European Christmas Markets featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Set out on a grand holiday adventure through the winter wonderland of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe – Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Along the way, immerse yourself in festive Christmas markets, enjoy traditional entertainment, sample local cuisine, and glimpse this region’s rich history.

Arrive in Prague, the "City of 100 Spires." Behold ancient landmarks and medieval architecture. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

Travel to Dresden, Germany, known as “Florence on the Elbe.” Meet a local guide for a tour highlighting its’ baroque splendor 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 travelers 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.

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 favorite 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.

This morning, meet your local guide on a scenic bus ride and walking tour to Vienna’s city center 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.

Hop aboard a train to Bratislava, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. 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 through the Hungarian countryside to spend an afternoon at a beautiful rustic local restaurant preserving 200-years of typical Hungarian cultural and architectural traditions. Learn how to make traditional strudel before enjoying a typical Hungarian 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 or join your Tour Manager for an evening walk.

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 cozy 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 travelers to toast the end of a festive trip at a farewell dinner.

Say goodbye to these regal cities as your tour comes to a close today.