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Imagine strolling through ancient city squares, the air filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine. Twinkling lights illuminate historic architecture, and the joyful sounds of carolers create a magical holiday atmosphere. This isn't just a dream; it's the European Christmas Market trip, and we want you to be a part of this unforgettable journey.

Zimmer Communications, along with Erin Hart and Kevin Hilley (from 94.3FM Kat Country in Jefferson City and 101.3FM Real Country in Springfield) and our expert travel partner, Collette Travel, invites you to discover the enchanting holiday traditions of Central Europe. This is more than just a vacation; it’s a chance to create lasting memories and experience the festive season in a truly special way. This 9-day classic tour is designed for travelers who appreciate comfort, culture, and convenience, with every detail thoughtfully arranged for a seamless travel experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Magical Destinations: Explore the enchanting Christmas markets in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and more, each offering unique holiday traditions and experiences.
• Exclusive Hosts: Join Erin Hart and Kevin Hilley, adding a personal and friendly touch to the trip.
• Unforgettable Highlights: Visit the medieval town of Ceský Krumlov, enjoy a scenic train ride from Vienna to Bratislava, and cruise along the Danube in Budapest.
• Seamless Travel: Colette Travel ensures a stress-free experience with expert planning, comfortable accommodations, and guided tours.
• Call to Action: Sign up for one of two informational meetings to meet the team and learn more about this incredible 9-day adventure.

Your 9-Day Winter Wonderland Itinerary

This journey is crafted to immerse you in the heart of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas traditions. With 11 meals included, you'll have plenty of opportunities to savor local flavors while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Let’s explore the highlights of this incredible adventure.

The Charm of Prague and Ceský Krumlov

Your adventure begins in Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires." Upon arrival, you'll settle in for a two-night stay. The real magic starts as we explore Prague’s famous Christmas markets. These markets are a sensory delight, with rows of decorated wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and local crafts to delicious holiday treats. You can sip on warm drinks, listen to live music, and soak in the festive spirit that fills the Old Town Square.

A highlight of our time in the Czech Republic is a visit to the medieval town of Ceský Krumlov. This UNESCO World Heritage site looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. As you wander its cobblestone streets, you'll be transported back in time. The town’s intimate Christmas market offers a unique and authentic atmosphere, surrounded by stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It's a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and experience a more traditional side of the holiday season.

The Imperial Splendor of Vienna

Next, we travel to Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital. The city is renowned for its elegance and grandeur, which are only amplified during Christmastime. Vienna’s Christmas markets, known as "Christkindlmarkts," are among the most famous in the world. You’ll have the chance to explore these markets, each with its own distinct character, from the grand market in front of the City Hall to smaller, cozier ones tucked away in charming squares.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. We’ll take a scenic train journey from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This unique excursion allows you to experience the holiday traditions of another beautiful city. Bratislava’s markets offer a delightful mix of local food, crafts, and festive cheer, all set against the backdrop of its historic old town. It’s a wonderful way to discover a new culture and add another layer to your European experience.

The Beauty of Budapest

Our final destination is Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube." This vibrant city is a stunning conclusion to our holiday tour. After a relaxing cruise along the Danube River, which offers breathtaking views of the city's illuminated landmarks, you'll delve into Budapest's bustling Christmas markets. The market at Vörösmarty Square is a must-see, filled with Hungarian delicacies, folk art, and live entertainment.

Throughout your time in Budapest, you'll connect with the local culture and witness firsthand the city's rich history and festive traditions. It’s the perfect place to do some last-minute holiday shopping, enjoy the delicious local cuisine, and reflect on the incredible journey you've shared with fellow travelers. This seamless travel experience ensures you can focus on making memories without worrying about the details.

Your Hosts and Our Trusted Partner

We are thrilled to have Erin Hart and Kevin Hilley (from 94.3FM Kat Country in Jefferson City and 101.3FM Real Country in Springfield) joining us on this incredible trip. They share our passion for travel and community, and they can't wait to explore these magical Christmas markets with you. Their presence adds a familiar, friendly touch to this group adventure, making it a truly shared experience.

