Today is your day to visit Christmas markets! 

Whether it's shopping for snow globes (DYK snow globes were invented in Austria?), artisan-carved nutcrackers, or hand-blown glass ornaments, you'll have a whole day to browse the many stalls and markets for gifts.

Maybe you're dreaming of strolling, your hand warmed by a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine), while you decide between Kartoffelpuffer – (potato pancakes) or the Raclette (bread with warm cheese). But wait - there's Heisse Bauernkrapfen (farmhouse donuts) to be eaten! How will you fit it all in...like, literally?

• CleverDever Exclusive: You'll have a private guide to give you an overview of all the different markets and you can visit some with her or strike out on your own. At nightfall, you'll have your own private coach to take you to the stunner of all glowing markets: Schönbrunn Castle 😍

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we slip away from the city to explore the postcard-perfect villages along the Danube River.

Just west of Vienna is the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Wachau Valley. Famous for producing some of Austria's best white wines, these rolling hills filled with vineyards and colorful towns culminate atop a rocky outcropping to serve up the grand Melk Abbey. 

The abbey, a baroque masterpiece of the 18th century, is a gorgeous must-see with spiraling golden staircases, soaring frescoed ceilings, and a swoon-worthy Beauty and the Beast library. So of course, you're doing this.

After the abbey, enjoy a scrumptious lunch, try some of those famous wines, and peek in the shops of the garlanded villages of Lower Austria.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Oh yeah, we're gonna talk about Brno!

When you get to Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, you'll immediately pick up that authentic quirky vibe that it's putting down. 

This less-crowded neo-Renaissance city makes for a delightful day of discovery with an underground labyrinth that leads to an historic tavern, cathedrals, an ossuary only smaller than the Paris catacombs, peak nightlife that includes wine bars, whisky bars, rum bars, a circus bar, and a fire foodie scene.

Named one of the UNESCO "Creative Cities of Music" expect lots of live music in bars, restaurants, and especially on the stages of the Christmas markets. Speaking of which... 

You'll have plenty of free time to explore the Christmas markets that feature tunnel cakes, smoked cheese with cranberry sauce, hot mead, and crafts like beeswax candles, ceramics, blacksmithing wares, and lavender goods from skincare to wine.

(photo credit: Pavel Gabzdyl / via TIC Brno) 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

If visiting a gothic castle in eastern Europe was on your wishlist, today is the day you'll Czech it off! 

Lednice Castle is a jaw-dropping example of ornate 19th-century architecture. Awash in jewel-toned walls and intricate woodwork the interior is next-level extra.

Situated in the heart of Czech wine country, today brings an extra special invitation to celebrate the holidays with a feast in the home of a winemaking family!

• CleverDever Exclusive: Get ready to feel like family! Lunch is in the cellars of the Nepraš', a multi-generational winemaking family that began producing wine before the wall fell. 

I first met them years ago on a previous trip and have stayed in touch with these wonderful humans. I reached out to them specifically for this trip and they are excited to spend time with you sharing an afternoon immersed in food, wine, and good cheer. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On to the Czech's ex-other half, Slovakia. Even though they've broken up we don't have to choose between them.

We'll slide into Bratislava in the morning and immediately cozy up to this under-the-radar city. You'll feast your eyes on art nouveau buildings like the Blue Church, and learn more about the history that makes Slovakia what it is today.

• CleverDever Exclusive: Today you'll break into smaller groups and spend more time with locals! Whether it's leaning into the city's craft beer scene, sleighing in the park, or getting a dose of sports or culture, there's something for everyone. (breakouts are dependent on weather and schedule availability, details closer to departure).

Meals included: Brunch, Dinner

It's Sunday, Slay Belles! Time for a champagne brunch to celebrate the holidays and the best decision you ever made which was to come on this tour 🥂 

After we've consumed more waffles than we thought possible, it's time to wander out into the square and visit Bratislava's Christmas market! 

Grab some tea, continue the party with Grog (rum and spices) or go bold and try ‘hriato’, a fruit-brandy-based cocktail made with bacon. 

If it's mementos you're looking for, shop the stalls for jewelry, lace, Slovakian handicrafts, or buy all those little porcelain buildings so you can reassemble medieval Bratislava on your credenza when you get home. 

Meals included: Brunch, Dinner

Today we roll up into the capital city of Budapest.

To get our bearings, we'll first stop at Buda Castle and have a coffee and an overview of the city. Then we'll cross the Danube and post up on the Pest side, and get ready to rock that Christmas market.

Considered one of the most beautiful markets in Europe there are hundreds of stalls with everything from fragrant dried fruit decorations, hand-made pocket knives, chestnut spread, leather goods, sherpa throws, colorful wreaths that I have no idea how you're going to get home, and creepy marionettes.

This is also the place to graze on Hungarian cuisine like goulash, stuffed cabbage rolls, grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and if you're feeling cocky, rooster testicle stew.

Meals included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch 

What started in Austria ends in Hungary. 

 You've just spent more than a week laughing, eating, meeting local artisans, and immersing yourself in cultures like it was the end of an empire.

Now it's time to soak in the healing waters of the thermal baths of Budapest because if you haven't visited the baths of Hungary, did you really even go to Hungary? Look I care about you too much for you to go home without this experience, so this morning we're doing a self-care bonanza of warm mineral pools, steam, sauna, cold plunges and you can stay and add any spa treatment you need.

All glowed up? Good, because after your free time we're meeting up for a final night together that starts with a sunset cocktail cruise on the Danube, moves to a closing night feast, and continues to the after-party at a legen-wait for it-DARY Ruin Pub (bars set up in previously abandoned building in the old Jewish Quarter).

Can't wait to see you at the First Annual CleverDever Holiday Party, this is going to be unforgettable!

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner