Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Immerse yourself in festive joy as you embrace the warm glow of candles, the melody of carols, delicate snowflakes, and the rich sweetness of stollen.

Stroll through bustling market stalls, each laden with holiday treasures, and pay homage to time-honored traditions, local craftsmanship, and enchanting city backdrops. Let the festive spirit surround you, creating a magical atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the season and the charm of cherished customs.

Highlights

• 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

What's Included

• 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 and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Day-to-day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Vienna

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 travellers. Today, your Travel Director will provide an orientation drive of the Austrian capital before dinner. Accommodation: Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel. Included Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Discover Vienna's Spectacular 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 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. Accommodation: Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Journey to Munich

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. Accommodation: Leonardo Royal. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 4: Enjoy Bavarian Munich's Magical Christmas Markets

Bundle up warmly and join a Local Expert 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 feast and indulge in Munich’s unrivalled hospitality with an optional visit to enjoy the Gemütlichkeit atmosphere at one of Munich's most traditional restaurants. Accommodation: Leonardo Royal. Included Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5: Off to Innsbruck

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. Accommodation: Tivoli Hotel Innsbruck. Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 6: Venture to Lucerne

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. Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Lucerne. Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Explore Lucerne's Festive Glittering Lights

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. Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Lucerne. Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 8: Journey Home

We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. Included Meals: Breakfast

Terms and Conditions

Fares are per person, twin/double share in NZD and are subject to change. Contact World Travellers for full terms and conditions.

Price based on 24, 25, 26 Nov 2024 departures. Supplements apply for other dates.

Airfares are additional.