The Christmas markets of Austria, Germany & Czechia

Vienna

Day 1: Welcome to Austria

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Upon arrival, collect your rental car from the airport (VIE) before driving 30 minutes to your accommodation in the center of Vienna. 

Check-in and take a moment to relax and unpack. Later in the evening, you'll take an after-hours tour, dinner, and a concert at Schönbrunn Palace!

Vienna

Day 2: Historical tour & Vienna's Christmas market

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the city or relaxing at your accommodation. In the afternoon, take a guided historical tour of Vienna; visiting the Südtiroler Platz, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the Burgtheater Theatre plus much more!

In the evening, it's time to visit your first Christmas market. Your guide will take you to Vienna's Christmas Market and will guide you through the scents of holiday treats, whilst tasting seasonal local delights. 

Vienna - Hallstatt - Salzburg

Day 3: Journey to Salzburg

Today, you'll make the journey to Salzburg, on the way making a few scenic stops in Melk and Hallstatt.

Firstly, drive from Vienna to Melk (approximately an hour). Here explore the town and visit Dürnstein Abbey, a remarkable 18th-century monastery, perched high on the rocks overlooking the Danube River and the Wachau valley.

After, drive approximately 2 and a half hours to Hallstatt. Here, take a private walking tour of the oldest and probably most scenic lakeside towns in Austria and Europe. Stop at a cafe for lunch before making your final drive to Salzburg. 

Salzburg

Day 4: Explore Salzburg & its festive traditions

Welcome to Salzburg. To start the day, take a private tour of Salzburg city. Famous for the 'Sound of Music' this charming city has much to see! Your guide will take you to see the most important sights in the city; Mozart Square, New and Old Residence, the Cathedral and Fortress Hohensalzburg. 

In then evening, explore Salzburg's Christmas Market. You'll see illuminated stalls with handmade gifts and regional culinary delights, and you'll get to know more about Salzburg's holiday traditions.

After, attend a 'best of Mozart' concert at Salzburg's fortress. 

Salzburg - Berchtesgaden - Munich

Day 5: Journey to Munich

Today, journey to Munich (Germany) making a pit stop in Berchtesgaden. Here, take a walking tour of this quaint alpine village that has seen millennia of history and was named after a pagan Goddess.

Carry on your journey to Munich (approximately 2 hours), and check in to your hotel before venturing to Munich's Christmas market where a guide will be waiting for you. 

Munich - Neuschwanstein - Munich

Day 6: The palaces & castles of Germany

Discover the sights of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein during a guided tour with transport and feel like a VIP. First, visit Linderhof Palace, then enjoy free time to discover the beauties of the castle grounds and the breathtaking scenery. Your ongoing trip will then bring you to Hohenschwangau providing you the opportunity to enjoy lunch and visit the fabulous castle of Neuschwanstein.

Munich - Bamberg - Nürnberg

Day 7: A guided tour of Munich

Explore Munich in depth today with a guided private tour! Be amazed by the views of the Old and new Town Hall, Glockenspiel, Cathedral Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, and so much more. 

In the evening, drive from Munich to Nuremberg (approx 2 hours), making a stop in Bamberg to visit its Christmas market!

Nuremberg - Dresden

Day 8: From Nuremberg to Dresden

Set off on a two-hour exclusive walking tour exploring the history of Nuremberg with a local expert by your side and an itinerary adapted to your interests and walking pace. Explore the city from St. Lawrence Church to the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. 

After, drive from Nuremberg to Dresden (approx 3 and a half hours). Here you'll explore Dresden's Christmas Market with a local; learning about the historical and cultural importance of the market's most iconic elements.

Dresden

Day 9: A guided city tour of Dresden

Today, you'll get to explore Dresden further. With a local expert by your side, discover the city from the famous statue of August the Strong to Dresden Castle, explore Dresden’s most iconic landmarks and the historic events that made them famous.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace!

Dresden - Litoměřice - Prague

Day 10: Journey to Prague

It's time to make your way to Prague in the Czech Republic. Set on the banks of the flowing Vltava River, the enchanting Prague prides itself as the Czech Republic's capital and largest city.

During the holiday season, Prague comes alive with color, lights, and markets! Prague's Christmas Market is a must-visit. Take a group tour through the multitude of stalls, each offering an array of artisanal crafts and traditional treats that seem to embody the very spirit of the Czech holiday tradition.

Prague

Day 11: Food & history tour of Prague

Being in a new city can often be overwhelming. Follow your guide through Prague as they teach you to you navigate through the Old Town. Visit Nové Město an area of the city known for its art, you will pass by the famous Astronomical Clock or enjoy a peaceful stroll through Stromovka Park.

In the afternoon, get to know the city through its food. Your local guide will lead you to 6 various venues to try samples of Czech cuisine - try some guláš, vepřo-knedlo-zelo, and roast pork with bread dumplings.

Prague - Tabor - ČEský Krumlov

Day 12: Wander the streets of Český Krumlov

Start the day with a quick drive to Tábor (1 hour). Here, take a quick stroll through this historic town before continuing your journey to Český Krumlov. 

Once in Český Krumlov, dive into a captivating 60-minute guided walk around Cesky Krumlov, get to know all the key facts about the city, absorb the local lifestyle, and get a feel of its unique culture.

ČEský Krumlov - Linz - Vienna

Day 13: Discover Linz's old town

Travel from Český Krumlov to Linz. The charming Linz is a place famous for its rich cultural life with numerous museums and an attractive landscape characterized by the Danube and green hills.

Take a private walking tour of the city with a guide that can show you the most important attractions of Linz's old town, including the main square, the City Hall, the Danube River, the Old Cathedral the New Cathedral, and the Mozart Residence.

Vienna

Day 14: The palaces & gardens of Vienna

It's time to make your way back to Vienna (approx 2 hours). You have a full day exploring the city further.

Start with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, expect magnificent architecture and wonderful art. Combine this experience with a visit to the magnific Imperial Treasury at Hofburg Palace.

After lunch, discover the imperial heritage of Vienna with a group tour of Hofburg Palace and Gardens with a professional guide. Experience no lines, and no hassle as your tour takes you inside the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, courtyards and gardens of the Hofburg Imperial Palace Complex.

Vienna - Schwechat

Day 15: Goodbye, Vienna

If time allows in the morning, visit a Spanish riding school where you'll witness the morning exercise, offering an insight into the training of riders and their Lipizzans.

After, drive to Vienna airport where you'll drop off your rental car with plenty of time for your safe flight home.