Indulge the senses by exploring the best of Central Europe’s festive market scene. Feel the bustling energy of Munich’s charismatic Christmas markets, savour the smell of spicy festive delights in Salzburg, see the sights of vibrant Vienna and take a therapeutic soak in the thermal baths of Budapest. Meander from stall to stall, discovering new sights, sounds, flavours and fashions.
This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities
Munich’s Christmas markets are probably the most famous of them all. Authentic Bavarian food, ale and music make this an unforgettable Christmas experience
Explore Salzburg’s markets and travel high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district to the fully preserved castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress
Vienna’s Christmas markets are as ornamental as its architecture. Austria’s capital provides a spectacular seasonal shopping affair, with tonnes of hand-crafted toys, candles and paintings on offer. Where better to pick up those last-minute gifts?
Jolly Budapest really embraces the Christmas spirit. Take a walk through the streets to find every street, tree and market lit up in lights
While the Christmas markets we visit are all beautiful, they can get very busy, so please be prepared for crowds. We’ll also spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, and as it is winter it would be advisable you bring warm clothing and are adequately prepared for the weather.
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. Please note that you’ll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where the welcome meeting will take place. We’ll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you’re going to be late, please inform hotel reception. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting.
Your base for two nights in Vienna is Magdas Hotel – an accommodation that is unlike any other hotel you are likely to come across on your travels. Magdas Hotel is a social project bringing refugees from all over the world to work together in one place. The hotel is staffed with refugees so expect to hear different languages and different stories from all over the world. Also the building’s history is interesting – it’s a former retirement home and homeless shelter which has been completely renovated. Most of the furniture is also up-cycled, renovated and re-purposed. The place is full of love, passion and uniqueness. It’s full of colours and smiley faces. Magdas Hotel ‘brings together what belongs together’.
