Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Small Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia & Austria - Small Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Zagreb, King Tomislav Square, Zagreb, Art Pavilion, Zagreb, St. Mark's Church, Zagreb, Lotrščak Tower, Zagreb, Stone Gate, Zagreb, Varaždin, Postojna Caves, Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava, Bratislava Castle, Old Town, Bratislava, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, City Hall
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW521N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical winter journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria with this small group tour. Begin in Zagreb, where you'll explore the vibrant capital with a local expert, before venturing into the mesmerizing Postojna Caves in Slovenia. Discover the Baroque elegance of Ljubljana and enjoy the festive atmosphere of its Christmas markets. Continue to the historic city of Graz and the charming Slovakian capital, Bratislava, where you can choose between a city exploration or a delightful Christmas food tour. Conclude your adventure in Vienna, where the grandeur of Schobrunn Palace and the festive Viennese Christmas Market await. With guided tours, local insights, and a focus on sustainable travel, this tour offers a unique and immersive holiday experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb
Location: Zagreb, King Tomislav Square, Zagreb
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
Transfers to your hotel will be departing from Zagreb airport. 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 travelers over a pleasant evening with wine.
Day 2: Zagreb Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Zagreb, Art Pavilion, Zagreb, St. Mark's Church, Zagreb, Lotrščak Tower, Zagreb, Stone Gate, Zagreb, Varaždin
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the two-tiered capital of Croatia. Take a stroll to see the Art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and pass through Zrinjevac Park. Then, board the city’s funicular to visit St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower. Walk back down through the Stone Gate and return to the main square. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax and take advantage of your hotel’s amenities or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the town of Varaždin to explore the Christmas Markets set amidst the Baroque Old Town.
Day 3: The Postojna Caves and Ljubljana
Location: Zagreb, Postojna Caves, Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite. Later, arrive to charming Ljubljana and tonight enjoy a dinner of Slovenian specialties with wine.
Day 4: Ljubljana Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 5: The Slovakian Capital of Bratislava
Location: Graz, Bratislava
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 center on your orientation. Walk among colorful 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.
Day 6: Bratislava Sightseeing and Vienna
Location: Bratislava, Bratislava Castle, Old Town, Bratislava, Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Theater, 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 traveling to nearby imperial Vienna.
Day 7: Vienna sightseeing
Location: Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, City Hall
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market.
Day 8: Depart Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end in Vienna this morning.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Bratislava, including an exploration of the city center with a Local Expert or a Christmas food tour.
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Top Rated Highlights
Guided tours and explorations in Zagreb, Postojna Cave, Ljubljana, Graz, Bratislava, and Vienna with Local Experts.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit Soncek Sunshine in Ljubljana, a non-profit organization supporting individuals with cerebral palsy, contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are included.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
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Transfers
Transfers to your hotel from Zagreb airport and scheduled transfers if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to the town of Varaždin to explore the Christmas Markets are not included.
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Non-scheduled Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights not booked with Insight Vacations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, ensuring a relaxing journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Sheraton Zagreb, Lev Ljubljana, AC Hotel Bratislava Old Town, and Hilton Vienna Park, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Ljubljana?
In Ljubljana, the tour offers a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience at Sonček Sunshine, a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy. Visitors can explore a wonderful array of handmade items crafted by skilled artisans, directly supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Postojna Caves?
During the visit to the Postojna Caves, you will board a mini-train to enter the world-famous cave systems. You will then walk through an illuminated fairyland of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains, including the five-meter tall Brilliant, the cave's most beautiful stalagmite.
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What activities are available in Bratislava?
In Bratislava, you have the option to join a Local Expert for an exploration of the city center, including vistas from the Bratislava Castle and a walk in the charming Old Town. Alternatively, you can join an avid food lover for a Christmas food tour around the market.
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What highlights can I expect to see in Vienna?
In Vienna, you will tour the Schönbrunn Palace, marveling at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded ornaments. You will also enjoy a drive around the famous Ring Road, showcasing architectural masterpieces such as the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and the City Hall, all festively decorated for the Viennese Christmas Market.
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What is the dining experience like on this tour?
The tour includes 3 dinners and 7 breakfasts. You will have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties, such as a dinner of Slovenian specialties with wine in Ljubljana.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Dec 07, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions