Compare Taste of Eastern Europe by Expat Explore vs Christmas Markets of Central Europe - Small Group, Winter 2023 2024 by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Munich

Welcome to Munich! The first day of the tour is our arrivals day. Meet your fellow travellers, and, depending on what time you arrive, head into Munich and see the sights ahead of the start of your tour. 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, you’ll find a wealth of cultural hotspots in Munich. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Tonight, we’ll take you to a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German culture. Prost!

Experiences
Munich orientation tour: your tour leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.
German Beer Hall: tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional beerhall. Dishes include typical German favourites, such as a sausages with sauerkraut, chicken with potato salad, and potato dumplings with sauerkraut (vegetarian option).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

Today, we're off to Innsbruck, stopping first at the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. With turrets soaring high above the surrounding woodland, this is a castle that will bring all those familiar fairy tales to mind. We'll take a tour, allowing you to get up close and personal to this outstanding European landmark. Following that, we'll head to Oberammergau for a comfort stop. This town is famous for its passion play, which is re-enacted every 10 years in commemoration of the vow made by the town's citizens in 1634. Next, we'll make our way to Innsbruck in nearby Austria. This is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. It's not everywhere that offers extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps), fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions, too. Once we arrive in the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore this fascinating Austrian city.

Experiences
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and embark on a tour of the castle interior. 
Comfort stop in the German town of Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play.
Explore the fascinating Austrian city of Innsbruck.
Optional Excursions
Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
AlpinPark Hotel Innsbruck
Other Foods to try
Wiener Schnitzel, beef soup and Apfelstrudel.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Salzburg - Vienna

From Innsbruck, we head for the grandeur of Vienna, stopping on the way for a comfort stop in Salzburg. On arrival in Vienna, we’ll take a driving tour of the city – which ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and artworks by masters like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka, 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.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
Enjoy a guided tour of Vienna.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Fourside Hotel Vienna City Center
Courtyard by Marriott Wien Schoenbrunn
Other Foods to try
Schnitzel - a boneless meat, thinned with a meat tenderizer, coated with flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs, and then fried. Similar to the French dish escalope, it is typically made from chicken, beef, turkey or pork.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Budapest

Today, we’re 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. Get a good overview of it all with our Budapest driving tour when you arrive. Starting on the Pest side of the Danube, head across the river and stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please.

Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: we meet the local guide who takes you on a driving tour of this fabulous city pointing out places of interest and imparting their local knowledge and history. You will experience amazing views from Gellert Hill and the Citadel, drive through the city to include a stop at Heroes Square, see Budapest Parliament, St Stephen Basilica, the State opera, Castle District and then drive along Andrassy Avenue crossing the river to stop at Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion area.
Optional Excursions
Danube Evening Cruise €18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Budapest City
Ibis Budapest Centrum
Other Foods to try
Hungarian Goulash - a soup or stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and other spices
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Bratislava - Prague

Today, we're off to Prague, stopping on the way in Bratislava for a comfort stop. On arrival in Prague, we’ll take a walking tour of this incredible city, which, since freeing itself from communism, has joined other European jewels like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to take its place as one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Famous for its art, architecture, cobbled lanes and ancient chapels, this is also home to some of Europe’s finest beer. For dinner, experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Bratislava: Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on a orientation tour of the city where you will see the Old Town, Primatial Palace, Michael’s Gate, the Main Square, Old Town Hall, Slovak National Theatre and Reduta.
Local walking tour of Prague: enjoy a local guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower), Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague, the history of this restaurant dates back hundreds of years, and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech Beer. Budweiser anyone?

Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Other Foods to try
Tonight you can try svíčková na smetaně - a typical Czech dish consisting of beef sirloin in a cream sauce, commonly served with dumplings, cream and cranberries.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Prague - Free day

The day is yours to treat yourself to the fairy tale magic of Prague - often aptly described as the "Jewel in the Crown" of central Europe, and maybe revisit some of the places you saw on yesterday’s walking tour. The majestic Prague Castle, the famous Charles Bridge (you need to also see the views from the bridge at night - simply stunning), the old town and the Jewish Quarter are all worth seeing. There is also a ‘Secret Garden’ that leads to a man-made grotto - see if you can find it! Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. There are numerous beer halls in which to sample a local brew, and for those who wish to put your stamp on the city, why not visit legendary Lennon wall - a tribute to John Lennon and words of peace, which is added to on a daily basis by the thousands of visitors to the city. Did we mention ‘fairy tale’ city earlier? Maybe it is worth noting that Prague is the home of the "green fairy”, which is better known as absinthe.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Charles Bridge Towers Daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 90, Children CZK 25
Prague Castle Daily 09:00-4:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 250, Children CZK 125
St. Vitus Cathedral Feb-Mar: Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00 | Sun: 12:00-16:00 / Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00 | Sun: 12:00-17:00 Free
Old Jewish Cemetery - Jerusalem Synagogue - Jewish Museum Daily Sun-Sat 9:00 am - 9:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 480, Children (6-15 yrs) CZK 320
Museum of Communism Daily 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (All year) Adults CZK 180, Children (under 10) Free with paying adult
Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower) Nov-Feb: 10:00-18:00 | Mar & Oct: 10:00-20:00 | Apr-Sep: 10:00-22:00 Kč 100
The Dancing Building
Wenceslas Square Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 150
Optional Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening €35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 7: Nuremberg - Munich

