15-Day Prague to Budapest Christmas
Trip Highlights
☑️ Old Town and Wenceslas Square Christmas markets
☑️ Trdelnik (chimney cake), palačinky (crepes) and halušky (potato dumpling) tasting
☑️ Karlovy Vary thermal pools and saunas – hot springs from the 14th-century
☑️ Guided walk around Karlovy Vary’s Art Nouveau buildings
☑️ Becherovka herbal liqueur sampling
☑️ Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of Europe’s oldest
☑️ Boat cruise to Christmas villages, Lake Wolfgangsee
☑️ Rothenburg Medieval village
☑️ Apple strudel and nockerl cooking class, Salzburg
☑️ Halsbach Forest Christmas market
☑️ Burghausen Castle, world’s longest
☑️ Viennese classical music concert and Christmas Markets
☑️ Budapest Christmas markets – langos and Hungarian goulash tasting
☑️ Szentendre village
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$2,933 AUD
Private Supplement: +$697
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$2,933 AUD
Private Supplement: +$697
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Details
- 2-week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: (max 6 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Hotel Metropolitan, Prague, Czechia
Ending point
Atrium Fashion Hotel, Hungary
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation and trains
- 14 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- Prague Christmas Market Visit
- Enjoy thermal saunas and pools in Karlovy Vary
- City tour of Karlovy Vary and Jan Becher Museum visit
- Nurnberg Christmas Market Visit
- Visit Rothenburg
- Burghausen Castle Costumed Guided Tour
- Salzburg Christmas Market Visit
- Wolfgangsee Visit
- Strudel Cooking Class in Vienna
- Schoenbrunn Palace Visit
- Enjoy Classical Concert in Vienna
- Food Tour with Christmas Market Visit in Budapest
- Szentendre Christmas Market Visit
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
What our Patchies Say
Day 1: Welcome to Prague!
Welcome to Prague! Your driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport with “Vasele venoce!” or “Merry Christmas” in Czech. Both the festive decorations and the cheery atmosphere will be your first major hint that, yes – it’s Christmas time!
You might be itching to get out and start exploring the markets right now, but don’t worry – you’ll get to that! Instead, spend the evening gathering together with your Christmas-loving Patchie crew and head to a traditional restaurant for your first meal. Cosy up with great conversation, a meet-and-greet with your guide and winter specialties like svařák, (Czech mulled wine) and a steaming bowl of žemlovka, otherwise known as goulash. Are you feeling in the Yuletide spirit yet? Tomorrow is your first introduction to European Christmas markets!
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan (or similar), Prague, Czech Republic
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Explore Prague’s Christmas Markets
Follow your nose this morning to the smell of warm cinnamon, roast pork sizzling over an open fire and vats of svařák bubbling away under strands of twinkly lights. The beating heart of Prague’s Christmas markets are the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just five minutes from each other on foot. Take in the Baroque, Rococo and Gothic architecture while also taking in a feast of dishes that are the perfect fuel for your wintery wanders around the city.
As if the spired skyline and makeshift, timbered village of stalls weren’t magical enough, you’ll explore the market through your taste buds, sampling traditional classics like trdelnik, also known as chimney cakes, and palačinky, Prague’s version of crepes. There are plenty of savoury dishes too, including the famous pit-roasted pork and halušky, made with cabbage, potatoes, and, you guessed it, more ham! If you’re lucky, fat snowflakes will begin to fall, turning this already charming Christmas scene into a full-blown snow globe.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan (or similar), Prague, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Karlovy Vary
Rise and shine because you’re headed for Czech spa town extraordinaire – Karlovy Vary! You’ll be driven 2.5 hours to reach this colourful Bohemian village nestled along the Ohře River. Watch out the window as the hustle of city life in Prague fades to scenes of winter in the countryside.
Thaw out from your icy adventures this afternoon at the steaming thermal pools and saunas – the perfect respite from the bitter cold and a great way to relax with a bit of peace and quiet – or chat it up with the gals. It is a spa day after all!
Whether or not these hot springs are truly therapeutic is up for debate, but the fact that Europeans have been flocking here since Charles IV found them in the 14th-century is surely a testament to their healing power.
Accommodation: EA Atlantic Palace Hotel (or similar), Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Explore Karlovy Vary
A local guide is ready and waiting to show you Karlovy Vary’s stately colonnades and romantic Art Nouveau buildings this morning. Explore on foot, learning more about this healing centre and its ‘accidental’ discovery in the town also known as Carlsbad. Carlsbad = ‘Karl’s bath’… get it?!
