A Winter Wonderland: My Enchanting Cosmos Tour of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg at Christmastime

I have always wanted to tour the Christmas markets of Europe and Cosmos tours made that a reality.

Cosmos is an affordable option that provides everything you need, nice hotels, a knowledgeable guide, very comfortable and modern bus with reclining seats and wifi. The bus driver was very skilled and professional. We were well taken care of throughout the tour. Cosmos includes much of the sightseeing but also gives you time for your own sightseeing. They also offer some optional excursions. We took advantage of most of these excursions and they were well worth the money. The dinners were superb with entertainment highlighting the local cultures.

Our first destination was Prague. As we drove from the airport to our hotel I was overwelmed by the beauty of the city. It had recently snowed and the city was covered in white. It was a real winter wonderland. In the evening when we first walked into the old town square I was overwhelmed by beautifully majestic lit up spires of the Church of our lady. To me it looked like a fairytale castle. Then as we entered the square there was a massive Christmas tree lit up with glittering white lights. The smell of cinnamon treats, mulled wine, freshly made potato chips filled the air. We also enjoyed tasting and watching them make their famous Trdelnik or chimey cake. It is a sweet bread like dough wrapped around a hot iron tube cooked over hot coals. It can be rolled in cinnamon, sugar or filled with Chocolate or ice cream. We were also able to watch the oldest working astronomical clock which dates to 1410 chime in the middle of the square.

Our next stop was Vienna.

Cosmos Tours ensured we experienced the musical magic of Vienna with visits to the homes of Mozart and Beethoven. We also visited the majestic Schonbrunn palace where we learned the history of Franz Joseph, the longest-reigning emperor of Austria. We then walked the main parts of the town to admire the beautiful architecture and stopped to get a glimpse of the horses in their stalls at the Spanish riding school. We visited 2 markets while in Vienna. One was in front of the Schonbruun Palace and the other the Wiener Christkindlmarkt in Rathausplatz. There were roasted chestnuts, steaming mugs of punch and hot chocolate. Many booths of handmade crafts and gifts and all of this is spread in front of a lighted magnificent historical building.

Then on to Budapest.This was my 2nd visit to Budapest and it was just as beautiful the 2nd time. With the Danube river and Parliament building as the highlighting features. We did a short cruise down the river while feasting on delicious snacks. Our knowledgeable guide added depth to the experience, sharing tales of Hungarian holiday traditions and the historical significance of each charming corner. Then of course more Christmas markets.

Salzburg was our final stop. It is the birthplace of Mozart. We stopped to see the home he grew up in and learned more about his life. We toured the area surround the beautiful grounds where the Sound of Music was filmed and learned more inside secrets about the movie. The Christmas market in Cathedral square was the most magical yet. There were live musicians playing Christmas carols from the balconies of the cathedrals and historic buildings surrounding the square.

My winter Cosmos Tour of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg was a symphony of festive delights, historical wonders, and cultural immersion. From the charming Christmas markets to the grandeur of imperial palaces, Cosmos Tours curated an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. If you're yearning for a winter escapade filled with holiday magic and European allure, let Cosmos Tours be your guide through the enchanting landscapes of Christmastime in Central Europe.

Happy travels!

All the best,
Joy Sanders
Morris Columbus Travel - Bountiful

(801) 483-5215
Email me