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Deluxe 11-Day Europe Christmas Markets of Bavaria, Austria & France
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Limited Time Special

Deluxe 11-Day Europe Christmas Markets of Bavaria, Austria & France

Operated by: Luxury Escapes Tours
Overview
Tour style: Deluxe
11 days
6 places
3 countries
24 people max.
14+ yrs
moderate
Fully Guided Tour
4 & 4.5 star hotels
This offer has sold out
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Munich
Salzburg
Innsbruck
Freiburg im Breisgau
Strasbourg
Paris

Step into a wintry wonderland on this deluxe journey through Germany, Austria and France. Wander the twinkling Christmas markets of Munich and Salzburg, and explore their historic landmarks on city tours. Then, marvel at the mirror-calm lakes and snow-capped peaks of the UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut region. Travel through the alpine city of Innsbruck, explore Freiburg’s medieval streets and visit the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.

Crossing into France, tour the vineyards of Colmar and taste its famous white wines, followed by a visit to Strasbourg’s famous yuletide market. Finish in Paris with a scenic cruise on the Seine, accompanied by a delicious dinner. With return airport transfers, knowledgeable English-speaking guides and carefully curated experiences, get acquainted with the best of the enchanting Central European alpine region.

Why you’ll love this tour
Explore the festive Christmas markets of Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Strasbourg
Journey through the picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Salzkammergut region
Enjoy a wine tasting experience in the Alsace town of Colmar known for its white wines
Overview
Tour style: Deluxe
11 days
6 places
3 countries
24 people max.
14+ yrs
moderate
Fully Guided Tour
4 & 4.5 star hotels
This offer has sold out
Key Benefits of Deluxe Tours
Unmissable experiences
The best of every destination: curated activities and must-see highlights
Premium accommodation
Carefully selected 4- and 4.5-star hotels for comfort and convenience throughout
Max 24 travellers
Small-group journeys with a maximum of 24 travellers
Itinerary & map
What you'll see

Willkommen to Germany! Upon arrival to Munich International Airport (MUC), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, meet with your fellow travellers at 7pm for a welcome meeting and briefing. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Arrival & Transfers:

Please book your flights to arrive at Munich International Airport (MUC) by 4pm. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 3pm.

Inclusions
Hilton Munich City (Guest Room) or similar

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Munich on a three-hour walking tour. As you navigate the old town, you could see landmarks like Marienplatz, the city’s central square, where a large mechanical clock, the Glockenspiel, animates its figures to depict Bavarian history. Nearby is the imposing Frauenkirche, Munich’s most famous church with its distinctive twin spires, and the grand Residenz – a former royal palace.

In the afternoon, experience the festive atmosphere of Munich’s famous Christmas markets as you weave your way through stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, twinkling lights and the aromas of roasted nuts and mulled wine.

As evening falls, experience Bavarian hospitality with a welcome dinner at the 16th-century beer hall, Hofbräuhaus, for a three-course meal paired with a classic German beer.

Signature highlights

Christmas market visit

Inclusions
Hilton Munich City (Guest Room) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, set out for Salzburg nestled along the Salzach River and framed by the snow-capped Alps. Glimpse into the city’s past on a walking tour, passing landmarks like Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, where the famed composer spent his early years. You might also glimpse the DomQuartier, Saint Peter’s Abbey and the Mirabell Gardens, made famous by The Sound of Music.

In the afternoon, soak up the festive atmosphere at Salzburg’s Christmas markets. The historic Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz and Domplatz is one of the oldest in Europe, where wooden stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, spiced nuts and steaming cups of Glühwein.

For those seeking an evening of culture, an optional Mozart concert and dinner (surcharges apply) offers the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal set to the sounds of Salzburg’s most famous composer.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes

Signature highlights

Christmas market visit

Inclusions
NH Collection Salzburg City (Double Superior) or similar
Breakfast
Personalise your day with optional experiences
Available when booking your tour. Select one per time slot.

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before a full day’s exploration of the Salzkammergut region, a landscape of pristine lakes, dramatic mountains and villages that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

As you travel through this scenic area, see the glacial waters of Wolfgangsee, the charming town of Saint Gilgen and the towering peaks that frame the region. In Hallstatt, a lakeside village often called one of the most beautiful in the world, see pastel-coloured houses set on a hillside, a historic salt mine that dates back thousands of years and the reflections of the Alps on Hallstätter See.

Returning to Salzburg in the afternoon, where you may enjoy another visit to the Christmas markets to pick up holiday gifts or indulge in seasonal treats like Kaiserschmarrn.

Signature highlights

Salzkammergut day trip

Christmas market visit

Inclusions
NH Collection Salzburg City (Double Superior) or similar
Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, travel to Innsbruck, a city set against the Alps. On a tour of this wintry city, enjoy views of the towering Nordkette Alps as you weave past sights like the Golden Roof, a late-medieval balcony decorated with over 2,600 gilded tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I.

In the afternoon, explore Innsbruck’s Christmas markets full of festive stalls against an Alpine backdrop. Traditional wooden chalets offer seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and warm drinks, making it an ideal place to soak up the holiday atmosphere.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours

Signature highlights

Christmas market visit

Inclusions
Dos Innsbruck Hotel (Small Double Room Economy Inn) or similar
Breakfast

Set off on a scenic drive after breakfast to Freiburg im Breisgau, stopping at the small principality of Liechtenstein. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this landlocked country is only 25 kilometres long and is known for its medieval heritage and alpine landscapes.

