Insight Vacations

Alpine Christmas Markets - Classic Group

Alpine Christmas Markets – Classic Group
There is nothing quite like Christmas among the Alps with the festive Munich Christmas Market, Salzburg’s snow-capped spires and an indulgent cup of Glühwein. Your Local Expert brings Mozart’s history to life before a visit to Salzburg’s Christmas market. After tasting the festive treats, the culinary delights continue with a traditional dining experience at Swarovski Crystal Worlds. If that is not enough to summon your holiday spirit, a stroll through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg will certainly do the trick, not to mention the fairytale surroundings of Strasbourg, where the sweet scent of cinnamon is carried on the breeze at the oldest Christmas market in France.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Munich: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
  • Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Glühwein.
  • Innsbruck: Savor a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
  • Black Forest: Indulge in a delightful dinner of local German specialties, accompanied by wine.
  • Zürich: You’ll enjoy good food, wine and a well-laden table with a touch of Grossmünster charm during your cozy dinner.

Insight Choice

  • Munich: Embark on a culinary walking tour in the heart of the city.
  • Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence with a Local Expert.

Insight Experiences

  • Experience a musical demonstration at Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg.
  • Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.

Make Travel Matter

  • Zürich: Uncover the old town of Zürich during a fun and educational walking tour. Join Diana and her team who are raising awareness on social issues, such as food insecurity, and supporting the community. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 12: Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter’s Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart’s family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You’ll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
  • Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
  • Innsbruck: Visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This attraction features installations by international artists, designers and architects who have interpreted the crystals in their own ways.
  • Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
  • Lorrach: Explore the town located on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland and see the ruins of Rotteln Castle.
  • Lindau: Your Travel Director takes you to the Harbor and Old City Hall. Walk the medieval streets of this island-town and browse the shops on Maximillium Strasse.
  • Freiburg im Breisgau: Enjoy a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg and soak in the magic of its Christmas Markets. See the medieval Münster and spend time in the historic old quarter.
  • Strasbourg: Exploring the Christmas Markets is like stepping directly into a fairytale, where glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon enchant your senses. Here you visit France’s oldest Christmas Markets, set in front of the Cathedral. Spend time in the atmospheric neighborhood of La Petite France.
  • Zürich: Enjoy the traditional Christmas Markets in Zurich’s Old Town.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

04/15/2025 through 12/06/2026
04/15/2025 through 12/11/2026

Day 1

Munich is known for its architecture, fine culture, the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration, its vibrant cultural scene and its museums. But there is much more to Munich than Oktoberfest! Olympics enthusiasts can marvel over Munich Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics and now a park. Visitors may tour important areas such as the swim hall, stadium and view a poignent memorial to the Israeli athletes who perished during the Games. There is also a "Walk of Stars" around the Olympic Lake with handprints from various musicians who have played the stadium, and a Rock museum at the top of Olympic Tower. If you have an urge to go surfing, Munich has you covered. The manmade Eisbach (German for "ice brook") is a small river that flows through the park known as the Englischer Garten, and contains a wave that surfing enthusiasts may practice their skills on.

For traditional Bavarian beauty, don't miss out on Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”.

Christmastime in Munich is nothing short of magical, and each market in the city has something unique to offer whether it is the traditional Neuhauser Strasse market at Marienplatz, the rackus party atmosphere at Tollwood to the charmingly quirky vibe at Schwabing. Nothing will get you in the spirit of the season like sipping a warming cup of Glühwein as you browse the multiple stalls of artisan crafts and traditional German food.


Day 2

Munich is known for its architecture, fine culture, the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration, its vibrant cultural scene and its museums. But there is much more to Munich than Oktoberfest! Olympics enthusiasts can marvel over Munich Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics and now a park. Visitors may tour important areas such as the swim hall, stadium and view a poignent memorial to the Israeli athletes who perished during the Games. There is also a "Walk of Stars" around the Olympic Lake with handprints from various musicians who have played the stadium, and a Rock museum at the top of Olympic Tower. If you have an urge to go surfing, Munich has you covered. The manmade Eisbach (German for "ice brook") is a small river that flows through the park known as the Englischer Garten, and contains a wave that surfing enthusiasts may practice their skills on.

For traditional Bavarian beauty, don't miss out on Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”.

Christmastime in Munich is nothing short of magical, and each market in the city has something unique to offer whether it is the traditional Neuhauser Strasse market at Marienplatz, the rackus party atmosphere at Tollwood to the charmingly quirky vibe at Schwabing. Nothing will get you in the spirit of the season like sipping a warming cup of Glühwein as you browse the multiple stalls of artisan crafts and traditional German food.


Day 3

Munich is known for its architecture, fine culture, the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration, its vibrant cultural scene and its museums. But there is much more to Munich than Oktoberfest! Olympics enthusiasts can marvel over Munich Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics and now a park. Visitors may tour important areas such as the swim hall, stadium and view a poignent memorial to the Israeli athletes who perished during the Games. There is also a "Walk of Stars" around the Olympic Lake with handprints from various musicians who have played the stadium, and a Rock museum at the top of Olympic Tower. If you have an urge to go surfing, Munich has you covered. The manmade Eisbach (German for "ice brook") is a small river that flows through the park known as the Englischer Garten, and contains a wave that surfing enthusiasts may practice their skills on.

For traditional Bavarian beauty, don't miss out on Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”.

Christmastime in Munich is nothing short of magical, and each market in the city has something unique to offer whether it is the traditional Neuhauser Strasse market at Marienplatz, the rackus party atmosphere at Tollwood to the charmingly quirky vibe at Schwabing. Nothing will get you in the spirit of the season like sipping a warming cup of Glühwein as you browse the multiple stalls of artisan crafts and traditional German food.


Day 4 Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is a charming European destination on the banks of the Inn River. A popular stop for skiing, Innsbruck is nestled within the Alps and offers a variety of cable cars to whisk you to the mountains for outdoor sports and spectacular views of the Innsbruck below. The city itself is home to centuries-old architecture dating back to the Medieval Period and the Renaissance, particularly in the Altstadt, or Old Town. Highlights of the city center include Hofburg Palace, St. Anne's Column, Ambras Castle, and the Golden Roof.
Day 5 Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is a charming European destination on the banks of the Inn River. A popular stop for skiing, Innsbruck is nestled within the Alps and offers a variety of cable cars to whisk you to the mountains for outdoor sports and spectacular views of the Innsbruck below. The city itself is home to centuries-old architecture dating back to the Medieval Period and the Renaissance, particularly in the Altstadt, or Old Town. Highlights of the city center include Hofburg Palace, St. Anne's Column, Ambras Castle, and the Golden Roof.
Day 6 FREIBURG - The Black Forest Sunshine City

Freiburg was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1120, and the layout of streets and squares of the rapidly prospering metropolis is still impressively reflected in today's cityscape. In 1368 Freiburg came under the Habsburgs - remaining, with but brief interruptions, the capital of Austria's Vorderösterreich until the beginning of the 19th century.

The medieval Old Quarter with its architectural treasures, colorful marketplace, twisting narrow lanes and little "waterways" running through the streets picturesquely circles the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Its unique 381-foot-high tower ranks among the masterworks of Gothic architecture, enhancing Freiburg's incomparable silhouette. At every corner you will encounter historic sights, and the old craftsmen's districts are just as worth seeing as the striking architecture of the two old city towers.

Freiburg today - a cheerful little big city with southern flair and a charming mix of tradition and progress. The location of the cosmopolitan university town is unmatched: right at the foot of the Black Forest, in the midst of the "three-country corner" where Germany, France and Switzerland touch. With the Vosges and the Alps close by. With a climate like that of Lugano. With a renowned mineral thermal bath and spa resort. And with all the things that make for unspoilt quality of life.

Theater, concerts, ballet, museums and galleries enliven the city's cultural scene. The range is as varied and colorful as Freiburg's charming environs, renowned for the sun-kissed wines of Baden and scrumptious cuisine.

Day 7

Nestled in the northeastern corner of France, Alsace is a region that enchants with its picturesque villages, half-timbered houses, and vibrant blend of French and German cultures. Renowned for its scenic vineyards, Alsace's Route des Vins (Wine Route) stretches over 170 kilometers, winding through charming medieval towns like Riquewihr, Colmar, and Eguisheim. Here, visitors can sip world-class Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris wines while taking in breathtaking views of rolling hills and cobblestone streets lined with colorful flower boxes. The region is a haven for wine lovers and those who appreciate serene countryside landscapes.

Alsace's capital, Strasbourg, captivates with its mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, particularly the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral. Once the tallest building in the world until the 19th century, this Gothic masterpiece is famous for its intricate facade, astronomical clock, and panoramic views from its spire. Nearby, the charming Petite France neighborhood invites exploration with its narrow alleys, canals, and half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, giving it a unique status as a crossroads of European history and modern diplomacy.

For those seeking a fairytale escape, Colmar is a must-visit destination. Known as "Little Venice" for its picturesque canals and brightly painted medieval homes, this town is often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Its enchanting atmosphere becomes even more magical during the annual Christmas markets, where the streets are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, stroll through the old town's cobblestone streets, and enjoy local delicacies such as tarte flambée and kougelhopf.

A fun fact about Alsace is its unique status in French culture due to its historical tug-of-war between France and Germany. This has resulted in a distinct Alsatian identity, seen in everything from its dialect to its architecture and cuisine. Traditional Alsatian dishes, such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages) and baeckeoffe (a slow-cooked casserole of potatoes and meat), reflect this blend of French and German influences, making Alsace a culinary destination like no other. Alsace's seamless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty ensures an unforgettable experience for any traveler.


Day 8 Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination.
Day 9 Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination.

11/24/26 - 12/02/26

Starting At $2,750

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11/26/26 - 11/28/26

Starting At $2,775

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12/01/26 - 12/02/26

Starting At $3,050

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12/03/26 - 12/11/26

Starting At $2,895

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12/06/26 - 12/10/26

Starting At $2,775

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Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

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