The Czech Republic might be best known for its famous beer, but today you’ll sample a tipple of a different sort – becherovka. This herbal liqueur’s trademark flavours are bitter with hints of clove, orange and cinnamon. Tour the Jan Becher Museum to uncover more about its creator and how becherovka is made, before finishing with a tasting of this libation whose recipe and emerald hues are a closely guarded secret. You’ll have the opportunity to seek out dinner on your own this evening. Don’t miss the chance to grab the city’s claim to culinary fame, karlovarské oplatky, for dessert. These traditional sweet wafers make for a great take-home!
Accommodation: EA Atlantic Palace Hotel (or similar), Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5: Nuremberg
Trade in the Czech Republic for your second country of the trip today – Germany! It’s another 2.5 hour drive until you’re saying a cheerful “Frohe Weihnachten!” to the fairytale city of Nuremberg. While this historic town is worthy of a visit in its own right, the Christkindlmarkt here is extra special. It’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe with its beginnings stretching back to the 16th century.
Meet up with our local guide who will take you through both the nooks and crannies as well as the must-see spots, unravelling hundreds of years of Yuletide tradition. This Bavarian city is already lovely, but add towering pine trees decked out in tinsel and ornaments and the smell of glühwein and gingerbread swirling through the air, you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped inside a Christmas carol! This also happens to be one of the best Christmas markets for handmade souvenirs – so grab your wallets.
Accommodation: Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville Hotel (or similar), Nuremberg, Germany
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Breakout: Traditional Christmas Gifts in Nuremberg
You’ll spend the trip sifting through a sea of beautiful trinkets, ornaments and gingerbread women over the next few weeks. Looking to pick out something truly special on your Christmas market trip through Europe? Look no further than Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt.
There are a few traditional gifts that you might want to snatch up for your own before you even arrive at your celebrations back home. Zwetschgenmännle, also known as prune men, are one such memorable souvenir. These quirky figurines are dressed in different outfits and made from a combination of walnuts and, yes, actual prunes! A Rauschgoldengel is another favourite, a glittering, one-of-a-kind angel to decorate your Christmas tree – just like the one hovering in Nuremberg’s square.
Day 6: Rothenburg
Today you’ll set off, travelling deeper into Bavaria. As you wind through charming countryside and rolling hills, take in the postcard-perfect views along the way before arriving in the storybook medieval village of Rothenburg. Known formally as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, your visit here comes with a warning – this is another one of the best Christmas markets for shopping.
Spend your day walking the cobbled streets that are so charming they inspired the Brothers Grimm and Disney’s Pinocchio. Head back to Nuremberg by train this evening, watching small hamlets surrounded by snowy pastures and forests glow in the evening light. If you still have the energy, head back out into the Christmas markets before calling it a night. Tomorrow you’re headed for yet another country!
Accommodation: Novotel NürnbergCentre Ville Hotel (or similar), Nuremberg, Germany
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7: Burghausen Castle
The Germans call this place Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung and the Guinness World Records labels it as the longest castle in the world,measuring it at a whopping 1051 metres from end to end. Crenellated walls straggle along a lofty ridge overlooking the Salzach River (that’s Austria on the other side!), enclosing a cluster of turrets, towers and courtyards. It looks like it’s been lifted right out of a fairytale, so let your imagination wander as your costumed guide brings its backstory to life.
As darkness settles, breathe in the scent of wood smoke and pine as you stroll through the enchanting Halsbach Christmas Market. Buried deep in the forest, watch the blacksmith hammer away on their anvil and chat to skilled makers about local handicraft traditions. Munch on tasty bratwurst and sip Glühwein as you warm up beside a strategically-placed firepit.
Finish the day with a jaunt onto Salzburg. Sleep well in your new digs Patchies; tomorrow is day-8 and it’s time to explore a new place!
Accommodation: Goldenes Theater hotel (or similar), Salzburg, Austria
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Salzburg
Start today slowly, then loosen up those vocal chords: not only was this the birthplace of Mozart but it was also the backdrop for The Sound of Music. Who’s going to kick off a chorus of the Lonely Goatherd and see whether yodelling is as easy as it sounds? (Spoiler alert: it’s not!)
In the movie, the hills were alive, but in winter the beating heart of this delightful city is the sprawling Christkindlmarkt. Explore the city with your guide. A canopy of twinkling fairylights sets the tone as the lilting sound of carollers in the cathedral provides a fitting soundtrack.
Accommodation: Goldenes Theater hotel (or similar), Salzburg, Austria
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Lake Wolfgangsee Christmas Villages
Step aside, Hallstatt, there’s a new Austrian lakeside-village in town! Drive out to Lake Wolfgangsee where you’ll cruise between the villages of St Gilgen, St Wolfgang and Strobl, each with their own unique Christmas markets and traditions. Far removed from the often-chaotic markets you’ll find in big cities, these are a window into the past. Gliding from town to town by boat is worth the trek here alone.
