An official army family and MWR Site

Imperial New Year

Dec 30 2025 - Jan 4 2026

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 along the Danube River, while visiting four historic cities: Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna and Salzburg, both of which are found in Austria.

You will experience easy, stress-free travel with Army Outdoor Recreation. Our comfortable private charter bus will pick you up conveniently from Pulaski or Smith Barracks, both offering ample free on-post parking. Rest and relax as we take you directly to Budapest, the first destination on your multi-city trip. For your overnight ride to Hungary, remember essentials like blankets, pillows, power banks, and drinks to ensure a pleasant journey.

Your journey kicks off in Budapest, where you'll arrive at your 4-star hotel for a delicious breakfast before embarking on a guided tour to uncover the city's vibrant highlights. After thrilling New Year's Eve celebrations and a relaxing New Year's Day enjoying the festive atmosphere, you'll travel to Vienna. Here, immerse yourself in Austria's rich imperial history, grand art, and world-renowned opera, or seek thrills at the lively Prater amusement park. The adventure continues with a charming visit to Bratislava, allowing you to discover its quaint old town and unique character. Finally, on your return route to Germany, enjoy a special stop in Salzburg, the picturesque birthplace of Mozart, offering a taste of its alpine charm and musical heritage.

2026 only comes once! Spaces on the Imperial Weekend often sell out quickly and both early bird discounts and early hotel deadlines apply. Contact Army Outdoor Recreation today to reserve your spaces.

Price, on or prior to Thursday, October 16:

  • Double Occupancy: $1099 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $1449

Price on or after Friday, October 17:

  • Double Occupancy: $1199 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $1549

Hotel rebooking fees may apply to any registrations made on or after Wednesday, November 19.

  • Up to 2 Children 4-11 with 2 paid adults in triple or two double rooms: $949 per child
  • Infants under 4 sharing existing bedding with adult: $329
     
  • Infant price does not apply in triple rooms.
     
  • Due to the use of multiple hotels over the course of the trip, each with their own room inventories and configurations, it is not possible to guarantee specific room types larger than double rooms to any individual traveler/group of travelers, or to guarantee whether groups including children will be assigned to connected rooms, family rooms, or neighboring rooms.  
  • Room assignments for families will be determined individually by the hotels based on their specific capacity and available room types.  
  • Neither Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, nor the trip vendor guarantees that the room configuration requested by the customer will match the room configuration assigned by the hotel.

 
Trip Includes:

  • Round trip tour bus transportation starting from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
  • Free on-post parking
  • 2 overnights at Leonardo Budapest City Center**** or equivalent
  • 2 overnights at Hotel Admiral Vienna**** or equivalent 
  • Daily Breakfast, including upon arrival in Budapest
  • Guided tour of Budapest
  • Guided tour of Vienna

Optional Excursions (Paid cash directly to tour manager): 

  • Dinner and Entertainment in Vienna: €55 per person
  • Day trip to Bratislava: €45 per person

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
  • Credit/Debit Card or Euro and Hungarian Forints
  • Powerbanks (ODR cannot guarantee charging availability on 3rd party contracted busses)
  • Military ID and Passport

Departure:

  • 6 p.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
  • 7:30 p.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Late Sunday evening

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Estimated Itinerary

Tuesday: Germany to Budapest

Army Outdoor Recreation makes it easy for you to visit Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Our private charter bus will pick you up at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks, where both locations have plenty of free, on-post parking.  After settling into your seat, all you have to do is lean back and relax while your comfortable coach takes you straight to Budapest, the first destination in your multi-city trip. Don’t forget the essentials for your overnight ride. Blankets, pillows, power banks, and drinks will all help make your overnight journey to Hungary restful and relaxed.

