Hello, has anyone done the above tour on the December itinerary with the "opportunity to enjoy the Christmas markets"? If so, is time built into the schedule to actually spend time visiting the Christmas markets in both Prague and Budapest? Thank you!!
Posted by
Edinburgh
2690 posts
not done the tour but the markets in Prague are open till late evening so I reckon you will have plenty of time to enjoy the markets.
https://livingprague.com/prague-festivals/prague-christmas/
this link will give you some great info on the markets in Prgaue
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the link to the Prague markets will definitely save for future use very helpful.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2690 posts
Marinanze ,Jasion ,they guy that runs that website is a good friend of mine and often comes on the forum to answer questions,this time last year I was in Prague and met up with him to watch the official lighting of the Christmas tree in old town square which was great fun ,then we did a tour of the markets trying some food (I can recommend langos ) we then went on to try all the hot alcoholic drinks available from the various stalls,they are excellent.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Hello Uncle Gus, so Jaison runs the website that was mentioned in the link provided above? How cool to have a name to refer to. What you describe sounds amazing and makes me wish for Christmas 2020 - am just dying to go. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and provide this wonderful tip. :)
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20962 posts
I'm not crazy about the RS 8 day trip. You get 3 full days in Prague, which is enough, but only 2 in Budapest which is a day or two short. So at the very least, extend it a day. I'm not a big fan of his hotels either, but you can survive that. You will need two evenings to do the markets in each town. The evenings are best for the mood, lights, etc.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thanks so much for your feedback. I've done 8 RS tours and totally hear you about the hotels. Really appreciate your insight and advice on amount of time...good to know ahead what to expect and what I wanted to know. Thank you.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20962 posts
These are two cities where, for an experienced traveler, the RS treatment doesn't add much. You can plan your own and maybe save 20% and have a better hotel location.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20962 posts
For 2020, great. For 2019, I wouldnt. All the great cultural experiences are booked solid by now by the locals.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thank you James E. I'm getting a very clear picture and I would have to agree that I could do better on my own...and this would be for 2020. Your feedback and honesty is much appreciated. :)
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20962 posts
The 2020 Theater Season will be published in July. Get your tickets asap. With some luck the Opera renovations will be complete. Google "Christmas in Budspest" as there are some great sites full of details. And, if you want to extend your trip, but stay in the Christmas theme, think about following Western Christmas with Orthodox Christmas [Jan 7] in Lviv or Kyiv.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20962 posts
Emily just provided an excellent post on the Vienna Markets.
The differences between Prague, Vienna and Budapest make it a great trio
Posted by
1172 posts
I did 7 nights split between Prague and Vienna this past December. Also added a day trip to Salzburg from Vienna. I really wanted to add Budapest but did not want to be rushed. I did it on my own and loved it. The Christmas markets are great any time of day but really come love in the evening.