Compare Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest by Intrepid Travel vs Swiss Highlands & Bavarian Alps 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Munich

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).

Day 2 Munich

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.

Day 3 Salzburg

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.

Day 4 Salzburg

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?

Day 5 Vienna

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.

Day 6 Vienna

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.

Day 7 Budapest

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.

Day 8 Budapest

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.

Day 1 Arrive Zurich / Bern

Tour Begins: 6:00 PM, Bellevue Palace Bern. A transfer is included from Zurich Airport to the Bellevue Palace Bern, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture ideally located in the historic heart of this UNESCO World Heritage City amidst stunning Alpine views. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight, inspiring with Swiss flair.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Bellevue Palace Bern

PORTOFCALL : Bern, Switzerland

Day 2 Beauty, Bears and Brains in Bern

A garden of delights awaits your discovery on a drive to the flower-filled Rosengarten and the famous Bear Park, Bärenpark. Long a symbol of the city and its namesake, bears have been a draw in Bern since the 1500s when they were first put on display as entertainment for its residents. You'll see bears featured on the town emblem and flag and in the park you'll explore this morning, where a family of brown bears live in an enclosed riverside setting. Join a local guide on a walk through the rose gardens and bear park, followed by a stroll past the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity, to the Bern History Museum; take a guided visit of the Einstein Museum located inside.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Bellevue Palace Bern

PORTOFCALL : Bern, Switzerland

Day 3 Habsburg Castle & The Abbey Library

Drive to the Emmental region this morning for a day of Swiss traditions. Experience a taste of local life on visit to the Craftman's Village in Wasen, see a Swiss sumo-like wrestling demonstration at the "Schwingen" club in Affoltern and joins us for an interactive cheese-making tour in Emmental, highlighted by a tasty lunch. Continue to Lucerne for an orientation tour of Old Town and free time before returning to Bern.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Bellevue Palace Bern

Day 4 Alpine Highs In Appenzell

The imperial legacy of the Habsburgs comes alive today when you meet the Habsburgs during a Tauck Exclusive lunch at medieval Habsburg Castle, one of the most influential royal houses in Europe during the Middle Ages. Next it's on to a chocolate making adventure that indulges your sweet tooth with a taste of this coveted Swiss specialty, made in mechanized Swiss chocolate factories since 1819. Your destination tonight is the cobblestoned town of St. Gallen, renowned for its textiles and its lavish Abbey District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of the library includes a walk through town, a visit and demonstration at the textile museum and a visit to the Abbey Library of Saint Gall, considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Dinner tonight is at leisure at your hotel.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Einstein St. Gallen

PORTOFCALL : Appenzell, Switzerland

Day 5 Oberammergau's Passion Play

Drive to Appenzell for a day of scenic delights. Ride a cable car up towering Santis Peak for views of mountains and cliff-top chalets that will take your breath away, then spend the afternoon exploring the sights in the town's car-free center. Boasting a quintessential fairy-tale setting, the old town invites with colorful wooden buildings, frescoed and flowered, with old-fashioned signage that takes you back in time. Return to St. Gallen for dinner.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Einstein St. Gallen

PORTOFCALL : Oberammergau, Germany

Day 6 A Palace & Royal Carriages in Munich

A morning drive to the village of Oberammergau is highlighted by a stop and guided visit of the Passion Play Theater. Once every ten years, as each new decade begins, some 2,000 local residents of Oberammergau join forces to perform the Passionsspiele (Passion Play), a dramatic re-creation of Jesus Christ's last days on Earth. First produced nearly four centuries ago, the Passion Play has become a beloved highlight of every decade. Journey along the scenic Yellow Roads to Germany to Munich for a two-night stay. Enjoy guided city sightseeing this afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Dine in your choice of hotel restaurants tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Bayerischer Hof

PORTOFCALL : Munich, Germany

Day 7 Dachau & Munich as You Wish

Depart for Dachau this morning, where the first of Germany's infamous Nazi concentration camps opened in 1933 and was used as a model for others that followed. Your visit to the memorial site will be a poignant one that provides historical context to an unimaginable time. Enjoy time at leisure to experience Munich as you wish. Your day ends with a farewell dinner at an iconic city restaurant that serves up a feast of regional fare.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Bayerischer Hof

PORTOFCALL : Munich, Germany

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour Ends: Munich. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Bayerischer Hof hotel to Munich's Franz Josef Strauss International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Munich, Germany