Europe's Best Christmas Markets

Arrive in Budapest, a city of two very different halves – Buda and Pest – bisected by the mighty Danube River. Merged only in 1873, Buda retains a distinctly regal air having served as the Hungarian capital for extended periods in the kingdom’s history, while Pest is decidedly more vibrant, offering some of the city’s best shopping, drinking and dining.

Check in to your hotel assisted by your A&K Guardian Angel.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Take in the sights of lively Pest today on a private tour, starting at the opulent Opera House, considered to be one of the finest of its kind in architectural style, decoration and quality of acoustics.

Admire the ornate onion domes that top the Moorish Revival-style Dohany Street Synagogue, home to a museum, cemetery and memorial dedicated to victims of the Holocaust.

See the vast Heroes’ Square with its impressive Millennial Monument and St. Stephen's Basilica, the city's largest church. If time allows, you may choose to conclude the morning with a visit to the bustling market hall, offering a plethora of regional delicacies and crafts.

After lunch, wander the largest and most famous of Budapest’s Christmas fairs, located in Vörösmarty Square. This festive market is known for its distinctly Hungarian atmosphere, offering a wide array of traditional food, crafts, and performances. Sample traditional Hungarian fare and sip on a warming mulled wine while perusing lovingly decorated stalls and soaking up the lively holiday ambience.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace | Meals: B

Unravel the city’s royal past on the opposite bank of the Danube River in Buda, beginning with the sprawling palace that occupies the southern tip of the evocative Castle Hill district. Wander through the cobbled streets, witness to numerous Hungarian royal coronations over the centuries, whilst inside the grand Gothic-style Matthias Church, discover magnificent frescoes and stained glass windows by some of Hungary’s greatest artists.

Later, drink in breathtaking panoramic views over Budapest from the terrace of the whimsical Fisherman’s Bastion and from the top of Gellért Hill.

In the evening, there’s the option (additional cost) of a private wine tasting at the historic Faust Wine Cellar, nestled within the labyrinth of medieval tunnels carved under Castle Hill. This enchanting stone cellar promises an evening of savouring some of Hungary's finest wines, a testament to the region's rich wine-making heritage.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace | Meals: B

After a leisurely morning, you'll be escorted to the railway station for your comfortable train journey into Austria and the former capital of the Hapsburg dynasty, Vienna. Enjoy the exclusive Concierge Rail service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable ride.

Upon reaching Vienna, you'll be greeted by your Guardian Angel, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your private vehicle for onward transfer.

This afternoon, embark on a tour of Vienna's enchanting Christmas Markets alongside your Guardian Angel, starting with the iconic Christkindlmarkt, which has occupied the square in front of City Hall for over 700 years. Here, you'll have the opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit by joining locals of all ages on the ice rink or tucking into fresh baked seasonal treats such as gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and ‘Weihnachtspunsch’ (Christmas punch).

Afterwards, lose yourself amongst the eclectic craft stalls of the Spittelberg market, unique in its location, being set not in a public square but along a series of narrow cobblestone streets and courtyards.

Your evening is free to experience Austria’s handsome capital.

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B

Embark on a guided exploration of Vienna's imperial treasures, beginning at the splendid Hofburg Palace complex, the winter home of the Habsburg family who ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. Inside the vault-like Imperial Treasury, marvel at the priceless collection of status symbols including crowns, sceptres and jewels collected over a thousand years.

At the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, make time to inspect the numerous altars, side chapels and sarcophagi before climbing the soaring south tower for a phenomenal view over the city as well as the building’s elaborately tiled roofs.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B

Transfer by private vehicle to the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace for a taste of what summertime life was like for the Habsburg royals. Some of the Baroque splendours you’ll uncover include the sumptuous personal apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, as well as the lavishly gilded Hall of Mirrors, where a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once performed for Maria Theresa when he was only 6 years old.

Outside, on the perfectly manicured, fountain-dotted grounds, immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of Schönbrunn’s own Advent market. Rows of softly lit stalls selling quality handmade wares make this the perfect place to pick up handmade Christmas ornaments or tuck into central European Christmas delicacies such as kaiserschmarren, said to be a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph.

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Meals: B

This morning you'll be escorted to the railway station for your train journey to Prague today! Enjoy the exclusive Concierge Rail service, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your Guardian Angel, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your private vehicle for onward transfer.

The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Alternatively, there’s the opportunity to dive into Prague’s outstanding food scene with a knowledgeable guide (additional cost). Start your gastronomic adventure with an open-faced sandwich known as a chlebíček before trying an assortment of Czech favourites such as beef goulash and potato dumplings. Wash everything down with full-bodied Moravian wine or a crisp lager, followed by coffee and dessert, all set against the backdrop of Prague's medieval architecture.

Mandarin Oriental Prague | Meals: B

Devote an entire day to the charms of Prague, with highlights including the National Gallery’s fabulous art collection at Sternberg Palace which includes works by Reubens, Rembrandt and El Greco. Fans of the Art Nouveau movement will love the Mucha Museum inside Kaunicky Palace.

After lunch (payable locally), enter Prague’s sprawling Castle District, seat of power from the Bohemian era all the way to present day. Climb the bell tower of the richly decorated St. Vitus Cathedral for heavenly views, before strolling picturesque Golden Lane, lined with tiny colourful houses dating back to the 16^th century that were later inhabited by goldsmiths.

If time permits, head to the Loreto Chapel, a venerated Marian pilgrimage site and home to a large collection of ceremonial treasures including a diamond-encrusted monstrance. Conclude your explorations at the Strahov Monastery, whose incredible library is sure to impress.

Mandarin Oriental Prague | Meals: B

Stroll the narrow cobbled streets of in Prague's UNESCO-listed Old Town with an expert guide and see the Baroque statues that decorate the balustrade of the medieval Charles Bridge up close.

At the open-air Christmas market outside the elegant neo-Gothic St. Ludmila Church, there’s a final chance to feast on festive indulgences including roasted chestnuts, mead, punch and peruse stalls for local crafts and wooden toys.

Mandarin Oriental Prague | Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.

Meals: B