The Magic of a European Christmas
A journey through the heart of Europe, blending Christmas markets, classical music and the cultural heritage of three imperial cities.
- Duration
- 12 days · 11 nights
- Route
- Budapest · Vienna · Prague
- Dates
- December 2026
- From
- $9,995 per person*
Three capitals, one festive season.
Experience the magic of a European Christmas on a 12-day holiday journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
Cruise the illuminated Danube, soak in Budapest’s thermal baths and watch Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Step into imperial Vienna with a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, coffeehouse traditions and an evening of classical music. Finish in the Golden City of Prague with Gothic cathedrals, Charles Bridge, a one-of-a-kind beer spa and the glow of the Old Town Christmas markets.
- Christmas markets
- Classical music
- History
- Wellness
12 days, 11 nights
Budapest, Vienna and Prague, December 2026.
Boutique hotels
Characterful stays in the heart of each city.
Daily breakfast
Plus 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners.
Ground transportation
Scenic drives between cities, metro or tram in town and expert local guides.
Christmas markets in all three cities, a Nutcracker ballet, classical concerts and a festive Christmas dinner in Prague.
Twelve days, three Christmas cities.
From the Danube to the Vltava, a festive journey of markets, music and imperial history.
-
Day 01Budapest
Welcome to Budapest
- Arrive in Budapest and check in to your boutique hotel.
- This evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner, then board a night sightseeing cruise on the Danube.
- Glide past the city’s illuminated historic buildings and the Chain Bridge.
Welcome dinner -
Day 02Budapest
Discover Budapest’s historic charm
- Spend the morning exploring Budapest’s landmarks and historic streets.
- In the afternoon, unwind at one of the city’s famous thermal baths, Széchenyi or Gellért.
- This evening, wander the Christmas markets for Hungarian folk art and festive treats.
Breakfast -
Day 03Budapest · Szentendre
A picturesque getaway
- Take a short trip to the charming town of Szentendre, known for its galleries, museums and gift shops.
- Pause for coffee at a historic café.
- Back in Budapest this evening, enjoy Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet.
BreakfastThe Nutcracker -
Day 04Budapest → Vienna
Travel to Vienna
- Enjoy a scenic drive of about 2.5 hours from Budapest to Vienna.
- Check in to your hotel.
- The evening is free to begin exploring the city.
Breakfast -
Day 05Vienna
Experience imperial Vienna
- Discover Vienna’s royal landmarks on a guided walking tour or a horse-drawn Fiaker carriage ride.
- Stop for coffee at a historic café.
- Visit Vienna’s Christmas markets.
Breakfast -
Day 06Vienna
Step into the Austrian Empire
- Take a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs.
- Enjoy a tea break at a traditional coffeehouse.
- Optional: an elegant dinner with a classical concert at the palace.
BreakfastOptional palace concert -
Day 07Vienna
Leisurely Vienna
- A free day to explore Vienna’s streets and neighborhoods at your own pace.
- This evening, attend a classical concert or the opera.
Breakfast -
Day 08Vienna → Prague
On the way to the Golden City
- Drive about 3.5 hours from Vienna to Prague.
- Check in to your hotel.
- The evening is free.
Breakfast -
Day 09Prague
The beauty of Prague
- Discover Prague’s Gothic cathedrals and Art Nouveau architecture.
- Walk across Charles Bridge and explore the Jewish Quarter.
- This evening, visit the Christmas markets and try a traditional chimney cake.
Breakfast -
Day 10Prague
A unique spa experience
- Relax at a beer spa: a hot beer bath in a wooden barrel, unlimited fresh tap beer and a rest on a hay bed.
- This evening, celebrate with Christmas dinner at a recommended restaurant, such as Mlynek or Kampa.
BreakfastChristmas dinner -
Day 11Prague
A grand finale in Prague
- Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for 360° views over the city and its grand Christmas tree.
- Visit the Living Crib and the astronomical clock in the main square.
- Celebrate the journey at a Farewell Dinner, followed by a nighttime walk along the illuminated riverside.
BreakfastFarewell dinner -
Day 12Prague → Departure
Farewell to Europe
- Enjoy a final breakfast in Prague.
- Prepare for departure and your flight home.
Breakfast
Three cities. One festive story.
Each city brings a different side of a Central European Christmas into focus.
Places you'll experience
- Budapest
- Szentendre
- Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Prague
Themes
Signature elements
- Danube night sightseeing cruise
- Széchenyi or Gellért thermal baths
- Day trip to Szentendre
- Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet
- Imperial Vienna walking tour or Fiaker carriage ride
- Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace
- Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter
- Czech beer spa experience
- Old Town Hall Tower and the astronomical clock
Shared moments
- Welcome Dinner
- Christmas markets
- Christmas dinner
- Farewell Dinner
Celebrate the season with the group, with free evenings to enjoy concerts, opera and the markets at your own pace.
Boutique stays,
three capitals.
Characterful boutique hotels in Budapest, Vienna and Prague, placed for easy access to the markets, concert halls and historic centers.
- Budapest · 3 nightsBoutique hotel
- Vienna · 4 nightsBoutique hotel
- Prague · 4 nightsBoutique hotel
A fully coordinated journey. Every detail considered.
Included
- Accommodation
- 11 nights in boutique hotels across Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
- Meals
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
- Transportation
- Ground transportation, including the drives from Budapest to Vienna and Vienna to Prague, plus metro or tram travel in the cities.
- Activities
- Expert local guides throughout the journey.
- Coordination
- ITA Global destination coordination.
Not included
- Flights & insurance
- International flights and traveler and medical insurance.
- Food & beverages
- Alcohol and meals unless specified.
- Hotel extras
- Early check-in or late check-out.
- Baggage
- Overweight baggage charges.
- Personal expenses
- Items of a personal nature.
- Gratuities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Clear terms, before you travel.
- Pricing. $9,995 per person, based on double occupancy.
- Dates. This is a hosted group departure in December 2026, with limited seats.
- Optional experiences. The palace dinner and concert in Vienna is optional.
- Flights. International flights are not included.
Cancellation policy
- 30+ daysbefore departureFull refund, minus a $100 processing fee.
- Within 30 daysPartial refund. A $350 cancellation fee and a $50 processing fee are deducted. Visa fees are nonrefundable.
- Within 10 daysNo refund. Payments may be used as credit toward travel within 12 months, minus the processing fee.
Cancellations must be made in writing to travel@itaglobal.com. Refunds can take up to 90 business days.