Wednesday: New Years Eve in Budapest

After you arrive in Budapest, you will drop off your luggage at your four-star hotel and enjoy breakfast. You will then take part in a guided orientation tour of the city. Budapest was created by joining two cities: Buda, with its royal castle on the hill, and Pest, the city center across the Danube River. After your morning tour, you will be free to enjoy the city however you like. You can explore Vaci Utca for shopping, visit the famous Szechenyi Thermal Bath for a relaxing soak, or stroll along the riverside promenade. History enthusiasts might also visit Memento Park, home to 40 Soviet statues removed after the Cold War. As evening falls, the magic of New Year's Eve will truly come alive. Stake our your perfect viewing spot to witness spectacular fireworks displays over the Danube, illuminating the iconic Parliament Building and Chain Bridge, and creating an unforgettable welcome to 2026. The air will be filled with joyous celebration, music, and the festive spirit of thousands ringing in the new year.

Thursday: New Year's Day in Budapest or Optional Excursion to Bratislava*

Happy New Year! Today offers a relaxed start after the previous night's festivities. You can choose to enjoy New Year's Day in Budapest at your leisure. Many local attractions, including thermal baths like Szechenyi or Gellért, will be open, providing a perfect opportunity to unwind and refresh. You can enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the city's charming cafes, or take a scenic stroll along the Danube promenade, enjoying the crisp winter air and stunning views. Museums and art galleries might offer special New Year's exhibitions, providing a calmer cultural experience. You can also consider a walk up to Buda Castle for panoramic views of the city, or explore Margaret Island for a peaceful escape. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Bratislava*, the charming capital of Slovakia. Also on the Danube River, this former Habsburg Imperial Capital features Bratislava Castle prominently overlooking the city and a quaint yet interesting city center along the river. You can also seek out the unique Blue Church or, for modern views, the UFO Observation Deck.

Friday: Transfer to Vienna

When you arrive in Vienna, the capital of Austria and the home of the Imperial Habsburg family, you will be stepping back in time to the 19th century. While the city has all the modern conveniences, the city center maintains its 19th-century appearance and feel, complete with horse and carriage rides and much more. After an orientation tour of the Imperial Capital, the evening is yours. Your hotel near the Hofburg offers convenient exploration of Vienna’s downtown on your own. Your tour manager can also assist with making plans for dinner and entertainment*.

Saturday:  Free Day in Vienna 

Today is a free day for you to enjoy more of Vienna’s culture and attractions. You can explore the Schoenbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence, with its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens. Other options include visiting the Hofburg Palace, ascending St. Stephen’s Cathedral for panoramic views, watching a performance of the Lipizzaner Stallions at the Spanish Riding School or the Vienna Boys’ Choir, or visiting the lively Prater amusement park.


Sunday: Salzburg and return to Germany

During the ride home, you will stop in what is possibly Austria’s most recognizable citySalzburg. A brief visit to the city where Mozart was born will familiarize you with many of the downtown district’s landmarks and photogenic locations. Be sure to capture iconic photos of the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress dominating the skyline. This afternoon, you will continue your return to Germany, arriving at your starting point in the late evening.

* Optional excursion paid directly to tour manager

Registration Information

All reservations must be made through Army Outdoor Recreation. Reserve your space today by contacting:

Army Outdoor Recreation, Kaiserslautern Community
Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905

Army Outdoor Recreation, Baumholder Community
Smith Barracks, Bldg. 8167

Cancellation Terms: 

  • 10% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or prior to Wednesday, November 19
  • 30% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Thursday, November 20
  • 60% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Friday, November 28
  • 75% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Monday, December 15
  • 100% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or Monday, December 22
     
  • In the event that a customer cancellation results in a fee charged to Outdoor Recreation, regardless of the date of or reason for that cancellation, the total sum of those fees will be passed along to the customer.
Program
Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation

Other News

Springtime Sunshine | All-Inclusive Easter Weekend in Malta
Imperial New Year
London and Plymouth - Thanksgiving Weekend in the UK
All-Inclusive Thanksgiving Weekend on the Canary Islands
KMC Onstage 2025-2026 Theatre Season
Sign-up for our Weekly Newsletter or Get it Here!

