What’s the best way to get into the holiday spirit? Easiest answer ever: this seven-day tour of five European cities and their magical Christmas markets. Feel the festive cheer as you wander through the Viennese markets, visit the local Christmas markets just outside of Salzburg, hunt for handmade ornaments in Munich, travel to Nuremberg to experience one of the most famous markets in the world, then sip some warm Glühwein as you explore Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin. If you’re looking to get totally immersed in the feeling of the holidays and the cultures of Central Europe, well, you’ve found the tour to make it happen.
Day 1: ViennaArrive at any time. After settling into your hotel, attend a welcome meeting with your CEO before enjoying a local dinner as a group.
Day 2: ViennaIt’s all about Vienna today. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk around the city. Choose to visit famous landmarks like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Vienna City Hall.
Take a break and indulge in some coffee and cake in one of the famous Viennese coffee houses and then wander around Vienna’s Christmas Markets to experience the lively atmosphere of this European holiday tradition.
Day 3: Vienna/SalzburgDepart for Salzburg in the morning as a group, stopping at some smaller local Christmas markets en route. Once in Salzburg head to more Christmas markets with your CEO before enjoying some free time to become acquainted with the city.
Day 4: Salzburg/MunichToday, take your time and see more of Salzburg on your own. Walk the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or check out the birthplace of Mozart and visit the museum there.
Depart for Munich in the afternoon and stop at the Hellbrunner Christmas Market. This especially atmospheric Christmas Market has been held here for almost 20 years and features over 700 conifers decorated with red Christmas balls and lights immersing the area in a warm glow. In the evening, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some free time to explore the Christmas markets in Bavaria’s capital with your CEO.
Day 5: Munich/BerlinThis morning, if timing allows, view the streets from above with a climb up to the tower of Old St Peter’s Church.
Then, the group will travel to Nuremberg to visit one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the world and arguably the most famous. Make sure to try some Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a German cake or cookie that is similar to gingerbread, before wandering through this charming winter fairytale filled with wooden stalls, old-fashioned carousels, and if you’re lucky some lazy snowflakes. Afterwards, hop on a train to transfer to Berlin where you’ll stop for the night.
Day 6: BerlinSet out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. See famous sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the historical Museum Island. Enjoy a Bratwurst/Currywurst tasting and do some shopping in Alexanderplatz. End your day with visits to the Christmas Markets in Gendarmenmarkt square searching for handmade souvenirs to bring home as you sip some warm Glühwein (mulled wine) and wander through the little stalls.
Day 7: BerlinDepart at any time.