Christmas Markets of Europe

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Prague, Munich & Nuremberg, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest

From late November through December, Europe turns into a magical world of lights, handicrafts, gingerbread, mulled wine and falling snow. On this private luxury tour, we make it easy for you to immerse yourself in the most atmospheric Christmas and Advent markets with a private vehicle to chauffeur you among the many different markets in each city.

At these festive markets, browse for hand-made ornaments, nutcrackers, Advent calendars, traditional wooden toys, decorations and other crafts. Sample seasonal treats such as mulled wine, gingerbread and candied fruit. See festive decorations adorning restaurants, cafes, palaces and streets. Perhaps catch a glimpse of Saint Nicholas, but watch out for Krampus!

In each location, you'll also enjoy private touring of the most interesting neighborhoods and attractions, reservations at the best cafes and restaurants, and accommodation in our favorite rooms in some of the finest hotels in Europe.

Begin in Prague, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. With your expert local guide, tour the cultural highlights of the City of a Hundred Spires, stopping in interesting markets and shops along the way. Explore the grand architecture of the hilltop Castle District. Stroll through the beautiful squares in the Old Town and the atmospheric backstreets in the Lesser Town. See historic towers and townhouses, as well as Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture. Learn about the sculpture adorning the Charles Bridge as you walk across the Vltava River. Visit select shops to find the city’s best crystal, china, wooden toys, antiques, jewelry, painted eggs, marionettes, puppets, and spa products. Tour the Jewish Quarter, including the ancient Jewish cemetery and synagogue, and see the sights of the New Town. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as private access to the stunning Baroque interiors of the Strahov Library. Also visit the city's best holiday markets. One evening, upon request, premium tickets to a performance in one of Prague’s beautiful historic halls can be arranged.

Next, take a private excursion to Nuremberg to visit the city's world-famous Christmas Market.

Continue to Munich, the dynamic capital of Bavaria. Explore the Old Town during a flexible walking tour with your private guide. In the Marienplatz, see the neo-Gothic city hall and its famed Glockenspiel, and walk through the Christkindlmarkt, the city's oldest and largest Christmas market. Visit other neighborhood holiday markets such as the Kripperlmarkt, to browse for handicrafts, admire traditional nativity scenes and sample holiday treats such as gluhwein (mulled wine) and lebkuchen (traditional Christmas cookies). If desired, we can arrange activities for children such as dressing up as angels and painting ornaments. Also browse the Viktualienmarkt outdoor food market, and stroll interesting shopping streets and squares. Other touring options include visiting the Residenz (the former royal palace), which hosts a Christmas village, or the Alte Pinakothek art museum.

Next, take a private excursion into the beautiful Bavarian countryside to visit Neuschwanstein, the fairytale castle built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II. The model for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein is a romantic vision of towers and turrets that rises out of a rocky hilltop and offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains, lakes and farmland.

Continue to Salzburg. Visit Christmas markets in snow-dusted squares throughout the town, and enjoy private touring of cultural highlights, such as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Palace. Walk down Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous shopping street, and visit select boutiques specializing in local products such as trachten fabric, loden coats, Christmas decorations and Mozartkugel chocolate pralines. Visit the beautiful Christmas market at Schloss Hellbrunn, where you can even enjoy a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride! Other touring options include an excursion to the Salzkammergut, a magnificent region of mountains and lakes in the Austrian Alps, to visit film sites from The Sound of Music; visiting the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg; or exploring one of Salzburg's salt mines.

Next, transfer by private car to Vienna. During private touring, your expert local guide will take you to the city's many Christmas markets, such as the market in front of Schonbrunn Palace, the market in the narrow streets of Spittelberg, and the Town Hall market, famous for its colorful evening lights. Explore interesting neighborhoods, visit upscale shops and food markets, and enjoy the wealth of spectacular art, architecture and history in this former imperial capital. Visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzaner Stallions and take a behind-the-scenes tour of their stables. See the highlights of world-renowned palaces, and tour museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Albertina, the Leopold Museum and the Freud Museum. See architectural monuments that exemplify the best in Vienna's Gothic, Baroque and Secessionist styles. Visit our favorite shops selling exquisite linens, crystal, chocolates, gourmet foods and antiques. Visit up-and-coming neighborhoods known for their designers and chefs. Taste local culinary specialties at our favorite stalls in the enormous Naschmarkt food market. We'll also ensure you have opportunities to visit Vienna's leading coffee houses.

Conclude in Budapest, one of the most fascinating and historic cities in Central Europe. Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace—one of Europe’s most luxurious and beautiful hotels—and enjoy views over the Danube River from your room. During touring with one of Hungary’s most knowledgeable guides, experience our favorite places and activities in the Hungarian capital. Visit the city's best holiday markets and browse local food and antiques markets. Drive through hidden backstreets to see beautiful buildings and learn the role they played in local history. Explore the Castle District, and tour Buda’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods. See indoor and outdoor hot springs baths that remain central to daily life. Tour the Hungarian Parliament, a fascinating building essential to the identity of the city and the country. Learn about Budapest’s rich Jewish history, and tour important synagogues (active and in ruins) including one designed by Otto Wagner. Enjoy a private tasting of Hungary’s superb wines, as well as reservations at Budapest’s leading restaurants. There will also be ample time to visit renowned cafes with atmospheric interiors. One evening, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Danube River.

One day, take a private excursion to Szentendre, a charming artists’ village, to visit the Christmas Museum, see the Margit Kovacs Museum, visit boutiques and walk backstreets lined with Baroque architecture. Also pass by the Roman ruins of Aquincum.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Prague, Czech Republic Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Prague Full-day private tour. Evening performance Day 3 Prague Half-day private tour, including Old Town Christmas Market Day 4 Prague – Nuremberg, Germany – Munich Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt en route Day 5 Munich Full-day private city tour, including Englischer Garten Christmas Market and Munich Christkindlmarkt Day 6 Munich – Neuschwanstein – Salzburg, Austria Private excursion en route to hotel for 3 nights Day 7 Salzburg Half-day private walking tour, including Christmas market Day 8 Salzburg & environs Full-day private excursion, including Christmas market in St. Gilgen and horse-drawn carriage or sled ride Day 9 Salzburg – Vienna Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 10 Vienna Full-day private city tour Day 11 Vienna Full-day private city tour, including Christkindlmarkt Rathausplatz and Schonbrunn Christmas Market Day 12 Vienna – Budapest, Hungary Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private tour, including Advent Basilica Christmas fair Day 13 Budapest Full-day private tour. Evening private Danube River cruise Day 14 Budapest & Szentendre Full-day private tour, including excursion to Szentendre Christmas Museum Day 15 Depart Budapest Private airport transfer

Hotels

Prague: Four Seasons Hotel Prague Munich: Mandarin Oriental, Munich Salzburg: Hotel Sacher Salzburg Vienna: Rosewood Vienna, Park Hyatt Vienna or Hotel Sacher Vienna Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Cost

$39,235 Per person (double occupancy)