Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

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15 Days From

$4378

$2342

Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

15 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Budapest, Hungary

Visiting: Bucharest, "Cozia" Monastery, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brașov, Bran Castle, Sinaia, Peleș Castle, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

XM6

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 42

Physical rating:

Low, Easy

Age range:

18-59

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Special Events

From:
$4378
$2342 (USD) Operator discount: -$1970 Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$66 -47%

NB: Prices correct on 15-May-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Experience the magic of a European Christmas as you journey through Romania, Germany, Austria and Hungary’s most charming cities. Delve into the festive atmosphere of Bucharest and explore the ancient Cozia Monastery. Discover the enchanting beauty of Salzburg, where the Christmas market comes alive with local crafts and traditional delicacies. Wander through the picturesque Vienna & Budapest and explore Munich. Throughout the tour, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of a European Christmas.

Highlights

  • Experience the magic of a European Christmas as you journey through Romania, Germany, Austria and Hungary’s most charming cities.

  • Delve into the festive atmosphere of Bucharest and explore the ancient Cozia Monastery.

  • Discover the enchanting beauty of Salzburg, where the Christmas market comes alive with local crafts and traditional delicacies.

  • Wander through the picturesque Vienna and marvel at the stunning Munich.

  • Throughout the tour, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of a European Christmas.

  • With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and carefully planned itineraries, this tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the best of Europe’s Christmas markets and historical sites.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included: No Meals

Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure.

In the evening, attend a welcome meeting with your fellow travelers to get to know each other and go over the itinerary for the next few days.







Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Bucharest City Tour

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a guided tour of Bucharest to see the city's main sights, such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Village Museum.

In the afternoon, visit Bucharest's Christmas markets, such as the one in the Old Town, to sample local food and drink and pick up some souvenirs.





Accommodation

Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Bucharest City Tour

Day 3: Cozia Monastery, Sibiu Old Town &Amp; Christmas Market

Location: "Cozia" Monastery, Sibiu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Cozia Monastery in the morning, an ancient and beautiful Orthodox monastery.

After a tour, continue to Sibiu and explore the charming Old Town with a guide, including the famous Christmas market.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere and taste local food and drinks.





Included Activities

Visit to Cozia Monastery

Sibiu Sightseeing

Day 4: Rasinari Tram, Sibiu

Location: Sibiu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride the Rasinari Tram to the village of Rasinari, where you can visit a local museum and learn about traditional life in the area.

Return to Sibiu for more time in the Christmas market or to explore other parts of the city.





Included Activities

Rasinari Sightseeing

Day 5: Sighisoara, Brasov City Tour & Christmas Market

Location: Sighișoara, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambient – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the medieval city of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (also known as Dracula).

Take a walking tour of the town, including the Clock Tower Museum, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel to Brasov for a city tour and visit the Christmas market in the evening.





Included Activities

Visit to Brasov

Sighisoara Sightseeing

Day 6: Bran Castle, Brasov

Location: Bran Castle, Brașov

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ambient – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, and learn about the history and legends associated with it.

Return to Brasov for some free time in the afternoon to explore the city or do some Christmas shopping.





Included Activities

Visit to Bran Castle

Day 7: Sinaia, Peles Castle, Bucharest

Location: Sinaia, Peleș Castle, Bucharest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance palace built in the late 1800s.

After the tour, return to Bucharest for some final Christmas market shopping and sightseeing.





Included Activities

Visit to Peles Castle

Day 8: Bucharest, Munich ( By Flight )

Location: Bucharest, Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Munchen Sud or Tulip Inn Munchen Messe – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Are you ready to say goodbye to Romania and fly to Munich, Germany's third-largest city? Munich is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-famous Oktoberfest.

Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city's famous landmarks, including Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Englischer Garten.





Day 9: Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Munchen Sud or Tulip Inn Munchen Messe – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a visit to the Frauenkirche, Munich's iconic cathedral, to kick off your orientation walk of this famed town.

Explore the city's famous Christmas markets including the Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz and the medieval market at Wittelsbacher Platz.

Enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch and explore the markets at your own apce.

In the evening, take a walk through the Schwabing neighborhood and enjoy some local food and drinks.





Included Activities

Munich City Tour

Day 10: Munich-Salzburg

Location: Munich, Salzburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg – 4 star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel southeast into Austria to Salzburg today.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and then head out into the city for an orientation walk with your leader.

The city will captivate with its history, cobblestone lanes, bubbling river and charmingly kitsch atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square, where the smells of gluehwein, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon brushed baked apples waft through the marketplace and traditional Salzburg choirs fill the air.

Later on, jump in to a cable car and reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city's most visible landmark.

This fully preserved castle hosts a small, intimate Christmas market and if you're lucky, Christmas themed live music.





Accommodation

Austria Trend Hotel Salzburg Messe or B&B Hotel Salzburg Nord – 3 star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Salzburg City Tour

Hohensalzburg Fortress Sightseeing

Day 11: Salzburg

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Austria Trend Hotel Europa Salzburg – 4 star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a day for you to freely explore Salzburg and its nearby regions.