More Outdoor Recreation

thumbnail

Come Fly with Us!

thumbnail

Overnight and Weekend Trips

thumbnail

Prague Weekend

Fall in love with Prague, the “City of 100 spires" over August's Long Weekend

Aug 1 2025 - Aug 4 2025
thumbnail

Berlin Express

Plan your day trip to Berlin early and save $20 per person with our Early Bird Discount on Day Trips!

Aug 2
thumbnail

Oktoberfest Weekend at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort

Enjoy the best Oktoberfest trip in the Kaiserslautern and Baumholder Military Communities when you travel with Army Outdoor Recreation!

Sep 19
thumbnail

Oktoberfest Express

Let Army Outdoor Recreation be your designated driver to the Munich Oktoberfest!

Sep 20
thumbnail

River Tubing

Grab your crew and get ready for an unforgettable ride down the stunning Sauer River! Feel the thrill as you float effortlessly, the current carrying you through breathtaking scenery. Laugh, splash, and soak up the sun while embracing the ultimate outdoor adventure. Don’t just watch nature—become part of it!

Aug 3 7 am - 6 pm
thumbnail

Amsterdam Express

Plan your adventure in Amsterdam early and save $20 per person with our Early Bird Discount on Day Trips!

Aug 9
thumbnail

Poland | Krakow and Auschwitz

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Krakow, shop for blue-glazed Polish pottery, and witness the somber history of Auschwitz on this trip from Army Outdoor Recreation.

Oct 9
thumbnail

Prague Weekend

Fall in love with Prague, the “City of 100 spires" over October's Long Weekend

Oct 10
thumbnail

Trout Fishing

Get back to nature, relax, and enjoy a day of trout fishing.

Aug 9

Trout Fishing

Get back to nature, relax, and enjoy a day of trout fishing.

Aug 9
thumbnail
thumbnail

Halloween in Transylvania

Celebrate Halloween with Army Outdoor Recreation when you visit Transylvania, the haunted land of the feared man known to history as Vlad the Impaler and to movie lovers as Dracula!

Oct 30
thumbnail

Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice

Search the skies for the elusive Northern Lights this Veteran's Day Weekend in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Nov 7
thumbnail

Interlaken Outdoor Experience

Get your (adrenaline) freak on in Interlaken, the Outdoor Recreation capital of the world!

Aug 16
thumbnail

Paris Express

Plan ahead to enjoy an exciting day of sightseeing in the City of Light, and save $20 per person with our new Early Bird Discount on Day Trips!

Aug 16
thumbnail

A Journey Through World Wars: Omaha Beach, Verdun and Bastogne

thumbnail

All-Inclusive Thanksgiving Weekend on the Canary Islands

thumbnail

Rhine River Boat Cruise

Aug 16 9 am - 7 pm
thumbnail

Via Ferrata - Rock Climbing next Level

Looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience that takes your outdoor skills to the next level? Join USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Army Outdoor Recreation on June 8, 2025, for the Stage 1 and 2 Klettersteig Manderscheid climb—an unforgettable guided adventure that’s perfect for thrill-seekers of all skill levels!

Aug 17 6 am - 5 pm
thumbnail

London and Plymouth - Thanksgiving Weekend in the UK

thumbnail

Baltic Sea Christmas Markets

thumbnail

Salzburg Express

Plan your adventure in Salzburg early and save $20 per person with our Early Bird Discount on Day Trips!

Aug 23
thumbnail

ST. Rochus Wine Fair

Let us take the wheel and whisk you away to the largest wine festival on the Upper Moselle—where rolling vineyards meet lively celebrations! Picture this: the sun-drenched banks of the Moselle River, the air rich with the aroma of exquisite wines, and a vibrant festival brimming with music, culture, and indulgence. From crisp Rieslings to bold Elbling, every sip tells the story of the region’s finest craftsmanship. Relax, raise your glass, and let us drive you to an unforgettable celebration of tradition and taste—where the only thing you need to worry about is which vintage to try next. Cheers to the adventure ahead!

Aug 23 10 am - 11:55 pm