Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Small Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Small Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Munich, Germany
Visiting: Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Imperial Residence, Vienna City Hall, Salzkammergut, Salzburg, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Munich, Marienplatz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW520N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journey through the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps on this grand tour of Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s 500-year-old Christmas Market and Munich’s six-story-tall Christmas tree. Warm up with a mug or two of Gluhwein at the Innsbruck Christmas Market before indulging in an exclusive Insight Choice, taking a horse and carriage ride through the romantic streets of the Old Town or a tour of the world of Swarovski Crystal. At the Salzburg Market Tasting experience, meet a local market stallholder for an exclusive sampling of gingerbread, washed down with a glass of mulled wine. In Neuschwanstein, follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps on a tour of the fairy-tale-like castle that reputedly inspired him, complete with extravagant decorations and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director and head over to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful meal and wine.
Day 2: Vienna sightseeing
Location: Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Ring Road, Vienna State Opera, Hofburg Imperial Residence, Vienna City Hall
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market.
Day 3: To Enchanting Salzburg Relaxed Start
Location: Salzkammergut, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte.
Day 4: The City of Mozart Relaxed Start
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation Name: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Come December, the spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow. Walk with your Local Expert to see Mozart’s family home on the Getreidegasse, beautifully decorated at this time of year. Then head on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine and the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop and browse. Here your Travel Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein.
Day 5: A Scenic Drive to Innsbruck Relaxed Start
Location: Seefeld, Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the Tyrolean Alps. Explore the Olympic village of Seefeld with Insight Choice. Choose to enjoy a horse & carriage ride to enjoy stunning Alpine scenery, or indulge in a morning tea of coffee and cake in a local café. Continue to the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck to enjoy the Christmas Markets in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring Austrian favorites.
Day 6: Neuschwanstein castle and Oberammergau
Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Munich
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to the Neuschwanstein castle, before continuing into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theater and admire the colorful painted chalets before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich.
Day 7: Munich Relaxed Start
Location: Munich, Marienplatz
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Expert for a unique guided journey through Munich’s Advent traditions, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore the quieter streets besides the Christmas Markets to learn about well-known Christmas customs and uncover traditions that have largely been forgotten today. In Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, see the famous Glockenspiel. Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your traveling companions at a local restaurant for a festive dinner with wine and good cheer.
Day 8: Auf Wiedersehen Munich!
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer will be arranged to Munich Airport.
What's Included
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Guided Exploration of Schönbrunn Palace
A guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is included, where you can stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded Rococo frames.
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City Tour of Vienna
Join a Local Expert for a city tour of Vienna, revealing both renowned sights and hidden gems, including the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building, and Karlskirche.
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Salzburg Christmas Market
Visit the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the Salzburg cathedral with a Local Expert, and see Mozart's family home and the Hohensalzburg fortress.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Austria and Germany in a comfortable coach, with scenic drives through the Tyrolean Alps and visits to iconic locations like Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau.Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Hilton Vienna Park, ARCOTEL Castellani in Salzburg, and AC Innsbruck, with the final nights at the Steigenberger Hotel Munich, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.Dining Summary
Insight Experiences
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, a musical demonstration at Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, and a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck. Additionally, there is a unique guided journey through Munich's Advent traditions.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences including a dinner with wine at a local restaurant in Vienna, tasting gingerbread and Glühwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market, indulging in regional specialties in Innsbruck, and a festive dinner with wine in Munich.
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What cultural activities are part of the itinerary?
Cultural activities include visiting Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in Salzburg, exploring the theater in Oberammergau where the Passion Play is performed, and learning about Munich's Advent traditions.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Vienna?
In Vienna, highlights include a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a city tour along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building, and Karlskirche, and visiting the Viennese Christmas Market.
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What can I expect to see in Salzburg during the tour?
In Salzburg, you will see Mozart's family home, the Hohensalzburg fortress, and the Residenz Fountain. You will also visit the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral.
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What is the significance of the visit to Oberammergau?
Oberammergau is significant for its theater where the Passion Play has been performed since 1634. You will explore the town and see the colorful painted chalets.
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What will I experience in Munich during the tour?
In Munich, you will explore the city's Advent traditions, see the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, and enjoy a festive dinner with wine. You will also visit the traditional Christmas Market beneath the gigantic Christmas tree.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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