9 Day Magical European Christmas Markets Small Group Tour
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Access to Christmas Markets throughout Austria and Germany, city tours in Vienna, Salzburg & Munich. Visit sights included in the iconic film “The Sound of Music”, Salzburg Cathedral, St Peter's Monastery, Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau village and more.
✓ 8 Nights in 4 Star Accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated local guide in each city
✓ Deutsche Bahn rail and dedicated coach transportation
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Embark on a festive journey from Vienna to Munich, exploring the renowned Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany's oldest and most magical Christmas markets, and markets in Vienna. Wander through twinkling wooden stalls, enjoy seasonal treats like gingerbread and mulled wine and shop for handcrafted gifts for loved ones back home.
Welcome to Austria! On arrival at Vienna Airport, please make your own way to the hotel. You will be able to leave your bags safely at the hotel while you explore this beautiful city at leisure.
Check-in will be available in the afternoon.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a fascinating guided walking tour of Vienna and uncover the city's rich and diverse history, from its ancient Roman origins to its pivotal role during wartime. Over the course of this two-hour tour, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the renowned Sacher Café, home of the world-famous Sacher Torte.
Explore Heroes' Square, a significant historical site where Adolf Hitler delivered his infamous 1938 annexation speech during WWII, and marvel at the elegance of the Spanish Riding School and Hofburg Imperial Palace, the former seat of the Habsburg monarchy.
After the tour, there will be some free time to continue discovering the city’s wonders, including the enchanting Christmas markets! Vienna is home to over ten unique markets, each offering its own special charm and festive delights. Have fun as you dive deeper into the magic of Vienna!
Inspiring Highlights
With just one ticket you can get on and off at as many Vienna Christmas Markets as you like as well as visiting other popular sites. Choose from 3 routes and over 50 stops and create your own sightseeing programme. These tour buses are comfortable and offer a perfect view of the city. As a special service we provide free WIFI on board.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops and Routes
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 24 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Vienna)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
With just one ticket you can get on and off at as many Vienna Christmas Markets as you like as well as visiting other popular sites. Choose from 3 routes and over 50 stops and create your own sightseeing programme. These tour buses are comfortable and offer a perfect view of the city. As a special service we provide free WIFI on board.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops and Routes
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 48 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Vienna)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
From mid-November through Christmas, Vienna’s squares are transformed into festive wonderlands, where the air is filled with the irresistible aromas of freshly baked treats, mulled wine, and toasted almonds. Today, you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Vienna’s Christmas markets!
As you step into City Hall Square, a charming arched gateway welcomes you to the Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz. The traditional Christmas market here is a delight for the senses, with cosy booths offering a range of gifts, handcrafted ornaments, festive decorations, culinary delights, and hot beverages to warm you up against the winter chill. Just a short stroll away, the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien-Platz awaits, where you can browse for one-of-a-kind gifts and traditional handicrafts, all set against a backdrop of live gospel choirs and festive music, creating the perfect pre-Christmas atmosphere.
But the festive spirit doesn’t end there—Vienna boasts a wide array of Christmas markets to explore. Take your pick from Art Advent at Karlsplatz, or discover the markets at Freyung, Am Hof, Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Spittelberg, Riesenradplatz, Michaelerplatz, and Stephansplatz, each offering its own unique charm and holiday magic. For those seeking to further explore the area, an optional excursion to Vienna’s scenic surroundings is also available.
Inspiring Highlights
In the first part of the concert, you will listen to some of the most marvellous overtures, arias and duets from the operas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. "Le Nozze di Figaro", "Die Zauberflöte" and "Don Giovanni" to name a few. The most popular operetta arias, waltzes and polkas of the "Walzerkoenig" Johann Strauss - from "Die Fledermaus" and "Der Zigeunerbaron" to "Donauwalzer" and the famous "Radetzkymarsch" - comprise the second part. The orchestra is accompanied by two opera singers, a soprano and a baritone. Orangery Schönbrunn: The Orangery Schönbrunn offers the most suitable ambience for the Schönbrunn Palace Concerts. For as long as the time of the Habsburgs the Orangery was a place of musical and artistic festivities.
Meeting Point: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130, Vienna
How to get there: Own arrangements
Includes: Ticket to Schönbrunn Palace Concert event
Start Time: 8pm
End Time: Approx 10pm
Today we will travel from Vienna to the picturesque city of Salzburg. Your guide will meet you and accompany you on a scenic transit ride to the train station, where you’ll board your train for a 2.5 hour journey westward into the heart of Salzburgerland. As you glide through the stunning Austrian countryside, you can sit back and enjoy the views.
Upon arrival in Salzburg, your guide will be waiting at the train station to escort you to your hotel, just a short distance away. After settling in, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this enchanting city at your own pace. You might wish to enhance your experience with an optional Sound of Music tour, or join a guided exploration of Salzburg that includes a visit to Mozart’s residence, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s musical legacy.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
With just one ticket you can get on and off at as many Salzburg Christmas Markets as you like as well as visiting other popular sites. Flexible transport for Christmas markets, sightseeing, shopping or just for fun. The 24 hour pass allows you to get to know the city of Salzburg in a detailed and flexible way.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 24 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Salzburg)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
With just one ticket you can get on and off at as many Salzburg Christmas Markets as you like as well as visiting other popular sites. Flexible transport for Christmas markets, sightseeing, shopping or just for fun. The 48 hour pass allows you to get to know the city of Salzburg in a detailed and flexible way.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 48 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Salzburg)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
Relive the making of the Sound of Music movie. This tour is a combination of both historical Salzburg and the breath-taking Lakes and Mountains region. See many of the film locations from the ‘Sound of Music’, share background stories of the movie and also the history and culture of the region. The tour includes: Mirabell Gardens: Shown in many scenes including where Maria and the children sang ‘Do-Re-Mi’. The Gazebo: Where Rolf and Liesl sang ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ and Maria and the Baron sang ‘Something Good’. Palace of Leopoldskron: This historical palace and its ground provided many filming locations including the lake where the boating scene took place. The tour also includes other famous locations such as: Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen/Lake Wolfgang and the Church of Mondsee.
