Festive German and Austrian Christmas Markets
Tours / Festive German and Austrian Christmas Markets
Experience Christkindlmärkte in true Bavarian fashion, with stalls selling traditional German gifts and treats, warm mugs to drink (or collect) and towns lit up like festive Christmas trees.
DATE
Nov 29-Dec 6, 2023
TRANSPORT
Train, Bus
BOARD
3-star hotels
GROUP SIZE
8 People
ACTIVITY
Leisure
DURATION
8 Days
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before Nov 29th in order to arrive in Munich prior to the tour start of 1:00 pm on Nov 30th. Those arriving early are responsible for securing any additional hotel stays or transportation from the airport to downtown Munich.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL IN GERMANY
Tour guide will meet all travelers arriving by 12:00 at the Munich airport and guide group to downtown hotel location. Those arriving later will need to make their own way to the Munich hotel. Visit the Munich Rathaus, ascending its elevator to view the city and festive market below from the top of the clock tower. Stroll through the market lined with stalls selling Christmas wares, warm up with hot apple cider, and sample traditional German fare at the Marienplatz Christmas market.
DAY 3: MUNICH
Take a tour of Munich’s opulent Residenz, a former royal palace of the monarchs of Bavaria, and its Royal Treasury. It is the largest city palace in Germany and is enjoyed by visitors for its stunning architecture and decor. Visit the beautiful Frauenkirche, whose twin towers have been one of Munich's major landmarks since they were added in 1525. The church's tower provides a wonderful aerial view of the city for those willing to climb its steps.
DAY 4: REGENSBURG
Journey from Munich to Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest and best-preserved medieval towns. Explore the town, stopping in at the Cathedral, Old Stone Bridge, Porta Praetoria, Wurstkuch, Old Corn Market and Old Town Hall. Tour St. Emmeram’s Abbey to see the recently renovated Palais Thurn and Taxis and visit its beloved Christmas market before returning to Munich for the night.
DAY 5: SALZBURG
Travel from Munich to Salzburg, Austria, birthplace of famed composer Wolfgang Mozart and film setting for many scenes in The Sound of Music. Ride a funicular from the city center thru the castle walls to one of the largest intact castles in Central Europe. In addition to providing an immersive look at the history of the castle, a visit to Hohensalzburg also provides a wonderful viewpoint from which to observe the city below.Marvel at the Salzburg cathedral, a magnificent structure dominating the main square. In the square, you’ll also browse Christmas market stalls, hear local musicians and find enticing festive foods.
DAY 6: NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Travel to Neuschwanstein to see one of the most iconic castles in the world. Made famous as the inspiration for the Disney castle, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honor of Richard Wagner. Reach the castle via shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriage or on a steeply ascending footpath.
DAY 7: MUNICH
Choose your activities for the day. Learn to make Bavarian Pretzels with a local or take a horse-drawn wagon through the English Gardens. Additional costs apply. Instead, choose to visit some of Munich’s themed Christmas markets, spread across the city. Spend the final evening of the tour enjoying a traditional German meal and strolling Munich’s markets and shops for any final souvenirs.
DAY 8: RETURN HOME
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Tour Pricing and Payment Schedule
The German Christmas Market tour scheduled for November 29-December 6, 2023 will be $2,150 per person, based on double occupancy. A $50 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
Initial deposit of $400 reserves spot
Payment of $350 due on March 15th, 2023
Payment of $350 due on May 15th, 2023
Payment of $350 due on July 15th, 2023
Payment of $350 due on Sept 15th, 2023
Final payment of $350 due on Nov 15th, 2023
If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
All on-tour transportation, including trains, local flights, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to car size restraints
All accommodations, based on double occupancy; typically, 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts
Not included in the tour cost:
Travel insurance
International airfare and any related expenses
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Single traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >