Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Small Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Small Group, Winter
Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria - Small Group, Winter
8 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Munich, Germany
Visiting: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Oberammergau, Munich
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SW520M20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journey through the snowcapped peaks of the Austrian Alps on this grand tour of Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s 500-year-old Christmas Market and Munich’s six-story tall Christmas tree. Warm up with a mug or two of Gluhwein at the Innsbruck Christmas Market before indulging in an exclusive Insight Choice, taking a horse and carriage ride through the romantic streets of the Old Town or a tour of the world of Swarovski Crystal. At the Salzburg Market Tasting experience, meet with a local market stallholder for an exclusive sampling of gingerbread, washed down with a glass of mulled wine. In Neuschwanstein, follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps on a tour of the fairytale-like castle that reputedly inspired him, complete with extravagant decorations and breathtaking views.
Top Rated Highlights
- Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
- Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- 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: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
- Oberammergau: Explore the town and see the theatre where the Passion Play has been performed since 1634.
- 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.
Make Travel Matter
Munich: Stop to taste seasonal treats as you discover the lost and forgotten Advent traditions that play a significant role in regional cultural revitalisation. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Authentic Dining
Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Gluhwein.
Innsbruck: Indulge in regional specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Munich:
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director at 18:00 and travel to a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner. Enjoy the opportunity to mingle with fellow guests over a delightful meal and wine.
Day 2: Vienna Sightseeing
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
At this time of year, the Austrian capital is a place of nostalgia and romance, with concerts, nativity displays and many official Advent Markets selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Tour Schönbrunn Palace and marvel at its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Residence. You also see the City Hall and its surrounding parklands, festively decorated in a sea of lights – the perfect setting for the Viennese Christmas Market.
Day 3: To Enchanting Salzburg Relaxed Start
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rich farmlands of eastern Austria towards the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut and the enchanting city of Salzburg. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte.
Day 4: The City Of Mozart Relaxed Start
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Accommodation Name: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Come December, the spires and domes of Salzburg’s old town are often draped in snow. Walk with your Local Expert to see Mozart’s family home on the Getreidegasse, beautifully decorated at this time of year. Then head on to the rosy hues of the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Culinary delicacies, candied fruits, hot mulled wine and the lovingly decorated stalls invite visitors to stop and browse. Here your Travel Director will introduce you to a market stallholder to enjoy sampling a Viennese winter dessert, complemented perfectly with a traditional fragrant glass of Glühwein.
Day 5: A Scenic Drive To Innsbruck Relaxed Start
Location: Innsbruck
Accommodation: AC, Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A lovely drive brings you to the Inn Valley and the Tyrolean Alps. Explore the Olympic village of Seefeld with Insight Choice. Choose to enjoy a horse & carriage ride to enjoy stunning Alpine scenery, or indulge in a morning tea of coffee and cake in a local cafe. Continue to the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck to enjoy the Christmas Markets in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring Austrian favorites.
Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle And Oberammergau
Location: Oberammergau
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to the Neuschwanstein castle, before continuing into the beautiful scenery of the German Alps to visit Oberammergau, home of the Passion Play since 1634. See the immense theatre and admire the colourful painted chalets before driving on to the Bavarian capital of Munich.
Day 7: Munich Relaxed Start
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Expert for a unique guided journey through Munich’s Advent traditions, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore the quieter streets besides the Christmas Markets to learn about well-known Christmas customs and uncover traditions that have largely been forgotten today. In Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, see the famous Glockenspiel. Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a festive dinner with wine and good cheer.
Day 8: Auf Wiedersehen Munich!
Location: Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer will be arranged to Munich Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
4 dinners with wine and 7 breakfasts are included.
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Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant in Vienna.
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Local Experiences
Taste gingerbread and Gluhwein at Salzburg Christmas Market, and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck.
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Guided Tours
Private guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace, city tour of Vienna, and guided journey through Munich’s Advent traditions.
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Musical Demonstration
Experience a musical demonstration at Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Hilton Vienna Park, ARCOTEL Castellani in Salzburg, AC in Innsbruck, and Steigenberger Hotel Munich.
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Transport
Transportation from Vienna to Munich, including scenic drives and visits to various locations.
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Departure Transfer
Departure transfer to Munich Airport.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 7 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a private guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, a musical demonstration at Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, and a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck. Additionally, there is a guided journey through Munich's Advent traditions.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a welcome dinner with wine in Vienna, taste gingerbread and Gluhwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market, and indulge in regional specialties during dinner at a local restaurant in Innsbruck. In Munich, there is a festive dinner with wine.
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Are there any special activities related to the Christmas markets?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several Christmas markets, such as the 500-year-old Christmas Market in Salzburg and the traditional Christmas Market in Munich. You will also have the opportunity to taste seasonal treats and learn about Advent traditions.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at Hilton Vienna Park, ARCOTEL Castellani in Salzburg, AC in Innsbruck, and Steigenberger Hotel Munich, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
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Is transportation included in the tour package?
Yes, transportation from Vienna to Munich is included, featuring scenic drives and visits to various locations. A departure transfer to Munich Airport is also provided.
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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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Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
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.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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