Few things invoke the feel of old-world holiday traditions more than the spectacular European Christmas Markets. From November until Christmas, these outdoor markets dot the Imperial Cities like a string of ornaments on a tree. Be transported back in time to a winter wonderland of open-air market stalls brimming with ornaments, handmade crafts, specialty food and warm beverages. Watch people spin on the ice of the outdoor rink in Vienna, and see its lovely carousel and twinkling light installations. Prague is particularly lovely in the Advent season when its squares are festively transformed, and you can shop and sip to your heart's content as classical musicians perform, and choirs sing timeless songs of the season. Good cheer abounds in Budapest’s largest market which glistens against the backdrop of the city’s gorgeous St. Stephen’s Basilica. Indulge in a timeless European holiday on this very special Christmas Markets tour.
**Continue reading for a day-by-day breakdown of this tours
DETAILS:
- 9 Days
- 11 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Prague's Christmas Markets
- Prague Castle
- Choice on Tour: Vltava Boat Tour or Jewish Heritage Tour
- Dresden's Christmas Markets
- Ceský Krumlov
- Vienna's Christmas Markets
- Viennese Candy Workshop
- Train Ride to Bratislava
- Budapest's Christmas Markets
- Matthias Church
- Fisherman's Bastion
Day 1: Saturday, December 6, 2025 Overnight Flight
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.
Day 2: Sunday, December 7, 2025 Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
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.
Day 3: Monday, December 8, 2025 Prague
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.
Day 4: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Prague - Dresden, Germany - Prague, Czech Republic
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
Day 5: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Prague - Ceský Krumlov - Vienna, Austria
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, the capital of Austria, aglow with holiday lights, and perhaps join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll.
Day 6: Thursday, December 11, 2025 Vienna
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.
Day 7: Friday, December 12, 2025 Vienna - Bratislava, Slovakia - Budapest, Hungary
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.
Day 8: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Budapest
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 travellers to toast the end of a festive trip at a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Sunday, December 14, 2025 Budapest - Tour Ends
Say goodbye to these regal cities as your tour comes to a close today.
PRICING:
- Double Occupancy - $4,999 CAD (per person)
- Single Occupancy - $5,949 CAD (per person)
- Triple Occupancy - $4,969 CAD (per person)