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Alpine Christmas Markets

9 Day Winter Tour from Munich to Zurich with Insight Vacations

Read 8 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 9 Day Alpine Christmas Markets. The lead up to Christmas in traditional German towns and the snow-frosted Alps, is the stuff of storybooks – twinkling markets full of Yuletide delights and towering Christmas...read more

9 Day Alpine Christmas Markets Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Our Price From:
$ 2,612
Per Person ($AU)
Save This Month:
$ 138
Per Person ($AU)
See All Prices
Winter Tour Starts In
Starts In
Munich
Winter Tour Ends In
Ends In
Zurich
Accomodation
Accomodation
4 - 4.5 Star
40
Max Group Size
40
Guided Tour
Trip Style
Guided Tour
Winter
Trip Style
Winter
Festive
Trip Style
Festive
Christmas Markets
Trip Style
Christmas Markets
Countries Explored:
Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland
Trip Operated By:
Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations
511 Reviews
Trip Reviews:
4.6 out of 5
8 Reviews
Trip Code:
W550

Itinerary

2020 Season (To Dec 2020)  2021 Season (From Nov 2021)

Expand All
1 Arrive In Munich.
Welcome to Germany. Transfers leave Munich airport for your hotel at 10:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 15:00 for an orientation of the city that will show you all the city's major sights, culminating in the Marienplatz, with its soaring Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Here, the Christkindlmarkt will be in full swing, an entrancing festival of light and music. Your Travel Director will introduce you to one of the market stallholders for a taste of traditional Bavarian Lebkuchen and a fragrant cup of Glühwein. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner with wine. (DW) Stay: Marriott Hotel, Munich.
2 Free Time In The Bavarian Capital.
Munich embraces the holiday season with a particular zeal, so the day is all yours to enjoy the vibrant festive markets that abound in this city. On crisp winter days, organ music and carols ring out from the ancient churches. If snow has fallen, the vast English Garden provides lovely winter vistas. Another option is to experience the romantic royal palaces of the Bavarian Alps. (B) Stay: Munich Marriott Hotel.
3 Lake Chiemsee, Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Travel alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Chiemsee on your way to Salzburg in Austria, where the spires and domes of the Old Town are often draped in snow come December. A walk with your Local Expert will show you Mozart's family home and the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Head through the mountains to your Innsbruck hotel. Journey to the charming town of Hall in Tirol which boasts one of Austria's best-preserved historic centres. Soak up the unique atmosphere in a 700-year-old building and delight your palate with a medieval banquet and wine. (B/DW) Stay: AC Hotel Innsbruck.
4 Innsbruck At Leisure and Carriage Ride.
Enjoy a relaxed start and spend the morning at leisure. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Old Town and Christmas Markets, set in front of the Golden Roof, graced by beautifully preserved medieval facades. Enjoy the delightful scenery and crisp, fresh air during your horse-drawn carriage ride, locally known as a Fiaker, through the countryside of Tyrol. (B)
5 The Black Forest Via Lindau.
Travel through the Alberg tunnel, Austria's longest road tunnel, as you return to Germany and pause in the tiny island-town of Lindau. Walk through the maze of ancient streets down to the harbour. Across the lake, often shrouded in mist, look for the rising silhouette of snow-capped peaks. After time to explore, continue along the shores of the Bodensee to your hotel in the Black Forest for three fabulous nights. (B/DW) Stay: Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Black Forest.
6 Freiburg Sightseeing.
Visit Freiburg in the morning, a lively university city with a charming Christmas atmosphere. Walk from the medieval Münster through the heart of the historic old quarter, past colourful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest. (B)
7 Strasbourg and Alsace Experience.
Cross the Rhine to the region of Alsace, wedged between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. This area has changed nationality four times since 1870! Arrive in Strasbourg, the City at the Crossroads, where the Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the largest in France. Spend time in a cosy neighbourhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings, with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery, warm with fragrant promise. Return to Germany and venture to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of local specialties, accompanied by wine. (B/DW)
8 The Swiss City of Zürich.
Cross the Swiss border and head for Zürich where sightseeing includes the imposing Grossmünster, elegant Fraumünster, and winding alleys of the Old Town alongside the River Limmat. A highlight is Europe's biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets and a three-storey Christmas tree, draped with Swarovski crystals. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery. (B/DW) Stay: Mövenpick Hotel Zürich-Airport.
9 Depart Zürich.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. Complimentary transfers to the airport, by hotel shuttle, depart every 15 minutes. (B)
1 Arrive In Munich
Welcome to Germany. Transfers leave Munich airport for your hotel at 10:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 15:00 for an orientation of the city that will show you all the city’s major sights, culminating in the Marienplatz, with its soaring Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Here, the Christkindlmarkt will be in full swing, an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner with wine. The next day is at leisure. (DW) Stay: Munich Marriott Hotel.
2 Free Time In The Bavarian Capital
Munich embraces the holiday season with a particular zeal, so the day is all yours to enjoy the vibrant festive markets that abound in this city. On crisp winter days, organ music and carols ring out from the ancient churches. If snow has fallen, the vast English Garden provides lovely winter vistas. Another option is to experience the romantic royal palaces of the Bavarian Alps. (B)
3 Lake Chiemsee, Salzburg and Innsbruck

Travel alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Chiemsee on your way to Salzburg in Austria, where the spires and domes of the Old Town are often draped in snow come December. A walk with your Local Expert will show you Mozart’s family home and the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral.

Your Travel Director will introduce you to one of the market stallholders for a taste of traditional Bavarian Lebkuchen and a fragrant cup of Glühwein. Head through the mountains to your Innsbruck hotel. This evening, enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by local Tyrolean entertainment. (B/DW) Stay: AC Hotel Innsbruck.

4 Innsbruck At Leisure and Carriage Ride
Enjoy a relaxed start and spend the morning at leisure. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Old Town and Christmas Markets, set in front of the Golden Roof, graced by beautifully preserved medieval facades. Explore Insbruck with Insight Choice. Choose between a horse & carriage ride or visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal. (B)
5 The Black Forest Via Lindau
Travel through the Alberg tunnel, Austria’s longest road tunnel, as you return to Germany and pause in the tiny island-town of Lindau. Walk through the maze of ancient streets down to the harbour. Across the lake, often shrouded in mist, look for the rising silhouette of snow-capped peaks. After time to explore, continue along the shores of the Bodensee to your hotel in the Black Forest for three fabulous nights. (B/DW) Stay: Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
6 Freiburg Sightseeing
Visit Freiburg in the morning, a lively university city with a charming Christmas atmosphere. Walk from the medieval Münster through the heart of the historic old quarter, past colourful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest. (B)
7 Strasbourg and Alsace Experience
Cross the Rhine to the region of Alsace, wedged between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. This area has changed nationality four times since 1870! Arrive in Strasbourg, the City at the Crossroads, where the Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the largest in France. Spend time in a cosy neighbourhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings, with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery, warm with fragrant promise. Return to Germany and venture to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of local specialties, accompanied by wine. (B/DW)
8 The Swiss City of Zürich
Cross the Swiss border and head for Zürich where sightseeing includes the imposing Grossmünster, elegant Fraumünster, and winding alleys of the Old Town alongside the River Limmat. A highlight is Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets and a three-storey Christmas tree, draped with Swarovski crystals. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery. (B/DW) Stay: Mövenpick Hotel Zürich-Airport.
9 Depart Zürich
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. Complimentary transfers to the airport, by hotel shuttle, depart every 15 minutes. (B)