This tour is possible by our partnership with Colette Travel, a leader in guided touring for over a century. Their expertise ensures that every aspect of the trip is handled with professionalism and care. From comfortable accommodations to knowledgeable local guides, Colette’s commitment to quality guarantees a stress-free and enriching travel experience. You can travel in comfort, knowing that all logistics are taken care of.

Join Us to Learn More!

Are you ready to explore the enchanting Christmas markets of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest? This is your chance to discover new cultures, connect with fellow travelers, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience a European Christmas market adventure.

Ready to book your seat? Click here and select "Sign Up Today" in the top right corner. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What's Included in the Tour?

A. Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to ensure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee if you fail to do so.

Q. What Choices Are There to Customize My Trip Experience?

A. One of the ways we encourage you to make your own journey is with Choice on Tour, letting you decide how to experience a destination or site based on your unique interests.

It’s your choice! Included in your itinerary, there may be a day, or days, with two (or more) activities during a designated time. You may have selected your preferred option(s) when booking your tour. In most cases, your selection may be made upon arrival on tour and discussed with your Tour Manager. If no selection is made during the booking process, the default option is assumed.

While in Budapest, you have the choice between two activities.

Your first choice is to set off on a Classic Budapest city tour, which brings you to some of Budapest's biggest highlights. You'll visit the Neo-Gothic Matthias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion, and pass the historic Old Buda and Parliament House.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 3.

The tour covers approximately 3 miles, and travelers may expect to walk on uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.

Your second choice is to take a Budapest and the House of Music themed tour of the city. You’ll embark on a panoramic tour of Pest, passing highlights such as Andrassy Avenue, the Opera House, and the Dohany Street Synagogue, and hearing about Budapest's musical history. After, you’ll visit The House of Music Hungary to immerse yourself further into the city’s musical heritage.

The Activity Level for this choice is 2.

You can expect to cover approximately 2 miles on foot.

Q.  What Culinary Experiences Are There on This Trip?

A. Traditional Czech food pairs perfectly with flavorful Czech beer. Pilsner-style beer originated in the town of Plzen in Western Bohemia and was introduced in 1842. The Czech diet features pork or beef with sauce, most commonly served with dumplings. Dumplings are a traditional Czech side dish. Other dishes to try are rice, potatoes, chicken, duck, turkey, fish, rabbit, and lamb. Be sure to try fried cheese!

In Germany, the cuisine consists of comforting, hearty dishes. As you may know, Germany is known for its variety of sausages and breads. Whether it is a light starter soup or a heavy stew for a main course, Germans never pass up a nice bowl of soup. Another traditional German favorite is “Pfannkuchen,” a bread made from sweet yeast dough, fried, filled with marmalade or jam, and topped with icing, powdered sugar, or conventional sugar—you simply cannot leave Germany without trying it! Germany is also known for its vast array of ales, beers, and wines.

Viennese cuisine is best known for its pastries and dishes that heavily depend on meat, such as veal and beef. Desserts that are must-tries include strudel pastries with apple filling, a milk-cream strudel, pancakes with fruit compotes, and cakes. Sauerkraut and dumplings are also commonly served.

Bratislava has one iconic dish: the Bratislavsky rozok, a crescent-shaped pastry filled with poppyseeds or nuts. Pair your foods with Bratislava wines.

Typical Hungarian cuisine features various meats and cheeses. Traditional Hungarian dishes pair meats with seasonal vegetables and seasonings. You'll find Hungary has delicious desserts similar to those found in the Czech Republic, Vienna, and Bratislava.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team carefully chooses restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best suit your tastes and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 10 to 20 US Dollars for lunch and 27 to 37 US Dollars for dinner.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning of your tour.

A service charge is often included in the bill. If it is not, a standard tip is to round up the bill to the next whole amount. Hand the money directly to the server. We do not advise leaving tips on the table.

Have more questions? Visit the Collette Travel page for additional details on this trip.