Exploring the Grand Holiday Markets of Central Europe

(With Prague, Brno, Dresden, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich)

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$6,998 USD *

(Price Per Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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8 days | 7 nights

Holiday Splendor and Yuletide Elegance
An Imperial Holiday Journey through Central Europe

A Holiday Fairytale in Six Cities - Fully Hosted Tour

Step into the heart of Europe's most enchanting holiday season on a luxurious winter journey through the storybook cities of Prague, Dresden, Brno, Vienna, and Salzburg. Wander beneath glowing lights and centuries-old architecture as you explore iconic Christmas markets from Prague's charming Old Town Square to Dresden's famed Striezelmarkt and Vienna's elegant Rathausplatz. Savor the flavors of the season with holiday cooking, traditional Stollen tasting, and afternoons spent in classic Viennese coffeehouses wrapped in warmth and old-world sophistication. Discover medieval squares, festive artisan stalls, and richly decorated historic centers as each destination comes to life. Evenings unfold with memorable holiday dining experiences, including a festive dinner in Vienna and an intimate chef's table farewell celebration featuring seasonal regional cuisine. Designed for travelers who appreciate culture, comfort, and the magic of the holidays, this immersive Christmas market escape blends timeless European traditions with refined luxury at every turn.

Exploring the Grand Holiday Markets of Central Europe

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•7 Nights In Superior Accommodations

•7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Tasting, 4 Dinners

•Private Airport Transfers (Prague & Munich)

•Private Minibus for Entire Tour

•Dedicated English-Speaking Tour Leader

•Czech "Winter Dishes" Welcome Dinner

•Guided Old Town Prague Tour

•Christmas Candle-Making Workshop

•Old Town Square Christmas Market

•Prague Castle Christmas Market

•Hands-On Christmas-Themed Cooking Class

•Dresden Historic Center Visit

•Striezelmarkt Christmas Market

•Medieval Stallhof-Style Christmas Market

•Stollen Tasting (Dresden classic holiday food)

•Brno Historic Center Visit

•Namesti Svobody Christmas Market

•Zelny Trh Christmas Market

•Guided Vienna Historic Center Tour

•Spittelberg Christmas Market

•Rathausplatz Christmas Market

•Traditional Viennese Coffeehouse

•Festive Holiday Dinner in Vienna

•Salzburg Old Town Visit

•Domplatz And Residenzplatz Christmas Market

•Marienplatz Christmas Market

•Residenz Courtyard Christmas Market

•Chef's Table Seasonal Farewell Dinner

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Select dates in November and December. Click the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button to view available dates.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

Click arrows (▶) to show details

Day 1

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Arrival & Check-in

Guests arrive in Prague, one of Europe's most atmospheric winter cities, where a private transfer brings them directly to Hotel Maximilian in the heart of the Old Town. After time to settle in, the tour begins with a gentle orientation walk through Prague's historic center and along the Vltava River. The pace is intentionally relaxed after the flight, allowing guests to enjoy their first impressions of the city without feeling rushed.

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Old Town Square Christmas Market Visit

In the evening, the group visits the Old Town Square Christmas Market, where the illuminated tree, wooden stalls, festive music, and scent of mulled wine create a memorable introduction to the Czech holiday season.

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Traditional Czech Welcome Dinner

The day concludes with a welcome dinner featuring traditional Czech winter dishes in a warm and relaxed setting. (D)

Day 2

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Czech Breakfast

Traditional Czech breakfast is complete with scrambled or boiled eggs, sausage, rye or sourdough bread, pancakes, and an assortment of pastries.

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Day Excursion Guided Tour

The day is dedicated to Prague's most beautiful historic areas, with a relaxed guided program focused on the city's festive heart. Guests explore Prague's architectural highlights while enjoying the winter atmosphere, with warm café breaks included to keep the day comfortable. The program includes the Prague Castle Christmas Market, set within one of the most iconic historic complexes in Central Europe.

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Christmas Candle-Making Workshop

In the afternoon, guests take part in an indoor Christmas candle-making workshop, creating their own seasonal souvenir to take home.

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Christmas-Themed Cooking Class & Dinner

The evening continues with a Christmas-themed Czech cooking class and dinner, offering a hands-on introduction to Czech holiday flavors and festive culinary traditions. Christmas Markets: Prague Castle Christmas Market. (B,D)

Day 3

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Czech Breakfast

Traditional Czech breakfast is complete with scrambled or boiled eggs, sausage, rye or sourdough bread, pancakes, and an assortment of pastries.

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Striezelmarkt Tour

Guests travel by private minibus to Dresden, one of Germany's most historic Advent destinations. The visit is designed as a comfortable full-day excursion, combining festive market time with an easy-paced walk through the beautifully restored historic center. The highlight is Dresden's famous Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets, known for its traditional crafts, seasonal foods, and festive atmosphere.

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Medieval-Style Market & Tasting

Guests also visit a medieval-style market, offering a different and more atmospheric experience with artisan stalls and historic surroundings. A traditional Dresden Stollen tasting introduces one of the region's signature Christmas specialties before returning to Prague for the night. (B,T)

Day 4

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Czech Breakfast & Check-Out

Traditional Czech breakfast is complete with scrambled or boiled eggs, sausage, rye or sourdough bread, pancakes, and an assortment of pastries.