Insight Vacations Inclusions

Expand All
Journey Highlights
  • Christmas Markets: All departures will experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets of each city, some of the oldest in Europe.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see the Victory Arch, Town Hall and Glockenspiel in Marienplatz.
  • Innsbruck: During your orientation you will see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in the Old Town.
  • Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful journey through Tyrol's picturesque countryside, on your horse-drawn Fiaker.
  • Lindau: Your Travel Director takes you to the Harbour and Old City Hall. Walk the medieval streets of this island-town and browse the shops on Maximillium Strasse.
  • Lörrach: Explore the town located on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland and see the ruins of Rötteln Castle.
  • Freiburg: Enjoy a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets. See the medieval Münster and spend time in the historic old quarter.
  • Strasbourg: Exploring the Christmas Markets is like stepping directly into a fairy-tale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses. Here you visit France's oldest Christmas Markets, set in front of the Cathedral. Spend time in the atmospheric neighbourhood of La Petite France.
  • Zürich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
  • Zürich: Attend Europe's biggest indoor Christmas Market with its magnificent Swarovski crystal-decorated Christmas tree.
  • Scenic Drives: Throughout your travels, enjoy beautiful views of the Austrian Alps and Lake Bodensee.
  • Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
Trip Inclusions
  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Included Meals
  • Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a stallholder and taste the aromatic and utterly delicious gingerbread with a glass of Glühwein.
  • Hall in Tirol: Situated perfectly in a 700-year-old building in the charming town of Hall in Tirol, enjoy a medieval banquet of Austrian specialties with wine.
  • Zürich: The Swiss just love good food and wine, a decorative, well-laden table, and a touch of Gemütlichkeit - all of which you will find at your warm Celebration Dinner.
  • Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B) and 5 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Trip Notes
  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Journey Highlights
  • Christmas Markets: All departures will experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets of each city, some of the oldest in Europe.
  • Scenic Drives: Throughout your travels, enjoy beautiful views of the Austrian Alps and Lake Bodensee.
  • Munich: 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.
  • Innsbruck: Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof.
  • Lorrach: Explore the town located on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland and see the ruins of Rotteln Castle.
  • Lindau: Your Travel Director takes you to the Harbour and Old City Hall. Walk the medieval streets of this island-town and browse the shops on Maximillium Strasse.
  • Frieburg: Enjoy a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets. See the medieval Münster and spend time in the historic old quarter.
  • Strasbourg: Exploring the Christmas Markets is like stepping directly into a fairytale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses. Here you visit France's oldest Christmas Markets, set in front of the Cathedral. Spend time in the atmospheric neighbourhood of La Petite France.
  • Zurich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
Trip Inclusions
  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas
  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency
  • We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times
  • If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport
Trip Notes
  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Reviews (8)

9 Day Alpine Christmas Markets reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.

Rating 4.6 out of 5
Based on 8 User Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
“Well run trip”
- QLD, Australia Dec 2019

Well run and organised tour, good pace most days, last two days were fill in and disappointing. Overall a good tour as it snowed up in the Alps on the first day and different places to see each day.

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“Christmas Markets and Snow ”
- QLD, Australia Dec 2018

Great accommodation and an excellent Tour Director. We will recommend Insight Vacations to our friends. Georgie at Global Journeys was very helpful.

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“Festive Christmas Markets Tour”
- VIC, Australia Dec 2018 1 Helpful Vote

I would definitely book through Global Journeys again - everything was handled extremely well and all my flights were thoughtfully chosen. Juliet contacted me when one of my flights was changed about 3 months before the tour started. Michelle (Tour Director) and Zoltan (Driver) were marvellous: there was one very difficult passenger and Michelle handled the situation with courtesy, tact and a minimum of fuss. The market venues were wonderful and we were given plenty of time to browse the areas...read more

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“Alpine Christmas markets”
- VIC, Australia Nov 2018 2 Helpful Votes

Very good tour most enjoyable. The accommodation was excellent, the food very good and the markets excellent. The tour director Sue Mason was excellent and the flourishes much appreciated.

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“Highlight trip - made Xmas magical”
- QLD, Australia Dec 2017 6 Helpful Votes View Photo

This was such a great trip! having never done a group tour before - we were blown away with how easy everything was. The itinerary was fantastic and was jam packed with things to do and we saw so many magical Xmas places including snow. Our tour had quite a few older people but I actually think a younger group would have loved it as well as we did so much. We also travelled with my parents in law which was the perfect family trip and we could never have done it on our own as the driver navigated...read more

