Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb

8 Days | Discover the festive markets of Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
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USD $2,135
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest To Zagreb including Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Zagreb, Croatia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Austria
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
WMSC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

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

Map of Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest To Zagreb including Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

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

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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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Anna · Traveled December 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!!
Review submitted 14 Dec 2023

Holly · Traveled November 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
Review submitted 07 Dec 2023

Jasmine · Traveled November 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
Review submitted 08 Dec 2023

Siobhan · Traveled November 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.
Review submitted 08 Dec 2023
Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
From
USD $2,135