A Christmas Trail: Budapest to Vienna
24th – 29th November 2025
Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – The Enchanting City of Budapest
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from the tour leader at the airport, where check-in will take place at 04:00 hrs. The flight from Malta to Budapest is scheduled to depart at 05:50 hrs. Upon arrival in Budapest, make your way to a centrally located hotel, perfectly situated to immerse you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. A variety of shops, restaurants, and the picturesque Danube are just moments away.
A time will be arranged once you have settled in, for you to join our local guide for a brief orientation walk to get acquainted with the near area and its highlights —including a visit to one of Budapest’s charming Christmas markets, where you can begin soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Explore the Wonders of Budapest
After a delightful breakfast, we set off on a full-day city tour with our local guide who will share with us their knowledge of history and culture that makes this city a wonderful place to discover. We will be visiting Heroes’ Square, the city’s most iconic landmark, surrounded by impressive statues and rich history. Explore the picturesque City Park, home to the famous Széchenyi Spa and the fairy-tale-like Vajdahunyad Castle. We will visit Andrassy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the grand House of Terror and the elegant Opera House.
In downtown Budapest, you have the opportunity to marvel at architectural gems such as the majestic Gresham Palace, the impressive Chain Bridge (currently under renovation), and the awe-inspiring Parliament Building, a true masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline.
We will cross the Danube via Margaret Bridge, driving past Margaret Island, and take in the scenic river views. Margaret Island is a tranquil getaway within the city. Pedestrian promenades navigate around parkland, an art nouveau water tower, the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent, a musical fountain and a small zoo. It is worth a visit on your own in any free time given during your stay or else during a return visit to this beautiful city.
On the Buda side, discover hidden treasures as we stroll through the enchanting Castle District, the breathtaking views from the Fisherman’s Bastion and the grandeur of the Royal Palace.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the festive atmosphere at the Christmas markets. We will return to the hotel later in the day. The evening highlight will be the Danube River Cruise (transfers and cruise included). You will be picked up at 19:30 hrs from the hotel reception to head to the pier. The cruise will depart at 20:00hrs where you will experience a magical hour-long cruise which showcases Budapest’s illuminated landmarks against the night sky. What a perfect way to end this day!
Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Optional Full-Day Excursion to Vienna – Christmas Market Special
We invite you to join us on a magical full-day excursion to Vienna, the elegant Austrian capital that comes alive during the festive season. Departing early in the morning from Budapest, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque countryside before arriving in Vienna, where the spirit of Christmas fills the air.
Our first stop will be the famous Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets. Together, we’ll stroll through rows of charming wooden stalls offering handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, seasonal treats, and the inviting aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds.
We’ll also have time to visit other beautifully decorated markets, such as those at Maria-Theresien-Platz and the stunning Belvedere Palace, each offering its own magical atmosphere. As we take in the sights and sounds, we’ll pass some of Vienna’s highlightsincluding the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Palace.
There will be time to warm up in one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses, where we can enjoy a rich hot chocolate or a delicious pastry before heading back to Budapest in the evening.
Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Explore the Historic Danube Bend
Our journey today will take us to explore the Danube Bend, a stunning geographical area where the Danube River makes a dramatic 90-degree turn, flowing from north to south. This picturesque region is renowned for its rolling hills, historic towns, and traditional villages.
We will visit Esztergom, once the royal seat and now the center of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Here and St. Stephen’s Cathedral known to be the largest church in Hungary. Today will, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River, which forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia.
A drive to the pretty historic town of Visegrád, a former royal seat. The town showcases medieval castle ruins and superb panoramic views of the Danube Bend.
We will stop to enjoy a lovely buffet lunch during the day (optional). Our final stop will be at Szentendre, a charming town known for its cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and Mediterranean feel. Often referred to as the “town of artists,” Szentendre has long been a haven for creatives. You will be given the time to purchase unique Hungarian crafts and souvenirs.
After a day filled with culture, history, and scenic views, we will return to the hotel for a rest.
Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Hungarian Puszta Horse Show
Today, we will be picked up by our transfer in the late morning where we will head out to enjoy one last highlight, the Hungarian Puszta Horse Show.
We arrive at the legendary Puszta Five and be prepared to be captivated as we watch the skilled Hungarian horse riders in awe as they deliver a performance like no other. Witness thrilling displays of horseback acrobatics, awe-inspiring Hungarian traditions such as riding with five horses at once, and impeccably trained horses demonstrating their agility and discipline. This spectacular experience will transport its spectators to the wild Hungarian plains, where man and horse once worked in perfect harmony. The show guarantees fun entertainment and includes good food, refreshing drinks, and lively music enhancing the festive atmosphere. (show and lunch included)
Itinerary Overview: Day 6 – Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, we will take some time to reflect on the memorable experiences shared throughout our stay in Budapest. Following checkout from the hotel, we will make our way to the airport for our return flight, scheduled to depart at 12:20 hrs.
As we bid farewell to this captivating city—rich in history, culture, and festive charm—we leave with hearts full of joy, cameras filled with beautiful memories, and perhaps a few last-minute souvenirs from the Christmas markets. This marks the end of our lovely holiday, but the warmth and spirit of Budapest in winter will surely stay with us for years to come.
Tour Pricing and Inclusions
| Adult in a single room | €920 |
| Adult in a twin/double room | €780 |
Price Includes:
- Return flights Malta – Budapest-Malta
- 20kgs luggage and small bag
- 5 nights in a 4 star centrally located hotel in Budapest
- Daily breakfast
- Danube river cruise with welcome drink
- Visegrad hilltop castle entrance fee
- Hungarian Puszta – show and lunch
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of a Maltese speaking Kercem A’ Tours tour leader
- Insolvency Fund Certificate
Price does not include:
- Parliament entrance fee per person for EU citizens (on show of passport) €20
- Full day excursion to Vienna €55
- Buffet lunch on Day 4, €24
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to any unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €350 deposit.
Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone.
For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details:
Kercem Ajax FC. A/C TOURS
Account Number: 40023111554
IBAN: MT09VALL22013000000040023111554
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name. Eg. Budapest – MR AND MRS VELLA