Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Zagreb and ending in Vienna
Visiting: Zagreb, Postojna, Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava, Vienna
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W521ZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Indulge in a winter escapade across Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb on this 8-day Christmastime tour. With attractions handpicked by Local Experts at every stop, this festive trip is packed with winter wonderland magic. In Slovenia, enjoy a lush Ljubljana tasting experience, replete with local delicacies and fine wine. In Croatia, shop the Zagreb Christmas Market—always abuzz with excited chatter and in Austria. Between the festive market stalls in Bratislava, be sure to breathe in the heady aromas of the sweet cinnamon infused drinks and sample the Slovakian Christmas delicacies to your heart’s content.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Transfers to your hotel will be departing from Zagreb airport. Relax and settle in or perhaps head for the nearby King Tomislav Square and try ice skating. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a walk and see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square. The afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy your hotel's amenities or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito?
Day 3: The Postojna Caves And Ljubljana
Location: Zagreb, Postojna, Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the Croatian capital and head to neighbouring Slovenia and visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the cave train and descend into a subterranean world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Marvel at the five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Later, arrive to charming Ljubljana and tonight enjoy a dinner of Slovenian specialties with wine.
Day 4: Ljubljana Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time at the Christmas markets, rich with the heady aromas of sweet treats and drinks. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 5: The Slovakian Capital Of Bratislava
Location: Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Bratislava.
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s journey takes you through Austria. In Graz see the Castle Hill and Town Hall in the well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center on your orientation. Walk among colorful buildings, take a stroll along River Mur and explore the festive market stalls. Travel past the Foot of the Alps as you make your way towards Bratislava. Spend your night in the charming Slovakian capital and take a walk in the Old Town to sample the delicious offerings of the Christmas markets.
Day 6: Bratislava Sightseeing And Vienna
Location: Bratislava, Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bratislava might be one of the smaller capitals in Europe but it has a long and rich history influenced by various cultures and nations. Explore Bratislava with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert to see the main sights of the city. Enjoy the vistas form the Bratislava Castle then take a walk in the charming Old Town among 19th century palaces and see the Slovak National Theater, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, an avid foodie takes you around the market on a Christmas food tour. Enjoy time at leisure and maybe try some of the Slovakian dishes for lunch before traveling to nearby imperial Vienna.
Day 7: Vienna Sightseeing
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market.
Day 8: Depart Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end in Vienna this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
3 Dinners with Wine (DW) and 7 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Local Expert Guided Tours
Guided tours in Bratislava, Zagreb, Postojna Cave, Ljubljana, Graz, and Vienna are included.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to ensure you don't miss any commentary from your Local Expert.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Porterage
Porterage services are included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination are included.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to the Zagorje region are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Lev Ljubljana, Crowne Plaza Bratislava, and Hilton Vienna Park, offering luxurious amenities and convenient locations in each city.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Bratislava?
In Bratislava, you can choose between two activities: joining a Local Expert for an exploration of the city center, including vistas from the Bratislava Castle and a walk in the charming Old Town, or taking a Christmas food tour with an avid food lover around the market.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour of Vienna?
In Vienna, you will have a private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace, where you can marvel at frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded Rococo frames. Additionally, you will enjoy a city tour along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building, and Karlskirche.
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What is special about the visit to the Postojna Caves?
The visit to the Postojna Caves includes a ride on a mini-train into the world-famous cave systems, where you can walk through an illuminated fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites, and marvel at the five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite.
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What can I expect during the Ljubljana sightseeing tour?
During the Ljubljana sightseeing tour, your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital, including the medieval castle, City Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the Triple Bridge. You will also have time to explore the Christmas markets.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner in Zagreb, a dinner of Slovenian specialties with wine in Ljubljana, and opportunities to sample local cuisine at Christmas markets in various cities.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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What kind of accommodations are included in the tour?
The tour includes accommodations at well-known hotels such as the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Hotel Lev Ljubljana, AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town, and Hilton Vienna Park.
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What are the highlights of the Zagreb sightseeing tour?
The Zagreb sightseeing tour includes exploring the two-tiered capital with a Local Expert, visiting Donji Grad (the Lower Town), the Mimara Art Museum, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, and the cathedral. You will also ride the funicular to Gornji Grad (the medieval Upper Town) to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church, and the Lotrščak Tower.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions