Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest
Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest
8 Days Starting in Munich and ending in Budapest
Visiting: Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AMSW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2460 (USD)Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Willkommen! Welcome to Munich, Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. In the evening, head out for an included dinner with the rest of the group. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Included Activities:
-
Day 2: Munich
Location: Munich
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
In the morning after breakfast, venture out with your leader for an orientation walk of Munich. This cosmopolitan metropolis houses an extraordinary array of sights for travellers more interested in art, architecture, history, music and, of course, Christmas markets. There are 20 different Christmas markets in Munich and you'll be introduced to the best of them. From the Kripperlmarkt, which has all you need to create an authentic manger, to the Tollwood Christmas Market, Munich's vibrant ethnic festival. Music lovers will be able to get into the festive spirit with a special alpine Christmas Market concert from the balcony of Munich's town hall, which takes places Sunday to Thursday while the Christmas markets are on. Sip on a mug of gluehwein, grab a grilled sausage and browse the markets full of toys, wood carvings, candles etc.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 3: Salzburg
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel south-east into Austria by train to Salzburg today, which should take around one hour and forty five minutes. Built on the fortune of its famous salt mines, Salzburg is the birthplace of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves legend, home to the hills from the Sound of Music and purveyor of absolutely everything Mozart. On arrival, check in to your hotel and then head out into the city for an orientation walk with your leader. The city will captivate with its history, as well as its cobblestone lanes, bubbling river and charmingly kitsch atmosphere. In the late afternoon, visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square. The smells of gluhwein, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon brushed baked apples waft through the marketplace, while the sounds of traditional Salzburg choirs fill the air. Here your leader will take you on food crawl that may include such classics as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Kasnock´n (cheese gnocchi), Bratwurst (sausage), Mozartkugel (marzipan-covered nougat in dark chocolate cover), Schwarzbrot (sourdough bread).
Later on, jump in to a cable car and reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city’s most visible landmark. This fully preserved castle hosts very small, intimate Christmas market and if you’re lucky, a Christmas themed live music.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Salzburg
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is free to explore Salzburg and the surrounding areas. Perhaps make your way to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden, situated in the German Alps. Otherwise, you may want to experience the life of the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music and visit movie scenes of the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace. In the evening, why not head back to the Christmas markets to soak up even more of the blissful atmosphere?
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 5: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Board a train bound for Vienna today (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, embark on a leader-led walking tour of Vienna, passing grand buildings and parks. You'll see many monuments dedicated to famous composers and historical figures. In your free time, perhaps visit the striking Hofburg Palace, the Leopold Museum or seek out exceptional city views on the Prater Ferris Wheel. Later in the afternoon, head to the Christmas markets in front of the City Hall. Browse the markets, sip on Christmas punch and snack on some freshly baked cinnamon biscuits.
Included Activities:
-
Day 6: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
You'll have the whole day to explore Vienna, so perhaps head to Schoenbrunn Palace, which was designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The gardens are free to all visitors but there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at. Also, with over 12 Christmas markets to visit in the city, you'll be sure to find the perfect Christmas present.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 7: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel east from Vienna to Budapest by train (approximately 3 hours). Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest's grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by. With so much to see and do, hiring a bicycle is a great way to move between sights and attractions. After a short orientation walk around the city, it's time to visit the Christmas markets. With the main Christmas market being located in Vorosmarty Square, every street light, tree and market stall lit up it gives the area a real Christmas feel. There are plenty of stalls offering different Hungarian foods to try and buy. Experience these great markets of Budapest with a glass of mulled wine or shot of traditional Hungarian palinka. The combination of market cheer and Neo-Renaissance architecture is a charming one.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 8: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your Christmas Market adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out.
What's Included
-
Budapest - Christmas Market Visit
-
Munich - Gluehwein (Mulled Wine) Tasting
-
Munich - Welcome Dinner
-
Munich - Christmas Market Visit
-
Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit
-
Salzburg - Christmas Market Visit
-
Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Cable Car
-
Vienna - Christmas Market Visit
-
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 dinners
-
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Munich - Welcome Dinner
- Munich - Gluehwein (Mulled Wine) Tasting
- Munich - Christmas Market Visit
- Salzburg - Christmas Market Visit
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Cable Car
- Vienna - Christmas Market Visit
- Budapest - Christmas Market Visit
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
- TRAINS
- The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. European trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre.
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, including all nights. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
-
Is this trip right for you
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.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. -
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024Friday - Friday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 11, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Dec 12, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024Friday - Friday
Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Monday - Monday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Monday - Monday
Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Monday - Monday
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions