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Itinerary

DECEMBER 4 – USA / VIENNA: Depart from Chicago on your overnight flight to Vienna.

DECEMBER 5 – ARRIVE IN VIENNA: Upon arrival in Vienna, the group will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, there will be time to relax, freshen up, or enjoy a short introductory walk through the surrounding neighborhood. Vienna’s elegant boulevards, historic architecture, and festive decorations immediately set the tone for the week ahead. In the evening, gather together for a welcome dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant, where classic Austrian cuisine and warm hospitality provide the perfect introduction to the city. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets, beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights and seasonal décor. The scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and holiday pastries fills the air as the festive spirit of Advent comes alive throughout the city. (D)

DECEMBER 6 – IMPERIAL VIENNA & CHRISTMAS MARKETS: After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Vienna, one of Europe’s most elegant imperial capitals. Travel along the historic Ringstrasse, the grand boulevard encircling the city center and lined with magnificent buildings dating back to the Habsburg era. Highlights of the day include the Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of the imperial family, view the exterior of the renowned Vienna State Opera House, and visit the soaring Gothic masterpiece of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, located in the heart of the old city. (B)

Following free time for lunch, continue the festive experience with visits to some of Vienna’s most beloved Christmas markets. Explore the magical Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, where beautifully decorated stalls offer handcrafted gifts, ornaments, seasonal treats, and warm mugs of Glühwein. Continue to the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz, nestled between Vienna’s famous museums and known for its elegant atmosphere and traditional crafts. This evening is free to enjoy Vienna at your own pace. Guests may wish to attend an optional classical concert or Advent music performance, a wonderful opportunity to experience the city’s extraordinary musical heritage during the holiday season. (B)

DECEMBER 7 – SCHONBRUNN PALACE & FESTIVE VIENNA: This morning, visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and one of Austria’s most treasured landmarks. During the interior tour, discover the lavish imperial apartments, grand ceremonial halls, and beautifully preserved rooms that reflect centuries of royal history and elegance. Following the palace visit, enjoy time at the Schönbrunn Christmas Market, located within the palace courtyard. This festive market is especially beloved for its romantic setting, featuring artisan crafts, seasonal delicacies, traditional ornaments, and warm holiday drinks against the backdrop of the illuminated palace. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Guests may wish to revisit favorite markets, enjoy Viennese coffeehouse culture, explore museums, or simply wander through the beautifully decorated streets and squares of the city during Advent season. (B)

DECEMBER 8 – VIENNA / PRAGUE: After breakfast, depart Vienna and begin the scenic journey north to Prague. Along the way, enjoy views of the countryside as the route passes through charming towns and rolling landscapes. Depending on timing, there may be an optional stop in a picturesque Moravian town or wine region, offering a glimpse into local traditions and regional culture. Arrive in Prague in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Prague’s fairytale atmosphere becomes even more magical during the Christmas season, with historic squares illuminated by festive lights and market stalls lining the cobbled streets. This evening, enjoy an orientation walk through Prague’s enchanting Old Town. Admire the beautifully preserved medieval architecture, the famous Astronomical Clock, and the lively holiday atmosphere that fills the city center. Dinner will be served at a local Prague restaurant before returning to the hotel. (B/D)

DECEMBER 9 – HISTORIC PRAGUE & OLD TOWN MARKETS: Following breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of Prague’s historic center. Discover the city’s remarkable blend of Gothic, Baroque, and medieval architecture as you explore Old Town Square, one of Europe’s most beautiful public spaces. Continue across the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with statues and offering spectacular views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. The tour also includes exterior highlights of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, an area rich in centuries of history and cultural significance. Throughout the day, the city’s festive atmosphere provides a magical backdrop, with holiday decorations and market stalls throughout the historic center. Spend time exploring the famous Old Town Square Christmas Market, where a towering Christmas tree, wooden chalets, handmade crafts, and traditional Czech holiday foods create a wonderfully festive setting. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, shopping, or relaxing in one of Prague’s cozy cafés. (B)

DECEMBER 10 – PRAGUE CASTLE & LESSER QUARTER: Today begins with a guided visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Explore the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and centuries of royal history. Continue through Golden Lane, the charming historic street once home to castle guards, artisans, and writers. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour through Malá Strana, Prague’s picturesque Lesser Quarter, known for its baroque architecture, hidden courtyards, and charming streets. The area’s festive atmosphere during Advent adds to its fairytale charm. Throughout the afternoon, visit additional Christmas markets including those at Wenceslas Square and Lesser Town Square. Each market offers its own unique character, with opportunities to browse handcrafted gifts, enjoy traditional Czech pastries and mulled wine, and soak in the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. (B)

DECEMBER 11 – DAY AT LEISURE IN PRAGUE: Enjoy breakfast followed by a full day at leisure to experience Prague at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit favorite Christmas markets, shop for handcrafted souvenirs and ornaments, explore museums and galleries, or simply wander through the city’s atmospheric streets and hidden corners. Guests may also choose to relax in one of Prague’s historic cafés while enjoying traditional Czech pastries and coffee or take in panoramic views of the city from one of its scenic viewpoints. During Advent season, Prague’s festive energy fills every square and alleyway, creating a memorable final day in this magical city. In the evening, gather together for a farewell dinner celebrating the journey through Vienna and Prague during the Christmas season. Share memories of the week while enjoying local cuisine and holiday cheer in one of Europe’s most beautiful winter destinations. (B/D)

DECEMBER 12 – PRAGUE / USA: After breakfast at the hotel, group transfer to Prague Airport for departure flight home. Depart with wonderful memories of imperial cities, festive Christmas markets, seasonal traditions, and the magical atmosphere of Advent in Central Europe.

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

→ Inclusions

 Inclusions

• Roundtrip Economy air from Chicago on Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa
• Services of a Private Tour Director
• Luxury coaches for services as per itinerary
• Vienna – 3 nights, 4-Star Flemings Selection Hotel Wien City
• Prague – 4 nights, 4-Star Hotel Grand Majestic
• Breakfast daily, except the day of arrival
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Vienna
• 1, three-course dinner in Prague hotel
• Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Prague
• Visits to some of Vienna’s Christmas Markets – Highlights may include Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz Market, Maria-Theresien-Platz Market, and Schönbrunn Christmas Market
• Guided tour of Vienna
• Visit Hofburg Palace, Vienna
• Visit St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
• Visit Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
• Visits to some of Prague’s Christmas Markets – Highlights may include Old Town Square Christmas Market, Wenceslas Square, and Lesser Town Square
• Guided walking tour of Prague
• Visit Prague Castle
• Guided walking tour through Prague’s Lesser Quarter
• Hotel porterage of one suitcase per person
• City taxes
• 24-hour emergency customer service while in Europe

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

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