Enjoy the festive ambience of Prague's Christmas markets
Stay in the beautifully restored Hotel Ruze, a 500-year-old hotel in the heart of the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov
Imagine a truly festive Christmas in the heart of medieval Cesky Krumlov, staying in a beautifully restored 500-year-old hotel. Enjoy the romantic Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nurnberg, Prague and Vienna, explore the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace!
-
Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
-
A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners Welcome drink in Frankfurt 20 meals including buffet breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L) and 8 evening meals (D)
-
Free WiFi at hotels (where available) Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 11 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation
-
Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Local guides as described in the itinerary Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
-
Explore the fabulous Christmas Markets in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Tour itinerary
If you haven't found what you are looking for then use our Tour Finder to search for another tour.
_w=2480_h=2480_pjpg.jpg?v=202405070933)
Frankfurt
- Day
- 1
Day 1: Frankfurt
Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt: a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifully maintained old buildings. There is so much to see and do in the city centre, including the Christmas market on the Römerberg, which has traditionally been the centrepiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt. If you have time prior to the tour commencing, we recommend you visit them! Dinner tonight is included in your hotel, but first, enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Meals: D
Maritim Hotel Frankfurt, Germany
Rothenburg
- Days
- 2
- 3
Day 2: Wurzburg Christmas Markets, ‘My Time’ in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
We arrive into the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the Romantic Road, mid morning. You will have plenty of free time in the Altstadt (old town) amongst the Christmas Market stalls before we continue to nearby Rothenburg… one of the finest medieval cities in all of Europe. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the delightful cobblestoned streets, ramparts and turrets of this picture perfect town. A ‘must do’ is a visit to the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets set in narrow alleys nearby your hotel, are perhaps the quaintest you will ever see. This evening after dinner, we have included a special treat – a torchlight tour with the Night Watchman through the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets.
Meals: B,D
Day 3: Nürnberg ‘My Time’ and Christmas Markets
Today we visit medieval Nürnberg with its massive stone towers and gates, which was once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and the War Crimes trials. Nürnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways and the most splendid Christmas Markets in Europe. A truly magical European Christmas atmosphere where local choirs sing and the smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. We return to Rothenburg mid afternoon and the rest of your day is free.
Meals: B
- Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider
Prague
- Days
- 4
- 5
Day 4: ‘My Time’ in Prague
Crossing into the Czech Republic we arrive into Prague early afternoon. The central ‘old town’ is full of romantic, colourful shop fronts built into the historical buildings. Your hotel for the next two nights is excellently located near Wenceslas Square.
Meals: B,D
Day 5: Prague sightseeing, Christmas Markets and ‘My Time’
This morning we have included a local guide for a tour through this fascinating city to the Hradcany – Prague Castle to visit St Vitus Cathedral. Entrances are included. Prague Castle covers over 7 hectares and is the largest ancient castle in the world. We also visit Zlatá Ulièka (the Golden Lane) with its tiny colourful houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls and named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century. The whole afternoon and evening is free to explore the laneways, churches and bridges of this beautiful city. Prague is the city of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ so naturally the best Christmas markets are in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. Time to sip medovina – a warm honey liquor.
Meals: B
- Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, Prague
Vienna
- Days
- 6
- 7
Day 6: Vienna sightseeing, Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Markets
Driving south we reach the imperial city of Vienna around lunchtime. This afternoon we enjoy a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse lined with the grand monuments and buildings of the once great Hapsburg Empire. We also take a guided tour through the State Apartments and ‘Hall of Mirrors’ in the magnificent Royal summer residence – Schönbrunn Palace. As a special treat, at dusk we enjoy a visit to the picturesque Christmas markets located in the Palace forecourt.
Meals: B,D
Day 7: ‘My Time’ in Vienna
A completely free day to relax and enjoy this enchanting city of museums and style which boasts so many grand sights from the State Opera House and Hofburg Palace to the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Christmas shopping? Try the excellent Christmas Market outside the Town Hall with its fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays.
