Price per person in twin share room
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
The many splendours of Eastern Europe await this festive season. Celebrate Christmas Day in Prague and New Year's Eve in Ljubljana. Start in Munich and visit Budapest, Krakow and Prague, with plenty of free time to explore! Experience Nuremberg, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg. Soak up the festive spirit of fantastic Christmas markets, taste delicious local cuisine and immerse yourself in unique cultures and history. This is the best time to experience Eastern Europe as the locals do. Get ready for twinkling Christmas lights, chestnuts roasting, gorgeous scenery and much more!
Welcome to Munich! Arrive at the hotel this morning and meet your Expat Explore tour leader. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, Munich boasts a wealth of cultural hotspots. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Embark on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore. This evening, visit a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German food and culture.
Meals: Dinner
Hop on board the coach today and journey towards Prague. Stop off in Nuremberg on the way. This is Bavaria’s second-largest city, home to incredible architecture which was painstakingly restored using original stone after the bombings of WW2. Enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader before free time for lunch. Arrive in Prague this evening and discover a truly beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. Enjoy an included dinner tonight and get in the festive spirit, it's Christmas Eve!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Merry Christmas! Start the day with a walking tour and follow an expert local guide to see all the must-see sights in Prague. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Be sure to visit one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe which is held in Prague’s historic Old Town Square. Alternatively, join the Prague+ optional excursion to explore this magical city in depth. This excursion includes a visit to the Mala Strana neighbourhood, a lunch cruise on the Vltava River and a guided tour of the Prague Castle! Tonight, why not celebrate Christmas with an optional traditional Czech folk music show? Indulge in a traditional four-course dinner while enjoying a vibrant music and dance performance!
Meals: Breakfast
Leaving Prague this morning, travel towards Krakow. The royal capital of Poland for centuries, today Krakow is home to some of Europe’s most impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture – and over 2.3 million artworks to complement its historic buildings and monuments. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with your tour leader. Discover some of the main sights and get some ideas of what to explore further during the free day tomorrow. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
This morning offers an included visit to Auschwitz concentration camp. A guided tour will offer great insight into the atrocities committed on these grounds and the significance of this camp during WWII. After the tour, why not join the optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mine dates back to the Middle Ages and is a fascinating look at the area’s history. Descending underground, walk through 2km of tunnels, chapels, reliefs and freestanding sculptures carved from salt rock walls; along with underground lakes and archaeological displays. Alternatively, explore on your own and discover the Old Town, Kazimierz and the Wawel Castle! Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
On the way to Budapest, stop in Banska Bystrica in Slovakia, a picturesque town with beautiful buildings dating back to the late Middle Ages. Then it's off to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty (it straddles the Danube River) as well as Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, this is a city to behold! Tonight’s meal is at a local restaurant, so savour the chance to try some of the local cuisine!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Budapest is a widely-loved travel destination and today is your chance to find out why! Get a good overview on a driving tour this morning. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. The rest of the day is free! Take a dip in one of the city’s famous bathhouses - Széchenyi and Gellért are two of the most famous! Stroll through sprawling parks and wander along the Danube riverside which are beautiful in the colder seasons. Visit local Christmas markets to try Hungarian food and wine, enjoying the sights, smells and tastes and you go. Tonight, choose to see Budapest from the water on an optional Danube evening cruise!
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Budapest this morning and head for Vienna, stopping first in Bratislava. Your tour leader will take the group on an orientation tour to see some of the main sights, including a glimpse of Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city. On arrival in Vienna, embark on a driving tour. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, cheerful, bustling pubs and bars, and a host of clubs and music venues in which to dance the night away. After the driving tour, enjoy an included dinner in a Viennese wine cellar! Afterwards, enjoy the option of attending a classical music concert.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Leaving Vienna behind, head for Ljubljana, stopping in the beautiful city of Graz with some free time to explore. On arrival in Ljubljana, embark on a walking tour of this little gem of a city. Despite its small size, you’re sure to be entranced by the beauty of this city, which features a wealth of cultures, activities and sights. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city, and dates back to the 16th century. Tonight, ring in the New Year! Ljubljana's open-air celebrations are held throughout the city in public squares, with live music and events, before a beautiful fireworks display is launched from the castle hill as the clock strikes midnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Leaving Ljubljana behind, visit the spectacular Lake Bled. Take some time to wander around or try the famous Bled Cream Cake! Hop back on the coach and stop off in the picture-perfect city of Salzburg. Featuring gorgeous architecture, a formidable cliff-top fortress and imposing cliffs in the distance, this is a true fairytale city. This was also Mozart’s home-town - see if a little of the genius rubs off! Arriving back in Munich, the evening is free to spend as you wish. Join tonight’s optional excursion to visit a traditional beer hall with your new-found travel friends and enjoy a delicious, three-course farewell dinner!
Meals: Breakfast
This Christmas and New Year adventure concludes in Munich after breakfast. Expat Explore hopes you've loved every minute of your Eastern Highlights tour, and wishes you a safe onward journey!