See the Salzkammergut Nativity and floating Peace Lantern in St Wolfgang, visit Strobl’s advent market and follow the 11-metre high candles through the charming streets of St Gilgen. Soft melodies from folk musicians, Baroque architecture and candlelit vigils further seal the deal that this is one of the world’s most underrated Christmas markets in the world. Let’s keep that secret to ourselves for a little longer!
Accommodation: Goldenes Theater hotel (or similar), Salzburg, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10: Vienna
Settle back and enjoy a view of snow-capped peaks as your train winds its way across Austria to reach its magnificent capital, Vienna. This is the “City of Music”, AKA waltz-central. Your guide will help you make sense of this grand and storied place as you admire the colourful roof tiles of the Steffi, Austria’s tallest church, and gaze up at the splendidly OTT architecture of the Hofburg. Afterwards, refuel at one of the city’s famous cafés whose tables groan under the weight of Sachertorte and steaming mugs of coffee.
Later, mooch around Vienna’s lively Christkindlmarkt in the Rathausplatz, the largest of the city’s 20 or so festive markets. Sniff out hot roasted chestnuts and feel the warmth of spiced punch as it slides down your throat. Load up on irresistible carbs: Kartoffelpuffer (grated potato pancakes laden with garlic) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancake strips served with sweet plum compote).
Accommodation: MOOONS Hotel (or similar), Vienna, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11: Strudel
Schönbrunn was the Habsburgs’ sumptuous summer palace and it doesn’t get more ostentatious than this. Explore its sumptuous state rooms, salons and private apartments. Everything screams luxury: walls lined with silk damask, frescoed ceilings dripping with crystal chandeliers and more gold leaf than you could ever imagine. Just be glad you don’t have to clean it!
Who’s up for a strudel masterclass to round off a special day? They’ve been making this yummy pastry here in Austria since 1696 and it’s now a national icon. Learn how to stretch the elastic dough into wafer-thin sheets of pastry crammed full of sugary cinnamon-infused apple. Indulge your sweet tooth as you tuck in – resisting a second one will take every ounce of willpower you possess.
Accommodation: MOOONS Hotel (or similar), Vienna, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12: Viennese Concert
You’ve been to seven different Christmas markets in less than two weeks! Take some much needed rest this morning at your hotel, sleeping in and lounging in your room. For those with itchy feet, there’s plenty more to see in Vienna from the Schönbrunn Palace to Beethoven’s grave.
This evening is a special treat and something that every visitor should do in Vienna – a classical music concert. Listen to music dreamt up by the great composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert before enjoying dinner at the venue or a local restaurant.
Accommodation: MOOONS Hotel (or similar), Vienna, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Budapest
Take a 2.5-hour train ride this morning, glimpsing at the Danube River on and off as you snake your way from Vienna to Budapest. Hit the ground running with both a food tour and a visit to the Christmas markets, all while walking through the city’s jaw-dropping medley of architecture, from Art Nouveau to Soviet.
Budapest’s Christmas markets are the stuff of legends. Often rated as the best in the world, they sprawl throughout this Central European capital, connected by food stalls along the way. You’ll start to see how proud Hungary is of its culinary heritage on a food tour that skirts the markets and stops by local vendors too. Sample famous Hungarian dishes like langos, fried bread smeared in sour cream and toppings, and spicy goulash of course! After you’re finished meeting Budapest through your tastebuds, wander around the markets in search of more treats.
Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel (or similar), Budapest, Hungary
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14: Szentendre
Savour your very last European train journey this morning as you head south along the Danube once again, this time to the village of Szentendre. It’s just 40 minutes and you’ll be transported to a world that feels very far from the Christmas chaos back in Budapest – let alone the beginning of summer back home. Szentendre boasts an interesting history and is touted as one of the most beautiful small towns in all of Hungary.
It also just so happens to have a quaint Christmas market that is the perfect last glimpse of European Yuletide. These markets are known for their particularly artistic flare – a great excuse to grab a few last-minute souvenirs. Head out tonight for one last merry-making farewell dinner with the Christmas-loving Patchie crew!
Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel (or similar), Budapest, Hungary
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Farewell Friends!
It’s time to wave goodbye to Christmas wonderland and watch as the markets disappear beneath the clouds! Savour your last sips of forralt bur, grab your Yuletide trinkets and get ready to take to the skies. Be sure to exchange info with your fellow Patchies so you can plan your next adventures and wish each other, “Merry Christmas!” too!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.59 EUR
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. To enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 2-3 hours. Daily activities might include walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
You don’t need a visa to travel to European Union countries.
€60 to €105 per person at the end of the trip.
This trip begins in Prague, Czechia and ends in Budapest, Hungary. We ask that you fly into Václav Havel Airport International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. Included in the cost of your trip is a departure transfer from the trip finish hotel to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International airport.
There are several 1 and 2-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit through Middle East countries (UAE, Qatar) to Prague. The similar routes are available for your return flight from Budapest.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
