European Christmas Markets featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest
European Christmas Markets featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest
9 Days Starting in Prague, Czech Republic and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Prague, Dresden, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15903
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Set out on a grand holiday adventure through the winter wonderland of the Imperial Cities of Central Europe – Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Tour the magnificent Prague Castle and explore its famous Christmas market at the Old Town Square. Experience the world’s oldest Christmas market in Dresden. In Vienna learn the secrets of confectionary at a candy workshop, delight in the Baroque marvels of the Schonbrunn Palace and indulge in dinner at the famous Marchfelderhof. Tour gorgeous Budapest and explore its outdoor markets aglow with lights, where stalls of crafts and delicacies abound. Along the way, immerse yourself in festive Christmas markets, experience cultural traditions, sample local cuisine, and glimpse this region’s rich history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Grandior Hotel
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 : Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
Location: Prague
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 3 : Prague
Location: 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 : Prague - Dresden, Germany - Prague, Czech Republic
Location: Dresden
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Hotel
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.
Day 5 : Prague - Ceský Krumlov - Vienna, Austria
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 6 : Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Center Hotel
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.
Day 7 : Vienna - Bratislava, Slovakia - Budapest, Hungary
Location: Bratislava
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, head off to the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Meet your local guide and wander around Bratislava. After, 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 to the most famous Neszmély wine region. Spend the afternoon in one of the most beautiful Hungarian wineries. Located on the top of the hill, it offers the most beautiful views over the Danube. Learn how to make traditional strudel before enjoying 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.
Day 8 : Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 9 : Budapest - Tour Ends
Location: Budapest
Say goodbye to these regal cities as your tour comes to a close today.
What's Included
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Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Central Europe by bus, with guided tours in each city, allowing you to fully immerse in the rich history and vibrant culture of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and more.
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Guided Tours
Join guided tours in each city, including a panoramic tour of Prague, a local guide tour in Dresden, and a scenic bus ride and walking tour in Vienna.
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Meals
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Prague and a farewell dinner in Budapest.
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Culinary Experiences
Experience how to make typical Hungarian strudel and learn the secrets of Viennese confectionary during a candy making demonstration.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included and is on your own during the tour.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Vienna: Christmas at Schonbrunn with Concert are not included and require additional payment.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Experiences
- Tour the majestic Prague Castle.
- Visit 5 different countries filled with the holiday spirit.
Options
Vienna: Christmas at Schonbrunn with Concert
Experience an unforgettable evening at Schonbrunn Palace as you stroll through the Christmas market, explore the palace after-hours, and enjoy a concert in the Orangery. With its Christmas market, the Parade court in front of the Schonbrunn Palace becomes a winter wonderland, and bustling Christmas extravaganza. Inside the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, take a special after-hours, audio-guided tour of the largest palace in Austria, once the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Away from the crowds, discover rooms filled with paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Your palace tour concludes in the breathtaking Great Gallery, a Rococo masterpiece of gilt décor, ceiling frescos, and chandeliers. Then, the Schonbrunn Palace Orchestra awaits you in the Orangery with a concert featuring music from Mozart and Johann Strauss, as well as vocal performances. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 12 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
- Experience how to make typical Hungarian strudel.
- Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionary during a candy making demonstration.
- Dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with a rich Viennese tradition.
Must See
- Visit the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.
- Discover Budapest’s iconic sights through the eyes of an expert.
- Experience the world’s oldest Christmas market in lovely Dresden, Germany.
Choice Highlights
Prague's Christmas Markets
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a complex of intrigue based in 9th century stone – an ancient symbol of the Czech State and one of the world’s most significant cultural landmarks. The largest castle complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle serves as the official home of the President of the Czech Republic, and the residence of princes and kings since the 10th century. This age-old, ageless landmark hides a different kind of stone, or stones – Prague Castle is home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels. The crown, the scepter, and the coronation cloak of St. Wenceslas is protected behind a chamber door, an iron safe, and seven locks – the keys to which only seven people possess.
Vltava River Boat Ride or Jewish Heritage Tour
You decide how to further explore Prague because, it's your choice! Set off on a Jewish heritage tour, uncovering chapters of Czech Jewish history on a locally guided walking tour. Learn the legend of the Golem in Prague, pass the Jewish cemetery, and visit the Synagogue - the oldest active Synagogue in Europe -OR- soak in spectacular views of Prague from a different vantage point on the Vltava river cruise. Relax and glide along as you seeing Prague come alive from the water - one of the most delightful ways to enjoy its unique historic beauty.
Vlatava River Boat Ride
Activity Level 2: The duration of the boat ride is 50 minutes. This choice is accompanied by your Tour Manager.
Jewish Heritage Tour
Activity Level 3: Duration of the walking tour is one hour. Travelers may expect uneven ground and cobblestone streets.
Dresden's Christmas Markets
Cesky Krumlov
This is a small city on the Vltava River south of Prague and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was once an important trade route through Bohemia, and is home to the Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second-largest in Czech Republic. The town was founded in the 13th century, and most of the old city buildings date from the 14th century. Cesky Krumlov is home to several important arts festivals every year, including candlelight operas in the 16th-century theater in the castle.
Vienna's Christmas Markets
Viennese Candy Workshop
Budapest's Christmas Markets
Matthias Church
The original church was built in the early 11th century in the Buda section of Budapest near the Buda Castle. It was reconstructed in the 14th century in Gothic style and was named for King Matthias of Hungary. When the Ottoman Turks occupied Buda in the 16th century it became the main mosque of the city, and at that time many of the frescos inside were destroyed. Most were restored in the 19th century. It was used as a camp by Soviet and German soldiers during the Soviet occupation of Budapest in late WWII.
Fisherman's Bastion
This is a terrace overlooking the Danube on the Buda side of the river near the Buda Castle and Matthias Church. It was built in the early 20th century and honors the fisherman’s guild which defended the city walls in this part of Buda. The towers represent the 7 Magyar (Hungarian) tribes who settled here and there is a statue of King Stephen I of Hungary between the Bastion and Matthias Church.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Central Europe by bus, with guided tours in each city, allowing you to fully immerse in the rich history and vibrant culture of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and more.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Grandior Hotel in Prague, the InterContinental Hotel in Dresden, and the Courtyard by Marriott Center Hotel in Vienna, ensuring a relaxing retreat after exploring the festive Christmas markets and historic sites.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique culinary experiences are included in the tour?
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Hungarian strudel and discover the secrets of Viennese confectionary during a candy making demonstration. Additionally, you will dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with a rich Viennese tradition.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour includes visits to several key historical sites such as the majestic Prague Castle, the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, Matthias Church atop Buda Castle Hill, and the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest. You will also explore the medieval town of Český Krumlov and the baroque splendor of Dresden, Germany.
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What options are available for exploring Prague?
In Prague, you have the choice to either learn more about the city's Jewish heritage on a heritage tour, which includes visiting Europe's oldest active synagogue, or to board a boat for a Vltava River cruise to see a different side of Prague.
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What can I expect from the Christmas markets on this tour?
The tour offers visits to several renowned Christmas markets, including the world's oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany. You will also have the chance to explore the Christmas markets in Prague's Old Town Square, Vienna's Christkindlmarkt at the Rathaus City Hall, and the cozy market at St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest.
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Is there an optional activity available in Vienna?
Yes, there is an optional activity in Vienna where you can experience an unforgettable evening at Schönbrunn Palace. This includes a stroll through the Christmas market, an after-hours tour of the palace, and a concert in the Orangery featuring music from Mozart and Johann Strauss.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025Friday - Saturday
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Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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