Compare Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest by Intrepid Travel vs Austria –Salzburg Lakes & Alpine Foothills by Buddy Bombard's Europe
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
0 | Poor
|
| Duration | 8 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,460 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 308 | Check price |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of Central Europe’s festive market scene. Feel the bustling energy of Munich’s charismatic Christmas markets, savour the smell of spicy festive delights in Salzburg, see the sights of vibrant Vienna and take a therapeutic soak in the thermal baths of Budapest. Meander from stall to stall, discovering new sights, sounds, flavours and fashions. |
Lovely Salzburg, nestled between two mountains on the banks of the Salzach River, is dominated by rich scenery and its enormous 11th century fortress. Baroque villas, churches, and palaces ringed by gardens and fountains preserve its old world charm. Nearby is the striking region of crystal lakes and rolling hills made famous in “The Sound of Music,” offering us magnificent landscapes of great natural beauty for entertaining you each day in our balloons |
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
Our trip begins at 3 : 00 p . m . at 5 star Hotel Schloss Fuschl , the restored 15 th century former hunting castle of the Archbishop of Salzburg. After checking in for four nights we’ll depart for a late afternoon balloon adventure through the area’s gorgeous Alpine foothills, returning to our historic hotel for dinner
Day 2
After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour through Old Salzurg , birthplace of Mozart and filled with elegant Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture . Walk the lively Getreidegasse , a quaint old lane with romantic passageways, narrow old houses and posh boutiques . We’ll lunch at 5 star Sacher Hotel and depart For our afternoon balloon adventure through the Lakes District, followed by dinner at Schloss Fuschl .
Day 3
Morning drive to the ancient village of St . Gilgen , where we’ll board a lake steamer and cruise to the picturesque old town of St . Wolfgang, prized for its 15th century houses and world – famous Baroque style church filled with magnificent alters and works of art . We’ll be hosted for lunch by one of Salzburg’s most celebrated personalities and our very good friend, Princess Manni Wittgenstein, in her lovely Alpine home . The Princess entertains us with wonderful tales of her fascinating life and thoroughly enjoys helping us make your Austrian experience a lifetime memory . Late afternoon balloon adventure through the beautiful Austrian landscape made famous in “The Sound of Music”, returning to Schloss Fuschl for dinner .
Day 4
Today we’ll explore the ancient village of Hallstaat , a secluded gem and easily the most striking lakeside village in the region .This tiny hamlet clings to a ledge at the foot of a great mountain of salt, surrounded by the towering Dachstein mountains . To more fully appreciate its beauty we will cruise the shoreline in a small fleet of electric boats, viewing ancient boathouses and quaint wooden homes built centuries ago . A major Celtic archaeological landmark, the treasures unearthed here are so extensive that one era in Celtic studies ( 1, 000 – 500 BC) is called “the Hallstatt period . ” Pre –luncheon rafting party on the lake before dining in a charming local restaurant . Late afternoon balloon adventure through the summer meadowlands the Alpine Austria – Salzburg Lakes & Alpine Foothills with Buddy Bombard age3 of 3 foothills, followed by our farewell dinner party .
Day 5
Our trip ends after breakfast at Schloss Fuschl .
