Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

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15 Days From

$4378

$2189

Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest

15 Days Starting in Bucharest, Romania and ending in Budapest, Hungary

Visiting: Bucharest, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, Sinaia, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

XM6

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $4378 $2189 Operator discount: -$2189 -50%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a magical journey through the heart of Europe with the "Best Christmas Markets of Europe: Bucharest to Budapest" tour. This enchanting adventure takes you through Romania, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, immersing you in the festive spirit of the continent's most charming cities. Begin in Bucharest, exploring its vibrant Christmas markets and the ancient Cozia Monastery. Discover the medieval allure of Sibiu and the legendary Bran Castle. Experience the cultural richness of Munich, the musical charm of Salzburg, and the imperial grandeur of Vienna. Conclude your journey in Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube.' With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transportation, this tour offers a hassle-free way to experience Europe's most iconic Christmas markets and historical sites. Enjoy 14 breakfasts, 4-star hotel stays, and the convenience of an air-conditioned coach and flight from Bucharest to Munich. Unwrap the magic of a European Christmas with this unforgettable tour.

Highlights

  • Experience the magic of a European Christmas as you journey through Romania, Germany, Austria, and Hungary's most charming cities.

  • Delve into the festive atmosphere of Bucharest and explore the ancient Cozia Monastery.

  • Discover the enchanting beauty of Salzburg, where the Christmas market comes alive with local crafts and traditional delicacies.

  • Wander through the picturesque Vienna and marvel at the stunning Munich.

  • Visit the medieval city of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and explore its Christmas market.

  • Explore the famous Christmas markets in Munich, including the Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz.

  • Travel to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance palace.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure. In the evening, attend a welcome meeting with your fellow travelers to get to know each other and go over the itinerary for the next few days.

Day 2 : Bucharest City Tour

Location: Bucharest

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a guided tour of Bucharest to see the city’s main sights, such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Village Museum. In the afternoon, visit Bucharest’s Christmas markets, such as the one in the Old Town, to sample local food and drink and pick up some souvenirs.

Day 3 : Cozia Monastery, Sibiu Old Town & Christmas Market

Location: Sibiu

Accommodation Name: Mercure Airport Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Cozia Monastery in the morning, an ancient and beautiful Orthodox monastery. After a tour, continue to Sibiu and explore the charming Old Town with a guide, including the famous Christmas market. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and taste local food and drinks.

Day 4 : Rasinari Tram, Sibiu

Location: Sibiu

Accommodation Name: Mercure Airport Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride the Rasinari Tram to the village of Rasinari, where you can visit a local museum and learn about traditional life in the area. Return to Sibiu for more time in the Christmas market or to explore other parts of the city.

Day 5 : Sighisoara, Brasov City Tour & Christmas Market

Location: Sighisoara

Accommodation Name: Hotel Cubix – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the medieval city of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (also known as Dracula). Take a walking tour of the town, including the Clock Tower Museum, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel to Brasov for a city tour and visit the Christmas market in the evening.

Day 6 : Bran Castle, Brasov

Location: Brasov

Accommodation Name: Hotel Cubix – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, and learn about the history and legends associated with it. Return to Brasov for some free time in the afternoon to explore the city or do some Christmas shopping.

Day 7 : Sinaia, Peles Castle, Bucharest

Location: Sinaia

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure Unirii – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance palace built in the late 1800s. After the tour, return to Bucharest for some final Christmas market shopping and sightseeing.

Day 8 : Bucharest, Munich ( By Flight )

Location: Munich

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Munchen Sud or Tulip Inn Munchecn Messe – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Are you ready to say goodbye to Romania and fly to Munich, Germany's third-largest city? Munich is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-famous Oktoberfest. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city's famous landmarks, including Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Englischer Garten. AccommodationHoliday Inn Westpark – 4 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast

Day 9 : Munich

Location: Munich

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Munchen Sud or Tulip Inn Munchecn Messe – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a visit to the Frauenkirche, Munich's iconic cathedral, to kick off your orientation walk of this famed town. Explore the city's famous Christmas markets including the Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz and the medieval market at Wittelsbacher Platz. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch and explore the markets at your own apce. In the evening, take a walk through the Schwabing neighborhood and enjoy some local food and drinks. AccommodationHoliday Inn Westpark – 4 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast Included ActivitiesMunich City Tour Optional ActivitiesAllianz Arena FC Bayern Museum - Arena Tour - €40Hofbrauhaus Bavarian Dinner Night - €45

Day 10 : Munich-Salzburg

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation Name: Austria Trend Hotel Salzburg Messe or B&B Hotel Salzburg Nord – 3 star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel southeast into Austria to Salzburg today. On arrival, check in to your hotel and then head out into the city for an orientation walk with your leader. The city will captivate with its history, cobblestone lanes, bubbling river and charmingly kitsch atmosphere. In the late afternoon, visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square, where the smells of gluehwein, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon brushed baked apples waft through the marketplace and traditional Salzburg choirs fill the air. Later on, jump in to a cable car and reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city's most visible landmark. This fully preserved castle hosts a small, intimate Christmas market and if you're lucky, Christmas themed live music. AccommodationTheater Hotel - 4 star Meals IncludedBreakfast Included ActivitiesSalzburg City TourHohensalzburg Fortress Sightseeing

