From $2,625
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of Central Europe’s festive market scene. Feel the bustling energy of Munich’s charismatic Christmas markets, savour the smell of spicy festive delights in Salzburg, see the sights of vibrant Vienna and take a therapeutic soak in the thermal baths of Budapest. Meander from stall to stall, discovering new sights, sounds, flavours and fashions.
Highlights
- This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities
- Munich's Christmas markets are probably the most famous of them all. Authentic Bavarian food, ale and music make this an unforgettable Christmas experience
- Explore Salzburg’s markets and travel high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district to the fully preserved castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Vienna's Christmas markets are as ornamental as its architecture. Austria's capital provides a spectacular seasonal shopping affair, with tonnes of hand-crafted toys, candles and paintings on offer. Where better to pick up those last-minute gifts?
- Jolly Budapest really embraces the Christmas spirit. Take a walk through the streets to find every street, tree and market lit up in lights
Trip Details
Product Code: 1619
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Metro
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AMSW
Starts: Munich, Austria
Finishes: Budapest, Austria
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $2,625 ($328 /day)
Itinerary
Willkommen! Welcome to Munich, Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. In the evening, head out for an included dinner with the rest of the group. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Included Activities:
- Munich - Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning after breakfast, venture out with your leader for an orientation walk of Munich. This cosmopolitan metropolis houses an extraordinary array of sights for travellers more interested in art, architecture, history, music and, of course, Christmas markets. There are 20 different Christmas markets in Munich and you'll be introduced to the best of them. From the Kripperlmarkt, which has all you need to create an authentic manger, to the Tollwood Christmas Market, Munich's vibrant ethnic festival. Music lovers will be able to get into the festive spirit with a special alpine Christmas Market concert from the balcony of Munich's town hall, which takes places Sunday to Thursday while the Christmas markets are on. Sip on a mug of gluehwein, grab a grilled sausage and browse the markets full of toys, wood carvings, candles etc.
Included Activities:
- Munich - Gluehwein (Mulled Wine) Tasting
- Munich - Christmas Market Visit
Optional Activities:
- Munich - Alte Pinakothek Art Gallery (12 EUR)
- Munich - Bavarian Royal Palace (13 EUR)
- Munich - Deutsches Museum (14 EUR)
- Munich - Third Reich Tour (15 EUR)
- Munich - Bavarian National Museum (7 EUR)
- Munich - BMW World - Free
- Munich - BMW Museum (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel south-east into Austria by train to Salzburg today, which should take around one hour and forty five minutes. Built on the fortune of its famous salt mines, Salzburg is the birthplace of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves legend, home to the hills from the Sound of Music and purveyor of absolutely everything Mozart. On arrival, check in to your hotel and then head out into the city for an orientation walk with your leader. The city will captivate with its history, as well as its cobblestone lanes, bubbling river and charmingly kitsch atmosphere. In the late afternoon, visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square. The smells of gluhwein, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon brushed baked apples waft through the marketplace, while the sounds of traditional Salzburg choirs fill the air. Here your leader will take you on food crawl that may include such classics as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Kasnock´n (cheese gnocchi), Bratwurst (sausage), Mozartkugel (marzipan-covered nougat in dark chocolate cover), Schwarzbrot (sourdough bread).
Later on, jump in to a cable car and reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city’s most visible landmark. This fully preserved castle hosts very small, intimate Christmas market and if you’re lucky, a Christmas themed live music.
Included Activities:
- Salzburg - Christmas Market Visit
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Cable Car
- Salzburg- Christmas Market small tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free to explore Salzburg and the surrounding areas. Perhaps make your way to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden, situated in the German Alps. Otherwise, you may want to experience the life of the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music and visit movie scenes of the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace. In the evening, why not head back to the Christmas markets to soak up even more of the blissful atmosphere?
Optional Activities:
- Salzburg - Sound of Music Tour (45 EUR)
- Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace (12 EUR)
- Salzburg - Mirabell Palace and Gardens - Free
- Salzburg - Three Village Christmas Market Tour (25 EUR)
- Berchtesgaden - Salt Mine Visit (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Board a train bound for Vienna today (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, embark on a leader-led walking tour of Vienna, passing grand buildings and parks. You'll see many monuments dedicated to famous composers and historical figures. In your free time, perhaps visit the striking Hofburg Palace, the Leopold Museum or seek out exceptional city views on the Prater Ferris Wheel. Later in the afternoon, head to the Christmas markets in front of the City Hall. Browse the markets, sip on Christmas punch and snack on some freshly baked cinnamon biscuits.
Included Activities:
- Vienna - Christmas Market Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You'll have the whole day to explore Vienna, so perhaps head to Schoenbrunn Palace, which was designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The gardens are free to all visitors but there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at. Also, with over 12 Christmas markets to visit in the city, you'll be sure to find the perfect Christmas present.
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (16 EUR)
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (14 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Vienna Boys Choir Concert (70 EUR)
- Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel east from Vienna to Budapest by train (approximately 3 hours). Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest's grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by. With so much to see and do, hiring a bicycle is a great way to move between sights and attractions. After a short orientation walk around the city, it's time to visit the Christmas markets. With the main Christmas market being located in Vorosmarty Square, every street light, tree and market stall lit up it gives the area a real Christmas feel. There are plenty of stalls offering different Hungarian foods to try and buy. Experience these great markets of Budapest with a glass of mulled wine or shot of traditional Hungarian palinka. The combination of market cheer and Neo-Renaissance architecture is a charming one.