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Local Christmas Markets & Transfer to Vienna

After breakfast, the group departs Prague and travels south by private minibus toward Brno, the lively capital of Moravia. This stop is planned as a relaxed and enjoyable break in the journey rather than a quick transit stop. Guests explore Brno's historic center, enjoy the local Christmas markets at Náměstí Svobody and Zelný trh, and experience a different side of Czech holiday culture with a warm Moravian atmosphere. Lunch is included in Brno before the journey continues to Vienna.

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Arrival in Vienna & Evening at Leisure

Upon arrival, guests check in at Hotel Josefine and have the evening to settle into Austria's elegant capital. (B,L)

Day 5

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Viennese Breakfast

Enjoy a light, classic continental-style meal, typically featuring fresh bread rolls with butter and jam, or cold cuts and cheese. Often accompanied by a coffee.

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Day Excursion and/or Guided Tour

The day introduces guests to Vienna's imperial elegance and refined festive atmosphere. The guided program explores the historic center at a relaxed winter pace, balancing outdoor sightseeing with indoor moments so the day remains comfortable. Guests experience both the grand and intimate sides of Vienna's Christmas season: the impressive Rathausplatz Christmas Market with its illuminated setting and festive stalls, and the more boutique-style Spittelberg Christmas Market, known for its narrow lanes, artisan products, and cozy local feel. A traditional Viennese coffeehouse stop is included, offering time to enjoy one of the city's most beloved traditions.

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Local Dinner

The day ends with a festive group dinner in Vienna. (B,D)

Day 6

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Viennese Breakfast

Enjoy a light, classic continental-style meal, typically featuring fresh bread rolls with butter and jam, or cold cuts and cheese. Often accompanied by a coffee.

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Transfer to Munich

The group travels west through Austria toward Salzburg, with private transportation making the journey comfortable and seamless. In Salzburg, guests enjoy a relaxed walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and festive center, surrounded by baroque architecture, church squares, and mountain views. The historical Domplatz and Residenzplatz Christmas Market offers a classic Austrian Advent atmosphere, with traditional decorations, seasonal treats, and local crafts.

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Café Lunch

A warm café break or light lunch is included before continuing to Munich in the afternoon.

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Hotel Check-In & Evening at Leisure

Upon arrival, guests check in at the Platzl Hotel, ideally located for exploring the city's historic center and Christmas markets. (B,L)

Day 7

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Bavarian Breakfast

Typically consists of fresh fruit, eggs, potatoes, and pretzels served with a delicious cheese and mustard spread.

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Munich's Christmas Markets

The final full day is dedicated to Munich's Bavarian Christmas atmosphere. Guests explore the city's main festive areas at an easy pace, with time for browsing, shopping, and enjoying local seasonal specialties. The program includes the Marienplatz Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of Munich's historic town hall, as well as the atmospheric Residenz Courtyard Christmas Market and an additional local market for a more authentic neighborhood feel. The day is designed to be relaxed and festive rather than overly structured.

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Chef's Table Farewell Dinner

In the evening, guests enjoy a Chef's Table finale dinner, a multi-course seasonal dining experience and the culinary highlight of the journey. (B,D)

Day 8

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Bavarian Breakfast

Typically consists of fresh fruit, eggs, potatoes, and pretzels served with a delicious cheese and mustard spread.

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Check-Out & Airport Transfer

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private minibus to Munich Airport. Depending on flight times, there may be an opportunity for one final festive moment at the Munich Airport Christmas Market before departure, bringing the journey to a relaxed and memorable close. (B)

Hotel Maximilian Prague

Hotel Maximilian is a stylish Michelin Selected boutique hotel located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, just a short walk from Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, Pařížská Street, and many of the city's main sights. Set within historic buildings, the hotel combines contemporary design, refined comfort, and a calm, intimate atmosphere. The rooms are modern, elegant, and well equipped, featuring air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, quality amenities, rainfall showers, bathrobes, slippers, and a minibar. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's welcoming brasserie, quiet lounge areas, and an in-house Planet Zen Spa offering a range of massages and wellness treatments. With its central location, boutique character, and attentive service, Maximilian is an excellent choice for travelers looking for comfort, style, and easy access to Prague's historic center.

Hotel Josefine Vienna

Hotel Josefine Vienna is a charming Michelin Selected boutique hotel set in a historic Viennese building in the lively Mariahilf district, just steps from Mariahilfer Straße, one of Vienna's main shopping streets. Inspired by the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, the hotel combines old-world Viennese atmosphere with modern comfort, individually designed rooms, stylish interiors, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a cozy bar and lounge area. Its convenient location near Neubaugasse metro station offers easy access to Vienna's historic center, museums, cafés, restaurants, and Christmas markets, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and atmospheric stay in Vienna.

Hotel München Palace

Hotel München Palace is a family-run Michelin Selected 5-star boutique hotel located in Munich's elegant Bogenhausen district, close to the Isar River and the English Garden. The hotel combines classic Bavarian charm with contemporary luxury, offering stylish and comfortable rooms, attentive personal service, a refined restaurant, Palace Bar, a peaceful garden terrace, rooftop terrace, fitness area, and sauna. With its quiet upscale setting and easy access to Munich's city center, cafés, museums, and Christmas markets, Hotel München Palace is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an elegant and intimate stay in Munich.

Prague•Dresden•Brno•Vienna•Salzburg•Munich

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection plans that can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.

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Holiday Splendor and Yuletide EleganceAn Imperial Holiday Journey through Central Europe

Exploring the Grand Holiday Markets of Central Europe

Holiday Splendor and Yuletide Elegance
An Imperial Holiday Journey through Central Europe