On our way back to Munich, we'll stop at Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city. Famous for its dark beer and frenetic energy, you'll have a chance to look around before we make our way to Dachau Concentration Camp. In operation from 1933 to 1945, Dachau was a Nazi concentration camp that was responsible for the imprisonment of around 200 000 people. We'll gain more of an understanding of this dark side of German history, and then finally make our way back to Munich. Tonight is your last night on tour, so be sure to make the most of it!

Experiences
Comfort stop in Nuremberg: see the medieval castle and get a chance to explore the old town.
Visit to Dachau: opened in 1933 by Heinrich Himmler,  Dachau was the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany and was originally intended to hold political prisoners.  Situated near the medieval town of Dachau , about 16 km from Munich, this is a fascinating insight into the conditions and brutal treatment and imprisonment of Jews, ordinary German and Austrian criminals, and eventually foreign nationals from countries which Germany occupied or invaded. It was finally liberated in 1945. 

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Currywurst - German sausage covered in a mixture of ketchup, Worcester sauce, and curry powder.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: End of tour

Today, our tour ends after breakfast. Be sure to share details with your fellow travellers, so that you can stay in touch! We hope you've enjoyed the tour!

Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Munich after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 8 incredible days exploring the very best of Eastern Europe!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb

Transfers to your hotel depart from Zagreb airport at 11:30 and 14:00. 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.

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Zagreb Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Drive through the squares of the Lower Town, Donji Grad, designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. Board the city's funicular to the medieval Upper Town, Gornji Grad. It's a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower. The afternoon is at leisure. Discover the city’s Christmas markets or perhaps take an Optional Experience to the Zagorje region to learn about the local traditions and visit the house of Marshall Tito?

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Breakfast

Day 3: The Postojna Caves and Ljubljana

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.

Hotel Lev Ljubljana.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Ljubljana Sightseeing Relaxed Start

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.Meet Urban Modic, the local artist who designs Ljubljana's Christmas lights, for an insight into the city's famous decorations. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Hotel Lev Ljubljana.

Breakfast

Day 5: The Slovakian Capital of Bratislava

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.

Crowne Plaza Bratislava.

Breakfast

Day 6: Bratislava Sightseeing and Vienna

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.

Hilton Vienna Park.

Breakfast

Day 7: Vienna Sightseeing

Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence, Austrian Parliament Building and the Neo Gothic Town Hall. The afternoon is at yours to explore the historic core of the city and the offerings of the many Christmas markets. Tonight, savour a meal of Austrian specialities at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: To Enchanting Salzburg Relaxed Start

Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg.

ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: The City of Mozart Relaxed Start

Come December, the spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow. Walk with your Local Expert to see Mozart’s family home on the Getreidegasse, beautifully decorated at this time of year. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte. Then head on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine and the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop and browse. Here your Travel Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein.

ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.

Breakfast

Day 10: A Scenic Drive to Innsbruck Relaxed Start

A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the mountain-ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. Explore Innsbruck with Insight Choice, perhaps join a horse & carriage ride or visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by local Tyrolean entertainment and music.

AC Hotel Innsbruck.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 11: Neuschwanstein and Oberammergau

Travel to the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular Alpine mountainside. With a Local Expert, visit the exuberantly decorated apartments, including the Throne Room, before continuing into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre and admire the colourful painted chalets before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich. Please note: Neuschwanstein Castle visits require a good level of mobility due to the number of stairs in the building and uphill, on-foot access to the castle during winter. Those who do not wish to ascend to the castle can enjoy a coffee and cake, while admiring the beautiful castle vista.

Munich Marriott Hotel.

Breakfast

Day 12: Munich Relaxed Start

Enjoy an orientation of the city which concludes in Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, famous for its Glockenspiel. Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer!

Munich Marriott Hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 13: Auf Wiedersehen Munich!

Your departure transfer arrives at Munich Airport at 07:00 and 09:00.

Breakfast