Christmas in Eastern Europe: Zagreb to Budapest

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.

Included Experiences

• 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: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; today is your day to explore.

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

Included Experiences

• Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: Enjoy one final morning in Zagreb before moving on to your next stop.
• Old Town Walk: 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: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Orientation Walk Graz: 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: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Budapest Walking Tour: 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: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; today is yours to explore.

Optional Experiences

• Buda Castle Visit: Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.
• Thermal Baths Visit: Bring two towels, your bathing suit and an aching body and prepare to be healed in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, you can test the waters of 18 different pools (15 of which are spring fed) amidst stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Play chess on floating chessboards, relax in the whirlpools and explore the wonderful mosaic domes of these historic thermal steam rooms.
• Hungarian National Museum: Discover a vast collection of relics at the Hungarian National Museum, the oldest in the country. Wander through galleries that feature incredible objects from prehistoric to modern times, including those from the Stone Age, Ottoman period and contemporary Hungary.
• Parliament Building Visit: Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.

Depart at any time.

Included Experiences

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