Meeting Point: Mirabellplatz / Corner Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
How to get there: Own arrangements
Includes: Guided tour and sightseeing with transportation.
Start Time: 2pm
End Time: approx 6pm
After breakfast, set off on a two-hour guided walking tour of Salzburg. Your tour begins at the stunning Mirabell Gardens and Palace, famously featured in the iconic film , The Sound of Music. Wander through the beautifully landscaped Italian Baroque gardens, adorned with mythology-themed statues and offering sweeping views of the city. From here, cross the River Salzach and make your way into the heart of Salzburg’s charming Baroque old town.
We’ll move onto the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart where you'll learn about the life and legacy of one of the world's greatest composers. Our exploration will continue along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s elegant shopping strip, and enjoy the picturesque lanes and hidden courtyards that define the city’s historical charm. Along the way, you’ll visit the magnificent Salzburg Dome Cathedral and St. Peter’s Monastery—one of the oldest monasteries in Austria, home to the world-renowned St. Peter’s Restaurant, which has been serving guests since 803.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Salzburg's renowned Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe. With its traditional wooden huts, artisanal gifts, and enchanting holiday lights stretching above the market stalls like shimmering stars, the market draws both visitors and locals alike, creating a truly magical experience. Open daily from late November through Christmas, the market offers an unforgettable festive experience.
Inspiring Highlights
The historical roots of the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium go far back into history. The legendary location is the oldest restaurant in Europe and is one of the oldest walls in Salzburg. In fact, even Faust is said to have visited the “Stiftskeller” in person. The Stiftskulinarum is situated in the heart of Salzburg old town in the monastery complex of the Benedictine archabbey of St. Peter. With records dating back to the year 803, the St. Peter “abbey cellar” is known as the oldest restaurant in Europe.
Meeting Point: During city tour
How to get there: Walk tour
Includes: Lunch at St Peter Restaurant, 3-course meal with 1 alcoholic drink and coffee or tea
Start Time: Lunchtime
End Time: approx 1.5 hours
Today we’ll continue the journey to Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria. A local guide will accompany you to Salzburg's train station, where you’ll board your train for a scenic two-hour ride, crossing from Austria into Germany.
Upon arrival in Munich, you will be met by a local guide to accompany you via the local transit system to reach your hotel. Once settled in, spend the afternoon exploring Munich’s renowned Christmas market, which has preserved its traditional Bavarian charm. Wander through stalls brimming with handmade goods, from intricately crafted ornaments to delicious seasonal treats like baked apples and gingerbread. As evening falls, the market comes to life with Advent music. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and get into the holiday spirit with a glass of mulled wine.
The highlight of the market is the stunning Christmas tree in front of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), adorned with nearly 2,500 glowing candles that illuminate the square, casting a magical Advent glow.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Discover more of Munich on this Hop on – Hop off tour. Besides the city centre you can visit the Christmas Markets at Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park, as well as popular sites like BMW World and Schwabing/Siegestor. The tour without stops takes about 2.5 hours but you can also leave and re-join the tour at twelve points around the city.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 24 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Munich)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
Discover more of Munich on this Hop on – Hop off tour. Besides the city centre you can visit the Christmas Markets at Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park, as well as popular sites like BMW World and Schwabing/Siegestor. The tour without stops takes about 2.5 hours but you can also leave and re-join the tour at twelve points around the city.
Meeting Point: Multiple Stops
How to get there: Walk to bus stop
Includes: Hop on-Hop off transport for 48 hours from first use (can be used for either day in Munich)
Start Time: from 10am onwards
Today we will embark on a journey into the heart of Bavaria to explore the dreamlike castles of King Ludwig II, hidden amidst the stunning mountain landscapes. This full-day guided tour takes you to two of his most iconic creations—Neuschwanstein and Linderhof—while immersing you in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding countryside.
We will begin with a scenic drive to the charming village of Hohenschwangau. Capture unforgettable views and photos at Marienbrücke, a bridge that offers a perfect vantage point of Neuschwanstein Castle. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein, with its towering spires and panoramic views. Afterward, head to the picturesque village of Oberammergau, renowned for its centuries-old Passion Play tradition.
Next, visit Linderhof Palace, where you'll have time to explore its magnificent formal gardens, the whimsical Moorish Kiosk, and the famous Venus Grotto, an otherworldly spot inspired by Wagner’s operas.
Finally, we’ll return to Munich in the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast, your day trip from Munich to Nuremberg begins, taking you to one of Germany's most famous and enchanting Christmas markets. The scenic train ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering beautiful views of the Bavarian countryside.
In Nuremberg, you'll be swept up in the city’s mediaeval charm, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. The highlight of the day is the Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets in Germany. Wander through rows of traditional wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, where you can sample delicious seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies (lebkuchen) and warming mulled wine (glühwein). The market offers a wide range of handcrafted ornaments, toys, and festive decorations, perfect for finding unique gifts.
The Christkindlesmarkt’s joyful atmosphere, combined with Nuremberg’s rich history and stunning architecture, makes for a truly magical experience. After a full day of festive exploration, you’ll return to Munich by train in the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Bid auf wiedersehen to Germany! At the appropriate time, make you own way to the airport for your your onward journey.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Sights
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”2”
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,300.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 20
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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