimney cakes and spiced mulled wine, all the while enjoying concerts and shows on stage.
Stay at: Mecure Korona (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Budapest - Vienna
After breakfast, depart for the 'City of Music' - Vienna - whose artistic and intellectual legacy had been shaped by its residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. There is free time to discover the city on your own, from the architecture such as Schonbrunn, to shopping in Graben or Kohlmarkt, to Viennese cuisines like the Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel. Later, continue your wandering at one of the Christmas markets in town, which truly are an age-old tradition dating to the Middle Ages, when in 1296, King Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a 'Krippenmarkt'. The jolly atmosphere, handcrafted goods, and culinary delights will surely captivate you!
Stay at: H2 Hotel Wien (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Vienna
Start the day with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, and the Hofburg Palace, the former principal imperial palace and winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria. Proceed onto viewing the Baroque-styled Belvedere Palace with 800 years of art history, Prater Amusement Park which was once imperial hunting ground only accessible for the aristocracy, and the UN Buildings that house the third UN Headquarter after New York and Geneva. Afterwards, enjoy more shopping at another Christmas market where the magic and aroma spread throughout the city of Vienna.
Stay at: H2 Hotel Wien (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Vienna - Prague
Today, leave for Prague in the Czech Republic, nicknamed 'the City of a Hundred Spires' that is a political, cultural and economic hub of central Europe. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, it has an incredibly rich history evident in its Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Thankfully, many of the well-known cultural attractions survived the violence and destruction of the 20th century, thus making the center of Prague a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. At night, experience the city at its most magnificent by browsing through a Christmas market and soak up the festive atmosphere to the fullest.
Stay at: Hotel Andel's (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Prague
After breakfast, we cross the Vltava River to see the Royal Castle of Hradcany, the largest ancient castle in the world, serving as the official residence and workplace of the president. Then visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus (the largest and most important church in the country), the old Royal Palace (built from the 12th century), St George's Basilica (the oldest surviving church building in Prague) and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower (once used to house prisoners). The afternoon is dedicated to relishing in the Christmas markets, followed by dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Stay at: Hotel Andel's (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 7 Prague
Sightseeing around the city, beginning with the Old Town Square, regarded as one of the most beautiful historical sites in Europe. Glimpse at the famous Astronomical Clock that was first installed in 1410, making it the oldest clock still in operation. Continue onto the Jewish Quarter, St. Nicholas Church, the Charles Bridge and more to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this city, before spending the afternoon at the Christmas markets in a true winter wonderland setting. You can find lovely souvenirs to bring home for decoration or gift-giving while sampling more local cuisine like sweet dumplings, fish soup, honey wine, hot apple or grog. Vesele vanoce!
Stay at: Hotel Andel's (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Prague
Following breakfast, bid farewell to your new friends and Tour Manager as your tour concludes with a departure transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast
Guided city tours (with whisper headset) of:
Entrance fees:
Christmas Markets in Eastern Europe | ||
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Twin/Double Single | ||
1 Dec 2024 | Sold Out Sold Out | |
8 Dec 2024 | Sold Out Sold Out | |
Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |