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Christmas Market Central Europe and Balkans

Package

Embrace and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit while journeying through European traditions, sharing the experience with fellow travelers. Marvel at the twinkling lights and Xmas preparations in the joyful atmosphere of displays, wine cellars, and markets, fully embracing the holiday season.

Tour Highlights:

  • Welcome Xmas Dinner in Prague
  • Farewell Xmas Dinner in German Castle
  • Overnight in 19th Century Castle
  • Hungary Folklore Show and Dinner
  • Budapest Danube River Cruise
  • Viennese Waltz Concert
  • Swiss Alps Mount Titlis Cable Car
  • First Class Rail Zurich to Frankfurt
Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Liberty Tours
Number Of Days
18
Price From
$7,990
Start Location
Prague, Czech Republic
End Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
30 to 40
Tour Style
Basic
Tour Themes
Day Tour, Family, Festival
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Includes Flights
Yes
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1: SYD/MEL/BNE - Prague

Board your international flight with Emirates from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to Prague, Czech Republic, with a layover in Dubai.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic (D)

Upon your arrival in Prague, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel for a restful afternoon. Your first destination is the capital city, Prague, often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Central Europe. Here, you'll witness the sandstone towers shimmering in golden tones under the sun, earning Prague the nickname "the golden city."

In the evening, join the group for a sensational "Welcome XMAS Dinner" featuring delicious European fare. Following the dinner, we will proceed to visit the Christmas Market in Prague Old Town Square, immersed in the twinkling lights of Christmas preparations and the merry atmosphere of goodwill. Take the opportunity to savour traditional mulled wines in this winter wonderland.

Hotel: Grandium Hotel Prague or a similar accommodation.

Day 3: Prague - Bratislava (B)

After breakfast, embark on your Prague adventure with a visit to Prague Castle, once the residence of Bohemia's kings and now the official residence of the Czech Republic's President. Perched atop Castle Hill, it offers a panoramic view of Hradcany's rooftops, the Vltava River, and its bridges. Inside the castle, explore notable attractions such as the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the picturesque Golden Lane, adorned with colorful houses, and remnants of 16th-century goldsmiths' dwellings.

Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, reveling in spectacular views of the River Vltava, and make a stop at the Old Town Square, the most historically significant square in Prague. Immerse yourself in the square's history, by visiting the impressive early 15th-century Astronomical Clock. Witness its enchanting spectacle as the 12 Apostles and other figures parade in procession across the clock face every hour.

In the afternoon, journey to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia.

Hotel: Vienna House Chopin or a similar accommodation.

Day 4: Bratislava - Budapest, Hungary (B/D)

After breakfast, our day unfolds with a visit to Budapest, the captivating capital city of Hungary—the fourth country on our tour. The majestic Danube River gracefully flows through the heart of Budapest, creating a natural divide between Buda in the west and Pest in the east, each boasting its own distinctive charm. Often hailed as the "Pearl of the Danube" and the "Paris of the East," Budapest is a city of unique allure.

Among the monuments and attractions we'll explore are Hers' Square, adorned with statues commemorating the leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes and other influential figures. We'll marvel at the Budapest Parliament, cross the Elizabeth Bridge, and ascend to the Fisherman's Bastion, offering panoramic views of the city. Visit Matthias Church, a historic site of coronations, and take in the breathtaking scenery from the Liberty Statue atop Gellert Hill.

For an enchanting perspective of Budapest's grand architecture and iconic landmarks along the river, consider opting for a Danube River cruise. In the evening, indulge in the rich cultural heritage with a "Hungarian Folklore Show with Dinner."

Hotel: Expo Congress Hotel or an equivalent accommodation.

Day 5: Budapest - Lake Balaton - Zagreb, Croatia (B)

Commencing our day after a delightful breakfast, our first destination is the enchanting Lake Balaton, affectionately known as "the Hungarian sea." Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, this lake stands as one of Hungary's most popular holiday resorts.

