Day 01: Arrive Prague (CZECHIA)

Welcome to beautiful Prague! There may not be a more charming winter site than this scenic city covered in a beautiful white blanket of snow. Upon arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax, or explore some of Prague’s famous Christmas markets, full of glittering lights, echoing carolers and giant Christmas trees!

Overnight: Hotel in Prague (2 nights)

Day 02: Prague

This morning, we embark on a walking city tour of Prague. We take in the famous Charles Bridge, dating from 1357, Lesser Town and the Jewish Quarter. We also have the chance to discover Prague’s showpiece monument, Prague Castle*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 1,000 years. What’s more, our sightseeing excursion includes a traditional Czechia (Czech Republic) lunch and a one-hour boat cruise on the Vltava River. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring Prague. (B, L)

Day 03: Prague/Bratislava (SLOVAKIA) (Train)

Today, we are transferred to the train station for our scenic train journey to another exciting country, Slovakia! Our destination is the country’s capital Bratislava. Inhabited since 5,000 BC, the area of Bratislava offers a rich history that includes being ruled by the Romans, joining the Kingdom of Hungary and more. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel, with the remainder of the day free. Perhaps check out one of Bratislava’s iconic Christmas markets, spread throughout its main squares.

Overnight: Hotel in Bratislava (2 nights) (B)

Day 04: Bratislava

After breakfast, we enjoy a unique tour through Bratislava’s Communist history. Bratislava was under the Iron Curtain for more than 40 years, and in the city, we can find many Soviet-style architectural gems built during this time. We see the Slavin monument, Petrzalka housing estate and the SNP Bridge, while travelling around in a classic car (weather permitting)! During the tour, we will get a unique insight into Slovakia’s political history, as well as post-communist life. In the afternoon, we get another taste of local life with a traditional beer and food tour. We will have the opportunity to learn about beer-making in Bratislava, as well as taste several traditional foods. (B, D)

Day 05: Bratislava/Vienna (Coach) (AUSTRIA)

Today, we leave behind charming Bratislava as we are transferred to the coach station for our journey to Vienna, capital of Austria. Regal Vienna is known for its stunning imperial architecture, a legacy of the powerful Habsburg Empire which had its capital here for six centuries. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. In the evening, meet other travellers on our tour as we are savour the tastes of Vienna with a special dinner (1 beer/wine/soft drink included).

Overnight: Holiday Inn Vienna City, Vienna (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Vienna

In the morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour to discover Vienna’s* highlights. We first explore the Hofburg Palace (inside visit included), once the lavish seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire which stretched across much of Europe. We then view Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other reminders of the city’s imperial history. Our afternoon is at leisure. We highly recommend a stroll through the famous Christmas markets found here to sample the local handicrafts, traditional food and festive spirit! Schonbrunn Market, set in front of another Habsburg palace, and Christkindlmarkt, Vienna’s largest and most well-known, are just a couple of the options here. (B)

Day 07: Vienna/Zagreb (Drive) (CROATIA)

After breakfast, we journey on to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The history of this lovely cultural hub dates all the way back to the Roman era. Tonight, we have the chance to experience traditional Croatian culture during a folklore performance paired with dinner. After dinner, transport back to the hotel, or explore the Christmas festivities that transform the main square into a winter wonderland.

Overnight: Westin Hotel or Sheraton Hotel, Zagreb (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Zagreb

Embark on an exploration of lovely Zagreb following our morning meal. We will first see the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church and St. Catherine’s Church. We then view the Parliament and Government Palace. Afterwards, we see the Cathedral before strolling down to Ban Jelacic Square to dive into the Christmas atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of mulled wine, wander among the market booths of Zrinjevac Park and, if you wish, take a skate on the ice track surrounding the entire area. Afterwards, stay in the city on your own, or join the group to walk back to our hotel. En route, we will observe the buildings of the Croatian National Theatre, Modern Music Academy and Mimara Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 09: Zagreb/Ljubljana/Bled (Drive) (SLOVENIA)

We cross the border into lovely Slovenia today, meeting our guide in the capital city of Ljubljana. Here, fairytale architecture takes on a romantic air during the winter festivities. We walk across the famous Dragon Bridge, making our way through the cheery squares and streets. We then take the cable railway up to Ljubljana Castle (entrance included), a medieval fortress strikingly set on a hill overlooking the city. Soak in the views before we have free time in the afternoon to enjoy the lively music and markets here. Later, continue on to Bled, home to one of Europe’s most stunning alpine lakes.

Overnight: Bled Rose Hotel or Rikli Hotel, Bled (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Bled/Bohinj/Radovljica/Bled (Drive)

Bled is set on the shores of a stunning lake surrounded by snow-topped mountain peaks. We have the morning to take in this wonderful site, visiting the iconic Bled Castle which overlooks the lake from a picturesque cliff. We then continue by bus to explore the less visited but just as beautiful lake of Bohinj. After a break here, we journey on to Radovljica, a quaint medieval town surrounded by a moat and offering beautiful views of the Karavanke and Julian Alps. Here, we have the opportunity to savour a traditional Slovenian dinner at a local restaurant (1 beer/wine/soft drink included) before returning to Bled. (B, D)

Day 11: Bled/Salzburg (AUSTRIA)/Munich (GERMANY) (Drive)

This morning, we say goodbye to Slovenia and hello to Austria again as we journey to the lovely city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Here, we see the Getreidegasse street, located in the city’s historic Old Town*, a UNESCO Heritage Site. We also discover the Cathedral, the festival house, Mozart’s birthplace and the “Silent Night” chapel, where tradition says the well-loved Christmas carol was first sung. In the afternoon, we have some free time to stroll around the scenic Christmas market before we continue on to Munich. Upon arrival in Munich, we enjoy a farewell dinner at the Hofbrauhaus, one of the world’s most famous taverns (one beer included). Situated at the heart of Munich, Hofbrauhaus is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture. We’re sure to enjoy a memorable night here complete with music and festive celebration!

Overnight: Maritim Hotel, Munich (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Munich

An exciting day ahead as we join an extensive city tour of Munich! Known as the ‘city of art and beer’, Munich offers everything from quirky and quaint monuments to edgy modern art. On our explorations, we will see Nymphenburg castle, a Baroque palace that used to serve as residence to the monarchs of Bavaria, and the Rezidence, another former royal palace. We will then discover Maximilian and Leopold streets, the Opera and the Olympic grounds, before moving on to explore Marienplatz, the famous Glockenspiel clock, the church of St. Peter, the Viktualienmarkt and much more! Our afternoon is free to discover Munich further and experience some of its famous old-world Christmas markets. (B)

Day 13: Depart Munich

After our fairytale journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and atmospheric Christmas markets, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Or, contact Bestway for ideas about how to extend your adventure! (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and average tour size of 25 participants.
Also please note that this is NOT part of our small group journeys.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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