Christmas Charm in Central Europe
Holiday markets, magic and more
Embark on a 6, 8 or 9-night vacation through Vienna and Prague that will leave your cheeks pink with cold but your spirit warm. Explore beautiful palaces, uncover cozy cafes and mead-warmed pubs, and of course, the legendary Christmas Markets. In 9 nights, add Budapest to your vacation.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Vienna (VIE), out of Prague (PRG)
- Round-trip private airport transfers
- 3 nights in Vienna at the Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen, or similar
- Historical Vienna City Tour with Schönbrunn Palace (3.5 hours)
- Standard-class rail ticket from Vienna to Prague
- 3 nights in Prague at the Andels by Vienna House Prague, or similar
- Prague Grand City Tour (3.5 hours)
- Breakfast daily
Want to add Budapest to your vacation? Choose the 9-night option!
Great Ways to Explore
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Wander through the Christmas markets of each city; shop, eat, and sample your way through!
- Take in the splendor of Vienna's famous Belvedere Palace, including Klimt's iconic painting "The Kiss."
-
Get lost in the medieval marvels of Prague. You can visit castles, famous squares, and even astronomical clocks.
-
Stroll across Prague's Charles Bridge one day, then Budapest's Chain Bridge the next.
-
Try langos, a traditional Hungarian Christmas treat of fried dough.
Make your way through two beautiful and historic European cities, while enjoying the splendors of the holiday season! Both Prague and Vienna are known for their amazing Christmas markets; eat, see, and shop as you make your way through these stunning yet diverse markets.
Your holiday experience begins in Vienna, where you can spend days getting lost in palaces, museums, and even a labyrinth or two. A guided tour will bring you through Schönbrunn Palace and more, and you'll have a day to explore the city for yourself. Pass by architectural marvels, stop in cozy cafes and sample Vienna's famous pastries, and of course peruse Christmas Markets that sell food, souvenirs, and hand-made gifts.
Then, hop on the train and travel through the wintry countryside to the city of Prague, Czech Republic's medieval capital. Enjoy a guided tour of the postcard-worthy city, including a boat ride up the River Vltava to the stunning Prague Palace. Here, you'll get to see a smaller Christmas Market with more hand-made items and homemade goods - be sure to try the Prazska Sunka (Prague ham), a Christmas-specialty made of boneless ham smoked over an open flame.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Vienna (VIE), out of Prague (PRG)
- Round-trip private airport transfers
- 3 nights in Vienna at the Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen, or similar
- Historical Vienna City Tour with Schönbrunn Palace (3.5 hours)
- Standard-class rail ticket from Vienna to Prague
- 3 nights in Prague at the Andels by Vienna House Prague, or similar
- Prague Grand City Tour (3.5 hours)
- Breakfast daily
Want to add Budapest to your vacation? Choose the 9-night option!
-
Wander through the Christmas markets of each city; shop, eat, and sample your way through!
- Take in the splendor of Vienna's famous Belvedere Palace, including Klimt's iconic painting "The Kiss."
-
Get lost in the medieval marvels of Prague. You can visit castles, famous squares, and even astronomical clocks.
-
Stroll across Prague's Charles Bridge one day, then Budapest's Chain Bridge the next.
-
Try langos, a traditional Hungarian Christmas treat of fried dough.
Make your way through two beautiful and historic European cities, while enjoying the splendors of the holiday season! Both Prague and Vienna are known for their amazing Christmas markets; eat, see, and shop as you make your way through these stunning yet diverse markets.
Your holiday experience begins in Vienna, where you can spend days getting lost in palaces, museums, and even a labyrinth or two. A guided tour will bring you through Schönbrunn Palace and more, and you'll have a day to explore the city for yourself. Pass by architectural marvels, stop in cozy cafes and sample Vienna's famous pastries, and of course peruse Christmas Markets that sell food, souvenirs, and hand-made gifts.
Then, hop on the train and travel through the wintry countryside to the city of Prague, Czech Republic's medieval capital. Enjoy a guided tour of the postcard-worthy city, including a boat ride up the River Vltava to the stunning Prague Palace. Here, you'll get to see a smaller Christmas Market with more hand-made items and homemade goods - be sure to try the Prazska Sunka (Prague ham), a Christmas-specialty made of boneless ham smoked over an open flame.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Vienna, Austria!
Arrive in Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria that was once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. This evening, why not start your time in Vienna on a sweet note by visiting one of the city's most famous cafes and indulging in a slice of its famous cake: the Sacher Torte? Cafe Sacher has been whipping up this iconic treat since 1832, and it is still baked using the original recipe.Â
Transfer to Vienna hotel
Check-in - Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen
Rest and relax in the elegant and comfortable 4-star Novum Hotel Prinz Eugen. Just opposite Vienna's Main Train Station and the Bahnhofs-City Shopping Mall, and in the immediate vicinity of the Belvedere Palace, the convenience and occasional views from the hotel are outstanding.
