Alpine Christmas Markets - Classic Group
Alpine Christmas Markets - Classic Group
Alpine Christmas Markets - Classic Group
9 Days Starting in Munich, Germany and ending in Zurich, Switzerland
Visiting: Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau, Strasbourg, Zürich
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W550ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
There is nothing quite like Christmas among the Alps with the festive Munich Christmas Market, Salzburg’s snowcapped spires and an indulgent cup of Gluhwein. Your Local Expert brings Mozart’s history to life before before a visit to Salzburg's Christmas market. After tasting these festive treats, the culinary delights continue with a traditional dining experience at Swarovski Crystal Worlds. If that is not enough to summon your holiday spirit, a stroll through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg will certainly do the trick, not to mention the fairytale surrounds of Strasbourg, where the sweet scent of cinnamon treats is carried on the breeze at the oldest Christmas market in France.
Top Rated Highlights
- Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
- Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
- Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
- Innsbruck: Visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This attraction features installations by international artists, designers and architects who have interpreted the crystals in their own ways.
- Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
- Lorrach: Explore the town located on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland and see the ruins of Rotteln Castle.
- Lindau: Your Travel Director takes you to the Harbor and Old City Hall. Walk the medieval streets of this island-town and browse the shops on Maximillium Strasse.
- Freiburg im Breisgau: Enjoy a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets. See the medieval Munster and spend time in the historic old quarter.
- Strasbourg: Exploring the Christmas Markets is like stepping directly into a fairytale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses. Here you visit France's oldest Christmas Markets, set in front of the Cathedral. Spend time in the atmospheric neighborhood of La Petite France.
- Zurich: Attend Europe's biggest indoor Christmas Market.
Make Travel Matter
Zurich: Uncover the old town of Zurich during a fun and educational walking tour. Join Diana and her team who are raising awareness on social issues, such as food insecurity, and supporting the community. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 12: Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Authentic Dining
Munich: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Gluhwein.
Black Forest: Indulge in a delightful dinner of local German specialties, accompanied by wine.
Zurich: You'll enjoy good food, wine and a well-laden table with a touch of Grossmunster charm during your cozy dinner.
Insight Choice
Munich: Embark on a culinary walking tour in the heart of the city.
Munich: Visit the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Munich Marriott Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Munich Marriott
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Germany. Meet your Travel Director this afternoon for an orientation of the city that will show you some of the city’s major sights, culminating in the Marienplatz, with its soaring Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Here, the Christkindlmarkt will be in full swing, an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Free Time In The Bavarian Capital Relaxed Start
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Munich Marriott Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Munich Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city center. Alternatively, visit the famous Residenz, and see its museum and Treasury. This afternoon, consider joining an optional experience to explore the romantic royal palaces of the Bavarian Alps.
Day 3: Lake Chiemsee, Salzburg And Innsbruck
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation: AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Chiemsee on your way to Salzburg in Austria, where the spires and domes of the Old Town are often draped in snow in December. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte. Enjoy a visit to Swarovski in the afternoon followed by a highlight dinner. Head through the mountains to your Innsbruck hotel.
Day 4: Innsbruck At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Innsbruck
Accommodation: AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck, Hotel Grauer Bär, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a horse & carriage ride in the morning. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Old Town and Christmas Markets, set in front of the Golden Roof, graced by beautifully preserved medieval facades.
Day 5: The Black Forest Via Lindau
Location: Black Forest
Accommodation: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the Alberg tunnel, Austria’s longest road tunnel, as you return to Germany and pause in the tiny island-town of Lindau. Walk through the maze of ancient streets down to the harbor. Across the lake, often shrouded in mist, look for the rising silhouette of snow-capped peaks. After time to explore, continue along the shores of the Bodensee to your hotel in the Black Forest.
Day 6: Freiburg Sightseeing
Location: Freiburg im Breisgau
Accommodation: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Freiburg in the morning, a lively university city with a charming Christmas atmosphere. Walk from the medieval Münster through the heart of the historic old quarter, past colorful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest.
Day 7: Strasbourg And Alsace Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Stadt Lörrach, Loerrach.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Rhine to the region of Alsace, wedged between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. This area has changed nationality four times since 1870! Arrive in Strasbourg, the City at the Crossroads, where the Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the largest in France. Spend time in a cozy neighborhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings, with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery, warm with fragrant promise. Return to Germany and venture to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of local specialties, accompanied by wine.
Day 8: The Swiss City Of Zürich Relaxed Start
Location: Zürich
Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Zürich-Airport.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Hotel Zürich-Airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Swiss border and head for Zurich where a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit takes you through the streets of Zurich. A highlight is Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery.
Day 9: Depart Zürich Relaxed Start
Location: Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. Transfers are available from your hotel to Zürich Airport.Transfers are available from your hotel to Zurich Airport every 20 minutes between 4:00am and noon and from 4:00pm to 11:30pm.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner in Munich
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
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Salzburg Christmas Market
Meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Gluhwein.
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Dinner in the Black Forest
Indulge in a delightful dinner of local German specialties, accompanied by wine.
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Highlight Dinner in Innsbruck
At a local restaurant, join your newfound friends for Highlight Dinner.
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Celebration Dinner in Zurich
The Swiss just love good food and wine, a decorative, well-laden table, and a touch of Grossmunster - all of which you will find at your warm Celebration Dinner.
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Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Innsbruck
Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
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Visit Europe’s Biggest Indoor Christmas Market in Zurich
Attend Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas Market with its magnificent Swarovski crystal-decorated Christmas tree.
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Personal radio headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and restaurant tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Baggage handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and gratuities, are not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Any meals not listed in the inclusions are not covered.
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Optional Excursions
Costs for optional excursions and activities are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Insight Experiences
- Experience a musical demonstration at Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg.
- Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Make Travel Matter
- Zurich: Uncover the old town of Zurich during a fun and educational walking tour. Join Diana and her team who are raising awareness on social issues, such as food insecurity, and supporting the community. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 12: Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and physical distancing measures for a safe journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Munich Marriott Hotel, AC Hotel Innsbruck, and Hotel Stadt Lorrach, with a final night at the Movenpick Hotel Zurich-Airport, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a musical demonstration at Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck, and a visit to Europe's biggest indoor Christmas Market in Zurich. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience in Zurich that focuses on social issues and supports the community.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers several authentic dining experiences, including a Welcome Dinner in Munich, tasting gingerbread and Gluhwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market, a dinner of local German specialties in the Black Forest, and a Celebration Dinner in Zurich with a touch of Grossmunster charm.
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Are there any special activities related to Christmas markets during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several Christmas markets, such as the 500-year-old Christmas Market in Salzburg, the Christmas Markets in Innsbruck, the oldest Christmas Market in France located in Strasbourg, and Europe's biggest indoor Christmas Market in Zurich.
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What is the focus of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience in Zurich?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience in Zurich involves a walking tour of the old town, led by Diana and her team, who raise awareness on social issues like food insecurity and support the community. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 12, which focus on reduced inequalities and responsible consumption and production.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Innsbruck?
In Innsbruck, you will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol, visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and explore the picturesque Old Town with its Baroque and Gothic architecture.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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