Meals: B
- Hotel Stefanie, Vienna, Austria
Cesky Krumlov
- Days
- 8
- 9
- 10
Day 8: Melk Abbey and Cesky Krumlov sightseeing
Joining the Danube at Melk, we take a guided tour through the astonishing monastery – an enormous baroque creation with an old library of antique books and a beautifully painted cathedral ceiling. Your lunchtime will be free in the charming village of Melk. Near Linz we turn north over the Danube and soon enter the Czech Republic to reach the perfectly preserved 13th century town of Cesky Krumlov. Originally built as a hamlet around the impressive castle, the wealth from the silver and gold mining, plus a population of Catholic aristocrats seeking refuge during the Reformation, made Cesky Krumlov the most important city in southern Bohemia. This city is an extraordinary time capsule and a fantastic place to spend your Christmas. UNESCO World Heritage listed, we will stay the next three nights in the very heart of the delightful old town. On arrival we have included the services of a local guide to bring to life the history and background of this extraordinary town and castle. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant.
Meals: B,D
Day 9: ‘My Time’ in Cesky Krumlov and Cesky Budejovice sightseeing
Your morning is at leisure in Cesky Krumlov. We spend this afternoon with a local guide in nearby Ceske Budejovice (often known as Budweis and famous for Budweiser beer) with its large, ornate town square and old town hall with murals and bronze gargoyles. Traditions are important in the Czech Republic and Christmas Eve is the most important time of Christmas. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink before a five course typical Czech Christmas Dinner. Those interested can attend midnight mass in the massive cathedral right next to the hotel.
Meals: B,D
Day 10: Christmas Day – ‘My Time’ in Cesky Krumlov
Your day is free amongst the narrow cobblestoned alleys, winding streets, wooden bridges and quaint lanes. We have included a Turkey lunch and your afternoon is free to relax in the spectacular setting of your hotel, before dinner.
Meals: B,L,D
- Hotel Ruze, Český Krumlov
Salzburg
- Day
- 11
Day 11: Salzburg sightseeing and ‘My Time’
We arrive into Salzburg around lunch time, the baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress). After time at leisure for lunch, you will meet your expert local guide for an afternoon walking city tour who will introduce this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. This evening we have included a farewell dinner in your hotel.
Meals: B,D
- Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
A Medieval Bohemian Christmas
Video Highlights
Hand Selected Experiences
These are just a few of the very special hand selected experiences that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.
Dates and Prices
* Dates, prices, itineraries and hotels shown may be subject to change on specific departures. Please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.
Pre-register your interest
To register your early interest in our 2026 festive and new year tours, please complete our pre-registration form. We will keep you informed as our tours are developed and released.
Tour Connector
Extend your holiday by adding another amazing tour.
Pick your preferred tour departure and see all of the amazing tour experiences that may connect before or after your selected departure date. Our full range of tours maybe viewed in our Tour Finder or choose another date above.
2025
Your Hotels
Maritim Hotel Frankfurt, Germany
1 Days
Maritim Hotel Frankfurt, Germany
1 Days
Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider
2 Days
Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider
2 Days
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, Prague
2 Days
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, Prague
2 Days
Hotel Stefanie, Vienna, Austria
2 Days
Hotel Stefanie, Vienna, Austria
2 Days
Hotel Ruze, Český Krumlov
3 Days
Hotel Ruze, Český Krumlov
3 Days
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
1 Days
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
1 Days
Tour Suitability
- Our Christmas, New Year and Northern Lights tours travel throughout the European winter months. The weather can get cold, and roads and pathways can be slippery. When outdoors, please take extra care when navigating slippery surfaces.
- We recommend sturdy waterproof shoes with good grip (hiking shoes, rather than sneakers), thick socks, a woollen beanie, thermal underclothes, gloves and sunglasses. Walking poles can be helpful to give you more confidence, if desired. Layering some light clothes is advisable, as you will often come in from the picturesque cold to warm spaces inside, so layering enables you to adjust to each environment for your optimal comfort. You will also be very comfortable when travelling as your modern touring coach is fitted with heaters and double glazed windows. Once you arrive at your hotel you will be greeted with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
- Thinking about what to wear? Please read our blog on Wardrobe essentials: https://www.albatrosstours.com.au/news-nest-travel-blog/wardrobe-essentials-for-a-winter-wonderland-tour-in-europe/
Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
Recommended Tours
You might be interested in these similar tours