Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague

with Salzburg extension

Duration: 11 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 23

Kick off the holiday season a little differently this year.

Head to Eastern Europe’s popular and festive Christmas markets to peruse stalls of handmade crafts perfect for everyone on your list. When you’re not shopping, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the streets of ancient Buda and modern Pest, get a taste for the Viennese cafe culture, and scan artsy Prague’s spire-studded skyline.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Traditional Christmas markets from Budapest to Prague
Matthias Church
Hungarian Parliament Building
Danube River
Schönbrunn Palace

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Budapest today.

Budapest3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Budapest

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Hungary! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Budapest

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover the major landmarks of both Buda and Pest in the city that straddles east and west on a guided tour. Then, take time to wander through the city’s Christmas markets on your own.

Trace this nation’s stormy history at Heroes' Square
Tour the lavishly decorated Hungarian Parliament building
Cross the Danube and ascend Castle Hill
Take in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion
Visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hapsburg coronations

Enjoy a free evening in Budapest or add an excursion.

Wine Cellar Dinner & Unicum Liqueur Tasting

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Budapest

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Budapest or add an excursion.

Budapest: A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain

Excursion (additional cost)

Vienna3 nights

Day 5: Travel to Vienna

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel west through the Danube basin as you make your way to Vienna. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the Hundertwasserhaus Christmas market, where you'll have free time for lunch.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Vienna

Included meal: Breakfast

Get transported back to the Age of Empires on a guided tour of Vienna, filled with bright holiday lights and seasonal specialties at its many Christmas markets.

Enter Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo Hapsburg home with impressive gardens
Travel down the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s tree-lined thoroughfare
See the Parliament building, the Vienna State Opera, and the grand Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg’s winter residence
Visit some of the city’s festive Christmas markets
Peruse stalls of handmade crafts in search of gifts perfect for everyone on your list

Enjoy a free evening in Vienna or add an excursion.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Vienna

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Vienna.

Prague3 nights

Day 8: Travel to Prague

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive through the pastoral landscapes of Bohemia on your way to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Prague & Christmas market visit

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why Prague is known as the City of One Hundred Spires on a guided tour.

Visit Prague Castle, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire
Admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral
Walk down to the Malá Strana district to sip a coffee at a local cafe
Cross the elegant Charles Bridge for breathtaking views of the city
Stroll through Old Town Square to view the 15th-century Astronomical Clock

End your guided tour at the city's Christmas markets, where you'll enjoy traditional mulled wine and cookies.

Day 10: Free day in Prague

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Prague or add excursions.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Walking Tour of Prague's Jewish Quarter

Excursion (additional cost)

Château Sychrov

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue on to Salzburg.

Extension to Salzburg

Dubbed "the Rome of the North" because of its many churches, Salzburg is a beautiful city filled with museums, mansions, parks, and churches. It also has a renowned musical culture and history, which is well worth exploring.

Salzburg3 nights

Day 11: Salzburg via Český Krumlov

Included meal: Breakfast

On the way to Salzburg, stop in the village of Český Krumlov for a tour of its UNESCO World Heritage-protected medieval quarter.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Salzburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Head to Salzburg, a city famed for its churches and musical history, where a local guide leads you on a walking tour of the Old Town.

View the University of Salzburg and the churchyard of St. Peter
See the Kapitelplatz, Residenzplatz, and age Market, in the city's Old Town
Enter the 17th-century Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style
Pass through scenery from the beloved film "The Sound of Music"
Take the funicular to the hilltop Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's Largest Medieval Castles

Enjoy a free evening in Salzburg or add an excursion

Mozart Concert & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Free day in Salzburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day exploring Salzburg on your own.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

01/02/2019 by 6th time traveler Gregory S.

Considering 12 trips to Europe I have never had a better tour. Itinerary was just right with a great mix of planned activities and free time. There was plenty to do. It helped that this was also the nicest group I ever travelled with. Breakfast which is always a highlight for me did not disappoint. ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/02/2019

Dear Gregory, Thank you for your kind words. We wo...

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December 2018 in Europe

01/02/2019 by 6th time traveler Carol C.

This is our 5th Go Ahead Tour, my 13th Go Ahead/EF tour and our second Christmas Market tour. I highly recommend the Christmas Market tours offered, and we see ourselves doing another. Towns and cities are dressed in their festive finery, everyone is in a great mood, and it is just a fun time to see...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/02/2019

Dear Carol, Wow! Thank you so much for that wonder...

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Europe sampler

01/02/2019 by 2nd time traveler Paul W.

Good trip, pace was generally relaxed. Interesting historical side tour excursions. Excellent director and guides. Each city had certain special features, all worth the visit.

Christmas Budapest, Vienna, Prague

01/02/2019 by 4th time traveler Anne B.

Although GoAhead says this was my third tour with them, it is actually my second. It's very good value to be sure. The meals were good local fare, everyday food. I would be happy to pay a bit more for a few more cloth napkin restaurants and some culinary specialness. There was a bit more free, u...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/02/2019

Dear Anne, We're so excited that you had such a gr...

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A great guide makes a great trip

01/02/2018 by 10th time traveler Terry W.

Can not say enough about the guide. Paul was excellent. The excursions he offered (that were not part of the original package) were excellent. The extra excursion to Bratislava should be added to all future trips that include Vienna and/or Prague. I was stuck in the Amsterdam airport for 28 hours an...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/02/2018

Welcome home Terry! Thank you for taking the tim...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Art'otel Budapest

This modern hotel is located in the Buda district. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Danube River, ...

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Falkensteiner Margareten

This stylish hotel is located near the city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, spa, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Schönbrunn Palace, Vie...

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NH Prague City

This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and tennis court. Nearby, you...

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Arcotel Castellani

This contemporary hotel is located in Salzburg city center. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a mini bar, and air conditioning. Nearby, you'll find ARCOTEL Cast...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Budapest, Hungary

Weather averages

Today
High 90°F Low 74°F

Prague, Czech Republic

Weather averages

Today
High 83°F Low 67°F

Salzburg, Austria

Weather averages

Today
High 79°F Low 56°F

Szentendre, Hungary

Weather averages

Today
High 90°F Low 74°F

Vienna, Austria

Weather averages

Today
High 85°F Low 71°F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic (plus Germany on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across mostly flat terrain with some cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Budapest and depart from Prague (or Munich on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost. (Please note that on the extension, the travel time between Salzburg and Munich is approximately two hours, and should be considered for travelers purchasing their own airfare.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

Winters in the destinations visited on this tour are generally cold. To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and celebrations, we recommend packing a coat, hat and gloves, as well as rainwear.
We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or winter boots is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but also is known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
German food, on the tour extension, is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.

Electricity & air conditioning

All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Hungarian forint in Hungary, the euro in Austria (and in Germany on the tour extension), and the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020