Original
Explorer
Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
8 days • 5
5
Excellent
9 reviews
8 days
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Zagreb, Croatia
Trip Code
WMSC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Train, Public bus, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £1,351(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities.
Hungary’s intoxicating capital becomes even more magical when draped in fairy-lights and dusted with snow at Christmastime. Try delicious local specialties like chimney cakes and potato dumplings at its main market at Vorosmarty Square.
Why settle for one Christmas market when you could have 14? Visit Graz’s main market at Hauptplatz Square, then make your way through as many as you wish.
Bled’s fairy tale-like scenery – which includes an 11th-century cliff-top castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church – is a dream to explore. See it for yourself.
Zagreb transforms into a glorious illuminated winter wonderland during its month-long Advent Festival. Spend two days savouring the sights, taking in acres of fairy-lights, huge Christmas trees, nativity scenes, ice-rinks, mulled wine stalls and igloo-shaped rakija (a potent local drop) bars.
Is this trip right for you?
While the Christmas markets we visit are all beautiful, they can get very busy, so please be prepared for crowds. We'll also spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, and as it is winter it would be advisable you bring warm clothing and are adequately prepared for the weather.
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Itinerary
Discover the festive markets of Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia
It’s the most wonderful time of year, particularly when its set in some of Central Europe’s prettiest and most historic cities. Get in the Christmas spirit exploring festive markets in cities decorated in full Christmas splendour, browsing local handicrafts from traditional wooden stalls, sampling delicious regional specialties and taking in endless winter scenes along the way. Indulge your senses in intoxicating Budapest, browse Austrian handicrafts hopping between Graz’s 14 charming markets, and be immersed in spectacular winter scenery in Ljubljana and fairy-tale like Lake Bled. Finish up in Zagreb, which transforms into a magical illuminated wonderland for its month-long Advent festival.
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Train, Public bus, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
Budapest - Christmas Snacks and Mulled Wine Tasting
Budapest - Leader-led orientation walk
Budapest - Christmas Market
Graz - Christmas Market Visit
Graz - Schlosberg Castle Visit and Funicular Ride
Ljubljana - Christmas Market
Bled - Day Trip to Lake Bled
Zagreb - Walking Tour of Christmas Markets with Local Guide
Zagreb - Cable car to Sljeme
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your agent for further information.
Reviews (9)
5 stars
9
Joanne
Jan 08, 2025
An excellent trip covering a variety of styles of Christmas markets with a good dose of seeing the sights of the places visited. It’s as much a winter tour of the locations as it is visiting the Christmas markets. Bring your walking shoes- there’s lots to see and do!
Russell
Jan 05, 2025
We had an absolute ball on this tour and everyone in our group was great. Fabulous time and made friends
Maritza
Jan 02, 2025
Christmas markets were a sight to see. I was surprised that there were very few booths in the Christmas Market with locally handmade items. Didn't need the extra bag brought. However, the food and drinks were great. Got to taste a lot of local cuisine. Description of travel time in brochure were exact. You're visiting four countries in less than a week and always moving. Definitely a good way to see different countries with their different Christmas markets.
Kaylene
Dec 16, 2024
A wonderful glimpse into Christmas celebrations in wintertime
Paul
Dec 11, 2024
If you want to dip into Balkan culture at the end of the year with some Christmas vibes, don't hesitate to book this trip. The Christmas markets you visit are next-level.
Anna
Dec 14, 2023
I love visiting the Christmas markets and Europe and this trip did not disappoint. Our leader Petar was amazing going above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible. I learned a lot about the history and culture of the region and all the food we ate was amazing. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves to travel and wants to get into the Christmas spirit!!
Jasmine
Dec 08, 2023
This Christmas market tour was amazing. Got to see 4 amazing countries. The Christmas markets are just something Australia doesn't have and we even got some snow. Would recommend
Siobhan
Dec 08, 2023
Fun adventure to four countries and different Christmas markets. Be sure to pack light enough as you need to carry your luggage up and down stairs at times.
Holly
Dec 07, 2023
Value for your money. The guide, Pavle, was a legend. He looked after us all so well and had a genuinely happy and kind personality. Loved the trip
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