Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
$2825
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bratislava, Vienna
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W521AM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festive and New Year, Foodie and Wine Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical winter journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and Slovakia with the "Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Classic Group, Winter" tour. Begin your adventure in Zagreb, exploring its vibrant streets and indulging in traditional cuisine. Discover the stunning Postojna Caves in Slovenia and the charming capital of Ljubljana, where festive markets await. Traverse Austria's picturesque landscapes to the historic city of Graz, and continue to Bratislava for a taste of Slovakian culture and cuisine. Conclude your journey in Vienna, where the grandeur of Schonbrunn Palace and the festive atmosphere of the Viennese Christmas Market will captivate your senses. Travel in luxury aboard a spacious coach, enjoy guided tours, and relax in premium accommodations, making this a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
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 this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, 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.
- Ljubljana: Step into Soncek Sunshine, a vibrant non-profit organisation full of wonderful array of handmade items each crafted by a skilled artisan from Ljublajana. This organisation is dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy.
- 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
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
Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
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: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Lev 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
Accommodation: 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: Bratislava
Accommodation: AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town
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
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 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
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, so you don't have to worry about tipping or finding foreign currency.
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Porterage
Porterage service is included, with your bags being carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
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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 comfort on Insight's 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 for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the visit to the Zagorje region are not included and may incur additional costs.
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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
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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 transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, an onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Transfers from Zagreb airport are also included.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 3 dinners with wine and 7 breakfasts.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at the Sheraton Zagreb, Lev Ljubljana, AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town, and Hilton Vienna Park, which offer luxurious amenities and convenient locations in each city.
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Are guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided tours with Local Experts are included in Bratislava, Zagreb, Postojna Cave, Ljubljana, Graz, and Vienna.
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Is there any special dining experience included in the tour?
Yes, in Zagreb, you will indulge in traditional cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner.
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What is the policy on tips during the tour?
All hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping or finding foreign currency.
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Is there any flexibility in the activities during the tour?
Yes, in Bratislava, you have the choice to join a Local Expert for a city exploration or go on a Christmas food tour with an avid foodie.
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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
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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