Insight Vacations Alpine Christmas Markets - Classic Group

Day 1 - Arrive in Munich

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

Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre. 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

Travel past Lake Chiemsee, often called the Bavarian Sea, en route to Salzburg. With your Local Expert, stroll through the baroque Old Town and visit Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse. Inside, enjoy a rare musical demonstration on his original pianoforte, a moment that brings Salzburg’s most famous son vividly to life. Afterwards, explore the city’s renowned Christmas markets and enjoy a warming Glühwein, a traditional mulled wine dating back to the 15th century, with your Travel Director. Explore the market with your free time where you can browse handcrafted decorations and shop for local delicacies. Continue to Swarovski Crystal World, a visionary museum and art space conceived by André Heller to celebrate the artisanship and creativity of the Swarovski legacy.

Day 4 - Innsbruck at Leisure Relaxed Start

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

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 harbour. 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

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 colourful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest.

Day 7 - Strasbourg and Alsace Experience Relaxed Start

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 cosy neighbourhood 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 specialities, accompanied by wine.

Day 8 - The Swiss City of Zürich Relaxed Start

Cross the Swiss border and head for Zurich where a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit takes you through the streets of Zurich. Enjoy the traditional Christmas Markets in Zurich's Old Town. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery.

Day 9 - Depart Zürich Relaxed Start

Say a fond farewell to Switzerland and your newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey. Your final hotel is located at the airport, just a short walk from the terminal, so there’s no need to arrange a transfer.