Christmas Markets Prague, Vienna, Budapest, December 2 - 10, 2021; 10 days / 9 nights - Cruise Holidays of Metro East

Christmas Markets
                                      Prague, Vienna, Budapest, December 2 – 10, 2021; 10 days / 9 nights
Something happens in December across Northern Europe. For centuries, Christmas markets brought cheer to villagers adding touches of light and color to long
winter nights. Experience the joy of these markets with pretty, little stalls huddled together filled with glistening decorations, handmade crafts, and local mouth-
watering specialties. The sounds of children’s laughter, music, and choir singers filling the night, while aromas of local favorites like gingerbread and toasted
chestnuts waft through the air. The lights, the music and the atmosphere of Christmas Markets await you on this Boutique Escapes journey through three
European fairy tale cities.

Prague
Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. Prague's maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is a paradise for the
aimless wanderer, beckoning to explore a little further. Just a few blocks from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens,
cute cafes and old-fashioned bars with hardly a tourist in sight. And the beer? The best in Europe. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have
been famous for producing some of the world's finest brews. -Lonely Planet

Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s capital, known in history from names such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud and its imperial rule, specifically the Hapsburgs. The
historic centre is crowned by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets and a mix of new and old architecture. Wander into history
maybe into a restaurant from the 1600’s, visit palaces in and out of Vienna, sample food at the outdoor market, take in a concert and indulge in Viennese pastry.

Budapest
Budapest has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters and a nightlife that is unrivalled in Eastern
and Central Europe. Budapest’s beauty is not all God given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove,
with enough baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and art nouveau buildings to satisfy everyone. Overall, Budapest has a fin de siècle feel to it, for it was then, during the
capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19th century, that most of what you see today was built. -Lonely Planet

Hotel Ventana; 5 star; Prague; Superior double; December 2, 3, 4
Set in the historical heart of Prague near the Old Town Square this beautiful 5 star hotel is opposite the Old Town Hall with it´s Astronomical Clock. The Ventana is
surrounded by the area known as King’s Row and the Týn Cathedral. This former Art Nouveau palace is near the most interesting sites in Prague. Charles Bridge,
Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, and Parizska street with designer stores are just a few steps away. The Ventana has the perfect combination of location
and history.

Hotel Wandl; 4 star; Vienna; Classic double; December 5, 6, 7, 8
Set just 200 yards / meters from St Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of Vienna, Hotel Wandl dates back to 1850 and has a great location. History is around every
corner. Rooms are modern in design with all the comforts of a 4 star hotel. The bar at Hotel Wandl is inviting and the perfect place to relax after a day exploring
Christmas in Vienna.

Hotel Moments; 4 star; Budapest; Superior double; December 9, 10
The heart of Budapest, a perfect location for Hotel Moments, on iconic Andrassy Avenue, and near the Hungarian State Opera House. St Stephen’s Basilica is a
few minutes walk away as is the shopping street. The hotel, dating back to 1880 combines contemporary style with the original spirit of its origins and is reflected in
the guest rooms. Bistro Fine takes on the history of the street and is an unusual décor style reflecting the first underground metro line in continental Europe.

Tours included
Prague Castle Walking Tour 2h30; December 3
Meet your guide and start to explore the sites and history of Prague. Pass the Lesser Town Square and continue on to Prague Castle while listening to your guide
bring history to life with stories of the castle. Then its on to St Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important in Prague, home to the coronations of kings and
queens. St George’s Basilica, the second church at Prague Castle is also on the tour. Visit the Old Royal Palace and the magnificent Vladislav Hall. Your tour ends
with a visit down Golden Lane where you will hear stories about the lives of the locals. When the tour is over, spend time visiting the quaint Christmas market at
the castle.

Prague Advent Evening Food Walking Tour; 3h30; December 3
During the holiday season, Prague comes to life with Christmas markets and charming illuminations. Experience Prague at its most magical during an evening tour
that focusses on local delicacies served at the Christmas market. This small group of 10 people makes it easier to wander through Prague's Christmas market on
a food tour. During the tour, snacks and drinks are plentiful and amount to a full meal.

Czech Beer Tasting Tour; 1h30; December 4
Czech Beer, taste like the professionals and hear the insights about brewing traditions in the Czech Republic. Enjoy a relaxing evening with an introduction into
the world of beer brewing in Prague; you’ll leave the tour an expert on pilsners, porters and everything in between! The tasting includes a range of 7 of the most
popular well known Czech beer.

Vienna Carriage Ride; 45 minutes; December 5
What could be more fairy tale like than a horse drawn carriage ride through the Christmas-lit historic center of Vienna. On this slow trot, take in a unique start to
Vienna’s heart. En route pass the Imperial Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral and the winding cobblestone streets that locals enjoy as part of Viennese life.

Classic Vienna Walking Tour; 2h30; December 6
A slice of Vienna is served on this tour, just enough to whet your appetite and help you decide where to go next. Hear about the history, culture, famous residents
and what makes Vienna such an atmospheric city. After passing the museums around Maria-Theresien-Platz, it’s onto the Ring Road which borders the historic
city center. On the way, pass the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the impressive Austrian Parliament Building. Continue to, Volksgarten, a public park, check out Heroes
Square, and pass the Hofburg Palace. Walk around Burggarten, the former Emperor's private garden, as well as the Augustinian Church. Pass the Vienna State
Opera House and the bustling Graben shopping street. The tour ends at St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's most famous landmark.
Ticket included to enter the cathedral and explore on your own (unguided).

