Day 1 : Prague
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
Expedition Leader Led Walk Through the Christmas Market
Prague 0h45m
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader 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.
Acommodation
Miss Sophie's Downtown
Acommodation
Miss Sophie's Downtown
Day 2 : Prague
Set out on a morning walking tour through Prague's historic centre, where fairy lights twinkle above grand plazas and festive stalls overflow with hand-carved wooden toys and glass ornaments. Pause to admire the medieval Astronomical Clock before exploring the bustling Christmas markets at your own pace during a free afternoon. As evening approaches, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class alongside a local chef. Learn the centuries-old secrets of traditional Czech gastronomy, preparing dishes from scratch before sitting down together to share the meal you crafted.
Prague Guided City Tour
Prague 2h - 3h
Enjoy a guided tour of the old town including the Jewish quarter, astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. Visit all the major sights of the Old Town and simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique community where every street, inn, or theatre tells a story.
Czech Cuisine Cooking Class
Prague 2h
Discover the true taste of the Czech Republic through one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Prague. More than just a cooking class, this hands-on workshop is a journey into Czech traditions, local ingredients and the country's rich culinary heritage.
Acommodation
Miss Sophie's Downtown
Acommodation
Miss Sophie's Downtown
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3 : Prague/Český Krumlov
Travel south into Southern Bohemia toward Český Krumlov, a town cradled inside a dramatic bend of the Vltava River. Upon arrival, follow your National Geographic Expedition Leader on an orientation walk through winding medieval lanes lined with pastel-coloured townhouses, arriving at the local Christmas market in the main square. Spend a free afternoon among the cozy holiday stalls, sipping steaming cups of svařák (mulled wine), tasting traditional pastries, and listening to choral music echoing softly off ancient stone walls as dusk settles over the rooftops.
Private Vehicle
Prague - Český Krumlov 3h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expedition Leader Led Walk Through the Christmas Market
Český Krumlov 1h
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
Acommodation
Bellevue Hotel
Acommodation
Bellevue Hotel
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : Český Krumlov/Bratislava
Cross the border into Slovakia as you travel to Bratislava, a capital city where old-world charm meets lively street life along the Danube. Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the pedestrianized Old Town, passing historic palaces, whimsical bronze statues, and cobblestone alleys. End at Hviezdoslav Square, where the central Christmas Market glows with lantern light and the smell of roasting chestnuts. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, walking among stalls laden with hand-painted ceramics, crafts and ornaments. Choose to sample tasty treats such as lokše–savoury potato pancakes.
Private Vehicle
Český Krumlov - Bratislava 4h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expedition Leader Led Walk Through the Christmas Market
Bratislava 1h
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
Acommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town
Acommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : Bratislava
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Vienna, Austria's imperial capital, where grand boulevards are dressed in winter sparkle. Begin with a panoramic city tour that takes you past landmarks like the Spanish Riding School to the soaring spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take free time to browse the holiday stalls at Stephansplatz Market before gathering at a local restaurant for a classic, golden schnitzel lunch. Continue to the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, glittering in front of City Hall's illuminated facade, before returning to Bratislava for a relaxed evening.
Private Vehicle
Bratislava - Vienna 1h - 1h15m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day Trip to Vienna Including Christmas Markets
Vienna 8h - 9h
Immersion in Vienna during Advent reveals a tradition dating back to 1296, when Emperor Albrecht I granted citizens the privilege to hold a December market (Krippenmarkt). Today, these gatherings remain a cornerstone of Austrian heritage. Exploring the city during this season is an unmissable highlight: imperial plazas transform into illuminated open-air cultural showcases. Today, experience living history, authentic craftsmanship, and centuries of festive warmth.
Private Vehicle
Vienna - Bratislava 1h - 1h15m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town
Acommodation
AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Bratislava/Budapest
Travel into Hungary and arrive in Budapest, where the Danube splits the city into two distinct halves. Take in sweeping views on a panoramic tour, stopping for photos at historic Heroes' Square before wandering the fairytale terraces of Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill. Afterwards, gather for lunch at Nem Adom Fel Kávézó, a G Adventures-supported social enterprise. Known as the Never Give Up Café, this inspiring community hub is run by people with disabilities. This evening, join your Expedition Leader on a walk through the city's Christmas markets, where the scent of chimney cake and ring of carols fill the air.
Private Vehicle
Bratislava - Budapest 3h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Panoramic Tour of Budapest Including Visit to Fisherman's Bastion
Budapest 2h - 2h15m
Embark on a scenic panoramic coach tour through Budapest, taking in the highlights of both sides of the Danube River. On the Pest side, drive down elegant, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue to Heroes' Square to admire the majestic Millennium Monument. Cross the river with views of the grand Hungarian Parliament Building and ascend Castle Hill in historic Buda. Conclude with a visit to the Fisherman's Bastion, taking in sweeping, fairytale views across the city skyline.
Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar
Budapest
Stop for a refreshment at Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, whose proceeds help fund a non-profit by the same name, which means "Never Give Up." Most of the employees at this social enterprise café are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary. Your meal helps this café to invest in the charity's efforts, which also includes supporting rural Roma communities through much-needed social programs.
One drink of choice between:
Espresso
Espresso macchiato
Double espresso
Americano
Flat white
Cortado
Cappuccino
Caffé latte
Latte macchiato
Melange
Iced coffee
Iced coffee with ice cream
50 grams of freshly baked savory scones
Presentation in English
Expedition Leader Led Walk Through the Christmas Market
Budapest 1h30m - 2h
Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the vibrant, festive stalls, sharing local history and cultural insights amidst the inviting aromas of seasonal spices and warm treats. This stroll offers an immersive look at regional holiday traditions, allowing you to connect directly with local artisans and timeless crafts.
Acommodation
Nemzeti Budapest MGallery Hotel
Acommodation
Nemzeti Budapest MGallery Hotel
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 7 : Budapest
Enjoy free time to wander the Christmas markets, explore leafy avenues, discover fun ruin bars, or relax in thermal baths. As night falls, board the vintage Christmas Light Tram, sparkling with thousands of fairy lights as it glides along scenic city routes past illuminated historic landmarks. Later, arrive at the boat dock to board a dinner cruise, sampling local specialties and raising a glass to a week of shared discovery.
Free time:
Budapest Morning
Enjoy free time to explore Budapest and the Christmas markets on your own.
Farewell Danube dinner cruise
Budapest 1h30m - 2h
Glide along the Danube River to admire Budapest’s illuminated landmarks. A dinner cruise offers views of the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, the historic heights of Buda Castle, and the iconic Chain Bridge, showcasing the city's UNESCO World Heritage riverfront from the water.
Christmas tram ticket
Budapest 1h
Wrapped in thousands of sparkling lights, the vintage Christmas Light Trams glide through wintery streets, evoking nostalgic holiday warmth. Passengers take in cozy night views of illuminated historic avenues and festive cityscapes bathed in seasonal magic.
Acommodation
Nemzeti Budapest MGallery Hotel
Acommodation
Nemzeti Budapest MGallery Hotel
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 8 : Budapest
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