You may consider taking a trip to the salt mine located in Berchtesgaden, which can be found in the German Alps.

Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the world of the von Trapp family from the classic film “The Sound of Music” by visiting the famous filming locations such as Mirabell Gardens, Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace.

In the evening, you could return to the bustling Christmas markets to revel in the festive ambiance a bit longer.





Day 12: Salzburg, Vienna

Location: Salzburg, Vienna

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Eventhotel Pyramide or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Once you arrive in Vienna today, take part in a guided walking tour led by your guide.

During the tour, you will get to see magnificent buildings, parks, and monuments that pay homage to celebrated composers and notable historical figures.

During your leisure time, consider visiting the stunning Hofburg Palace or the Leopold Museum, or you can take in stunning city views from the top of the Prater Ferris Wheel.

Later in the day, make your way to the Christmas markets located in front of the City Hall.

There, you can peruse the various stalls, indulge in some delicious freshly baked cinnamon biscuits, and enjoy a warm cup of Christmas punch.





Included Activities

Vienna City Tour

Day 13: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Eventhotel Pyramide or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have a full day to spend exploring Vienna, so why not consider visiting Schoenbrunn Palace, personally designed by Empress Maria Theresa? While the gardens are open to all visitors free of charge, there is a fee for entering the palace and taking tours.

To avoid lengthy queues, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance through schoenbrunn.

at.

Return to the sparkling Christmas markets in the afternoon, with more than 12 Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, you're bound to discover the perfect holiday gift!



Day 14: Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest

Location: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel City Inn or Novotel Budapest City – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava today, where you'll have a few hours to explore the Slovakian capital on your own.

Stroll along the Danube promenade, visit the Bratislava Castle, or try some traditional Slovakian food.

In the afternoon, continue on to Budapest, known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube'.

After a short orientation walk around the city, it's time to visit the Christmas markets.





Accommodation

Hotel City Inn or Novotel Budapest City – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Budapest Orientation Walk

Day 15: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Check out of your accommodation and say goodbye to your fellow travelers.

If you have some extra time, you may want to visit some of Budapest's other attractions, such as the Fisherman's Bastion or the Hungarian National Museum.

Alternatively, you could head back to the Christmas markets to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or indulge in some more traditional Hungarian food and drink.

When it's time to depart, your tour leader will be on hand to offer any assistance with transport arrangements or recommendations for further travel in the region.





Meals Included

Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 star hotels

  • Meals

    14 Breakfasts

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)

  • Flight

    Flight from Bucharest to Munich

What's Not Included

  • Any flights not mentioned above

  • Travel Insurance

  • Meals not stated above

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips and gestures

  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums

  • Optional activities

  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Flight from Bucharest to Munich



  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1



  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Average group size is around 12-42 people

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No passenger under the age of 18

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

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Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

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James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Danica Dee (Google Reviewer)  

I would 100% recommend the...

26-Apr-2024

I would 100% recommend the ANZAC Travel Talks tour, just finishing the 11 day tour here in Istanbul with our guide Mustafa. I travel alone and have done multiple tours with other well known and popular travel companies and this has hands down been the best!!! INFORMATION! Haha So much engaging history and knowledge from our guide, I found the tours of the palace and ruins with Mustafa very enjoyable. The freedom to skip a museum or tour to explore the city was encouraged. Meet back points and day plans were clearly communicated making it easy to have autonomy in a group setting. I felt like I was in charge of my own holiday and tour experience, which as a solo traveller who loves to do her own thing was perfect! We visited such amazing places on this tour that were bucket list items and once in a life time experiences! A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, walking the ruins in Ephesus & Troy. The dawn service at ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Gallipoli. I am still in awe of the amazing things we have done and seen in these last 11days! The country of Turkey itself is absolutely beautiful and the people here even more so. Very generous and kind, I always felt safe as a female travelling alone. The food AMAZING! Baklava, doner kababs, rice stuffed muscles and Turkish delights to name a few, will make you fall in love! Accommodation was big beautiful mostly 4-5 star hotels in great locations on the beach, in the city! Comfortable beds, ample space and an abundance of food! Most of our accomodation provided buffet breakfast and dinner. Not having to worry about where to eat at the end of a long day or before an early start was very convenient. The work placed into the ANZAC service, security and protection was hands down phenomenal. Multiple check points for security, Turkish workers handing out water, offering first aid, and clearly communicating and directing crowds for the services. All my anxieties for the day were put at ease seeing the work and dedication put in by the Turkish people and government. I honestly cannot fault this tour and want everyone to experience Turkey the way I have gotten to experience this beautiful country. This ANZAC tour will forever be in my memories and my heart as one of the best trips I have ever done! Truely, thank you, teşekkür ederim, Travel Talks Tours.

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Dates & Availability

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Instant Booking Available

Friday - Friday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$4378 $2342 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1970 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$66 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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