Meals: Breakfast
Welcome to Munich! Arrive at the hotel this morning and meet your Expat Explore tour leader. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, Munich boasts a wealth of cultural hotspots. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Embark on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore. This evening, visit a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German food and culture.
Munich orientation tour: Explore Munich with your tour leader on an orientation tour. Learn more about this wonderful German city and see highlights like Karlsplatz and Marienplatz.
Dinner in a German beer hall: Say “prost!” to the first night of the tour! Eat and drink like the locals do in a traditional German beer hall. Try classic German cuisine and sip on German beer.
Dinner
Hotel
Hop on board the coach today and journey towards Prague. Stop off in Nuremberg on the way. This is Bavaria’s second-largest city, home to incredible architecture which was painstakingly restored using original stone after the bombings of WW2. Enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader before free time for lunch. Arrive in Prague this evening and discover a truly beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. Enjoy an included dinner tonight and get in the festive spirit, it's Christmas Eve!
Visit Nuremberg: Enjoy an orientation tour in Bavaria’s second-largest city. See the medieval castle and get a chance to explore the Old Town and shop at the Christmas markets in the town square.
Christmas Eve Dinner in Prague: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at the hotel on the first night in Prague. Take the option to try some famous Czech beer and toast to Christmas Eve on tour!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Merry Christmas! Start the day with a walking tour and follow an expert local guide to see all the must-see sights in Prague. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Be sure to visit one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe which is held in Prague’s historic Old Town Square. Alternatively, join the Prague+ optional excursion to explore this magical city in depth. This excursion includes a visit to the Mala Strana neighbourhood, a lunch cruise on the Vltava River and a guided tour of the Prague Castle! Tonight, why not celebrate Christmas with an optional traditional Czech folk music show? Indulge in a traditional four-course dinner while enjoying a vibrant music and dance performance!
Prague Guided Tour: Start off Christmas Day with a guided tour of Prague! A local guide will highlight all of the must-see sights and top attractions such as Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, while sharing insights into this incredible Bohemian city!
Breakfast
Hotel
Tour the incredible Prague Castle, wander through the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood, cruise the Vltava River, enjoy a buffet lunch and more!
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
Leaving Prague this morning, travel towards Krakow. The royal capital of Poland for centuries, today Krakow is home to some of Europe’s most impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture – and over 2.3 million artworks to complement its historic buildings and monuments. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with your tour leader. Discover some of the main sights and get some ideas of what to explore further during the free day tomorrow. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight.
Krakow walking tour: A real gem of Eastern Europe, Krakow has been the royal capital of Poland for some 500 years. Take a walking tour of the city and delight in some of Europe’s most impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
This morning offers an included visit to Auschwitz concentration camp. A guided tour will offer great insight into the atrocities committed on these grounds and the significance of this camp during WWII. After the tour, why not join the optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mine dates back to the Middle Ages and is a fascinating look at the area’s history. Descending underground, walk through 2km of tunnels, chapels, reliefs and freestanding sculptures carved from salt rock walls; along with underground lakes and archaeological displays. Alternatively, explore on your own and discover the Old Town, Kazimierz and the Wawel Castle! Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.
Auschwitz concentration camp guided tour: Visit the concentration camp which was operated by Nazi Germany during WW2. Learn the history and see the sites of one of history’s most harrowing events.
Breakfast
Hotel
Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine! With a depth of 327 metres and 300 km long passage, this is one of Krakow’s must-see attractions.
On the way to Budapest, stop in Banska Bystrica in Slovakia, a picturesque town with beautiful buildings dating back to the late Middle Ages. Then it's off to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty (it straddles the Danube River) as well as Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, this is a city to behold! Tonight’s meal is at a local restaurant, so savour the chance to try some of the local cuisine!
Visit Banska Bystrica: Enjoy a comfort stop in Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. See the Old Town square and admire its historic architecture, some of which dates back to the late Middle Ages.
Dinner in Budapest: Savour local Hungarian flavours at one of Budapest’s best restaurants!
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Budapest is a widely-loved travel destination and today is your chance to find out why! Get a good overview on a driving tour this morning. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. The rest of the day is free! Take a dip in one of the city’s famous bathhouses - Széchenyi and Gellért are two of the most famous! Stroll through sprawling parks and wander along the Danube riverside which are beautiful in the colder seasons. Visit local Christmas markets to try Hungarian food and wine, enjoying the sights, smells and tastes and you go. Tonight, choose to see Budapest from the water on an optional Danube evening cruise!
Budapest driving tour: Meet up with a local guide for a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture, language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, and make a stop at Heroes Square. Get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like the Hungarian Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.
Breakfast
Hotel
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
Leave Budapest this morning and head for Vienna, stopping first in Bratislava. Your tour leader will take the group on an orientation tour to see some of the main sights, including a glimpse of Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city. On arrival in Vienna, embark on a driving tour. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, cheerful, bustling pubs and bars, and a host of clubs and music venues in which to dance the night away. After the driving tour, enjoy an included dinner in a Viennese wine cellar! Afterwards, enjoy the option of attending a classical music concert.
Bratislava orientation tour: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city, including a photo stop at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.
