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 Budapest (BUD)
- 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)
- Standard-class rail ticket from Prague to Budapest
- 3 nights in Budapest at the Star Inn Budapest Centrum, or similar
- Danube Bella Cruise (1 hour)
- Breakfast daily
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."
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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.
Explore three beautiful and historic European cities, while enjoying the splendors of the holiday season! Vienna, Prague and Budapest 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. 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. Explore Prague's Christmas market, featuring 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.
End your holiday escape in Budapest, known as the "Pearl of the Danube." Admire the brightly lit Christmas tree in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral, dig into piping hot langos, a traditional Hungarian treat, and rest your tired feet in the city's many thermal baths.
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 Budapest (BUD)
- 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)
- Standard-class rail ticket from Prague to Budapest
- 3 nights in Budapest at the Star Inn Budapest Centrum, or similar
- Danube Bella Cruise (1 hour)
- Breakfast daily
-
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.
Explore three beautiful and historic European cities, while enjoying the splendors of the holiday season! Vienna, Prague and Budapest 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. 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. Explore Prague's Christmas market, featuring 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.
End your holiday escape in Budapest, known as the "Pearl of the Danube." Admire the brightly lit Christmas tree in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral, dig into piping hot langos, a traditional Hungarian treat, and rest your tired feet in the city's many thermal baths.
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
Take today to wander the city. Perhaps you'll visit the world famous Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, which many regard as the most beautiful Christmas Market in the world. Have your camera and wallet ready! The sights are worthy of postcards and the items make wonderful souvenirs and gifts!
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. Prague - Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to the "Pearl of the Danube" - Budapest! Stroll along the Danube River to the neo-Gothic Parliament, then enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal of goulash in the old town.
Train to Budapest!
Check-in - Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum
Only steps from the famous Hungarian State Opera House, this hotel's location can't be beaten! Ideal for business travel or those who want to explore the city, the comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi make the Star Inn Hotel and obvious choice. Within half a mile, you will find the Christmas Market at St Stephen's Basilica, Westend City Center, House of Terror, and the Budapest Operetta Theatre. Enjoy the buffet breakfast before you begin your day of business or exploring!
Offering a range of guestrooms, including business rooms and suites, the pet-friendly hotel can also accommodate meetings in their conference room. The lobby bar is open 24 hours a day, ready to serve hot or cold drinks at any time. In the warmer months, enjoy your breakfast on the terrace!
Day 8. Budapest
Begin your day in Budapest with a visit to the imposing Buda Castle atop Castle Hill. The castle, also known as the Royal Palace, is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.Â
After a dose of culture and history, use your included cruise through the Danube River, passing iconic monuments like the Chain Bridge.
Danube Bella Cruise (1 hour)
Enjoy a scenic cruise aboard the Duna Bella as you sail between Buda and Pest. Pass the Hungarian Parliament, Chain Bridge and more, with optional free time on Margaret Island.
Cruise Includes:- 1 h 10 m long daytime sightseeing cruise
- 30-language audio-guide
- 1 glass of drink - choice of champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water
- 1 glass of "Duna Bella" lemonade
- Free WiFi on board
Day 9. Budapest
Today, visit Budapest's Christmas Market in Vorosmarty Square and peruse the stalls filled with local crafts and delicious treats. You could also go ice skating by St. Stephen's Cathedral nearby!
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, so your next stop should be the Széchenyi Baths, one of Europe’s largest spas with 15 pools. You can even play a game of chess while you soak in the steamy pools.
Day 10. Depart Hungary
Your three-country holiday vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Budapest airport for your flight home.Â