A Holiday Journey Through Budapest, Vienna, and Prague
8 Days
This itinerary takes travelers on a magical journey through Central Europe‘s most charming capital cities—Budapest, Vienna, and Prague—during the holiday season. Stroll through Vienna’s elegant streets adorned with twinkling lights, experience the festive cheer of Budapest’s grand Christmas markets, and explore Prague’s enchanting Old Town, where gothic spires rise above snow-dusted rooftops. From sipping mulled wine in historic squares to enjoying cozy cafes, this tour offers a perfect blend of festive traditions, rich culture, and stunning winter landscapes.
Highlights
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Shared Budapest Grand City Tour
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Enjoy Budapest's Christmas Markets (Bespoke Request)
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Private Vienna Walking Tour
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Shared Morning Tour: City and Schönbrunn Palace
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Vienna's Christmas Market Evening Tour
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Private Prague Old Town Walking Food Tour
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Private Best Day Ever in Prague Walking Tour with Hotel Pick-up
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Private Prague's Merry Christmas Markets with Traditional Goodies Walking Tour
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Private Prague Castle Uncovered—Hidden Entrances, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views Afternoon Walking Tour
Itinerary Details
International Arrival
Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel
2 Nights
Budapest
Included activities
Day 1: Welcome to Budapest!
Guests arrive in Budapest for the start of their magical holiday experience in Europe! Guests will enjoy a private transfer from the airport to their hotel of choice. After check-in, take time to explore Budapest at night—soaking in the holiday lights and festive cheer!
Day 2: Explore the Best of Budapest
Today is packed full of all things Budapest! After breakfast at their hotel, guests will depart for a morning tour of Budapest to see all the iconic sights! Afterwards there will be time for a late lunch before exploring the charming Christmas markets!
Shared Budapest Grand City Tour
The tour begins at the iconic Chain Bridge, passing the Parliament before crossing the Margaret Bridge to reach the Buda side. In the historic Castle District, guests enjoy a short walk, visiting key sights like Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion, offering stunning panoramic views of Budapest. From there, the tour continues to Gellert Hill (Citadel) for the city’s most spectacular vantage point. Crossing the Elisabeth Bridge into Pest, guests visit the famous Central Market Hall and the largest synagogue in Europe, before heading to City Park. Along the way, guests pass Europe’s largest thermal spa, the Budapest Zoo, and the Amusement Park, stopping at Heroes' Square to see statues of Hungary's most famous kings and dukes. The tour then travels down Andrassy Avenue through downtown Pest, passing the Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica. Throughout, a brief overview of Hungary’s rich 1,000-year history is shared.
Enjoy Budapest's Christmas Markets (Bespoke Request)
Budapest’s Christmas markets are a festive wonderland, running from late November through early January, bringing the city’s squares to life with twinkling lights, traditional decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked chimney cakes. The most famous markets are held in Vörösmarty Square and in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, where visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and local delicacies from wooden stalls. Along with delicious treats like goulash and roasted chestnuts, visitors can enjoy live music, ice skating, and even festive light shows projected onto the basilica's facade. The markets offer a magical experience, blending Hungarian traditions with the warm, cozy spirit of the holidays.
Taxi from Hotel to Train Station
Train Ride from Budapest to Vienna
Taxi from Train Station to Hotel
2 Nights
Vienna
Included activities
Day 3: Viszlát, Budapest—Servus Vienna!
Guests bid goodbye to Budapest and journey onward to Vienna via train. Upon arrival, grab a taxi from the train station to guests' hotel of choice and check-in. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the city before meeting at 6pm for a private walking tour of the city. Enjoy the spectacle of lights adorning historic monuments.
Private Vienna Walking Tour
This private walking tour of old Vienna, led by a certified professional guide, offers an ideal introduction to the city’s rich history. Guests can stroll past landmarks such as Maria at the Shore Church, the Old Jewish Quarter, Old City Hall, St. Michael's Square, and the Spanish Riding School. Highlights also include the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Heroes Square, Ring Road, Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheatre, and the University of Vienna. The tour concludes at the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral, with the itinerary fully customizable to suit individual interests.
Day 4: Experience the Vibrance of Vienna
Today, guests continue their exploration of Vienna with a shared morning tour that takes visitors on an artistic and architectural adventure to renown locations such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Belvedere Palace to view a Gustav Klimt collection, and the opulence of the Schönbrunn Palace. After this 2.5-hour tour, travelers should refuel at a local restaurant and get ready for an evening exploration and guided tour of Vienna's Christmas markets!
