Christmas in Eastern Europe: Zagreb to Budapest

Europe’s stunning architecture and charming cobblestone streets are legendary — but add twinkling lights, festive market stalls, and the scent of...

Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia

Christmas in Eastern Europe: Zagreb to Budapest

DAY 1 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.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Christmas Market Visit

Zagreb

There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts during one of the most beautiful times of year.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Central Zagreb

Hotel
DAY 2 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.

Free Time

ZagrebFULL_DAY

There's plenty to see and do; today is your day to explore.

Accommodation

Hotel Central Zagreb

Hotel
DAY 3 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

Free Time

ZagrebMORNING

Enjoy one final morning in Zagreb before moving on to your next stop.

Rail

Local Train

Zagreb- Ljubljana2.25h140km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Old Town Walk

Ljubljana1h-2h1km

Enjoy a walk of Ljubljana's old town with your CEO. Take in the impressive Town Hall, and Ljubljana University, as well as the many bridges this city is known for. The majestic Dragon Bridge, for example, which represents courage and power. Finish up at the beautiful Prešeren Square Christmas market.

Christmas Market Visit

Ljubljana

There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts during one of the most beautiful times of year.

Accommodation

B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park

Hotel
DAY 4 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.

Rail

Local Train

Ljubljana- Graz3h200km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation Walk Graz

Graz0.5h1km

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.

Christmas Market Visit

Graz

There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts during one of the most beautiful times of year.

Accommodation

Austria Trend Hotel Europa Graz

Hotel
DAY 5 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.

Rail

Local Train

Graz- Budapest5h376km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Budapest Walking Tour

Budapest2.5h2km

Unravel the secrets of Budapest as you see the best of what the city has to offer on this walking/public transit tour with your CEO. Start off with a view of Parliament, Heroes' Square, and Market Hall before crossing the Danube to the Buda Hills. Here see the Royal Palace, and view the 13th century Matthias Church. Proceed to the Fisherman's Bastion for enthralling panoramic views of the city.

Christmas Market Visit

Budapest

There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts during one of the most beautiful times of year.

DAY 6 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.

Free Time

BudapestFULL_DAY

There's plenty to see and do; today is yours to explore.

4

Optional Activities - Day 6Show

DAY 7 Budapest

Depart at any time.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Day
chat