CHRISTMAS IN MUNICH & EASTERN EUROPE 9 DAYS FROM $1,349 US Details below or
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This Christmas vacation is one of our best sellers! Enjoy 2-night stays in Munich, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna in centrally located hotels. Sightseeing with Local Guides includes visits to Munich's Marienplatz, Prague's Hradcany Castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral, Budapest's 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, and Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral. A stop is made in Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas markets in all cities, and you’ll enjoy an entire day at leisure in Vienna. Welcome and farewell dinners are included.
Note:
December 16 Departure is in Vienna on Christmas Eve.
Christmas markets operate from late November until December 24.
Day 1 Arrive in Munich, Germany Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2 Munich Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Germany’s “Secret Capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, MARIENPLATZ with the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. Afternoon to explore the town’s well-known Christmas market at your own pace and to try the famous Lebkuchen and Glühwein. Tonight is your chance to sample hearty Bavarian fare in one of Munich’s lively restaurants; later, you may want to tackle a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Munich–Prague, Czech Republic
Today, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Prague
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. Visit the HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS and ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, and see the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards, stroll through the Christmas market. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (Breakfast)
Day 5 Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary
Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Stop for a short visit of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Afterwards, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 Budapest
Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century ST. MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Christmas preparations in Hungary begin on the first Sunday of Advent, when candles are lit and wreaths appear in offices, schools, and homes. See the Christmas market and try the beiglie, a Christmas cookie made of walnuts and regional spices. Tonight, why not enjoy a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner? (Breakfast)
Day 7 Budapest–Vienna, Austria
Morning drive to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Start your afternoon sightseeing with a Local Guide with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish Quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to the wine village of Grinzing is a possibility tonight. (Breakfast)
Day 8 At Leisure in Vienna
A whole day at leisure gives you an opportunity to discover the various Christmas markets located throughout the city. Hear well-loved Christmas carols and marvel at the local festive decorations! Then, join the Viennese in one of their famous coffee houses—don’t forget to savor Sachertorte and watch the jolly crowd. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with the companions of a week well spent. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 Vienna
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Prague:
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit the Hradcany Castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral; Christmas market
Bratislava:
Visit the capital of Slovakia
Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion; visit St. Matthias Coronation Church; Christmas market
Vienna:
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; one full day at leisure to explore the Christmas markets; farewell dinner
Note:
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
Full buffet breakfast; 4 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Munich and a farewell dinner in Vienna.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
MUNICH Holiday Inn City Centre (F), PRAGUE Yasmin (F), BUDAPEST Radisson Blu Beke (SF), VIENNA Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier (F)
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Budapest
Danube Cruise
An ideal complement to your Budapest visit. Board a private boat for an afternoon cruise on the Danube and enjoy spectacular river views of the city's main sights. Note: this cruise can be operated in the evening including a tasty three-course dinner with drinks served on board, for EUR 66.00 per person. Approximate value: EUR €49 per person
Hungarian Dinner
In a typical Hungarian restaurant, dine on a three-course dinner with drinks and coffee; try the goulash or select a dish from the international menu. Approximate value: EUR €50 per person
Hungarian Folklore Evening
Dancers dressed in Hungarian costumes enliven your evening with a colorful folklore performance. Approximate value: EUR €33 per person
Parliament Building and Crown Jewels
Guided visit of the impressive neo-gothic HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT building, one of Budapest's most decorative structures and a dominant sight and symbol of the capital. The crown of St. Stephen, the patron of Hungary, is displayed here Approximate value: EUR €33 per person
Illumination drive
Enjoy an marvelous illumination tour of the city's historic center including the splendid panorama from Gellert Hill. Approximate value: EUR €24 per person
CITY: Munich
Famous Hofbrauhaus
Enjoy a stein of beer in the Festival Hall of the HOFBRÄUHAUS, where Bavarian musicians and folk dancers never fail to put everyone in a genuine "Oktoberfest" mood. Approximate value: EUR €26 per person
Dinner and Bavarian Entertainment at the Hofbrauhaus
Enjoy a tasty dinner with a stein of beer in the Festival Hall of the HOFBRAUHAUS, where Bavarian musicians and folk dancers never fail to put everyone in a genuine "Oktoberfest" mood. Approximate value: EUR €52 per person
Linderhof Castle and Oberammergau
Drive into the most scenic region of Bavaria to King Ludwig's LINDERHOF CASTLE, famous for its Italian-style terraced GARDENS, graced by a string of pools and cascades. Then proceed to Oberammergau, the Passion Play Village. Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
CITY: Prague
Czech Dinner
Drive through the illuminated center of the city to a local restaurant for a three-course dinner with typical Czech aperitif and drinks. Approximate value: EUR €44 per person
Moldau Cruise with Lunch
See beautiful vistas of Prague during a one and a half hour cruise on your private boat. Lunch with aperitif, drink, and live music entertainment is included. Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
Prague by Night
On this evening tour enjoy spectacular views of Prague while your Local Guide entertains you with fairytales and legends related to this fascinating city. Later, taste the famous Czech beer while listening to traditional Czech melodies in a local tavern. A stroll across the ancient Charles Bridge highlights the evening. Approximate value: EUR €33 per person
CITY: Vienna
Classical Austrian Dinner
This famous restaurant, in former Austrian imperial hunting country, has hosted many illustrious people. Enjoy a fine four-course dinner with drinks. Approximate value: EUR €51 per person
Heurigen Dinner
Visit one of the picturesque villages in this wine-growing area nestled among the Vienna Woods for traditional Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel and Heurigen (wine from the last grape harvest). Musicians create a merry atmosphere. Approximate value: EUR €49 per person
Schönbrunn Palace
Commissioned in the 17th century by Leopold I and extended by Habsburg Empress Maria Theresia, this magnificent Imperial summer residence is certainly one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Visit the dazzling staterooms and the impressive baroque gardens with an expert guide. Approximate value: EUR €41 per person
Best of Mozart & Strauss
Attend a concert in one of the most beautiful Viennese concert halls. The costumed Orchestra performs well-known arias composed by Mozart and famous pieces like "The Bleu Danube Waltz" and "The Radetzky March" composed by Strauss. Opera singers and a soloist will also add to the ambiance of the evening. Approximate value: EUR €57 per person
Excursion to the Vienna Woods
Enjoy the fabulous natural scenery, the ancestral fortified seat of the Liechtensteins, and visit the mystical Cistercian HOLY CROSS ABBEY. Continue through the romantic Helenental Valley via Mayerling, a former hunting lodge famous today for the commemorative chapel dedicated to Crown Prince Rudolf, and enjoy some time at leisure in charming Baden. Approximate value: EUR €39 per person
DEPARTURE
DATES
December
PRICES
From approx $1,349 US
per person
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