Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
$2425
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. 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. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Bratislava: Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. 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 Theatre, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall.
- Bratislava: An avid food lover takes you around the market on a Christmas food tour.
Top Rated Highlights
- Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you through this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
- Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotršcak Tower.
- Postojna Cave: Enter by mini-train into these world-famous cave systems, before walking through an illuminated fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Graz: See the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city centre on your orientation with your Travel Director.
- Bratislava: Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the city centre. 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 Theatre, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall.
- Bratislava: An avid food lover takes you around the market on a Christmas food tour.
- Vienna: A guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
- Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
Make Travel Matter
Ljubljana: Meet inspiring individuals at Soncek – Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through meaningful employment and community integration. Learn how their Care and Work Centre provides guidance, care, and adapted jobs, allowing members to create handcrafted souvenirs, artwork and other unique items. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 travellers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb, Art Pavilion, Zagreb, Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Zrinjevac Park, Zagreb, St. Mark's Church, Zagreb, Lotrščak Tower, Zagreb, Stone Gate, Zagreb, Main Square, Zagreb, Varaždin
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a stroll to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass through Zrinjevac Park. Then, board the city’s funicular to visit St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower. Walk back down through the Stone Gate and return to the main square. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax and take advantage of your hotel’s amenities or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the town of Varaždin to explore the Christmas Markets set amidst the Baroque Old Town.
Day 3: The Postojna Caves and Ljubljana
Location: Zagreb, Postojna Caves, Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Later, arrive to charming Ljubljana and tonight enjoy a dinner of Slovenian specialities with wine.
Day 4: Ljubljana Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Ljubljana, Ljubljana Castle, City Hall, Ljubljana, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Ljubljana, Triple Bridge, 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: Graz, 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 centre on your orientation. Walk among colourful 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, Bratislava Castle, Old Town, Bratislava, Slovak National Theatre, Michael’s Gate, Old Town Hall, Bratislava, Vienna
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 Theatre, 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 travelling to nearby imperial Vienna.
Day 7: Vienna sightseeing
Location: Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, City Hall
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Bratislava, including an exploration of the city centre with a Local Expert or a Christmas food tour.
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Top Rated Highlights
Guided tours and explorations in Zagreb, Postojna Cave, Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava, and Vienna with Local Experts.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit Soncek Sunshine in Ljubljana, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with cerebral palsy, contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are included.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
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Transfers
Transfers from Zagreb airport to your hotel and from your hotel to Vienna airport are included if your flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to the town of Varaždin to explore the Christmas Markets are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, ensuring a relaxing journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Sheraton Zagreb, Lev Ljubljana, AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town, and Hilton Vienna Park, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 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.
Summary
- Embrace the magic of Christmas time in Europe. Select departures explore Christmas markets in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bratislava and Vienna.
- Visit Postojna Caves.
- City tours of Zagreb, Ljubliana, Bratislava, all with Local Experts.
- Welcome Dinner in Zagreb • Restaurant dinner in Ljubljana • Celebration dinner and concert in Vienna.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Sonček Sunshine, a non-profit organization in Ljubljana that supports individuals with cerebral palsy. This visit is part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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What activities are available in Bratislava during the tour?
In Bratislava, you can choose to join a Local Expert for a city exploration, including vistas from the Bratislava Castle and a walk in the Old Town. Alternatively, you can join a Christmas food tour led by an avid food lover.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Postojna Caves?
During the visit to the Postojna Caves, you will board a mini-train to enter the cave systems and walk through an illuminated area filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains. You will also see the five-metre tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. ...more ...less
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What highlights are included in the Vienna sightseeing tour?
The Vienna sightseeing tour includes a guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace, where you can admire frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded ornaments. You will also drive along the famous Ring Road to see architectural masterpieces such as the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. ...more ...less
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What is the focus of the Ljubljana sightseeing tour?
The Ljubljana sightseeing tour focuses on the Baroque elegance of the city, 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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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
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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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
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Zagreb, Art Pavilion, Zagreb, Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Zrinjevac Park, Zagreb, St. Mark's Church, Zagreb, Lotrščak Tower, Zagreb, Stone Gate, Zagreb, Main Square, Zagreb, Varaždin, Postojna Caves, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Castle, City Hall, Ljubljana, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Ljubljana, Triple Bridge, Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava, Bratislava Castle, Old Town, Bratislava, Slovak National Theatre, Michael’s Gate, Old Town Hall, Bratislava, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, City Hall ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W521M26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festive and New Year, Foodie and Wine Tours, History
