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Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
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Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
8 Day Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Fill your festive cheer with candles, carols, snowflakes and stollen as you wander past heaving market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship and mesmerising city backdrops.
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Trip code
WCMA
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
8 Day Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
Fill your festive cheer with candles, carols, snowflakes and stollen as you wander past heaving market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship and mesmerising city backdrops.
Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available, plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details >>
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 an orientation drive followed by a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.
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 thewinter palace 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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Beautiful Prague By Night
Join our Local Specialist for an evening introduction to this fairy-tale city on private transport and with a little strolling. You’ll discover the magical Charles Bridge, enjoy a drink in one of the old town’s quaint restaurants while a musician entertains, journey through the Old Town and gaze at the panoramic views of the city.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Journey to Munich
Venture along the scenic Danube Valley to Mozart's beloved Salzburg, where we'll Dive Into Culture with a Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the Mirabell Gardens and other sights that featured in the filming of the 'Sound of Music'. Later, travel past beautiful alpine landscapes to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Westpark
Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we’ll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialities. n.b. There is a minimum of 20 guests required for the cruise to operate.
Adult Price: €51.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Enjoy Bavarian Munich's Magical Christmas Markets
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 enjoy the Gemütlichkeit atmosphere at one of Munich's most traditional restaurants.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded 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.
This evening enjoy a traditional Alsatian meal in a local restaurant located in the Petite France canal district of Strasbourg.
Adult Price: €59.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Astoria
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Lake Lucerne Cruise With Drinks
Considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. As we cruise on the tranquil waters, you will be mesmerised by the mountains circling the lake, the stunning lakeside houses and chocolate-box scenery. Two drinks are also included.
Adult Price: Fr.49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Explore Lucerne's Festive Glittering Lights
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. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or to join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Tonight, we celebrate our magical journey together during an exclusive Be My Guest experience and Farewell Dinner filled with Christmas cheer as you Connect With Locals in their home.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Mount Pilatus
The opportunity to discover one of the best known mountains around Lucerne. A short drive takes us to the foot of Mount Pilatus, located in the heart of the Central Alps. Here, via a series of cable cars, we begin our ascent of this majestic mountain. We sail over farms, pastures and forests, and on arrival at the top you will have the time to take a stroll, write a postcard, or just marvel at the experience.
Adult Price: Fr.85.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Swiss Countryside & Carriages
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult Price: Fr.67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Journey Home
We bid a festive farewell to our travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Beautiful Prague By Night
Join our Local Specialist for an evening introduction to this fairy-tale city on private transport and with a little strolling. You’ll discover the magical Charles Bridge, enjoy a drink in one of the old town’s quaint restaurants while a musician entertains, journey through the Old Town and gaze at the panoramic views of the city.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Scenic Vltava Cruise with Lunch
Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we’ll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialities. n.b. There is a minimum of 20 guests required for the cruise to operate.
Adult Price: €51.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Traditional Alsatian Dinner
This evening enjoy a traditional Alsatian meal in a local restaurant located in the Petite France canal district of Strasbourg.
Adult Price: €59.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Lake Lucerne Cruise With Drinks
Considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. As we cruise on the tranquil waters, you will be mesmerised by the mountains circling the lake, the stunning lakeside houses and chocolate-box scenery. Two drinks are also included.
Adult Price: Fr.49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Mount Pilatus
The opportunity to discover one of the best known mountains around Lucerne. A short drive takes us to the foot of Mount Pilatus, located in the heart of the Central Alps. Here, via a series of cable cars, we begin our ascent of this majestic mountain. We sail over farms, pastures and forests, and on arrival at the top you will have the time to take a stroll, write a postcard, or just marvel at the experience.
Adult Price: Fr.85.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Swiss Countryside & Carriages
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult Price: Fr.67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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The Guides Made All the Difference
Trip Rating
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5
The hotels, buses, tours, and everything else were top rate and so worth the value!
Carolyn and Kirsty were amazing beyond words. The itinerary was constantly changing which was to be expected with the changing pandemic conditions but they made it smooth and stress free! This trip wouldn't have worked with anyone else leading it, they are both legends :)
Although our Christmas Markets 2021 journey was interrupted by the covid variants in parts of central Europe, Trafalgar came through and gave us memorable experiences in Prague, Munich, Strasbourg, Colmar, and Paris. (As Katherine Hepburn declared, “Paris is always a good idea”). Also, we never had Slovakia and The Czech Republic on our bucket list, but we are delighted we visited! Kudos to our tour directors, Maria and Michael, as well as the entire Trafalgar team, who scrambled mightily behind the scenes to give us amazing memories.
Traveling abroad with the COVID-19 travel restriction and countries mandates was challenging and overwhelming at times. Although our travel director Maria and Michael our wellness director and conductor Dragi, made it easier for us foreign travelers. They were always there for all of us, ready to re-route our itinerary when needed as countries reacted feverish around the new encountered Omicron covid variant which happened on our second day of our Austria, Germany and Switzerland tour. They really made us feel safe and all ways ready to answer our questions and concerns in a profesional way. Kudos to Maria, Michael and Dragi our tour bus driver who was patient and a very safe driver….it was a really pleasurable Europe trip over all. Oh, forget to mention, instead of Switzerland on our last two days of the leg of our trip; we were re-routed to Paris, France!
Maria and Mike did extremely well under the very stressful conditions we faced with the many closures and Covid protocols. Strasbourg and Colmar were very beautiful, it should be added to future trips .
COVID made the itinerary change constantly but got to visit cities I've always wanted to go to. Prague and Munich were stunning and can't wait to go back.
Maria and the rest of her team were incredible. Given the ever changing and complex COVID environment, the team exceeded every expectation always with a smile on their faces. Really was a trip to remember.
Christmas Markets: Are generally open from the beginning of Advent until 24 December 2022. Trafalgar reserves the right to substitute sights and excursions in keeping with the events of the season.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability 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 - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
