Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
8 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Zurich, Switzerland
Visiting: Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Marienplatz, Oberammergau, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, Zürich
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WCMAN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. This festive tour begins in Vienna, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the State Opera House and Hofburg Palace. Discover the charm of Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck, indulging in local treats and festive cheer. In Munich, delve into forgotten Advent traditions and savor the vibrant atmosphere of Marienplatz. Continue to the picturesque towns of Oberammergau and Vaduz, before arriving in Lucerne, where you'll enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. Throughout the tour, you'll be treated to stunning alpine scenery, luxurious accommodations, and expert guidance, ensuring a memorable holiday experience filled with Yuletide joy.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Imperial Riding School
Meals Included: Dinner
Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Our journey begins in Vienna. Take the opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your fellow travelers. Today, your Travel Director will provide an orientation drive of the Austrian capital before dinner.
Day 2: Discover Vienna's Christmas Charm
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Imperial Riding School
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, from Parliament and City Hall to the grand State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, once the winter palace the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful royal houses of Europe.
Day 3: Journey to Munich Dive Into Culture
Location: Salzburg, Munich
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal , Holiday Inn Westpark
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture to Mozart's beloved Salzburg. Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the Mirabell Gardens and iconic sights that featured in the filming of the 'Sound of Music'. Later, dramatic vistas accompany your journey as you travel past alpine landscapes to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 4: Enjoy Bavarian Munich's Magical Christmas Markets
Location: Munich, Marienplatz
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bundle up warmly and join a Local Specialist on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. Embrace the festive cheer in Marienplatz with its impressive Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel. Then, spend the rest of your day savoring the sights, sounds and smells of Munich’s Christmas market – a dazzling display of twinkling lights, carols and a magnificent Christmas tree. Continue your cultural exploration with an optional visit to enjoy the gemütlich atmosphere at one of Munich's most traditional restaurants.
Day 5: Off to Innsbruck
Location: Munich, Oberammergau, Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: Tivoli Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave Munich behind and travel through the romantic Bavarian countryside en route to Oberammergau, which hosts the poignant Passion Play every ten years. Admire the village’s intricate woodcarvings and elaborate frescoes depicting Bavarian themes before continuing to Innsbruck. Indulge in delicious Kiachl doughnuts at the bustling Christmas market before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 6: Venture to Lucerne
Location: Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
A winter wonderland beckons as we see the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck before continuing to Vaduz to view its castle, perched perfectly above the Liechtenstein capital. Our final stop today is Lucerne, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Our orientation tour of the city takes us past the Lion of Lucerne and the famous wooden Chapel Bridge.
Day 7: Explore Lucerne's Festive Glittering Lights Connect with Locals
Location: Lucerne, Lake Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning choose to join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Embrace the Yuletide cheer in the heart of the city’s Old Town. For lunch we celebrate our magical journey together during an exclusive Be My Guest experience filled with Christmas cheer as you Connect With Locals in their home. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or perhaps join an optional cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Day 8: Journey Home
Location: Lucerne, Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. Find out more about available airport transfers at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Enjoy must-see sightseeing and surprise extras during the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the itinerary.
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Hotel Substitutions
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included and need to be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable journey through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Imperial Riding School in Vienna, Leonardo Royal in Munich, Tivoli Innsbruck, and Astoria in Lucerne, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience.
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive into Culture
- Salzburg: Waltz through Salzburg with your Local Specialist seeing some of the sights that featured in the filming of the 'Sound of Music'.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Munich where you will explore the city's old town and learn about forgotten advent traditions while tasting advent treats from small independent businesses. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' experience in Lucerne where you will visit the Meyer family at Küssnachter Alpenhof, learn about their farm, and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and includes a special lunch during the 'Be My Guest' experience in Lucerne.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and there may be alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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What are some of the highlights of the Christmas markets visited on this tour?
The tour visits Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne, and Vaduz. Highlights include the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, carols, and a magnificent Christmas tree in Munich's Marienplatz.
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What cultural experiences are included in Salzburg?
In Salzburg, you will have a walking tour with a Local Specialist to see the Mirabell Gardens and iconic sights featured in the filming of the 'Sound of Music'.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions