Glistening Christmas Markets in Europe

Arrive at our first destination, Brussels, the capital of Belgium: the gateway into our glistening, shimmering, festive Christmas markets! Your eyes won’t know where to look as the magic starts. Coming from the states most likely we will arrive in the early morning. We will try to beat the jet lag after settling at the hotel and start wandering the streets. We can visit the most famous shopping place in the city, The Galleries Royal Saint-Hubert. We will walk the halls under the beautiful arches to have lunch in one of their famous cafes and then head back to the hotel to rest and be ready to discover the first Christmas market right on the square, The Grand Place, the heart of The Winter Wonder. There are hundreds of stalls, some with live sheep and donkeys, where the nativity scene is set up, and a spectacular sound and light show. The change of colors will light up the facades of historical buildings. This intro will certainly elevate our Christmas mood.

Our day will start with a Belgian breakfast, perhaps waffles, as we get ready for our free walking tour to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide.

We will discover the main sights and learn about the city’s history and the Belgian monarchy. We will visit the number one attraction, The Grand Place, the most iconic building in the main square. After a morning walk around this renowned opulent square, we will appreciate The King's House, also called the Brussels City Museum, and the City’s Town Hall.

We will embark on a day trip to Bruges. We will travel by train, a short ride approx. one hour with many daily rides.

Every winter, the city’s old town is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with sparkling lights and decorated Christmas trees against a backdrop of gingerbread-like houses. This postcard setting with its many culinary delights results in an incredible Christmas experience for all to enjoy. This is a medieval town and its décor will enhance it. We will have the opportunity to experience classic Christmas music, mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm your hands and many other traditional foods. It’s a festive experience for all senses. On our walk we will tour the Markt, which is Bruges' central square framed by the grand Belfry of Bruges, the provincial Palace and the iconic guild houses with stepped gables. We will return to Brussels to spend the night.

We will fly from Brussels to Prague, known as the most walkable city in Europe, not to mention one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is also known as the city of thousand spires, with famous terracotta rooftops and last but not least, some of the best beer. Its name is also recognized as one of the most legendary Christmas markets, and we will be able to experience it all. A new language, too… Czech. Open your ears for the sharp pronunciation. So much to discover!

Following our breakfast, we will start walking the town. It will be our official introduction to the Old Town to discover the many sights, starting with the Powder Tower, Municipal House, Astronomical Clock, The Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge and last but not least, the John Lennon Wall.

After lunch, we will return to the hotel to rest and be ready to stroll the stalls of Prague’s Christmas markets. There will be a time we want to find something to eat. We can grab a snack, or simply look for their famous Trdelnik — a Chimney Cake topped with Nutella and ice cream — until it is time for dinner.

Today we will tour the other side of the bridge. On this tour we will visit the famous Prague Castle and district where we will discover all the historical courtyards and the stunning Cathedral of Saint Vitus. After we tour the castle, we can have lunch on Castle Square, at the Strahov Monastery or in the Lesser Town.

Then, we will head back to the hotel for a deserved break to be ready to walk the Christmas markets and enjoy a medieval dinner and show in town.

We will check out and head to Vienna by train immediately after breakfast. 3-hour train ride. We will be able to admire the scenic wooded hills as we travel by train and are welcomed to magnificent Vienna. Vienna is another magnificent city, built for walking and discovering. Needless to say, the best way to get to know Vienna is on foot. So, let’s bundle up and hit the streets, so much to discover. While we stroll through the city, we will walk on the Ring, named after the shape of the boulevard lined with monumental buildings that capture the glory of an empire. We will see the medieval lanes of Gothic architecture, twinkly lights and glittering palaces, beautiful shops and cafes. Time to say “Frohe Weihnachten” which means “Merry Christmas” in Austrian-German. Austrians embrace the Christmas spirit and take the holiday season seriously.

Vienna is serious about its coffee culture. We will find time for coffee breaks to explore the magnificent cafes. Their first coffee house in Europe opened in Vienna in 1684. They are opulently decorated formal spaces. Expect the unexpected: your drink will be served on a silver tray by a uniformed waiter.

In the morning, we will enjoy a walking tour full of history and legends, monumental buildings, medieval lanes, cathedrals and the life of the King and his Empire. We will spend some time in a coffeehouse for lunch and experience the Viennese lifestyle. Then, back to the hotel to rest as a beautiful evening event awaits.

Recharge and be ready for the evening to explore the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, where the emphasis is on tradition. It’s one of the 20+ official Christmas markets in Vienna, located in front of the City Hall. We can enjoy some traditional Christmas snacks such as roasted chestnuts to nibble on as we roam the aisles offering gifts, tree decorations, crafts, culinary delights, sweets and warm drinks. What else can we ask for? Well, we can glide over skating rings across icy surfaces, and there may be a reindeer carriage, and a mini-train transporting families around the market.

Another day, another experience. For 600 years, Vienna was the head of the grand Hapsburg empire. Between Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace and the museums, we could very easily be entertained for days in Vienna exploring its imperial history alone! The one at the top of the list is the Schonbrunn Palace, the 22-room apartment of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth, known as Sisi. It’s truly one of the world’s most remarkable residences, the ultimate expression of the Habsburgs, who ruled for six centuries.

Music has always been an essential element of Vienna’s heritage dating back to Mozart. It’s also the home of Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss and Vivaldi, not to mention artists like Gustave Klimt. It was also home to The Godfather of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. While in Vienna, we must make time to attend a concert at the Vienna Residence Orchestra if available.

Time to get ready for our next destination. We will check out and be heading to Budapest via train. The ride will take about two hours.

Budapest has several nicknames: the Paris of the East, The Pearl of the Danube, The City of Spas. It’s time to discover the colorful hills of Buda on one side of the Danube, and the cosmopolitan streets of Pest on the other side of the bank.

After checking in and eating lunch, we will embark on exploring the Budapest Christmas markets on Vorosmarty Square and at the Basilica. Time for Christmas treats like the chimney cake and mulled wine under the sparkling Christmas lights! We will roam the countless stalls offering food and crafts, plus free concerts by various Hungarian bands to celebrate the season.

We discovered that the sprawling Danube River divides Buda from Pest.

As we walk the cities, we will see the chain bridge that connects Buda to Pest, the impressive State Opera house, the city's embassy district, City Park, the historic Heroes' Square, the synagogue, Castle Hill, Fisherman's Bastion, the Parliament Building, St. Stephen's Basilica and a few more.

We will take a dinner cruise on the beautiful Danube River, weather permitting.

We can’t leave Budapest without at least visiting one or two thermal baths. Just browsing will be enlightening, but if you want the experience, it’s easy. Best to go in the morning when the baths are less crowded. The most famous are:

• Szechenyi – 6 am to 7 pm

• Gellert – 6 am to 8 pm

• Rudas – 6 am to 8 pm

Then you will have a free afternoon for shopping at the Paprika market, revisiting places you enjoyed or simply walking the bridge and people-watching.

Time to say goodbye to Budapest. Our Eastern European adventure will leave us with many unforgettable memories. Depart from Budapest to fly home.