Included Activities:
- Budapest - Christmas Market Visit
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (10000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (7000 HUF)
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting (21 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Christmas Market adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Carla - Traveled, December 2023
Our group leader, Lilla, provided us with a memorable trip, imparted so much knowledge about each beautiful city we visited, and fostered relationships between tour participants in a fun and easy manner.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Johanna - Traveled, April 2024
This is a great tour for an intro to Europe around Christmas. The groups are small and the guide Lila was wonderful. It strikes the perfect balance between guided and self exploration of the cities you go through. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Terri - Traveled, January 2023
This trip was a magical experience that is a must do for anyone who wants to experiment the Christmas spirit the Eastern European way. This trip was well organized with enough free time to allow you to do whatever you pleased in the cities. Our lead Dani did an excellent job about keeping our group together and informed of the daily activities. Or things to do in our down time. Our group was a fabulous bunch of individuals that started out a strangers in the beginning, and ended as life long friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2024
Joanne - Traveled, December 2023
This Intrepid tour of the iconic Christmas places in Germany, Austria and Hungary was top notch, supported by a very efficient local Tour Leader who provided excellent recommendations for local eating places and attractions. The Intrepid approach and style of touring is authentic and responsible - exploring by train, public transport and walking tours is a fantastic way to experience new places, and see all the historical “picture postcard” sites and become immersed in the local culture - and the Christmas Markets are just magical! definitely recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Anne - Traveled, December 2023
This was my first Intrepid trip and I would highly recommend. Excellent leader, well organised and a lovely group of like minded people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Kim - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing trip got us in the holiday spirit! Johanna our leader is a gem. The group got along great and will stay in touch. Thank you Johanna!!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Tamara - Traveled, November 2023
The tour was well planned out and we visited some amazing Christmas Markets. Our tour leader Dani was very approachable, had excellent communication and handled our delays like a pro.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2023
Aleana - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was lovely! It provided a great overview of the regions we visited and was a good balance of guided and free time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Leah - Traveled, November 2023
This was a charming tour through some beautiful cities! Perfect way to kick off the holiday season. It is a great way to see the different cities with guidance and history, while also enjoying time to explore/do activities on your own. We would recommend booking more night(s) in Budapest!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Susan - Traveled, November 2023
70 years old and my first Intrepid tour! The information provided was spot on, travel light, The level of fitness required, use of public transport, local meals included or optional and the small group. I loved the use of public transport so we saw the countryside. The jewel in the crown was Johanna, our guide. What a gem! So knowledgeable and caring. She made us feel special! If some independence and being a local more than a tourist is what you want, then Intrepid is perfect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Yasmine - Traveled, November 2023
The Christmas Market tour was a fantastic trip especially for those who don’t get to have the “White Christmas” experience. It added a little additional magic to an already beautiful part of Europe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, December 2022
Great way to experience festive Xmas however, more time needed on each city and an organised person could do these activities/travel without a tour as it isn’t very detailed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2023
Sue - Traveled, December 2022
This is a fantastic trip, the Christmas market are amazing! We stood in the main square in Munich, the snow was gently falling, a choir were singing from the balcony and the lights on the huge Christmas tree sparkled.. it was magical! And that was just day two!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2022
Ella - Traveled, December 2022
This trip was phenomenal, the places have been beautiful and really enjoyable and the team leader has been exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2022
Juden - Traveled, December 2022
This was an excellent & well-organized tour led by Vanessa Baumann who was very approachable and sensitive to each individual members’ needs. All the hotel accommodations were clean and centrally located & close to the city center with excellent breakfast provided, esp Hotel Europa. Would definitely recommend to friends & family! Aside from the extensive walking involved in certain parts of the tour, this is an excellent trip overall!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2022
Bethany - Traveled, December 2022
Definitely recommend this fun trip to wonderful Christmas markets. Intrepid coordinates train transport, hotels, and walking tours to the major markets. You then have plenty of free time to explore your own interests. Tatiana was an enthusiastic guide who was ready to answer all questions. Bring warm clothes, a big appetite and comfortable walking shoes for a great introduction to these Christmas traditions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2022
Kevin - Traveled, December 2022
Loved our Christmas markets trip. We had a fun group of fellow travelers and Sebastian was a super group leader. Wish we would have stayed a couple of extra days in Budapest as Intrepid had suggested. Another wonderful Intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2022
Wanda - Traveled, December 2022
Be prepared to arrange all of your own excursions and book them well in advance. The hotels are not 4 stars so be prepared for that reality.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2022
Monica - Traveled, December 2022
Nice tour. Overall I really enjoyed it! hHowever, I do not think I would have enjoyed this trip as a solo traveler. Tour was heavily self guided. Markets and locations are just beautiful. Wished I had spent more time in Budapest though.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2022
Samantha - Traveled, December 2022
This trip involves a lot of free time. The Christmas markets are really beautiful but if you like structure it is not a good trip for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2022
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