Christmas Markets - Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Day 1: Prague, Czech Republic (D)
Arrive in Prague, the "City of 100 Spires." Behold ancient landmarks and medieval architecture. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Grandior Hotel

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic (B)
Feel the magic and wonder of Prague amid the holiday season. Your introduction to this fairy-tale city begins with a panoramic tour. Explore the “Castle District,” including the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the majestic Prague Castle. Then decide how to further explore Prague because it’s your choice! Learn more about the city’s Jewish heritage and visit Europe’s oldest active synagogue* on a heritage tour -OR- board a boat to see a different side of Prague on a Vltava River cruise. The remainder of your afternoon and evening is at leisure to take in the best Prague has to offer independently. Take in the iconic, statue-lined Charles Bridge, a picturesque structure stretching over the Vltava River, and don’t miss the famous Christmas market in Prague’s Old Town Square, where brightly decorated wooden huts are filled with the work of local artisans, and traditional food and drink are prepared right in front of you.
Hotel: Grandior Hotel

Day 3: Prague - Dresden, Germany - Prague, Czech Republic (B)
Travel to Dresden, Germany, known as “Florence on the Elbe.” Meet a local guide for a tour highlighting its’ baroque splendour and architectural treasures such as Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and the Royal Palace. Visit the world’s oldest Christmas market – the Striezelmarkt – which has been delighting travellers and locals alike since 1434. Take time to explore the stalls overflowing with ornaments, sample local sweets and get lunch on your own before returning to Prague later in the afternoon.
Hotel: Grandior Hotel

Day 4: Prague - Ceský Krumlov - Vienna, Austria (B, D)
Depart Prague and travel through the scenic countryside on your way to Vienna, Austria. En route, make a stop in the medieval town of Ceský-Krumlov. Lined with towering Baroque architecture, explore the quaint-preserved streets independently and have time for lunch on your own. Continue to the one-of-a-kind Marchfelderhof Restaurant, a favourite since the 1800s of locals, visitors, and the famous alike. Indulge in dinner at the iconic Viennese restaurant rich with tradition. Arrive in the grand city of Vienna, capital of Austria, aglow with holiday lights, and perhaps join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll.
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Day 5: Vienna, Austria (B)
This morning, meet your local guide on a scenic bus ride and walking tour to Vienna’s city centre and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Learn more about Vienna’s sweet confectionary history when you visit a candy workshop where candies are still being made according to traditional recipes dating back over 150 years. An afternoon at leisure allows time to visit the Christkindlmarkt, perhaps the biggest and most famous in the city, at the neo-gothic Rathaus City Hall. Tonight, you may choose an option to explore the Christmas market and the interiors at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, together with a classical music performance at the famous Orangerie where the past comes alive.
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Wien

Day 6: Vienna - Bratislava, Slovakia - Budapest, Hungary (B, D)
This morning, head off to the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Meet your local guide and wander around Bratislava. After, enjoy free time to have lunch and explore some of the city’s 4,000-year-old history independently - don’t miss the charming Christmas markets! Continue to the most famous Neszmély wine region. Spend the afternoon in one of the most beautiful Hungarian wineries. Located on the top of the hill, it offers the most beautiful views over the Danube. Learn how to make traditional strudel before enjoying dinner. Later this evening, arrive in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube" and your home for the next 2 nights. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary (B, D)
Join a local expert for a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll discover the incredible neo-gothic marvel of Matthias Church atop Buda Castle Hill, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, and the Parliament House. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Budapest on your own. Perhaps you will visit the cosy Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Basilica with its ice rink and gorgeous tree, or head to the city’s largest market at Vörösmarty Square brimming with food and crafts stalls where local musicians often perform. This evening join your fellow travellers to toast the end of a festive trip at a farewell dinner.
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Budapest City Center

Day 8: Budapest, Hungary (B)
Say goodbye to these regal cities as your tour comes to a close today.