Schönbrunn Palace tour with audio-guide; Apple Strudel demonstration; transfer Schönbrunn Palace to hotel included; December 7
A visit to Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will have you following in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Built to
rival Versailles, the palace is composed of over 1400 rooms. It is hard to imagine that it was only built as a summer palace. Marvel at the Baroque architecture as
you hear about Vienna’s royal history. After the tour make your way to the demonstration bakery in Schönbrunn Palace’s historic Café Residenz, where strudels
have been prepared for centuries. A professional pastry chef will demonstrate how to prepare this iconic dessert. Following the demonstration, a piece of strudel
and a cup of coffee, included, will hit the spot! Feel like a baker? The recipe is yours to take home.

Belvedere Palace; entrance ticket; December 8
The Belvedere is one of the leading museums worldwide. Its famous art collection includes works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. Highlights
include the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings as well as prominent works from the periods of Viennese Biedermeier, Austrian Baroque, Vienna
around 1900, and French Impressionism. A picture or memory in front of Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ will last a lifetime.

Budapest Parliament Tour; 1h30; December 9
A most impressive sight inside as well as out, be wowed by a visit to the Budapest Parliament Buildings. With a specialized parliamentary guide, marvel at the
impressive staircase and the 16-sided central hall on your walk around Hungary’s largest building. See Hungary’s crown jewels: the 11th-century ‘Holy Crown’
once worn by bygone kings. This tour includes the regalia of its medieval kings. Learn about the crown’s incredible history, and the story of when it was stolen,
hidden, and recovered.

Danube Cruise; one hour cruise with audio-guide; December 9
The views of Budapest from the Danube are truly fairy tale like during the Christmas season. Take in Budapest’s floodlit landmarks seen from a glass-enclosed
boat, along its UNESCO-listed riverbanks with complimentary glass of Christmas cheer in hand. Admire the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle district
twinkling with lights, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge. Pictures just don’t do it justice, seeing it is truly understanding how impressive Budapest really is.

Budapest one day Hop On, Hop Off bus tour; December 10
On your final day of Christmas Market visits enjoy the freedom of a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour, the perfect way to cap off your visit. Still so much to see in
Budapest, and a ride on this bus gives you the choice of just riding or getting off the bus to explore. The route stops at areas such as Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda
Castle, Heroes’ Square, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. An audio guide enlightens you in on the highlights of landmarks passed, making your decisions on
where to get off just a little clearer.

Hotels
Hotels are in excellent locations close to shops, restaurants and sites. Hotel Ventana in Prague is a few minutes walk from the Old Town Square. Hotel Wandl in
Vienna is in the historic city centre a few minutes walk to St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hotel Moments, Budapest is a 5 - 7 minutes walk to St. Stephan’s Basilica.

Tours
There are a total of ten activities included, comprised of tours, entrance tickets, demonstrations; descriptions above.

Transfers
Transfers included are listed under Package includes. Where there are no transfers listed, it is more economical to hire a taxi.
Vehicle carrying capacity assumes one suitcase and one carry-on per person; additional luggage will incur a surcharge.

Based on 2 people travelling together
CAD pricing

Package as shown
$3850 per person; double occupancy; land only, flights not included.

No reservations have been made; subject to availability at booking.
-All prices quoted are subject to change and based on availability at time of booking.
-Inventory is always changing and updating; quoted prices are not confirmed until a deposit has been paid.

Christmas Market package includes:
Private transfer Prague airport to hotel, December 2
3 nights Prague, Hotel Ventana, 5 star, Superior double room, December 2, 3, 4
Prague Castle Walking Tour; including entrance ticket
Prague Advent Evening Food Tasting Tour
Czech Beer Tasting Tour
Private transfer hotel to Prague station, December 5
First class train Prague to Vienna, December 5
Private transfer Vienna train station to hotel, December 5
4 nights Vienna, Hotel Wandl, 4 star, Classic double room, December 5, 6, 7, 8
Private Carriage Ride Vienna historic city centre
Vienna City Classic Walk
St. Stephen’s Cathedral entrance ticket
Schönbrunn Palace tour with audio-guide
Apple Strudel demonstration, Café Residenz
Private transfer Schönbrunn Palace to hotel
Belvedere Palace entrance ticket
Private transfer Vienna hotel to train station, December 9
First class train tickets Vienna to Budapest, December 9
Private transfer Budapest train station / hotel, December 9
2 nights Budapest, Hotel Moments, 4 star, Superior double room, December 9, 10
Budapest Parliament guided group tour, entrance ticket included
Danube River one hour cruise
Budapest Hop on, Hop off, one day ticket
Private transfer Budapest hotel to airport
All breakfasts
Taxes* & service charges

*Daily city tax not included, approximately E 4 per person, per day, paid directly to hotel in cash at check-out.
Driver and guide gratuities not included.

-Limited availability. In the case that hotels listed are no longer available a revised proposal will be sent.
-Rates are subject to change according to dates chosen by clients.

All Terms and Conditions
-Deposit of $300 per person; non-refundable.
-Scanned copies of passports required at booking.
-Balance due 60 days before start of services, non-refundable.

Rate guaranteed 60 days before start of service due to fluctuating currency exchange rates. Should rate increase by more than 7% clients may cancel and receive
a refund on deposit. Please note: No refund for any reason.

We highly recommend travel insurance, please ask Ann-Marie Gaudet for a quote (905-839-3601 or 1-800-535-9424).
Boutique Escapes, 100-235 North Centre Road, London ON N5X 4E7, Tico #50023074