Christmas Markets · Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
European Christmas Markets
Nine nights through Vienna, Salzburg, Prague and the Bavarian Alps
The journey
Advent in central Europe done without the coach crowds: Vienna's Christkindlmarkt and a Musikverein concert, Salzburg's Mozart-era squares under snow, Prague's Old Town Square at blue hour, and two nights in the Bavarian Alps for Neuschwanstein.
Private guiding, first-class rail between cities, and market visits timed for the hour after the lights come on and before the crowds peak.
Highlights
What is built in
- Vienna, Salzburg, Prague and the Bavarian Alps
- A concert at the Musikverein or the Vienna State Opera
- Private guiding at every market, timed to avoid the crush
- Neuschwanstein with pre-booked timed entry
- First-class rail between all cities
- Christmas Eve dinner arranged if travelling over the 24th
Day by day
The route
- 1
Arrive Vienna
Hotel Sacher. Evening at the Rathausplatz market.
Stay: Hotel Sacher
- 2
Vienna
Schönbrunn, the Hofburg, Belvedere; Musikverein concert.
Stay: Hotel Sacher
- 3
Vienna markets
Spittelberg and Karlsplatz with a guide, Demel for cake.
Stay: Hotel Sacher
- 4
Salzburg
First-class rail. Getreidegasse, Mozart's birthplace, the Christkindlmarkt.
Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch
- 5
Salzkammergut
Hallstatt in the snow, Salzburg fortress, evening concert.
Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch
- 6
Bavarian Alps
Transfer to Garmisch. Partnachklamm gorge and the Zugspitze.
Stay: Schloss Elmau
- 7
Neuschwanstein
Timed entry at the castle, then Oberammergau's woodcarvers.
Stay: Schloss Elmau
- 8
Prague
Rail north. Old Town Square market at blue hour, Charles Bridge at dawn.
Stay: Four Seasons Prague
- 9
Depart
Prague Castle, then transfer to the airport.
Where you stay
The properties
Vienna · Grand historic
Hotel Sacher
Opposite the State Opera, and the cake is not a cliché.
Bavarian Alps · Cultural retreat
Schloss Elmau
A concert hall, four spas and Alpine silence.
Prague · Riverside
Four Seasons Prague
Three historic buildings on the Vltava facing Charles Bridge.
The detail
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- Eight nights with breakfast
- First-class rail between all cities
- Private guiding in each city
- Musikverein or State Opera tickets
- Neuschwanstein timed entry
- All private transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Schengen visa
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Gallery
In pictures
Questions
Frequently asked
Guest stories
Travellers on this journey
Prague's Old Town Square at blue hour with mulled wine and no crowd because our guide knew exactly when to arrive. Magical.
Ritu Aggarwal
Chandigarh · European Christmas, 9 nights