Shared Morning Tour: City and Schönbrunn Palace
This tour provides an impressive overview of Vienna's most significant historical landmarks. Traveling along the Ringstrasse, guests will pass by grand buildings such as the MAK, the State Opera House, the renowned Museum of Fine Arts with its Habsburg treasures, the Natural History Museum, the Museums Quartier, the Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater. The highlight is a guided tour of the opulent State Rooms at Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and Maria Theresia, with no wait time. The tour concludes at the Belvedere Palace, where guests can opt for a discounted ticket to view the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection.
Vienna's Christmas Market Evening Tour
Discover the enchantment of Vienna's Christmas markets like a local on this 2.5-hour guided tour that skips the touristy spots in favor of hidden festive gems. Starting at Adventmarkt Mariahilf, guests will meet their guide in front of the church for a warm treat before exploring four charming markets in Vienna’s alternative districts. Stroll through the romantic Spittelberg area with time to savor sweet and savory delights at the market stalls. Continue to the MQ district, where the former royal stables host a vibrant artistic Christmas market filled with punch, mulled wine, and festive games. The tour wraps up at the Christmas Village on Marien Theresien Platz, where a special surprise awaits. This unique holiday adventure is the perfect way to experience Vienna's cozy Christmas traditions.
Taxi from Hotel to Vienna's Train Station
Train from Vienna to Prague
Taxi from Prague's Train Station to Hotel
Private Transfer from Hotel to Prague's Airport
International Departure
3 Nights
Prague
Included activities
Day 5: Next Adventure—The Treasures of Prague
After disembarking their train and catching a taxi to their hotel, guests should settle in to the majesty of Praha! Relax, unwind, or explore the city before a private Old Town food tour this evening. Don't party too hard, as the next day guests will partake in a full-day exploration of the city!
Private Prague Old Town Walking Food Tour
Food lovers will delight in this culinary journey through Prague, savoring authentic Czech cuisine at local hidden gem eateries. As guests explore the city center, surrounded by historic architecture, they will indulge in traditional delicacies like goulash, roast pork, and beef sirloin with dumplings. Of course, no Czech dining experience would be complete without sampling the world-famous Czech beer! This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and delicious local flavors.
Day 6: Discover the "Crown of the World”
Today's private tour is tailored to guests' particular interests. The full-day, 7-hour tour will be lead by an expert guide and will uncover the rich history of this beautiful city.
Private Best Day Ever in Prague Walking Tour with Hotel Pick-up
This private walking tour of Prague is fully customizable, perfect for those with limited time or specific interests. Guests can explore Prague's iconic landmarks, including Old Town Square, Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, Jewish Town, and the famous Charles Bridge. For those seeking a deeper connection to the city, the tour can also venture off the beaten path, uncovering local shops, hidden streets, and quiet corners known only to locals. The expert private guide will tailor the experience to match the group's preferences, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Prague.
Day 7: Prague's Christmas Markets and Castle
This final day in Prague is the feather in this itinerary's cap with a morning exploration of Prague's gorgeous Christmas markets and an afternoon to uncover its iconic castle. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant guests have yet to try or a discovered favorite before getting a good night's rest before the journey home tomorrow.
Private Prague's Merry Christmas Markets with Traditional Goodies Walking Tour (9:30am)
Guests are sure to have a merry Christmas experience on this enchanting journey through Prague's magical holiday markets. Explore several of the city's famous Christmas markets while learning about Czech traditions and savoring authentic holiday snacks paired with mulled wine. Ample time will be provided for shopping amidst the festive atmosphere.
Private Prague Castle Uncovered—Hidden Entrances, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views Afternoon Walking Tour (2pm)
Guests will feel like royalty as they explore the grandeur of Prague Castle, uncovering its lush gardens, secret entrances, and breathtaking views of the city. This palatial journey includes highlights such as the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, the historic Old Royal Palace, the 10th-century Basilica of St. George, and the charming Golden Lane. With each step, guests will be immersed in centuries of history and architectural splendor.
Day 8: Heading Home
Bid Prague farewell! Guests will be sure to take the holiday cheer with them from this journey back home to friends and family!
Inclusions
Includes
- Activities and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation: Budapest (2 nights) - Vienna (2 nights) - Prague (3 nights)
- Meals where noted in the itinerary
- Private arrival and departure transfers, as specified in the itinerary
- Train rides where noted in the itinerary
- Admission tickets as specified in the itinerary
Not Included
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism charges
- Travel insurance
- Arrival and departure flights