Fly to Munich & Arrive
Overnight flight to Munich. Arrive and settle in. First market visit at Marienplatz.
The Christmas markets of Austria and Germany are the real thing — not a recreation, not a festival inspired by something else, but the original tradition that everything else is modeled on. Wooden stalls in medieval squares, glühwein warming your hands, roasting almonds in the air, and the smell of pine and cinnamon everywhere. We stay multiple nights in each region rather than rushing through, which is the only way to actually experience a Christmas market rather than just visit one.
Tour Highlights
- Nuremberg Christmas Market — the most famous in Germany
- Vienna's Rathausplatz market
- Salzburg — Mozart's city at Christmas
- Munich's Marienplatz market
- The alpine villages between markets
- Stollen, glühwein, and roasted almonds at every stop
What to Expect
Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt — the gold standard of Christmas markets, running since 1628.
Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace at Christmas. The market in the Domplatz and the fortress lit up above the city.
Vienna
The Viennese Christmas markets at the Rathaus and the Schönbrunn Palace. Three nights to enjoy at a real pace.
Return Home
Morning at leisure before flying home.
What's Included
Included
- Roundtrip airfare
- 10 nights hotel
- Professional tour director throughout
- All transportation within the itinerary
Not Included
- Meals (the markets are half the fun — budget for glühwein and food stall snacks)
- Personal purchases
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cold?
Yes — pack for temperatures in the 30s–40s. This is part of the experience. A warm coat, hat, and gloves are essential.
How crowded are the markets?
The markets are busy, especially on weekends. We time our visits to the most popular markets for weekday mornings when possible.