Eastern Festive Trek

Krakow Prague

Visits 6 destinations

11 Days

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Dates & Prices See all available trips

This Christmas, discover all the jingles and bells of Eastern Europe, and show Santa you’ve been a good little traveller.

Deck the halls with snow and adventure as this Christmas you’ll be discovering all the jingles and bells of Eastern Europe. What better way to show Santa you’ve been a good little traveller? Stuff your stockings in the markets of Krakow and Vienna, get merry under the mistletoe in the parties of Prague and Krakow, and ski down the white slopes of Zakopane as fast as a red-nosed-reindeer. Even if you’re a teeny bit naughty, we’ll make sure Santa’s little helpers leave you with a good gift!

We spend 11 days exploring Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic. We visit Krakow, Zakopane, Budapest, Vienna, Cesky Krumlov, Prague.

What Is Included...

  • Your legendary Busabout crew

  • 10 nights’ accommodation

  • 10 breakfasts

  • All coach transport

  • Traditional Polish Christmas Dinner

  • Christmas Eve dinner

  • Walking tour of Krakow

  • Vienna Schnapps Museum

Trip Highlights
  • New Year’s Eve fireworks at Charles Bridge
  • Ski in the Polish Alps
  • Traditional Polish Christmas dinner

Check these off your bucket list

Budapest Budapest
Zakopane Zakopane
Prague Prague

11 Day Itinerary

Eastern Festive Trek 11 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Krakow

Our adventure begins this morning on the frosty banks of the Vistula River in historic Krakow. Meet with your fantastic Busabout guide and head out for an inclusive walking tour of one of Poland’s oldest cities. This afternoon’s a blank page waiting to be written, so venture out and explore the town. Head over to the massive Main Market Square to lose yourself in the myriad of sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas Market. While you’re out, grab a delicious local meal for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. This evening, we offer an optional Polish dinner followed by a welcome party for all. Join us afterwards for a few drinks and get to know your fellow passengers.

Day 2

Krakow

Krakow, round 2! The day is yours to do with as you please, but we think you might just love a tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Once commercially run, it’s been inoperable since the mid ‘90s and features cavernous chapels, a plethora of statues, and incredibly intricate artworks all carved directly into the walls. For those looking to explore the sobering horrors of WWII, tours of Auschwitz and Birkenau are available. This evening, head out to experience the vibrant nightlife of this Polish gem. - Breakfast included

Day 3

Krakow to Zakopane

It’s the 24th of December and that means a day full of cheesy Christmas singalongs, ugly sweaters and buckets of hot chocolate. We’ll be heading towards the mountains for the winter wonderland of Zakopane. We’ll arrive at the foot of the Tatra Mountains at around lunchtime and check in to our Christmas digs. Next, we’ll venture out for an optional orientation walk of the town before setting you free to explore the snow-sprinkled streets. In the late afternoon we gather to enjoy a delicious Christmas Eve feast (traditionally Polish, of course) at the hotel, followed by some festive fun and games with your fellow passengers. - Breakfast and dinner included

Day 4

Zakopane

Merry Christmas! Or as the Polish would say, ‘wesolych swiat bozego narodzenia’. In the spirit of giving, the whole day is yours to enjoy as you please with the option of joining us for an excursion to the slopes for some skiing and snowboarding. Set your own pace as you explore the myriad of winter activities on offer in Zakopane including snowmobiling, ice-skating, sleigh rides, snowshoe walks, and plenty of slope side activities. If you’d prefer to revel in the festive cheer, head on down to the ever popular Krupowki Street and get lost in the maze of cafes, restaurants, bars, carnival attractions, and the various street performers. This evening we head to a local traditional restaurant for an inclusive dinner followed by plenty of drinks. - Breakfast and dinner included

Day 5

Zakopane to Budapest

It’s Boxing Day and we’re journeying to Hungary. On the way to Budapest, we’ll be stopping off at magnificent Donovaly, Slovakia for lunch. We continue onwards to the Hungarian border and soon arrive in Budapest. We arrive into Budapest this afternoon and check into our new digs, then it’s time to head out and see all of the fantastic sights in the incredible capital city of Hungary and sample some of the local delicacies. After food, join your guide for a night on the town and experience one of Budapest’s unique cultural experiences: the ruin bars. - Breakfast included

Day 6

Budapest

Today we release you into Budapest’s loving embrace! Head out and see the massive neo-Gothic Parliament building––the biggest building in Hungary––and its many attractions. Next, mosey on over to the Castle District and see some jaw-dropping architecture, or head to the UNESCO-listed site of Andrassy ut and Heroes Square. Fancy yourself a figure skater, a hockey pro or just a fan of ice-skating? This is your chance to glide across Europe’s largest ice-skating rink. Or simply spend the day exploring the festive markets and relaxing in the local cafes and restaurants. Later, meet with your guide for an optional evening excursion soaking away life’s stresses in the healing thermal baths. - Breakfast included

Day 7

Budapest to Vienna

We bid a cheery ‘minden jot’ to quirky Budapest as we board our comfy coach for our next stop: Vienna. This afternoon we’ll chow down in Slovakia’s capital city of Bratislava. Check out some of the sights and do a spot of shopping before we continue on to Austria. We’ll arrive in Vienna this afternoon and waste no time in touring the famous Schnapps Museum. Tonight, join us for an optional dinner of delicious schnitzel. - Breakfast included

Day 8

Vienna

Vienna awaits today and you’re free to soak up every inch of this gorgeous, snow-dusted city. See the spectacle of the Lipizzaner horses at the Hofreitschule, visit one of the hundreds of local museums, or enter the home of Beethoven. After a spot of lunch, why not visit Mozart’s memorial? Or see the majesty of the imperial palaces of the Hofburg and Schonbrunn which houses the world’s oldest zoo. There’s so much to see and do in Vienna but remember, it’s always acceptable to take things slow and simply breathe in the eclectic atmosphere of this cultural mecca. This evening, head out for some delicious traditional food and drinks in this vibrant capital.

Day 9

Vienna to Cesky Krumlov

This morning we depart Vienna and head to Cesky Krumlov. En route we stop for a photo and a marvel at the historic Melk Abbey which overlooks the Danube river. This Benedictine Abbey houses the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg. Later, we arrive in the bohemian treasure of Cesky Krumlov and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. See the massive Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Czech out the UNESCO-listed Old Town or just relax in one of the many fine local establishments. This evening, meet with your guide and head off to sample some Czech specialities at the local beer hall.

Day 10

Cesky Krumlov to Prague

It’s the last day of the year! That means it’s New Year’s Eve and we’ve got a party to get to. Where better to see the new year in than the fairy tale city of Prague? Upon arrival we’ll stretch our legs with an orientation walk to limber-up and scout out all the highlights. After checking into our hostel this afternoon you’re free to explore the city, or recharge your batteries for the night ahead. This evening, join us for an optional dinner at the hostel before heading out to embrace the coming of the New Year. We’ll watch the fireworks from Charles Bridge as their fiery demise paints the night sky above us in perfect reds, blues, and greens. Spend the rest of the year partying up a storm, lost in the amazing atmosphere of Prague’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 11

Prague

Happy New Year! Check-out is after breakfast. - Breakfast included

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