Holiday Markets from Budapest to Prague

Day 1: Upon arrival in Budapest, enjoy a shared transfer from the Budapest Airport and check in at your hotel, located in the heart of the city. After some time to rest up and relax, join us for a delicious three-course Welcome Dinner of authentic Hungarian cuisine – wine included. Meet new friends and get into the holiday spirit, celebrating the beginning of a memorable trip together! (D)

Day 2: After breakfast, let’s join our local guide for a morning walking tour of Pest, located on the eastern bank of the Danube River. Enjoy historic center highlights, ending at St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest located in the heart of the city. Admire a bird’s eye view of the city from its panoramic terrace before spending the rest of the day at leisure, exploring holiday markets, shopping, and tasting local fare. (B)

Day 3: After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour highlighting the best of Buda. Today’s adventure includes admission to Matthias Church (also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle) located in the Holy Trinity Square, then take in stunning views of the city and the Danube River from Fisherman’s Bastion atop Buda Hill and shop at the wonderful Christmas markets. A two-course lunch with beverage at a local restaurant is provided to enjoy more of Budapest’s culinary favorites. After your tour, let’s board our coach to head to the city of Bratislava! For dinner this evening, we will enjoy a three-course dinner of local favorites with wine. Evening at leisure to explore the town by night! (B, L, D)

Day 4: After breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town. Explore the historic center and see the city’s top attractions including St. Martin’s Cathedral, the largest church in Bratislava, as well as stunning views from Bratislava Castle. Upon conclusion of your tour, discover Bratislava’s Christmas markets at leisure, and enjoy shopping, dining, and the holiday atmosphere of this beautiful town. (B)

Day 5: Following a delicious breakfast, we bid farewell to Bratislava and head west to Austria’s delightful capital city, Vienna! Explore Vienna’s intricate architecture, lush gardens, and famed landmarks up close during our immersive walking adventure through the city’s historic center. Today’s highlights include the picturesque city square of Graben, as well as a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church to view the tranquil chapels and colorful frescoes of these historic buildings. Lunch like a local at a Viennese café during free time. After checking in to your central hotel, wander the trendy Neubau neighborhood and enjoy the evening on your own for dinner and exploring the city sights and holiday markets. (B)

Day 6: Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your professional guide for a half day tour of Vienna. See how the royals lived at Schonbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the stunning architecture and design of the 18th-century landmark. Enjoy free time to shop and have lunch at the on-site Christmas market, taking in the festive décor and authentic goods from local vendors. For the remainder of the day, explore Vienna at leisure with time to deck the halls at one of Vienna’s dazzling Christmas markets! (B)

Day 7: Today after breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Vienna and visit Christmas Markets, shopping and trying local specialties for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, let’s visit the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market before continuing to the nearby wine region located in greater Vienna. Here, we will enjoy a buffet dinner with wine at a traditional Heuriger style restaurant! (B, D)

Day 8: Following breakfast at the hotel, it’s onward to picturesque Prague! Upon arrival, you will dine on a two-course lunch at a local restaurant and then step back in time on a walking excursion through Old Town Prague. Explore iconic sites like the Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, the posh shopping street of Parizska, and the Jewish quarter. Toast to a memorable day with dinner on your own in the historic center (or at the fabulous markets of Wenceslas Square!). (B, L)

Day 9: After breakfast in the morning, embark on a full-day experience to the town of Kutná Hora, a UNESCO heritage site. Visit Kutná Hora’s bone chapel (Sedlec Ossuary), a true highlight of the day that draws visitors from all over the world. Explore how this gem of Bohemian history is home to much more than just piles of skulls and bones. Admire the historic buildings in Kutná Hora, which was the economic powerhouse of the Kingdom of Bohemia and played a crucial role in the Hussite Wars of the 15th century. Spend some time at the small Christmas market before heading to a two-course lunch at a local restaurant. Continue your walking tour after lunch with a visit to the magnificent Church of St. Barbara, a Gothic landmark of the royal town of Kutná Hora and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the late afternoon, let’s visit a local winery for a tour and tastings before heading back to Prague for an evening at leisure! (B, L)

Day 10: Another unforgettable journey follows breakfast at the hotel beginning at Prague Castle, where you can explore highlights like the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Enjoy a 2-course lunch today at a local restaurant after your royal adventure, and get your cameras ready for the picturesque Mala Strana neighborhood and the iconic Charles Bridge. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant caps off this amazing adventure, offering a three-course meal with a flight of three authentic Czech beers! Happy Holidays and cheers – Na zdraví! –  to our time together! (B, L, D)

Day 11: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before packing your holiday goodies and bidding farewell to our wonderland experience! Enjoy a shared transfer to the Prague Airport. See you next time!