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London, United Kingdom
Day 1 - Exploring Central London
Morning: Start your journey at Westminster Abbey, soaking in the history of this iconic church. Stroll over to the Houses of Parliament and snap a photo of Big Ben.
Afternoon: Head towards Trafalgar Square and visit the National Gallery, admiring classic artworks. Make your way to Covent Garden, enjoying street performances and local shops.
Evening: Dinner at a cozy pub nearby before exploring the enchanting Christmas market in Southbank Centre, where you can savor festive treats and browse artisan gifts.
Day 2 - A Day in Greenwich
Morning: Take the Thames Clipper boat to Greenwich, enjoying stunning riverside views. Visit the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian line for a perfect photo opportunity.
Afternoon: Explore the Cutty Sark and then enjoy a leisurely walk through Greenwich Park, where you’ll get breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and then visit the Greenwich Christmas market, vibrant with stalls showcasing handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies.
Day 3 - Harry Potter and Cultural Discoveries
Morning: Start at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, diving into the magical world of Harry Potter. Enjoy seeing authentic sets and costumes.
Afternoon: Return to central London and visit the British Museum, where you can marvel at extensive collections, including the Rosetta Stone.
Evening: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Leicester Square before heading to the nearby Christmas market in Piccadilly Gardens, offering festive drinks and delicious snacks.
Day 4 - Kensington and Notting Hill
Morning: Visit Kensington Palace and stroll through the surrounding gardens, taking in the elegant setting.
Afternoon: Discover the shops and boutiques of Notting Hill, exploring Portobello Road Market for unique finds.
Evening: Enjoy a meal at a café in Notting Hill and then check out the nearby Christmas market, where twinkling lights enhance the charming neighborhood's appeal.
Day 5 - The Mystique of East London
Morning: Begin with a visit to the Tower of London, learning about its rich history and viewing the Crown Jewels.
Afternoon: Walk along the Thames to Tower Bridge, capturing its iconic views. Explore the trendy shops and galleries at Borough Market for lunch.
Evening: Dine at a restaurant in Shoreditch and immerse yourself in the local art scene before visiting the nearby Christmas market nearby for festive fun and treats.
Day 6 - Art and Nature
Morning: Head to the Tate Modern, exploring contemporary art exhibits housed in a former power station along the Thames.
Afternoon: Take a walk along the River Thames to the gorgeous St. Paul’s Cathedral, climbing the dome for panoramic views of London.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a South Bank restaurant with riverside views, then wander through the charming Christmas market, filled with seasonal cheer.
Day 7 - Shopping and Farewell
Morning: Spend your final morning shopping on Oxford Street, marveling at the holiday window displays.
Afternoon: Explore Regent Street and Carnaby Street for unique boutiques and festive decorations.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a traditional British restaurant and revisit your favorite Christmas market to savor the last festive moments before leaving London.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accomodation booked by: Allie
Platform: Booking.com
**Day 1 - Exploring the Festive Spirit**
Morning: Begin your day with a stroll through the enchanting streets of Amsterdam, soaking in the festive atmosphere adorned with sparkling lights. Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate from a nearby café while marveling at the beautifully decorated canals.
Afternoon: Visit the Museumplein to explore the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Afterward, head to one of the many Christmas markets, such as the Winter Paradise at the Amsterdam Rai, where you can browse handmade crafts and enjoy traditional Dutch treats.
Evening: Conclude your day by wandering through the charming Jordaan district. Delight in a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, then savor the magical ambiance of the city as you stroll along the canals, perhaps catching a light performance or carols.
**Day 2 - Indulging in Local Culture**
Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at a canal-side café, where you can savor Dutch pancakes. After breakfast, visit the historic Anne Frank House to gain insight into a poignant part of history before the crowds arrive.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant city center, stopping at the enchanting Winter Wonderland at the Westergasfabriek, filled with artisanal stalls, festive activities, and an ice skating rink. Don't forget to try some oliebollen, a traditional Dutch pastry.
Evening: End your trip with a scenic evening canal cruise, taking in the illuminated bridges and the festive lights reflecting on the water. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant to experience the hearty local cuisine one last time.
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Cologne, Germany
Accomodation booked by: Jenna
Platform: AirBnB
Visit Cologne Cathedral and explore multiple Christmas markets, including the famous market at the Cathedral and the Old Market.
Day 1 - Exploring Cologne's Charm
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
Afternoon: Indulge in some local cuisine at a traditional German beer hall for lunch. Afterwards, stroll along the Rhine River promenade and admire the picturesque views.
Evening: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Cologne Christmas market. Enjoy mulled wine, festive treats, and shop for handmade crafts and gifts.
Day 2 - Cultural Delights in Cologne
Morning: Visit the Museum Ludwig to see an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso and Warhol.
Afternoon: Explore the charming Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Stop for a coffee at one of the many cozy cafes.
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional German dishes, like sauerbraten or schnitzel. Afterwards, catch a performance at the Cologne Opera House or Philharmonic Hall.
Day 3 - Day Trip to nearby Bonn
Morning: Take a short train ride to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. Visit Beethoven's birthplace and the Museum Mile for a dose of history and culture.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of the Rhine River or rent a bike to explore the city's parks and gardens.
Evening: Head back to Cologne and end your trip with a farewell dinner at a cozy bistro, reminiscing about your memorable time in this charming city.