Arrive in Freiburg im Breisgau in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours

Inclusions
Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria (Double Room Business) or similar
Breakfast

Fuel up with breakfast and enjoy a full day at your leisure in Freiburg. Perhaps stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or else uncover its history and culture at the Augustiner Museum, showcasing medieval art in a former monastery (at own expense). With the Swiss riverside town of Basel within a 40-minute train ride (at own expense), you may like to explore this medieval town and its world-class art museums.

Inclusions
Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria (Double Room Business) or similar
Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Strasbourg with a stop in Colmar, a town known for its half-timbered houses, winding canals and winemaking traditions. In the Alsace region, embark on a vineyard tour and wine tasting to learn about the area’s centuries-old viticulture and sample its renowned white wines. As you explore the vineyards, enjoy views of villages and the Vosges mountains in the distance.

Arriving in Strasbourg in the evening, take in the festive atmosphere of the Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, is set against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s medieval cathedral and historic squares.

Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour

Signature highlights

Alsace region wine tasting

Christmas market visit

Inclusions
Aloft Strasbourg Etoile (Aloft King Room) or similar
Breakfast

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Strasbourg’s train station, where you’ll board a first-class train to Paris. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the French countryside passes by.

Upon arrival in Paris, another private transfer will take you directly to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – perhaps take a stroll along the Seine, visit a nearby cafe for a classic French pastry or simply relax and settle into your surroundings.

Travel time: Train – approx. 2.5 hours

Inclusions
Les Jardin du Marais (Superior Room) or similar
Breakfast

Begin your day with breakfast before enjoying a leisurely day in Paris. With no set schedule, you can explore at your own pace – perhaps wandering through the historic streets of the Marais, browsing the boutiques along the Champs-Élysées or visiting one of the city’s world-class museums.

In the evening, mark the end of your journey with a farewell dinner aboard a Seine River cruise, gliding past the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre.

Inclusions
Les Jardin du Marais (Superior Room) or similar
Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, bid a fond au revoir to Paris as you take a private transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your onward journey.

Departure & Transfers:

Checkout on your final day is at 12. Please book your flights to depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
Wander festive Christmas markets in villages across Europe, see the UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut region, taste wines in Colmar & more
  • Explore the festive Christmas markets of Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Strasbourg
  • Journey through the picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Salzkammergut region
  • Enjoy a wine-tasting experience in the Alsace town of Colmar known for its white wines
  • 13 meals included – 10 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners
  • Cruise the Seine River while enjoying a farewell dinner
  • Discover Salzburg’s musical heritage with a visit to Mozart’s birthplace
  • In-depth sightseeing in Munich, Leichtenstein and Innsbruck
  • A full day in Gothic Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest
  • First-class train through the French countryside and comfortable coach transport throughout
  • Return private airport transfers with English-speaking Tour Director throughout your journey
Dates & pricing
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 03 8689 8204 for more tour options
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 03 8689 8204 for more tour options
Things to know

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.

  • Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete the Traveller Details form in your ‘My Escapes’ account within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
  • Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
  • If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
  • Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
  • Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise whether the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
  • Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
  • For tours that allow children, the child must be 14 years or over and must share a room with an adult (18+).
  • Children are the same price as adults.

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

  • You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.

Please note:

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
  • Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 12pm. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
  • Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
  • All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation

Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

  • Return international flights
  • Visas
  • Single supplement
  • Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
  • Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
  • Optional experiences can only be booked online up to 67 days prior to departure, dependent on your tour’s guidelines, via My Escapes or by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com. After this time, bookings can be made through your guide while on the tour.
  • All optional experiences are subject to availability.
  • Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Optional experiences that require flight bookings are on a request basis, subject to availability until booked and confirmed, and may incur surcharges.
  • Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.
  • Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg on tour.
  • Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of hand-luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.

Transfers

  • Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
  • If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
  • For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.
  • If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
  • Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
  • Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Tipping

  • Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approximately EUR3-4 for guides and EUR4-5 for drivers and tour directors per person, per day, is the industry standard.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

  • Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller.
  • Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
  • We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
  • Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
  • If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
  • Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

  • It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
    • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
    • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
    • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided Tour: A dedicated tour director and driver will accompany you for the entire trip. In some cases, you may have different tour directors in different regions. If your tour spans multiple countries, any internal flights included will not be escorted.
  • Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
  • Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
  • There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
  • Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at Munich International Airport (MUC) and ends at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with return airport transfers.

Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**

Please book your flights to arrive at Munich International Airport (MUC) by 4pm on Day 1 and depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at any time on Day 11.

Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Germany

Time zone: GMT+1

Telephone: +49

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available, with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: German

Climate: Germany experiences a temperate climate, with cloudy, cold winters (Dec-Feb) and warm summers (Jun-Aug).

Austria

Time zone: GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Telephone: +43

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.

Language: German

Climate: Austria experiences temperate and alpine climates with generally cold winters (Dec-Feb) and warm summers (Jun-Aug).

France

Time zone: GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Telephone: +33

Currency: Euro

Accessing money: ATMs are available with credit cards accepted throughout the country.

Language: French

Climate: Cool winters and mild summers, except along the Mediterranean Sea where it’s much warmer year-round.

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