Explore the Christmas Markets of Bavaria, Austria & France
Valued up to A$11,347 - SAVE 42%
✔ 11 days ✔ 6 places ✔ 3 countries ✔ 24 people max
✔ 14+ yrs ✔ moderate ✔ Fully Guided Tour ✔ 4 & 4.5 star hotels
About the Tour
→ Munich → Salzburg → Innsbruck → Freiburg im Breisgau → Strasbourg → Paris
Step into a wintry wonderland on this deluxe journey through Germany, Austria and France. Wander the twinkling Christmas markets of Munich and Salzburg, and explore their historic landmarks on city tours. Then, marvel at the mirror-calm lakes and snow-capped peaks of the UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut region. Travel through the alpine city of Innsbruck, explore Freiburg’s medieval streets and visit the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.
Crossing into France, tour the vineyards of Colmar and taste its famous white wines, followed by a visit to Strasbourg’s famous yuletide market. Finish in Paris with a scenic cruise on the Seine, accompanied by a delicious dinner. With return airport transfers, knowledgeable English-speaking guides and carefully curated experiences, get acquainted with the best of the enchanting Central European alpine region.
Departures available: November 2025 – December 2025
Book by 31 August 2025 to enjoy special savings on your cruise!
Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
| Arrive | Details | Depart | Day 1 | Arrive Munich - Willkommen to Germany! Upon arrival to Munich International Airport (MUC), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, meet with your fellow travellers at 7pm for a welcome meeting and briefing. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Inclusions: Hilton Munich City (Guest Room) or similar | 12:00 | Day 2 | Munich - Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Munich on a three-hour walking tour. As you navigate the old town, you could see landmarks like Marienplatz, the city’s central square, where a large mechanical clock, the Glockenspiel, animates its figures to depict Bavarian history. Nearby is the imposing Frauenkirche, Munich’s most famous church with its distinctive twin spires, and the grand Residenz – a former royal palace. In the afternoon, experience the festive atmosphere of Munich’s famous Christmas markets as you weave your way through stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, twinkling lights and the aromas of roasted nuts and mulled wine. As evening falls, experience Bavarian hospitality with a welcome dinner at the 16th-century beer hall, Hofbräuhaus, for a three-course meal paired with a classic German beer. Inclusions: Hilton Munich City (Guest Room) or similar Breakfast and Dinner | Day 3 | Munich - Salzburg - After breakfast, set out for Salzburg nestled along the Salzach River and framed by the snow-capped Alps. Glimpse into the city’s past on a walking tour, passing landmarks like Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, where the famed composer spent his early years. You might also glimpse the DomQuartier, Saint Peter’s Abbey and the Mirabell Gardens, made famous by The Sound of Music. In the afternoon, soak up the festive atmosphere at Salzburg’s Christmas markets. The historic Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz and Domplatz is one of the oldest in Europe, where wooden stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, spiced nuts and steaming cups of Glühwein. For those seeking an evening of culture, an optional Mozart concert and dinner (surcharges apply) offers the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal set to the sounds of Salzburg’s most famous composer. Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes - Inclusions: NH Collection Salzburg City (Double Superior) or similar Breakfast | Day 4 | Salzburg - Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before a full day’s exploration of the Salzkammergut region, a landscape of pristine lakes, dramatic mountains and villages that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As you travel through this scenic area, see the glacial waters of Wolfgangsee, the charming town of Saint Gilgen and the towering peaks that frame the region. In Hallstatt, a lakeside village often called one of the most beautiful in the world, see pastel-coloured houses set on a hillside, a historic salt mine that dates back thousands of years and the reflections of the Alps on Hallstätter See. Returning to Salzburg in the afternoon, where you may enjoy another visit to the Christmas markets to pick up holiday gifts or indulge in seasonal treats like Kaiserschmarrn. Inclusions: NH Collection Salzburg City (Double Superior) or similar Breakfast and Lunch | Day 5 | Salzburg - Innsbruck - After breakfast, travel to Innsbruck, a city set against the Alps. On a tour of this wintry city, enjoy views of the towering Nordkette Alps as you weave past sights like the Golden Roof, a late-medieval balcony decorated with over 2,600 gilded tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I. In the afternoon, explore Innsbruck’s Christmas markets full of festive stalls against an Alpine backdrop. Traditional wooden chalets offer seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and warm drinks, making it an ideal place to soak up the holiday atmosphere. Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours - Inclusions: Dos Innsbruck Hotel (Small Double Room Economy Inn) or similar Breakfast | Day 6 | Innsbruck - Freiburg im Breisgau - Set off on a scenic drive after breakfast to Freiburg im Breisgau, stopping at the small principality of Liechtenstein. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this landlocked country is only 25 kilometres long and is known for its medieval heritage and alpine landscapes. Arrive in Freiburg im Breisgau in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours- Inclusions: Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria (Double Room Business) or similar Breakfast | Day 7 | Freiburg im Breisgau - Fuel up with breakfast and enjoy a full day at your leisure in Freiburg. Perhaps stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or else uncover its history and culture at the Augustiner Museum, showcasing medieval art in a former monastery (at own expense). With the Swiss riverside town of Basel within a 40-minute train ride (at own expense), you may like to explore this medieval town and its world-class art museums. Inclusions: Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria (Double Room Business) or similar Breakfast | Day 8 | Freiburg im Breisgau - Strasbourg - After breakfast, travel to Strasbourg with a stop in Colmar, a town known for its half-timbered houses, winding canals and winemaking traditions. In the Alsace region, embark on a vineyard tour and wine tasting to learn about the area’s centuries-old viticulture and sample its renowned white wines. As you explore the vineyards, enjoy views of villages and the Vosges mountains in the distance. Arriving in Strasbourg in the evening, take in the festive atmosphere of the Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, is set against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s medieval cathedral and historic squares. Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour - Inclusions: Aloft Strasbourg Etoile (Aloft King Room) or similar Breakfast | Day 9 | Strasbourg - Paris - After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Strasbourg’s train station, where you’ll board a first-class train to Paris. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the French countryside passes by. Upon arrival in Paris, another private transfer will take you directly to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – perhaps take a stroll along the Seine, visit a nearby cafe for a classic French pastry or simply relax and settle into your surroundings. Travel time: Train – approx. 2.5 hours - Inclusions: Les Jardin du Marais (Superior Room) or similar Breakfast | Day 10 | Paris - Begin your day with breakfast before enjoying a leisurely day in Paris. With no set schedule, you can explore at your own pace – perhaps wandering through the historic streets of the Marais, browsing the boutiques along the Champs-Élysées or visiting one of the city’s world-class museums. In the evening, mark the end of your journey with a farewell dinner aboard a Seine River cruise, gliding past the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Inclusions: Les Jardin du Marais (Superior Room) or similar Breakfast and Dinner | Day 11 | Depart Paris - After breakfast, bid a fond au revoir to Paris as you take a private transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your onward journey. Departure & Transfers: Checkout on your final day is at 12. Please book your flights to depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport. Inclusions: Breakfast | 06:00 |
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Highlights
- Wine tasting in Colmar, famed for its white wines
- First-class train and comfortable coach travel
- Private airport transfers and English-speaking Tour Director
- Explore the festive Christmas markets of Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Strasbourg
- Journey through the picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Salzkammergut region
- Cruise the Seine River while enjoying a farewell dinner
Inclusions
- 13 meals included – 10 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners
- Cruise the Seine River while enjoying a farewell dinner
- Discover Salzburg’s musical heritage with a visit to Mozart’s birthplace
- In-depth sightseeing in Munich, Leichtenstein and Innsbruck
- A full day in Gothic Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest
- First-class train through the French countryside and comfortable coach transport throughout
- Return private airport transfers with English-speaking Tour Director throughout your journey
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
Fine Print
- Prices are subject to availability
- Fare includes all taxes and port charges
- Travel insurance not included; customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover after booking
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice
- Visas/ESTA’s are not included
All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport.
Extras
TRAVEL ADVICE: We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.
FAQs
Summer (June to September): Best for outdoor activities, gardens, and whale watching
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