8 days Christmas Markets of Austria Germany and Switzerland
Candles and carols, snowflakes and stollen - wander through central Europe's cosy Christmas markets sipping toasty glühwein as you admire the handmade wooden toys, delectable Christmas fare and intricate decorations drawing crowds every year to enjoy its enchanting festive cheer.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Vienna (2 Nights) | Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe's most magical Christmas Markets. Our journey begins in Vienna, which you will have an opportunity to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal followed by an evening orientation drive. Hotel Hilton Danube Waterfront Meal(s) Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Vienna Sightseeing and Christmas Markets | Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the Austrian capital, from its Parliament and City Hall to the grand State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, once the home of the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful royal houses of Europe. We feed our Christmas spirit with a visit to the enchanting Christkindlmarkt this afternoon and feast on delicious gingerbread and Glühwein, wandering past wooden stalls piled high with handcrafted toys, seasonal gifts and tasty festive fare. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Vienna – Salzburg – Munich (2 Nights) | Venture along the scenic Danube Valley to Mozart's beloved Salzburg, where we'll join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the beautifully manicured Mirabell Gardens and the Old City before crossing Alpine landscapes to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This evening, we dine at our hotel. Hotel Sheraton Westpark Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner |
| 4 | Munich Orientation | Bundle up warmly and join your Travel Director on an orientation tour of one of Germany's liveliest cities. Embrace the festive cheer in Marienplatz with its impressive Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel. Then, spend the rest of your day savouring the sights, sounds and smells of Munich's Christmas market - a dazzling display of twinkling lights, carols and a magnificent Christmas tree. Continue your feast and indulge in Munich's unrivalled hospitality with an optional visit to a famous beer hall. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Munich – Oberammergau – Innsbruck | Leave Munich behind and travel through the picturesque Bavarian countryside en route to Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play that takes place in the village every ten years. Admire the village's intricate woodcarvings and elaborate frescoes depicting Bavarian themes before continuing to Innsbruck. Indulge in delicious Kiachl doughnuts and Glühwein at the bustling Christmas market before returning to your hotel for dinner. Hotel Grauer Bär Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner |
| 6 | Innsbruck – Vaduz – Lucerne (2 Nights) | A fairy-tale winter wonderland beckons as we see the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck and continue to Vaduz to view its turreted castle, perched perfectly above the Liechtenstein capital. Our final stop today is in Lucerne, where we'll spend the next two nights. Our orientation tour of the city takes us past the sad Lion of Lucerne and famous wooden Chapel Bridge. Hotel Astoria Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Lucerne Orientation | Embrace the Yuletide cheer in true Swiss-style during a visit to Lucerne's Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz, in the heart of the city's Old Town. Ramble past traditional wooden stalls, a warm mug of Glühwein in hand, and admire the swirling Christmas carousel with the joyful sounds of happy children. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming Swiss city, or join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Tonight, we celebrate our magical journey together during a Farewell Dinner filled with Christmas cheer and all the trimmings. Dinner. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 8 | Lucerne - Depart Zurich | We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. There is a morning transfer to Zurich airport from Lucerne. Conditions apply. Please Note: Please do not book flights which depart before 10am from Zurich airport Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |