Journey through four enchanting countries—Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Austria—on a festive 9-day, 8-night culinary vacation through the heart of Old Europe to discover Old Europe's Finest Christmas Markets. From Zagreb’s award-winning market to Vienna’s grand holiday displays, each stop sparkles with twinkling lights, timeless traditions, and the cozy charm of seasonal cheer, offering unforgettable moments of food, music, markets, and memories.

Trip Highlights

• Zagreb, Croatia: ​Begin your adventure with a festive welcome dinner. Explore Zagreb’s award-winning Christmas market, famous for its glowing lights, live music, and artisanal holiday treats.
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Journey to Slovenia’s storybook capital for a guided tour through its historic Old Town. Stroll past festive lights and iconic architecture before browsing Ljubljana’s lively Christmas markets. Enjoy time to explore, shop, and savor local specialties at your own pace.​
• Vienna, Austria: Discover the imperial beauty of Vienna through guided city walks, grand palaces, and festive Christmas markets. Savor a traditional apple strudel, explore Schönbrunn Palace, and enjoy classic Viennese flavors—from cozy cafés to a celebratory schnitzel dinner.
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Take in sweeping views from Bratislava Castle before diving into a hands-on cooking class inspired by Slovak and Austrian cuisine. Then, explore the charming Old Town and soak up the festive spirit at Bratislava’s lively Christmas markets.
• Culinary Experiences: Participate in interactive cooking demonstrations, indulge in tastings of local sweets, and warm up with seasonal sips of mulled wine throughout the journey.​
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local artisans, learn about regional holiday traditions, and enjoy guided tours that delve into the rich history and culture of each destination.​

 Overnight Flight to Croatia (Air-Inclusive Package Only)

Your holiday adventure begins!

Air-Inclusive guests will meet their dedicated Travel Deliciously Tour Coordinator at Chicago O’Hare International Airport for check-in and a warm group send-off. Then, board your overnight flight to Zagreb, Croatia, where your European Christmas market journey awaits.

Land-Only guests will begin their tour on Thursday, December 4 upon arrival at the host hotel in Zagreb. Detailed arrival instructions will be provided to ensure a seamless check-in and festive welcome.

Highlights:

• Meet your Tour Coordinator at O’Hare International Airport (Air-Inclusive)
• Overnight international flight from Chicago to Zagreb
• Independent travel arrangements begin for Land-Only guests

Private Airport Transfer (Air-Inclusive) | Overnight in Zagreb | Welcome Dinner included

Welcome to Croatia and the start of your European Christmas adventure!

Air-Inclusive guests will arrive at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) and be greeted by a private driver for a comfortable group transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Land-Only guests should plan to arrive at the host hotel by mid-afternoon to check in and settle before the evening festivities. Complete arrival details will be shared in advance for a smooth and festive start.

After some time to unwind, gather for an orientation walk through central Zagreb followed by your first visit to the city’s award-winning Christmas Market, filled with sparkling lights, mulled wine, and seasonal delights. In the evening, enjoy a warm Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Croatian cuisine.

Highlights:

• Arrival at Zagreb Airport and private group transfer (Air-Inclusive)
• Check-in at Sheraton Zagreb 5* (or similar luxury hotel)
• Orientation walk through central Zagreb
• Visit to Zagreb’s renowned Christmas Market
• Enjoy mulled wine, local holiday treats, and festive cheer
• Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Croatian cuisine

Overnight in Zagreb | Breakfast & Lunch included

Discover the layered beauty of Zagreb through a guided city tour, local market strolls, and a festive afternoon filled with sweet treats and seasonal delights.

Highlights:

• Guided walking tour of Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Towns
• Visits to St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral & Ban Jelačić Square
• Stroll through Dolac Market and vibrant Tkalčićeva Street
• 2-course lunch at Vinodol or a similar local favorite
• Afternoon visit to Zagreb’s Christmas Markets
• Included dessert tasting and hot alcoholic beverage
• Free time to explore Zagreb’s shops, cafés, and holiday scenes
• Return to hotel for overnight stay

Overnight in Zagreb | Breakfast & Dinner included

Travel to Slovenia’s charming capital for a day of architectural beauty, holiday markets, and festive cheer—then return to Zagreb for a special farewell dinner.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive from Zagreb to Ljubljana (approx. 2 hours)
• Guided walking tour of Ljubljana’s old town
• Admire works by famed architect Jože Plečnik and medieval landmarks
• Free time to explore Ljubljana’s Christmas markets and local holiday fare
• Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon
• 3-course dinner at a premier local restaurant
• Private transfer back to your hotel for overnight stay

Overnight in Vienna | Breakfast & Dinner included

Cross the border into Austria with stops in Graz. Explore charming old towns, festive markets, and enjoy a warm Austrian welcome with your first dinner in Vienna.

Highlights:

• Breakfast and hotel check-out in Zagreb
• Scenic transfer from Zagreb to Graz, Austria
• Guided walking tour of Graz’s historic old town
• Free time at Graz Christmas Market with lunch on your own
• Afternoon transfer to Vienna
• Check-in at your 4-star hotel in Vienna
• 3-course welcome dinner at the hotel

Overnight in Vienna | Breakfast & Lunch included

Experience the elegance and festivity of Vienna through a guided city tour, classic coffeehouse culture, and its world-famous Christmas markets.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Guided walking tour of Vienna’s historic center
• Visits to Albertina, Hofburg Palace, Kohlmarkt, Graben, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Stop for a traditional Wiener Melange coffee in a local café
• 2-course lunch at a Viennese restaurant
• Afternoon tour of Vienna’s Christmas Markets
• Included dessert tasting and cup of hot punch or glühwein
• Free time for shopping, museums, or exploring at your own pace
• Dinner on your own
• Return to hotel for overnight stay

Overnight in Vienna | Breakfast & Lunch included

Cross into Slovakia for a day of castle views, hands-on cooking, and festive cheer in Bratislava’s Old Town and Christmas markets.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at your hotel in Vienna
• Morning transfer to Bratislava (approx. 1 hour)
• Panoramic city tour including Bratislava Castle
• Hands-on cooking class with 3-course lunch
• Walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town
• Free time to explore Bratislava Christmas Markets
• Late afternoon return to Vienna
• Evening at leisure in Vienna (dinner on your own)
• Overnight stay in Vienna

Overnight in Vienna | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

From market tastings to palace halls, immerse yourself in Vienna’s imperial elegance and holiday warmth.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Panoramic city bus tour of Vienna’s historic sites (external views only)
• Visit to Naschmarkt with time to explore and lunch on your own
• Apple strudel demonstration and tasting with coffee/tea 
• Audio-guided “Imperial Tour” of Schönbrunn Palace (22 rooms)
• Free time at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
• Return to hotel to relax
• 3-course dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant featuring Wiener Schnitzel
• Overnight stay in Vienna

Breakfast included | Private Airport Transfer  + Group Flight to Chicago (Air-Inclusive)

Bid farewell to the festive charm of Europe as your magical Christmas market journey comes to a close.

Air-Inclusive guests will enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel in Vienna before a private group transfer to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for the return flight to Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Your flight and transfer are included, ensuring a smooth and easy conclusion to your trip.

Land-Only guests will check out independently and are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Vienna Airport or their next destination. We recommend booking later flights to allow time for a relaxed morning departure.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at your hotel in Vienna
• Private group airport transfer (Air-Inclusive)
• Group flight from Vienna (VIE) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Independent departures for Land-Only guests
• Depart with heartwarming memories of a European Christmas