Walking and driving tour of Vienna: Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the RingStrasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then, discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre.
Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar.
BreakfastDinner
Hotel
Enjoy a classical concert held in a beautiful Viennese concert hall. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart.
Leaving Vienna behind, head for Ljubljana, stopping in the beautiful city of Graz with some free time to explore. On arrival in Ljubljana, embark on a walking tour of this little gem of a city. Despite its small size, you’re sure to be entranced by the beauty of this city, which features a wealth of cultures, activities and sights. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city, and dates back to the 16th century. Tonight, ring in the New Year! Ljubljana's open-air celebrations are held throughout the city in public squares, with live music and events, before a beautiful fireworks display is launched from the castle hill as the clock strikes midnight.
Visit Graz: Visit this bustling city and enjoy an orientation tour of Austria’s second-largest city with your tour leader. Graz is home to a charming Old Town, palaces and forts coupled with intriguing contemporary art.
Ljubljana tour: Meet up with an expert local guide for a walking tour of the city. On foot, encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, enjoy some time to explore. A visit to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church (its Baroque architecture is truly spectacular) is highly recommended.
Breakfast
Hotel
Leaving Ljubljana behind, visit the spectacular Lake Bled. Take some time to wander around or try the famous Bled Cream Cake! Hop back on the coach and stop off in the picture-perfect city of Salzburg. Featuring gorgeous architecture, a formidable cliff-top fortress and imposing cliffs in the distance, this is a true fairytale city. This was also Mozart’s home-town - see if a little of the genius rubs off! Arriving back in Munich, the evening is free to spend as you wish. Join tonight’s optional excursion to visit a traditional beer hall with your new-found travel friends and enjoy a delicious, three-course farewell dinner!
Visit Lake Bled: This beautiful lake in Slovenia is situated in the Julian Alps. The lake surrounds Bled Island located at its centre, and is overlooked by the medieval Bled Castle on the north shore. Enjoy some free time to explore this gorgeous area.
Salzburg comfort stop: Divided by the Salzach River, the west side of the centre is characterised by the medieval and baroque architecture of the World Heritage Listed Old City (Altstadt), which faces the 19th century New City (Neustadt). A fairytale castle overlooks the city upon a steep hill and against a background of scenic Alpine mountains.
Breakfast
Hotel
Make the most of your last night on tour with a delicious, three-course dinner at a traditional Bavarian beer hall in the heart of Munich.
This Christmas and New Year adventure concludes in Munich after breakfast. Expat Explore hopes you've loved every minute of your Eastern Highlights tour, and wishes you a safe onward journey!
Breakfast
Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.
Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Tour the incredible Prague Castle, wander through the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood, cruise the Vltava River, enjoy a buffet lunch and more!
Discover the many fairytale sights within the magical city of Prague! Tour the impressive Prague Castle complex with a local guide and learn about its regal history before exploring the charming Mala Strana neighbourhood nestled at the foot of the castle. Then, take a cruise down the Vltava River and marvel at Prague’s enchanting buildings and bridges from the water. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet of Czech dishes while on board plus one included drink!
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
Experience a vibrant evening of traditional Czech folk music and dancing! Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner of authentic Czech dishes complete with unlimited drinks. While you enjoy your dinner, delight in a two-and-a-half-hour folk show performed by professional dancers and musicians in traditional Czech garb. Guests will be encouraged to participate in the festivities! Vegetarian options are available.
Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine! With a depth of 327 metres and 300 km long passage, this is one of Krakow’s must-see attractions.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed onto the First UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List in 1978. Every year it is visited by over one million tourists. It reaches a depth of 327 metres and the mine's passage is almost 300 km long! The Salt Mine continuously produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007, is one of the world's oldest operating salt mines and is one of the must-see attractions of Krakow. Included in the half-day tour is return transport from the hotel, entrance fees and the services of a local guide in the salt mines.
Please Note: There are over 700 steps to descend (with an elevator to bring you back up!). Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
Delight in panoramic nighttime views as you cruise along the Danube with a local guide! See the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle Hill, the Chain Bridge and many more of the city's splendid sights. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and indulge in a Hungarian feast full of traditional dishes such as beef goulash and chicken paprikash. Vegetarian options are also available.
Please Note: Minimum numbers are required.
Enjoy a classical concert held in a beautiful Viennese concert hall. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart.
Enjoy a concert featuring the music of one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart, held in beautiful concert halls like Kursalon Wien, Musikverein Golden Hall, State Opera and Konzerthaus.
Make the most of your last night on tour with a delicious, three-course dinner at a traditional Bavarian beer hall in the heart of Munich.
Make the most of your last night on tour with a delicious, three-course dinner in Munich. Bid farewell to your tour leader and fellow travellers over a delectable German meal at a traditional Bavarian beer hall in the heart of the city. Enjoy a starter, a choice of main course and dessert along with a beer or soft drink. Reminisce over the many memories made during your unforgettable tour and raise a toast to future adventures!
2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price
Start Date / End Date | Flexible Booking | Status | Price Per Person |
23 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025 | SOLD OUT! |
For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .
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