Operated by Collette

Magical Christmas Markets

From

CAD 3,749

Duration

8 days

Countries

Austria, Germany

Activity

moderate

Rating

4.7 · 180 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Experience the holiday spirit in Austria and Germany, where the tradition of the Christkindlesmarkt began over 600 years ago. Explore Christmas markets alive with festive cheer and cultural treasures. Uncover the history and tastes of these incredible regions spending five relaxing nights in Innsbruck, where the spirit of Christmas is undeniable. Venture to the Alpine village of Seefeld via train; partake in the traditional taste of schnapps before you’re whisked away on an actual horse-drawn Christmas sleigh. Head to Salzburg for an expert-guided walking tour and delight in dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. Embark on the journey of a lifetime in this winter wonderland, where twinkling lights illuminate entire regions, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Route

→

Countries

Austria, Germany

Activity level

moderate

Style

Culture & History, Rail Journeys, Winter & Northern Lights

Day by day

Beautiful view of mountains and forests in Klagenfurt, Austria.

Your journey through

Austria & Germany

Showing Days 1-7

8-day itinerary

Day 1Overnight FlightYou’re on your way to uncover the unique charms of Austria and Germany and the incredible Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market)!

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to uncover the unique charms of Austria and Germany and the incredible Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market)!

Day 2Innsbruck, AustriaWelcome to the town of Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Spend the next five nights nestled in the heart of the mountains. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, accompany your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner to celebrate your arrival in Austria.

Welcome to the town of Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Spend the next five nights nestled in the heart of the mountains. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, accompany your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner to celebrate your arrival in Austria.

Day 3Innsbruck - Seefeld - InnsbruckThis morning, it’s your choice! Walk through the charming streets of Innsbruck on a locally guided tour and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof -OR- visit the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage, getting a glimpse into this historic region through traditional costumes and handicrafts. Next, journey by train 3,600 feet above sea level to the idyllic village of Seefeld, one of the world's great ski resorts thanks to miles of lakes and trails. Step off the train into the pure Alpine air to find an authentic horse-drawn carriage – and a traditional gift of schnapps – waiting for you. Belt out a carol or two as you are whisked into town and participate in an interactive demonstration of how to make (and eat!) traditional strudel.

Innsbruck

This morning, it’s your choice! Walk through the charming streets of Innsbruck on a locally guided tour and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof -OR- visit the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage, getting a glimpse into this historic region through traditional costumes and handicrafts. Next, journey by train 3,600 feet above sea level to the idyllic village of Seefeld, one of the world's great ski resorts thanks to miles of lakes and trails. Step off the train into the pure Alpine air to find an authentic horse-drawn carriage – and a traditional gift of schnapps – waiting for you. Belt out a carol or two as you are whisked into town and participate in an interactive demonstration of how to make (and eat!) traditional strudel.

Day 4Innsbruck - Salzburg - InnsbruckOver the mountains and through the woods of the Austrian countryside resides the storybook Old Town of Salzburg. Journey through the baroque heart of the city and the famous thoroughfare of Mozart’s birthplace and continue towards Mirabell Gardens* and the iconic “Do-Re-Mi steps” from The Sound of Music. Head out to enjoy a free afternoon with the locals, affectionately known as “Salzburgers.” Do some treasure hunting at any of the six Christmas markets. Your day concludes at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest continuously-serving restaurant in Europe. Inside this centuries-old gem, indulge in traditional food.

Innsbruck

Over the mountains and through the woods of the Austrian countryside resides the storybook Old Town of Salzburg. Journey through the baroque heart of the city and the famous thoroughfare of Mozart’s birthplace and continue towards Mirabell Gardens* and the iconic “Do-Re-Mi steps” from The Sound of Music. Head out to enjoy a free afternoon with the locals, affectionately known as “Salzburgers.” Do some treasure hunting at any of the six Christmas markets. Your day concludes at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest continuously-serving restaurant in Europe. Inside this centuries-old gem, indulge in traditional food.

Day 5InnsbruckEnjoy a full day at leisure in Innsbruck. Enjoy the Christmas markets, brimming with the sights, smells, and sounds of the season. Be on the lookout for St. Nicholas, and even Krampus, as they march through the market stalls. Revel in good cheer while brass bands play from the towers and indulge in some gluhwein and stollen, while chestnuts roast on open fires. Perhaps you’ll enjoy an optional Tyrolean dinner and folklore show this evening.

Innsbruck

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Innsbruck. Enjoy the Christmas markets, brimming with the sights, smells, and sounds of the season. Be on the lookout for St. Nicholas, and even Krampus, as they march through the market stalls. Revel in good cheer while brass bands play from the towers and indulge in some gluhwein and stollen, while chestnuts roast on open fires. Perhaps you’ll enjoy an optional Tyrolean dinner and folklore show this evening.

Day 6Innsbruck - Oberammergau, Germany - Innsbruck, AustriaTour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modelled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. Your journey continues to Oberammergau. Enjoy a lunch featuring regional cuisine before spending some time on your own getting to know this picture-perfect Bavarian village.

Innsbruck

Tour Linderhof Palace, the only palace - out of three - that King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Walk the extraordinary halls that were modelled after Versailles with an expert guide and bask in the luxury of past royals. Your journey continues to Oberammergau. Enjoy a lunch featuring regional cuisine before spending some time on your own getting to know this picture-perfect Bavarian village.

Day 7Innsbruck - Munich, GermanyWilkommen to Munich! Venture to Marienplatz and see the iconic Glockenspiel,** where life-size figurines spin and dance. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps grabbing a bier at the renowned Hofbrauhaus or doing some final holiday shopping at one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets. Join a local guide on a tour of Munich, passing by famous sights such as the Royal Square and Parliament Building. Close your day, toasting to the end of your seasonal sojourn at an early farewell dinner before you depart to your hotel near the Munich airport.

Innsbruck

Wilkommen to Munich! Venture to Marienplatz and see the iconic Glockenspiel,** where life-size figurines spin and dance. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps grabbing a bier at the renowned Hofbrauhaus or doing some final holiday shopping at one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets. Join a local guide on a tour of Munich, passing by famous sights such as the Royal Square and Parliament Building. Close your day, toasting to the end of your seasonal sojourn at an early farewell dinner before you depart to your hotel near the Munich airport.

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