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Prague, Vienna & Budapest Winter Wonderland

Europe’s Christmas Markets Special Edition Tour

7 DaysStarting at $6,295
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Overview

Celebrate the warmth, colorful tradition and shimmering sense of expectation that can only be found in Europe’s most legendary Christmas markets. This remarkable trip takes you to the finest ones in Prague, Vienna and Budapest and, en route, it offers a lovely, more intimate contrast with smaller-town fairs in Cesky Krumlov and České Budějovice in the Czech Republic. You’ll almost feel like you’re time traveling as you explore cities that have remained remarkably unchanged over the centuries. And with your friendly local guides, you’ll learn about the vivid history, experience rich cultural traditions, and get just the kind of advice you want if you’re shopping the stalls or looking for the perfect wooden toys, Bohemian crystal or even fresh-baked holiday pastry. There’s no more perfect way to capture the season’s spirit…and immerse yourself in a holiday shopping expedition like no other!

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

Download Full Daily Itinerary
  • Explore Imperial Prague on a walk discovering its bridges, cobblestone alleyways, and magnificent Old Town
  • Browse the lively Christmas Market in the evening
  • Meet with artisans at a local brewery for a tasting in Cesky Krumlov Make your way on foot around Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budweiss during one of the most beautiful times of year
  • Visit Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace on a privately guided tour of the 22-room apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph
  • Shop the impressive Viennese holiday markets in front of the palace with its giant Christmas tree silhouetted against the baroque palace façade
  • Proceed to Budapest and enjoy a promenade along the Danube.
  • Walk from the Royal Palace in Buda to Europe’s largest synagogue and a district overflowing with cafes and musicians in Pest
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Prague – 10:00 am – Lobby of Hotel Paris Prague

  • Ending Point:

    Budapest – 9:00 am – Lobby of Hotel
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-5 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest. Generally, the walks are level, with very little elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

The Harmonie Vienna

The Harmonie Vienna boutique hotel is a hotel that marches to a different tune. At the heart of the hotel’s design is a visionary art concept that combines dance and art in a unique way.

Hotel Paris in Prague

Hotel Paris Prague

A landmark Art Nouveau structure, this beautifully restored hotel is located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. From the generously proportioned rooms, guests are just steps away from the gothic Powder Tower and the premier arts and shopping district.

Aria Hotel Budapest

The Aria Hotel is a captivating boutique hotel whose design was inspired by music. Located in the heart of Budapest, this luxurious property has modern amenities, a rooftop bar with city views, an upscale spa and an indoor courtyard with live piano music.

Hotel Imlauer & Bräu

Perfectly located in the center of Salzburg, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. This family-operated property is eco-friendly and a proud part of the Austrian Ecolabel for its sustainability.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, one lunch, and four dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Europe’s Christmas Markets tours?

Classic Journeys offers the most genuine holiday experience with small groups, expert local guides who feel like well-connected friends, and a handcrafted itinerary that brings European Christmas magic to life—from Prague and Vienna to Budapest. You’ll enjoy exclusive access, festive traditions, and boutique hotels that turn every moment into a cherished memory.

Which locations does the Classic Journeys Christmas Markets itinerary include?

You’ll visit Europe’s most legendary Christmas markets, from the glowing heart of Prague’s Old Town to Vienna’s enchanting Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace markets. The handcrafted itinerary also includes market shopping in villages, strolling historic streets, meeting local artisans, and savoring seasonal treats at charming smaller-town fairs. With expert local guides leading the way, you’ll discover the magic of the holidays like the locals.

How active is this cultural walking tour?

This tour features moderate walking—generally 2 to 5 miles daily—mostly on paved and cobblestone streets through city centers and market squares. It’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for families and multi-generational travelers, with flexible pacing and plenty of opportunities to rest and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Does this Classic Journeys’ Christmas Markets tour feature culinary experiences?

Absolutely—eating like (and with) the locals is part of every Classic Journeys experience. You’ll sample holiday treats, sip mulled wine, and meet with artisans at a local brewery for a tasting in Cesky Krumlov. Dietary preferences are happily accommodated, ensuring every meal is a delight.

How many travelers are in each small group on the Europe Christmas Markets tour?

Classic Journeys keeps groups small—usually fewer than 10 guests and never more than 18—giving you access, flexibility, and genuine connections on tour. This ensures personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions. Exploring on foot at eye level helps you discover the best of these European cities, on foot at eye level.