Imperial Christmas Experience: Budapest, Vienna & Prague

Depart the USA for Budapest on flights selected and purchased individually by each guest.

Welcome to Budapest!

• Arrival in Budapest and taxi to your first hotel.
• Welcome dinner on a magical evening dinner cruise along the glittering Danube River.
• Overnight: Budapest

Castle Views & Christmas Markets

• Begin the day with an optional breakfast at leisure (included)
• Take in sweeping views of Budapest from Gellért Hill, and if weather allows, visit the remarkable Cave Church, nestled within the hillside. Step inside the breathtaking Matthias Church and wander the storybook terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion, offering unmatched views of the Parliament and Danube.
• Immerse yourself in the festive magic of Budapest’s Christmas Markets—home to the only market in Europe ever awarded “Best of All Time” by European Best Destinations. And whatever you do, don’t miss the coal-roasted chimney cake: warm, sweet, and straight from the fire—it’s a holiday must.

Icons, Markets & The Nutcracker

• A guided panoramic bus tour takes you past Budapest’s most iconic landmarks: the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Andrássy Avenue, Opera House, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant Shoe Memorial.
• Free time to revisit your favorite Christmas Market spots to get that final unique Budapest gift or discover new corners yet explored!
• Optional interior visits or curated local experiences available upon request.
• In the evening, enter the gilded splendor of the Hungarian State Opera House for a breathtaking performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker—a magical, not-to-be-missed highlight of the holiday season, set in one of Europe’s most enchanting venues.

Vienna Awaits

• Depart Budapest on a scenic journey to Vienna.
• Upon arrival, take a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and one of the most renowned Baroque palaces in Europe. Then soak up the festive charm of its on-site Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of imperial grandeur.
• Check in at our second hotel in Vienna and then wrap up the day with an unforgettable evening of classical music in the very halls where Mozart once performed—a must in the City of Music.
• For Music Lovers – Each year at midnight on December 4th, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna hosts a memorial honoring the death of Mozart, who passed away around that hour in 1791. The evening features a performance of his Night Requiem, followed by a solemn procession and the tolling of the death bell. Tickets will sell out, but if you book your tour early and request them, we’ll secure yours—an unforgettable experience and a powerful way to take part in Vienna’s living tribute to one of its greatest sons.

Vienna’s Old World Magic

• Embark on a guided tour along the Ringstrasse, past the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and other historic gems.
• Shop the famed Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets, located in front of Vienna’s City Hall (Rathaus) and get a chance to enjoy classic Christmas Viennese dishes!

Český Krumlov to Prague

• Depart Vienna and journey to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage town in the Czech Republic, renowned for its fairytale charm, winding cobblestone streets, and a 13th-century castle that overlooks the scenic Vltava River. This is one of those sites you don’t know to visit and don’t want to miss! You can grab a cup of mulled wine to keep you warm while exploring the area.
• Arrive in Prague and check into your 3rd hotel.
• This evening you’ll have free time to explore Prague or simply settle and rest up after a travel day.

Discovering Prague

• Stroll through the storybook streets of Prague’s historic heart on a guided walking tour—where every cobblestone whispers a tale. Pose beneath the whimsical Astronomical Clock, meander through the magic of Old Town Square, and stroll along Wenceslas Square—yes, that Wenceslas, of the beloved Christmas carol.
• Trace the quiet footsteps of history through the Velvet Revolution landmarks, all while feeling like you’ve stepped into a holiday fairy tale.
• Indulge in seasonal Czech dishes over a midday meal.
• Visit the majestic Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, including interiors and castle grounds.
• Cap off this unforgettable journey with a farewell dinner, filled with stories, laughter, and memories made together at the most magical time of year.

• Departure and travel back to USA