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Berlin, Germany
Accomodation booked by: Jenna
Platform: Booking.com
Day 1 - Exploring Christmas Markets
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market, where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Konzerthaus and the French Cathedral. Stroll through the market, taking in the sights and sounds of local artisans and festive decorations. Don’t forget to grab a warm cup of mulled wine to start off your adventure.
Afternoon: Head over to the Alexanderplatz market, where you can browse through numerous stalls offering handmade crafts and seasonal treats. Enjoy some traditional German snacks like bratwurst and pretzels while soaking in the bustling atmosphere. Make sure to ride the Berlin TV Tower for amazing city views.
Evening: Conclude your day at the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Explore the stalls selling unique gifts and enjoy live entertainment. Treat yourself to a slice of stollen or roasted chestnuts as you admire the palace's enchanting gardens lit up for the holiday season.
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Dresden, Germany
Accomodation booked by: Allie
Platform: Booking.com
**Day 1 - Discovering the Christmas Market**
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the stunning Frauenkirche, a symbol of Dresden. Take your time to admire its Baroque architecture and climb to the dome for panoramic views of the festive city. Grab a warm drink at a nearby café to stay cozy.
Afternoon: Head to the historic Altmarkt to explore the enchanting Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. Stroll through the stalls filled with handmade crafts, festive decorations, and traditional treats like stollen. Enjoy some roasted nuts and warm waffles as you soak in the holiday spirit.
Evening: In the evening, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in authentic Saxon cuisine. After dinner, return to the Christmas market for some evening entertainment, including live music or local performances. Embrace the magic of the holiday season as the market lights twinkle around you.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Accomodation booked by: Allie
Platform: AirBnB
Enjoy Prague's enchanting atmosphere with its medieval architecture and bustling Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Day 1 - Exploring the Old Town
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Old Town Square to admire the Astronomical Clock and stunning architecture. Enjoy a traditional Czech breakfast at one of the charming cafes nearby.
Afternoon: Stroll across the Charles Bridge to explore the majestic Prague Castle complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the city as you wander through the narrow winding streets.
Evening: Head back to the Old Town for a dinner at a local restaurant, and then experience the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets with a cup of mulled wine in hand.
Day 2 - Castle District and Lesser Town
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Castle District, where you can explore the picturesque streets, visit the Loretto Palace, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Afternoon: Walk down to the charming Lesser Town, where you can visit the stunning St. Nicholas Church and wander through the quaint streets lined with boutique shops and cafes.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant before heading to the Charles Bridge to capture the beautiful evening views of the city and the Vltava River.
Day 3 - Vinohrady District and Wenceslas Square
Morning: Explore the vibrant Vinohrady district, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, tree-lined streets, and trendy cafes. Visit the famous Žižkov Tower for panoramic city views.
Afternoon: Head to Wenceslas Square, a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visit the National Museum and stroll around the square to soak up the lively atmosphere.
Evening: Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before experiencing Prague's vibrant nightlife. Explore the various bars and pubs in the city, or attend a classical music concert for a cultural evening.
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Vienna, Austria
Accomodation booked by: Jenna
Platform: AirBnB
Explore Vienna’s stunning Christkindlmarkt in front of Rathaus, possibly one of Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets with its unique charm.
Day 1 - Exploring Vienna's History and Architecture
Morning: Start the day by visiting the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its lavish rooms and beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Head to the historic city center and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks. Take a stroll through the charming streets of the old town and stop for a traditional Viennese lunch at a cafe.
Evening: In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Ringstrasse, admiring the impressive architecture of the Opera House, Parliament, and other historic buildings. End the day by enjoying a classical music concert at one of Vienna's many concert halls.
Day 2 - Art and Culture
Morning: Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum to explore its extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Belvedere Palace, home to the famous Klimt collection. Wander through the palace grounds and enjoy the stunning views of Vienna.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant and then head to the Prater amusement park to take a ride on the famous Giant Ferris Wheel.
Day 3 - Christmas Markets
Morning: Start the day by visiting the picturesque Christmas markets in Vienna, such as the ones at Rathausplatz or Schönbrunn Palace. Sip on mulled wine and sample traditional Austrian treats.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping for unique gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas markets. Don't forget to pick up some handmade ornaments and delicious treats.
Evening: End your trip by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully lit streets of Vienna. Finish the evening with a festive dinner at a traditional Austrian restaurant.
Wombats City Hostel Nashmarket
figlmuller restaurant
Sacher torte
Pfudl schnitzel
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Budapest, Hungary
Accomodation booked by: Allie
Platform: AirBnB
Conclude your Christmas market tour in Budapest at St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vorosmarty Square, with its splendid decorations and delightful food.
Day 1 - Exploring the City
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Chain Bridge and Buda Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore the historic district of Castle Hill, including Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.
Evening: Head to the Christmas markets at Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica for mulled wine, traditional Hungarian dishes, and festive decorations.
Day 2 - Thermal Baths and Market Hall
Morning: Relax and rejuvenate at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért.
Afternoon: Stroll through Central Market Hall for local produce, souvenirs, and a taste of traditional Hungarian cuisine.
Evening: Enjoy a night cruise along the Danube River to see the city lights and landmarks illuminated.
Day 3 - Cultural Immersion
Morning: Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe's most beautiful architectural masterpieces.
Afternoon: Explore the Jewish Quarter, including the Dohány Street Synagogue and the quirky ruin bars.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House or a traditional Hungarian folk dance show.
Matthias church - there is a bar here that has a spectacular view
House of terror - history museum
Ruin bars