Continuing our journey, we venture into Croatia, making our way to its capital city, Zagreb. Despite having weathered various wars, Zagreb proudly exhibits well-preserved Gothic architecture at every street corner. Immerse yourself in the city's charm as you indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by local wines and the warm hospitality of the Croatian people. Our exploration of Zagreb encompasses visits to noteworthy landmarks, including the Zagreb Cathedral, Holy Mary's Column, the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb, and The Palace of HAZU.

Hotel: Phnix Hotel or similar 

Day 6: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Zadar (B)

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through Plitvice Lakes National Park, often referred to as the "Jiuzhaigou of Europe." The park's beauty lies in its 16 interconnecting lakes, displaying a range of colors from emerald green to turquoise and deep blue, depending on conditions. Experience the enchanting series of waterfalls formed by the deposition of travertine. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, listening to the soothing sounds of humming waterfalls while strolling along wooden pathways amidst lush greenery.

Following this serene interlude, we'll proceed to Zadar, a city situated on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

Hotel: Hotel Porto or a similar accommodation.

Day 7: Zadar - Split - Neum (B)

After breakfast, explore Zadar, a historic town with a rich religious heritage. Meander through its narrow medieval streets, where the architecture transports you back in time.

They are must-see attractions, offering a unique and immersive experience. Our journey then takes us to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, boasting a 1700-year-old history filled with Roman ruins. Diocletian's Palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to this ancient legacy. Originally constructed as a combined imperial residence, military fortress, and fortified town, the palace remains one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures to this day. Our final destination for the day is Neum.

Hotel: Hotel Sunce or a similar establishment.

Day 8: Neum - Dubrovnik - Neum (B)

After breakfast, journey to Dubrovnik, a city famously described by Nobel Prize-winning writer Bernard Shaw as "heaven on earth." Shaw's sentiment is not an exaggeration, as Dubrovnik's breathtaking seafront location and impressive architecture have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Moreover, Dubrovnik gained international fame as the primary filming location for the hit TV series, Game of Thrones.

Explore the top attractions, including the Old Town District, the Old City Walls, Defense Tower, Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. For an extra touch of awe, consider adding a Dubrovnik Cable Car ride, offering unparalleled views of the Old City, the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, and numerous islands. After a memorable day in Dubrovnik, we'll return to Neum.

Hotel: Hotel Sunce or a similar establishment.

Day 9: Neum - Medjugorje - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo

After breakfast, the journey begins. The highlight of the day is to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, originally one of the six socialist republics of the former Yugoslavia. Since 1981, six local children claimed they had seen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Medjugorje has become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Catholics worldwide, ranking as the third most important apparition site in Europe, with more than one million visitors every year.

Our next destination is the Blagaj Tekija, a beautiful monastery situated at the base of a cliff, next to the source of the river Buna. It is a unique and picturesque series of buildings. We'll then head to Mostar, known for its old Turkish houses and its UNESCO-listed site, the Old Bridge (Stari Most).

Hotel: Exclusion Hotel or a similar accommodation.

Day 10: Sarajevo - Vinkovci (B)

After breakfast, our exploration of Sarajevo City begins. Once an important gateway to the East, Sarajevo was renowned as a religious melting pot, boasting an enticing East-meets-West vibe. Recognized as one of the top 10 destination cities to visit by Lonely Planet, Sarajevo holds a significant place in history, as the assassination at the Latin Bridge sparked World War I. The "Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures" on Ferhadija Street still echs in the Old Town.

While scars from the longest siege in modern European history remain visible, Sarajevo has transformed into a wonderful place to visit. Its intriguing architectural medley and vibrant street life captivate visitors. After our Sarajevo exploration, we'll drive to Vinkovci.

Hotel: Slavonija Hotel or a similar accommodation.