Day 11 : Salzburg

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation Name: Austria Trend Hotel Salzburg Messe or B&B Hotel Salzburg Nord – 3 star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a day for you to freely explore Salzburg and its nearby regions. You may consider taking a trip to the salt mine located in Berchtesgaden, which can be found in the German Alps. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the world of the von Trapp family from the classic film “The Sound of Music” by visiting the famous filming locations such as Mirabell Gardens, Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace. In the evening, you could return to the bustling Christmas markets to revel in the festive ambiance a bit longer. AccommodationTheater Hotel - 4 star Meals IncludedBreakfast Optional ActivitiesHouse of Mozart - €25Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden Salt Mine - 40

Day 12 : Salzburg, Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Eventhotel Pyramide or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Once you arrive in Vienna today, take part in a guided walking tour led by your guide. During the tour, you will get to see magnificent buildings, parks, and monuments that pay homage to celebrated composers and notable historical figures. During your leisure time, consider visiting the stunning Hofburg Palace or the Leopold Museum, or you can take in stunning city views from the top of the Prater Ferris Wheel. Later in the day, make your way to the Christmas markets located in front of the City Hall. There, you can peruse the various stalls, indulge in some delicious freshly baked cinnamon biscuits, and enjoy a warm cup of Christmas punch. AccommodationArcotel Kaiserwasser or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast Included ActivitiesVienna City Tour

Day 13 : Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Eventhotel Pyramide or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have a full day to spend exploring Vienna, so why not consider visiting Schoenbrunn Palace, personally designed by Empress Maria Theresa? While the gardens are open to all visitors free of charge, there is a fee for entering the palace and taking tours. To avoid lengthy queues, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance through schoenbrunn.at. Return to the sparkling Christmas markets in the afternoon, with more than 12 Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, you're bound to discover the perfect holiday gift! AccommodationArcotel Kaiserwasser or Austria Trend Hotel Ananas – 4 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast IOptional ActivitiesSchonbrunn Palace (Imperial Tour) - €50Danube Tower - €30

Day 14 : Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Hotel City Inn or Novotel Budapest City – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava today, where you'll have a few hours to explore the Slovakian capital on your own. Stroll along the Danube promenade, visit the Bratislava Castle, or try some traditional Slovakian food. In the afternoon, continue on to Budapest, known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube'. After a short orientation walk around the city, it's time to visit the Christmas markets. AccommodationLeonardo Hotel – 4 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast Included ActivitiesBudapest Orientation Walk

Day 15 : Budapest

Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Check out of your accommodation and say goodbye to your fellow travelers. If you have some extra time, you may want to visit some of Budapest’s other attractions, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion or the Hungarian National Museum. Alternatively, you could head back to the Christmas markets to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or indulge in some more traditional Hungarian food and drink. When it’s time to depart, your tour leader will be on hand to offer any assistance with transport arrangements or recommendations for further travel in the region.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 star hotels

  • Meals

    14 Breakfasts

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned coach or mini-bus

    Flight from Bucharest to Munich

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel on day 1

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)

What's Not Included

  • Any flights not mentioned above

  • Travel Insurance

  • Meals not stated above

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Tips and gestures

  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums

  • Optional activities

  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with air-conditioned coaches or mini-buses, and enjoy a flight from Bucharest to Munich. Arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel is included, ensuring a seamless start to your festive adventure.

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including Hotel Mercure Unirii, Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower, and Holiday Inn Munchen Sud, ensuring comfort and relaxation after a day of exploring Europe's enchanting Christmas markets.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 4-star hotels throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 14 breakfasts as part of the package.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, and there is a flight from Bucharest to Munich included.

  • Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, an arrival airport transfer from Bucharest Airport to the hotel is included on day 1.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are included.

  • Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access is available where possible.

  • What activities are included in the Bucharest city tour?

    The Bucharest city tour includes visits to the Palace of the Parliament and the National Village Museum, as well as exploring the Christmas markets in the Old Town.

  • What can I expect to see at the Cozia Monastery?

    Cozia Monastery is an ancient and beautiful Orthodox monastery that you will tour in the morning.

  • What is special about the Christmas market in Salzburg?

    The Christmas market in Salzburg is located in Cathedral Square, where you can enjoy the smells of gluehwein, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Salzburg choirs. There is also a small, intimate Christmas market at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

  • What are some optional activities available in Munich?

    Optional activities in Munich include a tour of the Allianz Arena FC Bayern Museum and a Bavarian dinner night at Hofbrauhaus.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

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Friday - Friday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
$4378 $2189

Operator discount: -$2189

Prices last published on 21-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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