Christmas Markets in Europe

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Depart for Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, beautifully set along both banks of the Danube River. The city was formed in 1873 through the unification of three historic areas: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. Buda rises on the western hills of the Danube and was once the royal center where the palace stood. Pest, on the eastern bank, developed into a vibrant commercial district known for its wide boulevards and grand architecture.
During the Middle Ages, this region belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary and flourished under the reign of Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The city later experienced many turbulent periods: it was occupied by the Ottoman Empire for more than 150 years before becoming an important part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, Budapest is one of Europe’s leading cultural, artistic, and culinary centers.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner featuring traditional Hungarian specialties. (D)

Spend a full day exploring Budapest:
Matthias Church: Located on Buda Hill, it is one of the most important religious landmarks in Budapest. Built in the 13th century in Gothic style, the church is renowned for its colorful tiled roof and served as the coronation site for several Hungarian kings.
Fisherman’s Bastion: Constructed in the late 19th century with architecture resembling a fairytale castle, The structure features seven towers symbolizing the seven Magyar tribes who founded Hungary, and it offers magnificent panoramic views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city.
Heroes’ Square: It is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, honoring Hungary’s kings and national heroes. At its center stands a grand monument featuring statues of Árpád and other Magyar chieftains.
Gellért Hill: Rising about 235 meters above the city, it is one of the best viewpoints in Budapest. From here you can enjoy sweeping views over the city, the Danube River, and several of Budapest’s famous bridges.
St. Stephen’s Basilica: It is the largest church in Budapest, named after Stephen I of Hungary, the country’s first king. The basilica is known for its impressive dome rising nearly 100 meters high and its richly decorated interior.
Hungarian Parliament Building: Located along the Danube River, it is considered one of the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world. Completed in 1904 in Gothic Revival style, it features a massive central dome and a magnificent façade.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge: It was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest across the Danube River. Completed in 1849, it is not only an important transportation link but also a historic symbol of Budapest’s modern development.
In the evening, visit the Christmas Market in the Buda Castle District. Set within a charming historic setting of cobblestone streets, castle walls, and traditional rooftops, the market comes alive with a warm festive atmosphere. Wooden stalls sell traditional Hungarian handicrafts, souvenirs, Christmas ornaments, and delicious winter treats such as Kürtőskalács, grilled sausages, and hot mulled wine.
Later, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Danube River to admire Budapest beautifully illuminated at night, accompanied by the flowing melodies of The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. Savor a lively dinner with traditional Hungarian music, folk dances, and cultural performances. Sip a glass of Hungary’s famous wine, associated with the legendary cavalry from Eger, who defended their fortress against the Ottoman army during medieval battles.
During the journey, guests will also have the opportunity to hear stories from Hoàng Linh, a journalist who has lived in Budapest for nearly 30 years, as he shares insights about the history of Hungary and its capital—often described as one of Europe’s most romantic cities, a “Paris in the heart of Eastern Europe.” (B/D)

Depart for Austria. Along the way, stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. For centuries, Bratislava was influenced by German, Hungarian, and Slovak cultures, leaving a distinctive imprint on its architecture and cultural life. After Czechoslovakia was established in 1918, Bratislava became an important part of the new state, serving as the administrative and cultural center of the Slovak region. In 1993, when Slovakia became an independent nation, Bratislava officially became the capital of the Slovak Republic.
Continue the journey to Vienna, the capital of Austria. The city flourished under the rule of the House of Habsburg, becoming the center of power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this period, Vienna built magnificent palaces, churches, and public buildings, earning its reputation as the “City of Emperors.” Vienna is also famous as the music capital of the world, where legendary composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Schubert lived and composed their masterpieces. From the 17th century until today, Vienna has remained one of Europe’s most important centers of culture, art, and politics.
In the evening, visit the Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, located in front of Vienna City Hall. The festive market features a giant Christmas tree, dazzling light displays, an ice-skating rink, and live musical performances. Enjoy local specialties such as mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread, and traditional Austrian dishes. (B/D)

