Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest

Land Tour

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.

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.

Tour Details Collapse
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Number Of Days
8
Price From
RRP: $3,484 Our Hot Price: $3,136
Price per person, twin share
Start Location
Munich, Germany
End Location
Budapest, Hungary
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Festival
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1: Munich
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).
Day 2: Munich
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.
Day 3: Salzburg
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.
Day 4: Salzburg
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?
Day 5: Vienna
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.
Day 6: Vienna
You'll have the whole day to explore Vienna, so perhaps head to Schnbrunn 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 schnbrunn.at. Also, with over 12 Christmas markets to visit in the city, you'll be sure to find the perfect Christmas present.
Day 7: Budapest
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.
Day 8: Budapest
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.
Inclusions Expand
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
Transport: Train, Metro.
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights).
Munich - Welcome Dinner.
Munich - Gluehwein (Mulled Wine) Tasting.
Munich - Christmas Market Visit.
Salzburg - Christmas Market Visit.
Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit.
Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Cable Car.
Salzburg- Christmas Market small tasting.
Vienna - Christmas Market Visit.
Budapest - Christmas Market Visit.
Departure Dates Expand
Price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
11 Dec 2024 18 Dec 2024 3 $3,690
$3,321
12 Dec 2024 19 Dec 2024 1 $3,924
$3,532
26 Nov 2025 03 Dec 2025 12 $3,484
$3,136
27 Nov 2025 04 Dec 2025 7 $3,484
$3,136
28 Nov 2025 05 Dec 2025 8 $3,484
$3,136
29 Nov 2025 06 Dec 2025 8 $3,484
$3,136
30 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 10 $3,484
$3,136
01 Dec 2025 08 Dec 2025 12 $3,484
$3,136
02 Dec 2025 09 Dec 2025 12 $3,484
$3,136
03 Dec 2025 10 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
04 Dec 2025 11 Dec 2025 11 $3,624
$3,262
05 Dec 2025 12 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
06 Dec 2025 13 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
07 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
08 Dec 2025 15 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
09 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 12 $3,624
$3,262
10 Dec 2025 17 Dec 2025 10 $3,764
$3,388
11 Dec 2025 18 Dec 2025 12 $3,764
$3,388
12 Dec 2025 19 Dec 2025 12 $3,764
$3,388
13 Dec 2025 20 Dec 2025 12 $3,764
$3,388
14 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025 10 $3,764
$3,388
15 Dec 2025 22 Dec 2025 10 $3,765
16 Dec 2025 23 Dec 2025 12 $3,765
17 Dec 2025 24 Dec 2025 9 $3,765
28 Nov 2026 05 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
29 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
30 Nov 2026 07 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
01 Dec 2026 08 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
02 Dec 2026 09 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
03 Dec 2026 10 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
04 Dec 2026 11 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
05 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
06 Dec 2026 13 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
07 Dec 2026 14 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
08 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
09 Dec 2026 16 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
10 Dec 2026 17 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
11 Dec 2026 18 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
12 Dec 2026 19 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
13 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
14 Dec 2026 21 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
15 Dec 2026 22 Dec 2026 12 $3,660
16 Dec 2026 23 Dec 2026 12 $3,660

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