The hotel itself has free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, a comfortable lobby bar, a conference room, and is in the epicenter of the embassy district, offering excellent sights for travelers looking for architecture, museums, and history.
Day 2. Vienna
Today you'll have the opportunity to explore a wider range of what Vienna has to offer while riding in a state-of-the-art coach. Enjoy a guided tour of the stoic Schönbrunn Palace, and afterwards you can take a walk through the Belvedere Palace.
Vienna City Tour with Schonbrunn Palace (3.5 hours)
Embark on a tour via coach that will bring you through some of the most important and beautiful destinations in Vienna!
First, travel the famous Ringstrasse boulevard, and take a look at the impressive Vienna State Opera, home of the annual "Opera Ball." Not far from the Opera is the grand Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the imperial family. Next you will see the monumental buildings of the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. Further sights on the tour are the neoclassical Parliament, the acclaimed Burgtheater, and the striking City Hall, where the legendary Life Ball takes place.
On arrival at Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a guided tour at Austria’s most popular tourist attraction, without waiting. This UNESCO-listed former imperial summer residence offers a look at the historic state rooms, providing a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the imperial family. Afterwards, you'll have time to take a stroll through the palace gardens or enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.
Day 3. Vienna
Vienna is known as the world's music capital - today why not add a soundtrack to your stay in Vienna by following the city's musical footsteps. Try to catch a chilling performance by the Vienna Boys' Choir, experience the amazing orchestra of the Vienna Philharmonic, or perhaps visit the former residences of Mozart's Vienna residences of either Mozart or Beethoven.Â
Day 4. Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic! Check into your accommodation, then spend the remainder of the day exploring this marvelous city. Prague is famous for its beer, so why not visit one of the city's pubs and try some for yourself? Pair a pint with schnitzel and you have a perfect first night in Prague.
Train to Prague!
Andel's by Vienna House stands as a testament to modern architecture and modern design. Rooms come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a satellite TV, and apartments or studios come with kitchenettes, a seating area, and extra long beds.
Enjoy Andel's Restaurant Delight which is open to guests and non-guests alike, or the bar which is open daily for a mid-morning snack, lunch, or even a gourmet dinner. The hotel also provides fitness facilities, a sauna, solarium and steam bath, and a beauty and hair salon. It is also within walking distance of the Andel Shopping Mall, as well as the Andel Underground Station and tram lines, which can deliver travelers to both Old Town and the city center easily and within 5 minutes.
Make the most of your vacation by staying at an experience like the Angelo by Vienna House. Stylish decour with a twist and incorporating Asian furnishing and themes make this hotel stands out in its area. Indulge in the cuisine offered by the restaurant or enjoy a drink at the stylish Jazz Bar. Guests can enjoy a full breakfast buffet every day, and enjoy meals on the terrace. The hotel offers a solarium, sauna and steam bath, a fitness center, and the option for a multi-gym is right next door.
Rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, DVD players, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Nearby are bus and tram stops, which make it easy to visit the bustling Wenceslas Square, the popular Mala Strana quarter, and many beautiful Baroque monuments, not to mention plenty of cozy cafes!
Day 5. Prague
Set out on a whirlwind tour parading you past the amazing sites and landmarks of Prague. Visit Wenceslas Square and the Municipal house, relax on a lovely boat ride along River Vltava all the way up to Prague Castle, and more!
After you return to the city center, you might want to admire the Old Town Square, the stunning astronomical clock, or pick out a pub for a meal and a delicious Prague brew.
Grand City Tour of Prague (3 hours)
On this guided city tour, you’ll trace Prague’s development through the olden centuries all the way to the present day. Marvel at the world-renowned landmarks that define Prague, including the mesmerizing astronomical clock, the vibrant Old Town Square, and the iconic Wenceslas Square with its impressive architectural treasures. Experience the enchantment of the Walk of the Apostles, the clock's mesmerizing hourly spectacle. Allow yourself to wander through the labyrinthine streets of Prague's Old Town, immersing yourself in its timeless charm.
Day 6. Prague
Enjoy wandering through the beautiful Prague Christmas Markets, which offer a beautiful selection of hand-carved wooden toys, glass-work ware, blacksmith's pieces, and fresh Czech food!
Pick your way through pastries, barbecued pork, beer, mead, Czech muffins and more as you explore each aisle of the market, each bringing new sights and smells.
Day 7. Depart Czech Republic
Your dual-country holiday vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Prague airport for your flight home.Â