Christmas Markets of Central Europe - 2025

On arrival in Budapest, transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
for a two-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant
surrounds of this art nouveau landmark where you can meet your fellow
travellers on this festive journey.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Meals: Dinner

Budapest is two cities separated by the River Danube. The old city of Buda
and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views
across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Enjoy a city tour which
includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of
the city from Gellert Hill. See the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s
Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.
The rest of the day is at leisure where you can stroll through the Christmas
Markets scattered around the city. You may want to visit the historic Great
Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or warm up
and head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Late morning, you will be transferred to Nyugati station to enjoy a drinks
reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room before boarding the
Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a
lifetime, a brass band will perform as the train departs from the station.
As you settle in and enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard, the train
will weave its way out of Budapest, winding through Hungary’s whimsical
wintery landscapes, before arriving at our first stop – Vienna.
In the afternoon explore this beautiful Austrian city, with a panoramic
tour of the breathtaking grand boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic
quarters. From here enjoy a traditional ‘Fiaker’ (horse-drawn carriage) ride
through the charming city streets, before sampling the traditional Pirker
gingerbread in front of magnificent St Stephen’s. Later, return to the train
to indulge in a decadent dinner – freshly prepared, using the finest local
sourced ingredients and local delicacies.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, visit the Museum of Fine Arts. Opened to the public in 1891,
the main part of the museum’s collection is made up of artworks acquired
by the Habsburg dynasty. Next, enjoy a trip to the Christmas market
situated on Maria-Theresien Platz.

Visit Hofburg Palace which has been the heart of power in Vienna since
1279, once the Habsburg’s winter residence, it is the workplace and home
of the President of Austria. During the visit, you’ll meet a choir who will
provide a short concert of traditional Viennese Christmas folk songs.
After lunch continue to the Schönbrunn Palace, with a tour included.
The palace is also the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market and is
perhaps the most classically stylish of all the Vienna markets. The exclusive
assortment of booths includes traditional handicrafts, pretty Christmas
decorations and toys. Sweet, spicy, and hearty temptations are waiting
on every corner and enchant the huge square in front of the palace with
enticing aromas. Savour a cup of punch at the famous Café Residenz booth
and enjoy some time for Christmas shopping before we head back to the
train for dinner.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The journey continues through Austria to Salzburg. This afternoon explore
the heart of the city, starting at Mirabell Palace. Listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, the baroque 17th century palace is easily one of the most
stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as
a location used in The Sound of Music.
A short distance from the palace on Market Square (Marketplatz), see the
former Mozart Residence, now a museum before crossing the Makartsteg
Bridge into the Old Town. Walk along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most
famous street which is renowned for its wrought-iron trade signs and the
birthplace of Mozart.
The rest of the time in Salzburg will be spent at the Salzburger
Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets
in the world. Its unique location in the middle of the World Heritage
Old Town of Salzburg, the traditional stalls and its long history make the
Salzburg Christmas market something very special.

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following a leisurely breakfast onboard, visit the DomQuartier, a unique
cultural highlight in the heart of Salzburg, this baroque jewel and an urban
masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Residenz,
cathedral area and the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter. The terrace
above the Cathedral Arches affords stunning views of the Salzburg historic
district and the mountains beyond.
Later, return to the train for lunch and enjoy the spectacular Bavarian
scenery as the train crosses the border into Germany for the final stop in
Munich.

Overnight: Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A full day to explore the city of Munich awaits today. One of Munich’s most
famous Christmas markets is located on Marienplatz in the heart of the city.
This centuries-old market, which had its beginnings in the 1600s, is a fresh
mix of old and new – keeping to older Bavarian traditions, with mouthwatering
Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts, presented alongside
decadent sweet treats and intriguing electric creations. Watching over, a
majestically illuminated Christmas tree casts a charismatic glow over the
bustling square – perfectly adding to the festive feel.
This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on the memories made
from this wonderful winter escapade across Central Europe.

Overnight: Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast and hotel check out, transfer to the airport for onward
flight departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Munich for
additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Munich to Budapest itinerary varies slightly. Please ask for full details.