Magical Christmas in Vienna & Budapest

Arrival in Vienna, an imperial city famous for its artistic legacy and for the valuable music of Mozart and Beethoven, who spent much of their lives there. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

We recommend strolling through the historic center to relish the architecture coupled with the bundle of lights and decorations of the Christmas markets scattered throughout the city—a tradition that stems from the Middle Ages. Make sure you stop by Christkindlmarkt, the largest Christmas market in the city featuring an ice skating rink, where you can sample some holiday-themed foods and refreshments such as: goulash or meat stew, glühwein or hot spiced wine and lángos, a Hungarian classic with pizza-like dough but fried and eaten as is or topped with cheese. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover the "City of Dreams" with a guided panoramic tour of the historic center. Begin your exploration on the Ring boulevard (Ringstrasse) to see some of the most important buildings, such as the State Opera, the Museums of Art History and Natural History, the Imperial Palace, which was the former winter residence of the Emperor, the Parliament, the City Hall and the National Theater or Burgtheater. Later, enjoy a charming cruise along the Danube River. You will also have free time to visit the enchanting Christmas market in Schonbrunn Palace. This lively market, which post Christmas becomes a New Year's market with different products, offers traditional food and crafts, unique Christmas decorations, concerts and an extensive program of children's activities. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day at leisure to continue visiting Vienna's Christmas markets, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of its charming streets. We recommend visiting the Altwiener flea market on Freyung square—smaller but very cozy. There you can find lots of handicrafts, traditional nativity scenes and carol concerts. There is also the market overlooking the impressive Belvedere Palace, the Stephansplatz, with numerous stands located next to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Lastly, make sure to also check out the Karlskirche, in front of the church of St. Charles, arguably one of the most photographed Christmas-themed locations offering leather and wool craft stalls and, of course, hot drinks. Another option is to go to Spittelberg, the bohemian district of Vienna, where there is a market with handicrafts, gifts and the best of the local gastronomy in the form of cheeses, sweets and wines from famous local taverns, known as "heurigers". Overnight stay in Vienna.