CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN CENTRAL EUROPE in 8 days
Nürnberg - 1 night
Prague - 2 nights
Vienna - 2 nights
Budapest - 2 nights
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$3789 + air
Single Supplement = $680
Christmas Markets pop up all over Europe during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each year, we feature several winter wonderland tours during the holiday Christmas season. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautiful, handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. This route features four contrasting cultures and languages. This tour visits Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.
Your Adventure Starts Here!
Sunday, Day 1: Munich Airport to Nürnberg - Please try to arrange your flight to arrive before 11:00 a.m. this morning. Meet your Exploring Europe guide and driver at the Munich Airport around 11:00 this morning. Then enjoy a ride through the rolling hills of Bavaria to Nürnberg. Here enjoy visiting one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas Markets. Tonight, we will meet for dinner at a traditional bratwurst restaurant for dinner. Sleep 1 night in Nürnberg. Walking: moderate. Driving: 2.5 hours. Dinner.
Monday, Day 2: Prague – We will get an early start on our journey to Prague, making a stop or two along the way. Once in Prague, we'll embark on an ambling walking tour through Prague's historic old town. We'll end our day with a traditional dinner in an authentic pub. Sleep 2 nights in Prague. Walking: moderate. Driving: 4 hours. Dinner.
Tuesday, Day 3: Prague Castle – After breakfast, join your guide on a local tram crossing the Vltava River and up the hill to the largest castle complex in Europe. You'll visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace (when available), St. George's Basilica, and the "golden lane." Enjoy lunch and the remainder of the day and evening on your own to experience more of Prague and its Christmas Markets. Your guide will be available to help plan activities, such as a concert, dinner, or a performance at the unique Black Light Theatre. Walking: strenuous.
Wednesday, Day 4: Vienna - We will hop on the autobahn and travel to Vienna after breakfast. Once in the capital city of Austria, join an orientation walk with your guide and free time before dinner to explore the Christmas Markets. Sleep 2 nights in Vienna. Walking: light. Driving: 3 hours. Dinner.
Thursday, Day 5: Vienna - After breakfast, we will begin a walking tour concentrating on the royal Habsburgs and their importance to this city. You will visit the Opera House (when open), the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Apartments, and the Royal Treasury. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore another museum, a palace or slow down and enjoy the coffee café culture. Walking: Moderate.
Friday, Day 6: Bratislava and Budapest – Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and is situated along the banks of the Danube River. The pedestrian-only 18th-century town is known for its cherry cafes and Christmas Market vibe. Later, arrive in Budapest and enjoy a walking tour along the river in Pest town center. See the massive Parliament Building, several outdoor Christmas Markets, and the Great Indoor Market Hall. You'll have the remainder of the day and evening to explore more of Budapest on your own. Sleep 2 nights in Budapest. Walking: moderate. Bus: 3 hours.
Saturday, Day 7: Budapest – We will visit the Buda side of the Danube today with a trek up Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city and countryside. Your walking tour wanders by the Royal Palace and into the grand Matthias Church. You'll have the afternoon free to enjoy more of Budapest on your own. Your guide will be available to assist those interested in taking a relaxing plunge in a traditional public bath (swimming suit required). Finally, we will meet for a grand farewell dinner. Walking: moderate.
Sunday, Day 8: Tour over after breakfast - Your tour concludes today after breakfast at your hotel. Your Exploring Europe guide can help with transfer plans to the airport or train station. Merry Christmas!
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
Transportation by coach or minivan from the Munich Airport to your last hotel in Budapest.
Seven night's accommodation in traditional hotels, guesthouses, and B&B's. All rooms have private en-suite baths.
A guaranteed Small group with 6-18 travelers.
All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, and hotel staff.
Seven traditional breakfasts.
Four dinner dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. Eating well is a priority and you'll enjoy fine regional fare featuring the best the locale has to offer.
Water is included with all group meals. Sodas, wine, beer, and other drinks are your responsibility.
All tours and admissions at no extra cost: Walking orientation tours in Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, and Nurnberg. Public transportation tickets where needed. opportunity to have a traditional public bath in Budapest. Guided tour of the Vienna Opera (when possible). Entrance and audio-guided tour of the Hofberg palace in Vienna. Visit Christmas Markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Nurnberg, and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
A full-time Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the historical and cultural experience of the tour destinations.
David's digital e-printed tour handouts detailing each day's itinerary and experiences.
Free luggage tags and David's custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that once locked in, with your deposit, will never cha
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
Anything not listed above in the "inclusions" area is not included in the cost of your tour.
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Walking and Physical Activity: We have planned this trip to provide maximum tour experiences. The basic nature of Europe does require some degree of physical activity to get out and see the sights, especially in the big cities. To help you plan, we’ve included a daily projection of physical activity. Here is the key for our walking activity ratings:
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
Now that you've decided to join this tour, we are sure you'll have some questions. Don't worry. We are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
David's 60 Seconds destination videos
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