Europe’s stunning architecture and charming cobblestone streets are legendary — but add twinkling lights, festive market stalls, and the scent of mulled wine in the air, and you’ve got pure magic. Hop from city to city on this immersive seven-day journey through Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, where the holiday spirit fills every square and every sip of warm spiced cider feels like a celebration.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Budapest. Zagreb Christmas Markets visit. Orientation walk in Ljubljana. Ljubljana Christmas Market visit. Orientation walk in Graz. Graz Christmas Market visit. CEO-led sightseeing tour of Budapest. Budapest Christmas Market visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Visit some of Europe's oldest and most iconic Christmas markets, Travel by train across four different countries, Enjoy free time in Zagreb and Budapest for individual exploration of these vibrant cities, See Eastern Europe in all of its festive glory,
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, private vehicle, public transport, taxi, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts).
Itinerary
Zagreb
Arrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting in the evening with your CEO before heading out to see some of Zagreb's nearby sights en route to one of the city's Christmas Markets. Soak up the festive atmosphere and continue onwards for an optional dinner with the group.
Zagreb
Today is yours to explore. Discover Zagreb's many shops, museums and parks or visit some of the more than 25 Christmas markets spread across the city. Check out the different themes and bask in the jolly atmosphere in Croatia's lively capital. Welcome to Zagreb, the vibrant, culturally rich capital of Croatia known for historic palaces and cathedrals, a diverse culinary scene, and open air markets.
Zagreb/Ljubljana
Enjoy a free morning in Zagreb for any last-minute sightseeing before boarding a train and travelling onward to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Settle in before exploring the town on foot with your CEO, ending at the local Christmas Market. Ljubljana was named the European Green Capital in 2016 and boasts a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco architecture, nestled amongst lush green hills. Enjoy architect Jože Plečnik's vision, through picturesque bridges and the impressive Central Market
Ljubljana/Graz
Bid farewell to Ljubljana this morning before boarding a train to Graz, Austria. Set out with your CEO for a short orientation walk en route to the oldest Christmas Market in the area, surrounding the Franciscan church. Enjoy the Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, and hot punch and continue to another market in front of City Hall to see the beautiful Christmas tree and merry-go-round. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring or try out a local restaurant for dinner. Graz is a charming and relatively undiscovered Austrian town where stunning Christmas markets await. At its heart is Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square. Shops and restaurants line the narrow surrounding streets, which blend Renaissance and baroque architecture. A funicular leads up Schlossberg, the town hill, to the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. Across the River Mur, futuristic Kunsthaus Graz exhibits contemporary. If you're looking to shop, Eiserne Tor is the right place to be. This market is run exclusively by local charity organizations and the proceeds go to selected charity projects.
Graz/Budapest
Climb aboard a train and travel across another border into Hungary, through the countryside to Budapest. After some time to settle in to the hotel, set off with your CEO on foot and by public transport to see some of the city's most iconic and historic landmarks. Finish off at the local Christmas markets in the evening and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Budapest
Today is yours to discover Budapest on your own. Perhaps return to the Christmas Markets, visit the halls of the famous Parliament, take a walk around the Fisherman's Bastion, or take a boat cruise along the Danube. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner with the group.
Budapest
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: 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 CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 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.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
