Join Solos for this special festive trip to Vienna and Prague to witness these magical cities under the blanket of winter. We will taste and experience the Christmas Markets in both cities, seeing how the Austrians and Czechs do it in their old towns with spectacular settings. While traveling between the two cities, we will pass by the picturesque Cesky Krumlov, a pretty city perched on the river side.
Today we arrive into Austria and transfer to the capital of Vienna. We have free time to get to know our surroundings before heading out for our welcome dinner in Vienna’s wine district.
This morning, our guide joins us and we begin our tour of the city. Shaped by imperial traditions and palaces, the city was home to major figures from history such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. We will have time at the Christmas Markets before heading to Schönbrunn Palace, the impressive building and surroundings was the main summer residence of the Habsbury rulers. After visiting here, we will have time to explore the markets outside of the palace.
This morning, we leave Vienna and cross the border into the Czech Republic. We will stop en route to Prague at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cesky Krumlov for a tour of this beautiful small city. Located in Bohemia’s deep south, Cesky Krumlov is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe, boasting a stunning castle towering above the Vltava River, an old town square and baroque architecture.
We will then continue our way onto Prague, the City of Hundred Spires, where we will check in to the hotel and spend the evening how we wish.
This morning we will start the day with a guided tour of the old town of Prague. One of the most famous attractions is the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and of course the Old Town square.
We end at the Christmas Market where we can get lunch and explore the crafts and foods on offer. We have the afternoon to spend as we wish, we can explore this medieval town further or wander the streets and stalls of the markets.
This morning we will transfer over to the castle district, which dates back to 9th century. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Our guide will give us a tour of the castle complex which is the largest globally, spanning 70,000sqm.
After our guided tour, we will head across the famous Charles Bridge and back into the old town. We will gather this evening for our farewell dinner which will be onboard a boat on the Vltava river.
This morning after breakfast we will head to Prague Airport for our flight home back to the UK.
Vienna:
Prague:
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer time from Vienna Airport to the hotel is approximately 5o minutes.
Transfer time from the hotel in Prague to the airport is approximately 45 minutes.
The dress code for during the day is casual. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual. Comfortable warm shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended. Winters can be cold, so be sure to bring layers that will keep you cozy and warm. Bring a comfortable coat, scarf, hat and gloves are advised.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €20.00. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
If you are travelling to Austria and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Austria, including the high Alps. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
Austria use the Euro.
Czech Republic use the Czech Koruna.
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“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
