Compare Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest by Intrepid Travel vs Bavarian Castles Tour by European Castles Tours

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

Board your flight from your home destination to Munich, Germany.

This itinerary assumes this to be an overnight flight.

Air fare independently arranged.

Day 2: Hopfen Am See

Meals: Dinner

Arrival in Munich, Germany.  Your flight should arrive at the Munich Airport by 11:15 a.m. at the latest for the complimentary transfer at noon.

When the group is complete we head south to your home away from home in HOPFEN AM SEE, on the lake near Fussen (Füssen or Fuessen in German).  Our home base here at the southern end of Germany's famous Romantic Road is within hiking distance of Neuschwanstein in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.

You are staying in a typical local "landhaus", where you are a friend, not a tourist.  Your rooms are very gemuetlich, decorated in Bavarian country style, all with cable TV, telephone, refrigerator, extra sitting area, balcony, and a great mountain view.

Your local expert, Astrid Baur, will take you out for a Bavarian dinner on the Lake Promenade tonight.

Your tour includes: Transfer from airport to hotel, three-course welcome dinner with menu choices, one beverage, and

coffee or tea after, overnight at Landhaus Koessel in Hopfen am See

Landhaus Kossel (Kössel / Koessel)

Day 3: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau

Meals: Breakfast

Today we focus on Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein in German), Germany's most famous castle.  First we go to Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge) sitting high above the Poellat Gorge, where we can take the best pictures of the castle.  (If Mary's Bridge is closed because of ice or snow on the path, you will be taken to another lookout where you can take wonderful pictures of Neuschwanstein.)

From there we walk downhill for our inside tour of Neuschwanstein.  Afterwards there's time for lunch and a stroll on Lake Alpsee, where young Ludwig learned to swim.  [ Larger photos of Neuschwanstein, including helicopter views, are included in the Bavarian Castles Gallery in the In Depth section below. ]

In the afternoon we visit Schloss Hohenschwangau, the castle built by his father Maximilian, where Germany's fairy tale king spent much of his childhood, and where he dreamed about his future castles.  Local guides in both castles.

Fantastic dinner tonight in the area where Ludwig II was planning his next castle, Falkenstein.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, entrances and guided tours of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, horse carriage, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 4: Zugspitze, Linderhof, Oberammergau

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Beautiful drive via Austria to Garmisch where we take a cable car up to the ZUGSPITZE, at almost 10,000 feet Germany's highest mountain, with a matchless panorama.

We continue on to Schloss Linderhof, Ludwig's beautiful hiding castle deep in the forest, which served as a background for the romantic fantasies of the young king.  Inside visit with local guide.

Back home via the pretty village Of Oberammergau, known for the passion play, a tradition which derives from a vow made by the inhabitants in 1633 that if God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague then sweeping the region they would perform a passion play every ten years.

Medieval Dinner in Fussen tonight.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, Zugspitze cable car, guided tour of Linderhof, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 5: Herrenchiemsee, Bad Tolz

Meals: Breakfast

Today we focus on King Ludwig II's largest castle, Herrenchiemsee, which he built on an island in Lake Chiemsee after a visit to Versailles.  Herrenchiemsee was Ludwig's most expensive project, he stayed here only about one week.

Boat and horse carriage rides to the castle and local guide for inside tour.

On the way back we stop in the beautiful town of BAD TOLZ (Bad Tölz or Bad Toelz in German).  Bad Tolz became famous for its spa.  It also features colourful painted buildings.

There's time to relax before we join the locals tonight for great atmosphere and food at a local brewery.

door-to-door transportation, boat and carriage rides, Herrenchiemsee tour, dinner, Landhaus Koessel

Day 6: Munich, Nymphenburg

Meals: Breakfast

We go to MUNICH (München or Muenchen in German, sometimes Munchen on the net) and first we visit schloss nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace), where Ludwig was born, and the Marstallmuseum, containing many of Ludwig's elaborate carriages.

An Orientation Tour of Germany's secret capital features the Olympic stadium, Olympic Tower, Leopoldstrasse, Schwabing, Ludwigstrasse, Odeonsplatz, Koenigsplatz, Karlsplatz, Church of our Lady, and Marienplatz where you see the Glockenspiel.

Afterwards plenty of time on your own for shopping, more sightseeing (BMW Museum, German Museum, Pinakothek, ... the options list is endless).  Dinner on your own in the evening.  Why not have a stein of beer at the Hofbrauhaus (Hofbräuhaus), Munich's famous beer hall?

door-to-door transportation, Munich orientation tour, entrance to Nymphenburg Palace, Landhaus Koessel

Day 7: Innsbruck

Meals: Breakfast

Today we drive south through the mountains to INNSBRUCK on the Inn River, the capital of Austria's Tyrol.

First we visit Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance castle and palace located in the hills above the city.  It was built in the sixteenth century on the site of a tenth-century castle, and became the seat of power of the Counts of the Andechs.  The castle is notable for its exterior architecture and interior furnishings, and contains major art and armour collections.  We have a private guided tour.

In the city enjoy a nice stroll through its quaint medieval lanes, see the famous little Golden Roof below the impressive Austrian Alps, the Hofburg palace, and the Hofkirche, Innsbruck's fine Baroque church.  Free time to explore on your own, and maybe shop for Swarovski Crystal, which is made here.

Dinner in Austria tonight on the way back home.

door-to-door transportation, entrance and private guided tour of Schloss Ambras, three-course dinner, Landhaus Koessel, Schloss Ambras

Day 8: Wieskirche, Lake Starnberg, Andechs

Meals: Breakfast

On our last exploring day we take the Romantic Road to visit the masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo, Wieskirche, also known as the Church in the Meadow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We continue to Lake Starnberg and at Berg see the Votivchapel and the cross in the lake where Ludwig died.  Then on to ritzy Starnberg with time for lunch and a stroll on the lake.

Afterwards a short drive to Andechs, a famous Benedictine monastery on the Holy Mountain.  The monks are also well known for making their own beer, which we have time to enjoy in one of the many beer gardens.

Enjoy your last evening with a wonderful farewell dinner in Hopfen.

Buffet breakfast, door-to-door transportation, three-course dinner with menu choices, one beverage, and coffee or tea after, Landhaus Koessel

Day 9: Return

Meals: Breakfast

Time to say "Auf wiedersehen".  Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight home.

Your flight should not leave Munich before 10:30 a.m. , transfer to airport