Journeys: Iconic Christmas Markets
About Czechia - From $2,799.00 USD
Wander cobblestone streets glowing beneath festive lights as Central Europe embraces the holiday season. From Prague's cozy kitchens to Vienna's imperial plazas, trace a story of living traditions and lantern-lit squares. Share a community meal in Budapest, ride vintage light trams, and sail along the Danube, discovering quiet connection across four vibrant nations.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Czech Cuisine Cooking Class, Prague
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Christmas Markets in Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. Walking tour of Prague. Orientation walk through Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Day trip to Vienna including a traditional lunch. Czech cooking class. City tour of Budapest including Fisherman's Bastion. A ride on the Christmas Light Tram in Budapest. Danube dinner cruise. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore glowing central European Christmas markets filled with hand-crafted decorations, wooden stalls, and warm festive treats, Savour a classic, golden schnitzel lunch served in a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant alongside locals, Hop aboard a vintage Christmas Light Tram to admire lit-up views of the Parliament before reaching the river, Sail along the river on a dinner cruise, taking in night vistas of illuminated city landmarks.
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking, tram.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo 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 solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels – 7 nts.
Itinerary
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Prague
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
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Prague
Set out on a morning walking tour through Prague's historic centre, where fairy lights twinkle above grand plazas and festive stalls overflow with hand-carved wooden toys and glass ornaments. Pause to admire the medieval Astronomical Clock before exploring the bustling Christmas markets at your own pace during a free afternoon. As evening approaches, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class alongside a local chef. Learn the centuries-old secrets of traditional Czech gastronomy, preparing dishes from scratch before sitting down together to share the meal you crafted.
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Prague/Český Krumlov
Travel south into Southern Bohemia toward Český Krumlov, a town cradled inside a dramatic bend of the Vltava River. Upon arrival, follow your National Geographic Expedition Leader on an orientation walk through winding medieval lanes lined with pastel-coloured townhouses, arriving at the local Christmas market in the main square. Spend a free afternoon among the cozy holiday stalls, sipping steaming cups of svařák (mulled wine), tasting traditional pastries, and listening to choral music echoing softly off ancient stone walls as dusk settles over the rooftops.
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Český Krumlov/Bratislava
Cross the border into Slovakia as you travel to Bratislava, a capital city where old-world charm meets lively street life along the Danube. Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the pedestrianized Old Town, passing historic palaces, whimsical bronze statues, and cobblestone alleys. End at Hviezdoslav Square, where the central Christmas Market glows with lantern light and the smell of roasting chestnuts. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, walking among stalls laden with hand-painted ceramics, crafts and ornaments. Choose to sample tasty treats such as lokše–savoury potato pancakes.
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Bratislava
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, where grand boulevards are dressed in winter sparkle. Begin with a panoramic city tour that takes you past landmarks like the Spanish Riding School to the soaring spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take free time to browse the holiday stalls at Stephansplatz Market before gathering at a local restaurant for a classic, golden schnitzel lunch. Continue to the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, glittering in front of City Hall's illuminated facade, before returning to Bratislava for a relaxed evening.
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Bratislava/Budapest
Travel into Hungary and arrive in Budapest, where the Danube splits the city into two distinct halves. Take in sweeping views on a panoramic tour, stopping for photos at historic Heroes' Square before wandering the fairytale terraces of Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill. Afterwards, gather for lunch at Nem Adom Fel Kávézó, a G Adventures-supported social enterprise. Known as the Never Give Up Café, this inspiring community hub is run by people with disabilities. This evening, join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the city's Christmas markets, where the scent of chimney cake and ring of carols fill the air.
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Budapest
Enjoy free time to wander the Christmas markets, explore leafy avenues, discover fun ruin bars, or relax in thermal baths. As night falls, board the vintage Christmas Light Tram, sparkling with thousands of fairy lights as it glides along scenic city routes past illuminated historic landmarks. Later, arrive at the boat dock to board a dinner cruise, sampling local specialties and raising a glass to a week of shared discovery.
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Budapest
Depart at any time. We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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.
