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Alpine Christmas Markets
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Alpine Christmas Markets
Operated by: Insight Vacations
9 Days from $2,195 per person
Countries Visited
Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland ...more Germany, Austria, France, SwitzerlandLocations Visited
Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lindau, Freiburg, Strasbourg, Zurich ...more Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lindau, Freiburg, Strasbourg, ZurichSMALL GROUP DEPARTURES
SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, Insight Vacations Small Group departures offer the same fantastic touring experience, with a maximum of just 24 guests.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, Insight Vacations Small Group departures offer the same fantastic touring experience, with a maximum of just 24 guests.
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Day 1
Arrive in Munich
Welcome to Germany. Transfers leave Munich airport for your hotel at 10:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 15:00 for an orientation of the city that will show you all the city’s major sights, culminating in the Marienplatz, with its soaring Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Here, the Christkindlmarkt will be in full swing, an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner with wine. The next day is at leisure.(Dinner with Wine)
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Day 2
Free time in the Bavarian capital
Munich embraces the holiday season with a particular zeal, so the day is all yours to enjoy the vibrant festive markets that abound in this city. On crisp winter days, organ music and carols ring out from the ancient churches. If snow has fallen, the vast English Garden provides lovely winter vistas. Another option is to experience the romantic royal palaces of the Bavarian Alps.(Breakfast)
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Day 3
Lake Chiemsee, Salzburg and Innsbruck
Travel alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Chiemsee on your way to Salzburg in Austria, where the spires and domes of the Old Town are often draped in snow come December. A walk with your Local Expert will show you Mozart’s family home and the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Your Travel Director will introduce you to one of the market stallholders for a taste of traditional Bavarian Lebkuchen and a fragrant cup of Glühwein. Head through the mountains to your Innsbruck hotel. This evening, enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by local Tyrolean entertainment.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 4
Innsbruck at Leisure and Carriage Ride
Enjoy a relaxed start and spend the morning at leisure. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Old Town and Christmas Markets, set in front of the Golden Roof, graced by beautifully preserved medieval facades. Explore Insbruck with Insight Choice. Choose between a horse & carriage ride or visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal.(Breakfast)
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Day 5
The Black Forest via Lindau
Travel through the Alberg tunnel, Austria’s longest road tunnel, as you return to Germany and pause in the tiny island-town of Lindau. Walk through the maze of ancient streets down to the harbour. Across the lake, often shrouded in mist, look for the rising silhouette of snow-capped peaks. After time to explore, continue along the shores of the Bodensee to your hotel in the Black Forest for three fabulous nights.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 6
Freiburg Sightseeing
Visit Freiburg in the morning, a lively university city with a charming Christmas atmosphere. Walk from the medieval Münster through the heart of the historic old quarter, past colourful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest.(Breakfast)
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Day 7
Strasbourg and Alsace experience
Cross the Rhine to the region of Alsace, wedged between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. This area has changed nationality four times since 1870! Arrive in Strasbourg, the City at the Crossroads, where the Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the largest in France. Spend time in a cosy neighbourhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings, with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery, warm with fragrant promise. Return to Germany and venture to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of local specialties, accompanied by wine.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 8
The Swiss City of Zürich
Cross the Swiss border and head for Zürich where sightseeing includes the imposing Grossmünster, elegant Fraumünster, and winding alleys of the Old Town alongside the River Limmat. A highlight is Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets and a three-storey Christmas tree, draped with Swarovski crystals. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 9
Depart Zürich
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. Complimentary transfers to the airport, by hotel shuttle, depart every 15 minutes.(Breakfast)
Price Includes
Included Insight Services
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency
- We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times
- If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport
Authentic Dining
- Munich: What better way to start your journey than a Welcome Dinner at a typical German local restaurant, Donisl restaurant.
- Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious Lebkuchen with a fragrant cup of Glühwein.
- Innsbruck: Savour a traditional meal accompanied by local Tyrolean music and entertainment.
- Black Forest: Indulge in a delightful dinner of local German specialties, accompanied by wine.
- Zurich: The Swiss just love good food and wine, a decorative, well-laden table, and a touch of Grossm�nster - all of which you will find at your warm Celebration Dinner.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfast (B), 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Insight Choice
- Innsbruck: Choose between a horse and carriage ride or alternatively, visit the magical world of Swarovski Crystal.
Insight Experiences
- Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
Top Rated Highlights
- Christmas Markets: All departures will experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets of each city, some of the oldest in Europe.
- Scenic Drives: Throughout your travels, enjoy beautiful views of the Austrian Alps and Lake Bodensee.
- Munich: See Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
- Innsbruck: Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director as you walk the narrow streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval houses and arcades, to see the Golden Roof.
- Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
- Lorrach: Explore the town located on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland and see the ruins of Rotteln Castle.
- Lindau: Your Travel Director takes you to the Harbour and Old City Hall. Walk the medieval streets of this island-town and browse the shops on Maximillium Strasse.
- Frieburg: Enjoy a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets. See the medieval Münster and spend time in the historic old quarter.
- Strasbourg: Exploring the Christmas Markets is like stepping directly into a fairytale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses. Here you visit France's oldest Christmas Markets, set in front of the Cathedral. Spend time in the atmospheric neighbourhood of La Petite France.
- Zurich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
Dates & Prices
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Online Booking Process
Financing from $/month
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