Visit Schönbrunn Palace, one of Europe’s most famous Baroque palaces. For centuries, it served as the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and played an important role in the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The origins of the palace date back to the 16th century when the area was used as a royal hunting ground. According to legend, Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor discovered a spring in the forest and named it Schöner Brunnen (“beautiful spring”), which later gave the palace its name. In the 18th century, under the reign of Maria Theresa, the palace was expanded and became a vibrant center of Habsburg court life. Schönbrunn Palace is a fine example of Baroque architecture, distinguished by its elegant pale-yellow façade and richly decorated interiors.
The palace contains 1,441 rooms, many of which are open to visitors. The estate covers around 160 hectares and includes symmetrical gardens, fountains, green mazes, and the impressive Gloriette perched on a hill behind the palace, offering panoramic views over Vienna. Schönbrunn Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Continue exploring Vienna’s famous landmarks:
Stadtpark: Opened in 1862, this beautiful city park features tree-lined paths, small ponds, and the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss II, one of Vienna’s most beloved musical icons.
Belvedere Palace: The magnificent Baroque palace complex consisting of Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere, built in the 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Today it houses an important art museum featuring many masterpieces, including The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: This iconic Gothic cathedral stands in the heart of Vienna’s historic center. Dating back to the 12th century, it is known for its soaring tower and distinctive colorful tiled roof.
In the evening, enjoy an optional classical concert in Vienna—one of Europe’s greatest centers of music and performing arts. (B/D)

On the way to Prague, stop at Český Krumlov, a picturesque historic town in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Founded in the 13th century, the town has preserved its medieval charm almost intact: cobblestone streets, the echoing bells of ancient churches, and rows of red-tiled houses that seem frozen in time. Český Krumlov has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most enchanting destinations in the Czech Republic.
Arrive in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, often referred to as the “Heart of Europe.” With a history spanning more than a thousand years and shaped by many turning points, the city has preserved an extraordinary collection of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, creating a cityscape rarely seen elsewhere in Europe. Visit the Christmas Market at the central square, where traditional wooden stalls offer festive gifts and local delicacies. Enjoy Czech winter specialties such as Trdelník, grilled sausages, gingerbread, and warm mulled wine. (B)

Spend a full day exploring the charming city of Prague.
Prague Castle: Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle was once the residence of the kings of Bohemia and later became the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. With its many palaces, churches, and courtyards, Prague Castle is considered one of the largest castle complexes in the world.
Charles Bridge: This famous stone bridge spans the Vltava River and was constructed in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. Decorated with numerous Baroque statues, the bridge connects the Old Town with the Malá Strana district and remains one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks.
Old Town Square: Dating back to medieval times, this historic square lies at the heart of Prague’s Old Town. It is surrounded by impressive Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings, along with charming restaurants, cafés, and traditional shops.
Prague Astronomical Clock: Also known as the Orloj, this famous astronomical clock is mounted on the Old Town Hall. Built in 1410, it is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world still in operation. Every hour, visitors can watch a fascinating mechanical performance: the rooster above the clock crows while the twelve Apostles appear one by one, circling past the windows as if observing the world below.
Josefov (Jewish Quarter): This historic district was once the center of Prague’s Jewish community for centuries. It preserves many important monuments, including ancient synagogues, the historic Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and history of Jewish life in Eastern Europe.
Visit Sapa Market, often referred to as “Little Hanoi” in Prague. Established in the late 1990s, it has become a major cultural and commercial hub for the Vietnamese community. Here, visitors can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes such as bánh cuốn Thanh Trì, bún cá Hải Phòng, bún ngan, or traditional Vietnamese drip coffee—bringing a comforting taste of Vietnam right in the heart of Europe. (B)

Travel to Munich, with a stop at the BMW Museum, one of the world’s most renowned automobile museums located next to the headquarters of BMW. Opened in 1973, the museum showcases the evolution of BMW from its early days producing aircraft engines to motorcycles and the luxury automobiles it is famous for today. Visitors can admire many iconic models as well as futuristic concept cars—and who knows, you might even be inspired to “take home” a brand-new BMW.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany. Founded in 1158, the city quickly developed into an important economic center thanks to its strategic location along the historic salt trade route. Today, Munich is a vibrant and modern city that still preserves the rich traditions of Bavaria. It is also famous for Oktoberfest, one of the largest festivals in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring Bavarian specialties such as dark beer and the famous roasted pork knuckle. (B/D)

Explore the highlights of Munich
Marienplatz: The central square of Munich, dating back to the 12th century, is famous for the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and its celebrated Glockenspiel. Each day, the mechanical figures perform a lively reenactment of two historic events: the wedding of William V, Duke of Bavaria in 1568 and the traditional coopers’ dance (Schäfflertanz).
Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady): Built in the 15th century in Gothic style, this cathedral is easily recognized by its two distinctive onion-domed towers, which can be seen from many parts of the city.
Viktualienmarkt: Located near Marienplatz, this famous food market was established in the early 19th century. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce and Bavarian specialties, including cheeses, sausages, bread, fruits, and local delicacies.
Wittelsbacherplatz: An elegant square built in the 19th century in neoclassical style, named after the House of Wittelsbach, the ruling dynasty of Bavaria for many centuries. The square’s stately atmosphere reflects Munich’s long royal heritage. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for the departure flight to LAX.