Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets

Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets

• Trip code: 479X000
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Wander cobblestone streets glowing beneath festive lights as Central Europe embraces the holiday season. From Prague's cozy kitchens to Vienna's imperial plazas, trace a story of living traditions and lantern-lit squares. Share a community meal in Budapest, ride vintage light trams, and sail along the Danube, discovering quiet connection across four vibrant nations.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels – 7 nts

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Explore glowing central European Christmas markets filled with hand-crafted decorations, wooden stalls, and warm festive treats, Savour a classic, golden schnitzel lunch served in a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant alongside locals, Hop aboard a vintage Christmas Light Tram to admire lit-up views of the Parliament before reaching the river, Sail along the river on a dinner cruise, taking in night vistas of illuminated city landmarks

Introduction

Wander cobblestone streets glowing beneath festive lights as Central Europe embraces the holiday season. From Prague's cozy kitchens to Vienna's imperial plazas, trace a story of living traditions and lantern-lit squares. Share a community meal in Budapest, ride vintage light trams, and sail along the Danube, discovering quiet connection across four vibrant nations

Meal Budget

Plane USD250-325 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Prague nach Budapest

Transport

Private vehicle, walking, tram

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Czech Cuisine Cooking Class, Prague
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Café und Bar Nem Adom Fel, Budapest
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Christmas Markets in Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. Walking tour of Prague. Orientation walk through Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Day trip to Vienna including a traditional lunch. Czech cooking class. City tour of Budapest including Fisherman's Bastion. A ride on the Christmas Light Tram in Budapest. Danube dinner cruise. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Prague

Arrive at any time

Day 2 Prague

Set out on a morning walking tour through Prague's historic centre, where fairy lights twinkle above grand plazas and festive stalls overflow with hand-carved wooden toys and glass ornaments. Pause to admire the medieval Astronomical Clock before exploring the bustling Christmas markets at your own pace during a free afternoon. As evening approaches, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class alongside a local chef. Learn the centuries-old secrets of traditional Czech gastronomy, preparing dishes from scratch before sitting down together to share the meal you crafted

Day 3 Prague/Český Krumlov

Travel south into Southern Bohemia toward Český Krumlov, a town cradled inside a dramatic bend of the Vltava River. Upon arrival, follow your National Geographic Expedition Leader on an orientation walk through winding medieval lanes lined with pastel-coloured townhouses, arriving at the local Christmas market in the main square. Spend a free afternoon among the cozy holiday stalls, sipping steaming cups of svařák (mulled wine), tasting traditional pastries, and listening to choral music echoing softly off ancient stone walls as dusk settles over the rooftops

Day 4 Český Krumlov/Bratislava

Cross the border into Slovakia as you travel to Bratislava, a capital city where old-world charm meets lively street life along the Danube. Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the pedestrianized Old Town, passing historic palaces, whimsical bronze statues, and cobblestone alleys. End at Hviezdoslav Square, where the central Christmas Market glows with lantern light and the smell of roasting chestnuts. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, walking among stalls laden with hand-painted ceramics, crafts and ornaments. Choose to sample tasty treats such as lokše–savoury potato pancakes

Day 5 Bratislava

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, where grand boulevards are dressed in winter sparkle. Begin with a panoramic city tour that takes you past landmarks like the Spanish Riding School to the soaring spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take free time to browse the holiday stalls at Stephansplatz Market before gathering at a local restaurant for a classic, golden schnitzel lunch. Continue to the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, glittering in front of City Hall's illuminated facade, before returning to Bratislava for a relaxed evening

Day 6 Bratislava/Budapest

Travel into Hungary and arrive in Budapest, where the Danube splits the city into two distinct halves. Take in sweeping views on a panoramic tour, stopping for photos at historic Heroes' Square before wandering the fairytale terraces of Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill. Afterwards, gather for lunch at Nem Adom Fel Kávézó, a G Adventures-supported social enterprise. Known as the Never Give Up Café, this inspiring community hub is run by people with disabilities. This evening, join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the city's Christmas markets, where the scent of chimney cake and ring of carols fill the air

Day 7 Budapest

Enjoy free time to wander the Christmas markets, explore leafy avenues, discover fun ruin bars, or relax in thermal baths. As night falls, board the vintage Christmas Light Tram, sparkling with thousands of fairy lights as it glides along scenic city routes past illuminated historic landmarks. Later, arrive at the boat dock to board a dinner cruise, sampling local specialties and raising a glass to a week of shared discovery

Day 8 Budapest

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Prague

Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city. Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm

Day 2 Prague

Day 3 Prague/Český Krumlov

Day 4 Český Krumlov/Bratislava

Day 5 Bratislava

Day 6 Bratislava/Budapest

Day 7 Budapest

Day 8 Budapest

We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.