Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Overview
Itinerary
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. (D) Stay: Imperial Riding School
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 winter palace 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. (B)
Venture along the scenic Danube Valley 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. (B/D) Stay: Leonardo Royal
Bundle up warmly and join a Local Specialist for a unique guided journey through Munich's Advent traditions, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore the quieter streets besides the Christmas Markets to learn about well-known Christmas customs and uncover traditions that have largely been forgotten today.
Later, join your Travel Director on an orientation tour. 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 feast and indulge in Munich's unrivaled hospitality with an optional visit to enjoy the Gemütlichkeit atmosphere at one of Munich's most traditional restaurants. (B)
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. (B/D) Stay: Tivoli Innsbruck
A winter wonderland beckons as we see the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck before continuing to Vaduz to view its turreted 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 sad Lion of Lucerne and the famous wooden Chapel Bridge. (B) Stay: Astoria
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 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, filled with the joyful sounds of happy children.
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. (B/L)
We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Vienna and Salzburg with a Local Specialist
- Discover Munich, Oberammergau, Vaduz, Innsbruck and Lucerne
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, and join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest experience in their home
- View Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, the Marienplatz in Munich, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- See stunning alpine scenery
Be My Guest
- Lucerne: Join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest experience and Farewell Lunch in their home.
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'.
Iconic Experience
- Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
- Vaduz: Explore Vaduz and admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital.
- Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- Vienna: Bask in the unforgettable sights of Vienna.
- Oberammergau: Immerse yourself in the history of Oberammergau.
Make Travel Matter®
- Munich: Discover Munich through Bavaria's lost and forgotten Advent traditions, playing a significant part of regional cultural revitalisation, and stop for tastings along the way.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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