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Prices & Dates

Earlybird Savings! Exclusive Savings. Deposit this month.
Repeat Travellers Save an additional 5%!
Past Client? Save an additional $100 per booking!
Trip Starts Trip Ends Status Offer Save Now Our Price  
Monday 30 Nov 2020 Tuesday 08 Dec 2020 138per person 2,612per person Sold Out
Wednesday 02 Dec 2020 Thursday 10 Dec 2020 138per person 2,612per person Sold Out
Sunday 06 Dec 2020 Monday 14 Dec 2020 138per person 2,612per person Enquire
Tuesday 08 Dec 2020 Wednesday 16 Dec 2020 146per person 2,779per person Sold Out
Wednesday 09 Dec 2020 Thursday 17 Dec 2020 138per person 2,612per person Enquire
Thursday 10 Dec 2020 Friday 18 Dec 2020 138per person 2,612per person Sold Out
Monday 30 Nov 2020 Tuesday 08 Dec 2020 179solo traveller 3,401solo traveller Sold Out
Wednesday 02 Dec 2020 Thursday 10 Dec 2020 179solo traveller 3,401solo traveller Sold Out
Sunday 06 Dec 2020 Monday 14 Dec 2020 179solo traveller 3,401solo traveller Enquire
Tuesday 08 Dec 2020 Wednesday 16 Dec 2020 194solo traveller 3,681solo traveller Sold Out
Wednesday 09 Dec 2020 Thursday 17 Dec 2020 179solo traveller 3,401solo traveller Enquire
Thursday 10 Dec 2020 Friday 18 Dec 2020 179solo traveller 3,401solo traveller Sold Out
Saturday 20 Nov 2021 Sunday 28 Nov 2021 407per person 2,588per person Enquire
Sunday 21 Nov 2021 Monday 29 Nov 2021 407per person 2,588per person Enquire
Monday 22 Nov 2021 Tuesday 30 Nov 2021 407per person 2,588per person Enquire
Wednesday 24 Nov 2021 Thursday 02 Dec 2021 176per person 3,349per person Not Avail
Sunday 28 Nov 2021 Monday 06 Dec 2021 411per person 2,614per person Enquire
Monday 29 Nov 2021 Tuesday 07 Dec 2021 445per person 2,830per person Enquire
Wednesday 01 Dec 2021 Thursday 09 Dec 2021 445per person 2,830per person Enquire
Sunday 05 Dec 2021 Monday 13 Dec 2021 175per person 3,320per person Not Avail
Tuesday 07 Dec 2021 Wednesday 15 Dec 2021 415per person 2,635per person Enquire
Wednesday 08 Dec 2021 Thursday 16 Dec 2021 445per person 2,830per person Enquire
Thursday 09 Dec 2021 Friday 17 Dec 2021 175per person 3,320per person Not Avail
Saturday 20 Nov 2021 Sunday 28 Nov 2021 523solo traveller 3,322solo traveller Enquire
Sunday 21 Nov 2021 Monday 29 Nov 2021 523solo traveller 3,322solo traveller Enquire
Monday 22 Nov 2021 Tuesday 30 Nov 2021 523solo traveller 3,322solo traveller Enquire
Wednesday 24 Nov 2021 Thursday 02 Dec 2021 219solo traveller 4,156solo traveller Not Avail
Sunday 28 Nov 2021 Monday 06 Dec 2021 527solo traveller 3,348solo traveller Enquire
Monday 29 Nov 2021 Tuesday 07 Dec 2021 576solo traveller 3,659solo traveller Enquire
Wednesday 01 Dec 2021 Thursday 09 Dec 2021 576solo traveller 3,659solo traveller Enquire
Sunday 05 Dec 2021 Monday 13 Dec 2021 217solo traveller 4,128solo traveller Not Avail
Tuesday 07 Dec 2021 Wednesday 15 Dec 2021 530solo traveller 3,370solo traveller Enquire
Wednesday 08 Dec 2021 Thursday 16 Dec 2021 576solo traveller 3,659solo traveller Enquire
Thursday 09 Dec 2021 Friday 17 Dec 2021 217solo traveller 4,128solo traveller Not Avail
Key
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Trip Notes
Trip prices are per person, and reflect applicable discounts. Discounts are subject to availability, exclusive to Global Journeys and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change by Insight Vacations. Full terms & conditions are available here.
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