Day 11: Vinkovci - Pécs - Budapest (B)

After breakfast, we’ll cross the border into Hungary and visit Pécs. Nestled between the Danube and the Drava, Pécs is famous for its illustrious history, fine museums, and the best-preserved Turkish ruins in the country. In 2010, Pécs was designated as one of the European Capitals of Culture. The University of Pécs, established in 1367, is the first university in Hungary. Pécs is also renowned for its contributions to music, opera, and ballet. Top attractions include the Pécs Cathedral in Szent István Square, the Mosque of Gazi Kaszim Pasha, and Szechenyi Square.

Hotel: Expo Congress Hotel or similar.

Day 12: Budapest - Vienna (B/D)

After breakfast, we’ll head to Vienna. Our first stop will be Schönbrunn Palace. This splendid ensemble of the palace and its nearby gardens is now a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site and one of the leading attractions in Austria. This stunning Rococo-style palace once served as the imperial summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

We’ll also take a trip along Ringstrasse and see many important buildings, including the City Hall, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Hers’ Square, the Austrian Parliament, and Vienna State Opera. A visit to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II, the King of the Waltz. Last but not least, we’ll visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the main shopping area. To make your experience truly special, we’ll arrange a Viennese waltz concert in the ‘Capital of Music.’

Hotel: Holiday Inn or similar.

Day 13: Vienna - Hallstatt - Munich (B)

After breakfast, we’ll head to Hallstatt, often referred to as the world’s most beautiful lakeside town. Famous for its fairytale scenery, this charming alpine town has been featured in many Austria National Tourism videos. The Gothic church in Hallstatt is one of the most important landmarks, and the natural mountainous landscape, the Gothic bell tower, and the mesmerizing lake view are sure to capture your heart.

Next, we’ll cross the German border to Munich and visit Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), a central square in the city center of Munich since 1158. Alternatively, you can enjoy some German beer in one of the beer halls before heading to the hotel.

Hotel: Holiday Inn or similar.

Day 14: Munich - Mount Titlis - Lucerne - Zurich (B)

After breakfast, we’ll head to one of the world’s most famous mountain ranges, the Swiss Alps. Our first destination is Engelberg, a stunning Swiss resort in central Switzerland. From here, you can choose to take a 45-minute cable car ride to reach the summit of Titlis Mountain. We’ll explore the Glacier Cave and experience the Titlis Cliff Walk, the ultimate highlight of the Swiss Alps at a height of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), an open-air walkway. Enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree panorama view of the countless mountain peaks all around you. Afterward, we’ll continue to Lucerne, a picturesque lakeside city.

Hotel: Dorint Hotel Zurich or similar.

Day 15: Zurich - Frankfurt (B/D)

After breakfast, you will board the ‘FIRST CLASS’ Rail from Zurich to Frankfurt. Sit back and relax to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Then, proceed to check-in at the Schloss Lieser German Castle, which is your tour’s highlight hotel, exclusively provided by Liberty Tours. This distinctive 19th-century castle is located in the German Moselle valley, directly on the riverbank and surrounded by vineyards. Tonight, an XMAS Dinner will be arranged for all fellow travelers, as the best memories are made when gathered around the table.

Hotel: Schloss Lieser Castle

Day 16: Frankfurt - Dubai (B)

After breakfast, savor the last moments at the Schloss Lieser Castle and its surroundings. You will be transferred to the airport for your journey back home, with a layover in Dubai.

Hotel: Premier Inn Airport or similar.

Day 17: Dubai (B)

Free at your own leisure to enjoy the modern city of Dubai. Transfer to the Airport in the evening for a homebound flight.

Day 18: Arrive in Australia

End of the holidays. Arrive in Australia.

Inclusions Expand
Comfortable coach with Wifi
Comfortable hotels with breakfast
Professional bilingual tour guide
Return flights SYD/MEL/BNE
Sight-seeing as mentioned in Itinerary Airport pick up and drop off
Departure dates Expand
Start End Availability Price
01 Dec 2024 18 Dec 2024 Enquire $7,990

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