09/06/2025
Imagine the crisp air, spiced with roasted nuts and Glühwein (mulled wine). Sounds of carols and lively chatter fill the air, mingling with the elegant strains of classical music. The sight of twinkling lights illuminating ornate market stalls. Those are some of the memories you can have after visiting European Christmas Markets! Are you interested? I have a fabulous trip planned! 19 days and 18 nights. This includes all 1st-class rail tickets, 4-star hotels in each city with breakfast, and tours/excursions in each city. The itinerary is:
Vienna - Nov. 21-25 – The city offers various Christmas Markets, museums, palaces, and music. On the 22nd, we will spend a culturally and culinarily unique evening at Schönbrunn! Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at the beautiful Christmas and New Year's Market Schloss Schönbrunn. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent palace after the official opening hours and get to know its impressive history. To round off the evening musically, the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and our opera singers will present internationally famous works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss.
Both Christmas Packages include a culinary voucher that can be used at one of the gastronomic stands of the Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn, including 1 dish, 1 drink and 1 mug as a souvenir.
Salzburg – Nov. 25-28 – Home to more castles and The Sound of Music. On Nov. 26, the Original Sound of Music Tour® takes you to filming locations and spots where the true story of the Trapp Family took place. Take in breathtaking views of the city and countryside while our live guide entertains us with background stories about the making of one of the most famous musicals ever. Learn about the historical and architectural landmarks of Salzburg and the Lake District while enjoying the highlights of the movie. Complete your Edelweiss experience with the 1.5 h Edelweiss cooking class in the afternoon. Make your own original Austrian apple strudel, taking part in all stages of preparation – of course, also enjoying the lavish dessert at the end. You will also have the opportunity to improve your baking skills on Salzburg’s iconic dessert, “Salzburger Nockerl”, an airy soufflé.
Munich – Nov. 28-Dec- 2 – the capital of Bavaria and home of Oktoberfest. On Nov. 29, we will have the most fun evening you’ll have in Munich, eating and drinking in the company of fellow travelers and our expert guide. We are here to help you experience the best of Bavarian beer and food, in some of the best spots in the historic old town, and we’ll tell you all about its rich history while you do so. We’ll bring you to the beautiful Beer and Oktoberfest Museum and give you the history of beer in Bavaria – After the tour, we’ll have a tasting session. Next we’ll bring you to a classic local beer hall/restaurant for a food platter of traditional, hearty “Bräuhaus” food. And afterwards, we’ll finish at the most famous “Bräuhaus” of them all – the Hofbräuhaus. Private tour of Beer Museum, beer-tasting and food platter included.
Strasbourg, France – Dec. 2-6 – a beautiful city on the Ill River and on the border of France and Germany. Besides taking in the beauty of the city, we will also discover the charm of Alsace's holiday spirit on a private full-day tour of its enchanting Christmas markets from Strasbourg. Visit the renowned Christmas market in Colmar, with its festive decorations and traditional crafts, then explore a smaller market in a quaint Alsatian village. This experience can be customized to suit your interests, offering a personal look at the unique holiday traditions of the region with insights from expert local guides.
Frankfurt, Germany – Dec. 6-9 – a large city and financial center with quaint Christmas markets. We will escape the city for a day and explore Germany’s renowned Rhine Valley wine region on this wine-tasting tour from Frankfurt. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll travel along the scenic Rhine River, discovering the region’s stunning landscapes and rich winemaking traditions. Visit three carefully selected wineries where you’ll enjoy tastings of local varietals, behind-the-scenes cellar tours, and insights into the production process.
Along the way, indulge in a delicious cheese plate snack, perfectly paired with the wines. This tour offers a luxurious and personalized introduction to German wine culture, providing an ideal balance of relaxation and education. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, this tour showcases the best of the Rhine’s vineyards, history, and breathtaking views.
All of this and memories for a lifetime - $4700/person until Thursday, then the price goes up by about $300. Let me know if you are interested!
