Bratislava (Slovakia) | Budapest (Hungary) | Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic) | Prague (Czech Republic)
The following are Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Arrive at any time.
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.
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
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.
Enjoy a guided tour of the old town including the Jewish quarter, astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. Visit all the major sights of the Old Town and simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique community where every street, inn, or theatre tells a story. Includes a walk through the bustling Christmas Market.
Discover the true taste of the Czech Republic through one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Prague. More than just a cooking class, this hands-on workshop is a journey into Czech traditions, local ingredients and the country's rich culinary heritage.
Travel south into Southern Bohemia toward Cesky 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 svarak (mulled wine), tasting traditional pastries, and listening to choral music echoing softly off ancient stone walls as dusk settles over the rooftops.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
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 lokse-savoury potato pancakes.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Immersion in Vienna during Advent reveals a tradition dating back to 1296, when Emperor Albrecht I granted citizens the privilege to hold a December market (Krippenmarkt). Today, these gatherings remain a cornerstone of Austrian heritage. Exploring the city during this season is an unmissable highlight: imperial plazas transform into illuminated open-air cultural showcases. Today, experience living history, authentic craftsmanship, and centuries of festive warmth.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 Kavezo, a G Adventures-supported social enterprise. Known as the Never Give Up Cafe, 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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Embark on a scenic panoramic coach tour through Budapest, taking in the highlights of both sides of the Danube River. On the Pest side, drive down elegant, tree-lined Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square to admire the majestic Millennium Monument. Cross the river with views of the grand Hungarian Parliament Building and ascend Castle Hill in historic Buda. Conclude with a visit to the Fisherman's Bastion, taking in sweeping, fairytale views across the city skyline.
Stop for a refreshment at Nem Adom Fel Cafe and Bar, whose proceeds help fund a non-profit by the same name, which means "Never Give Up." Most of the employees at this social enterprise cafe are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary. Your meal helps this cafe to invest in the charity's efforts, which also includes supporting rural Roma communities through much-needed social programs.
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
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.
Enjoy free time to explore Budapest and the Christmas markets on your own.
Glide along the Danube River to admire Budapest's illuminated landmarks. A dinner cruise offers views of the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, the historic heights of Buda Castle, and the iconic Chain Bridge, showcasing the city's UNESCO World Heritage riverfront from the water.
Wrapped in thousands of sparkling lights, the vintage Christmas Light Trams glide through wintery streets, evoking nostalgic holiday warmth. Passengers take in cozy night views of illuminated historic avenues and festive cityscapes bathed in seasonal magic.
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets tour:
Vysoka ul. 2A, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia-81106
Ntak: Sz19000217
Szálloda, József krt. 4
Budapest, Hungary-1088
Latrán 77
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic-381 01
Opletalova 39
Prague, Czech Republic-110 00
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets tour:
Max 16, avg 12.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Czech Cuisine Cooking Class, PragueYour G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Cafe and Bar, BudapestYour 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
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.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels - 7 nts.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout.
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader. The aim of the National Geographic Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Private vehicle, walking, tram.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your National Geographic Expedition Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your National Geographic Expedition Leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €8-10 per person, per day can be used as a guideline.