‘Tis the Season to Travel.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: We meet in Prague, a walkable city with legendary holiday markets. Wenceslas Square is transformed in season with brightly decorated market stalls, the scent of cinnamon pastries, the sounds of local choirs, and a huge tree that towers over it all. Best of all the markets are right in the heart of this compact city. Your first visit is to the Royal castle of Hradcany and St.Vitus Cathedral. Along the way, your guides share personal stories as you walk down into the winding alleys of the medieval Mala Strana district. You’ll cross the famous Charles Bridge, culminating at the Old Town Square where there’s a second, equally wonderful, market.
Day 2: Like Prague, Cesky Krumlov too is a UNESCO historic site, but of a different sort. The Vltava River snakes around the heart of the town. Over it all floats a magnificent castle that was the family seat of the Rozmberk family for over 300 years. The Christmas market here is on a smaller, quieter scale for a real sense of how the lead-up to the holidays has always played in areas away from the big cities. Apart from a guided walk, you’ll also have time to roam and shop and lunch. One of the town’s special wonders is the massive castle that dates back to the 13th century. You’ll explore the complex of courtyards, Renaissance, and Baroque fortifications for a revealing look at how the Bohemian founder and later the Habsburg princes lived.
Day 3: Like so much of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice is a wonderful time capsule. In the 19th century, the town was known by the German name Budweis. The original brewery is open for you to look at the beer-making process that’s been at the heart of Czech life for over 700 years. Save room for traditional Bohemian specialties like pork tenderloin with peppercorn sauce. The lively Christmas market is held in the town square, ringed by stately Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque buildings. Buglers, pipers, and folklore groups make the spirit especially bright.
Day 4: This morning you’ll travel through scenic farmland and densely wooded hills to magnificent Vienna where you arrive in time for lunch. You’ll walk on the Ring, the famed circular boulevard lined with monumental buildings that capture the glory of the Habsburg Empire. You’ll explore the medieval lanes of the Inner City to Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Austria’s pinnacle of Gothic architecture. Wander down The Graben, Vienna’s famous street home to beautiful shops and cafes. About 25 Christmas markets are underway in the city, including Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz where the emphasis is on tradition. You’ll want to grab a packet of hot roasted chestnuts to nibble as you roam the aisles.
Day 5: There is no finer expression of the power and glory of Imperial Vienna than Schönbrunn Palace. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the 22-room apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his charming wife, Elisabeth, known as Sisi. The most romantic of all of the Viennese holiday markets happens right here in front of the palace. Music has always been an essential element of Vienna’s heritage, dating back to Mozart himself performing here. So, you’ll want to join your guide this evening in the city center to attend a concert. The Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and Ensemble will play the works of classical composers, and the performance also includes dance and vocal performances.
Day 6: At the end of this morning’s drive, cross the Hungarian border and arrive in Budapest. The colorful hills of Buda lie on one side of the Danube; the cosmopolitan streets of Pest crowd up against the other bank. Together, they offer wonderful sights from Europe’s largest synagogue to Hero’s Square, narrow cobbled streets to the Royal Palace atop Castle Hill. Of course, you’ll explore the Budapest Christmas fairs on Vorosmarty Square and at the Basilica. After an expansive day of discovery, you may want to make a detour to the Gellért Hotel, the oldest spa hotel in Hungary. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Then, if you’re up for a lively last night, venture over to Vörösmarty tér, the impressive square where street musicians rule.
Day 7: On your own, you may want to get in some shopping or see the collection of Flemish and Dutch Old Masters at the Museum of Fine Arts. When you’re ready to head home, Budapest airport is less than 45 minutes from downtown.
Welcome Back to Celebrations.
7 Days & 6-Nights
Celebrate the warmth, tradition, and expectation that can only be found in Europe’s most legendary Christmas markets. This remarkable trip takes you to the finest of them in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. En route, we'll explore smaller-town fairs in Cesky Krumlov and České Budějovice in the Czech Republic. Visit cities that have remained remarkably unchanged over the centuries, and learn about the vivid history from our guides. Unlike any shopping experience, you'll experience rich cultural traditions, and find unique gifts like wooden toys, Bohemian crystal, and even fresh-baked holiday pastries. There’s no more perfect way to capture the season’s spirit, and immerse yourself in a holiday shopping expedition like no other.
$5,095* per person
Your Experience Includes:
6-night accommodations at Hotel Paris Prague (1 night), Hotel Bellevue (2 nights), The Harmonie Vienna (2 nights), and Corinthia Hotel Budapest (1 night)
Support vehicles and ground transportation
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners
Full-time experienced guides
Admissions to scheduled events
Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
Because Celebrations Matter.
jeff@jefflavender.com | +1 310.774.7611
This experience is being brought to you in partnership with Classic Journeys.