Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. Your journey begins in Vienna. Take the opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your fellow travellers. 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, 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. (B)

Venture to Mozart's beloved Salzburg. Join your 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: Four Points by Sheraton Munich Arabellapark

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 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 cultural exploration with an optional visit to enjoy the gemütlich 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: Hilton Garden Inn Innsbruck Tivoli

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. Your final stop today is Lucerne, where you'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. (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 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. (B/L)

Bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. (B)