Christmas Markets of Europe

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Munich & Nuremberg, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague & Dresden, Berlin

From late November through December, Europe turns into a magical world of lights, handicrafts, gingerbread, mulled wine and falling snow. On this private luxury tour, we make it easy for you to immerse yourself in the most atmospheric Christmas and Advent markets with a private vehicle to chauffeur you among the many different markets in each city.

At these festive markets, browse for hand-made ornaments, nutcrackers, Advent calendars, traditional wooden toys, decorations and other crafts. Sample seasonal treats such as mulled wine, gingerbread and candied fruit. See festive decorations adorning restaurants, cafes, palaces and streets. Perhaps catch a glimpse of Saint Nicholas, but watch out for Krampus!

In each location, you'll also enjoy private touring of the most interesting neighborhoods and attractions, reservations at the best cafes and restaurants, and accommodation in our favorite rooms in some of the finest hotels in Europe.

Begin in Munich, the dynamic capital of Bavaria. Explore the Old Town during a flexible walking tour with your private guide. In the Marienplatz, see the neo-Gothic city hall and its famed Glockenspiel, and walk through the Christkindlmarkt, the city's oldest and largest Christmas market. Visit other neighborhood holiday markets such as the Kripperlmarkt, to browse for handicrafts, admire traditional nativity scenes and sample holiday treats such as gluhwein (mulled wine) and lebkuchen (traditional Christmas cookies). If desired, we can arrange activities for children such as dressing up as angels and painting ornaments. Also browse the Viktualienmarkt outdoor food market, and stroll interesting shopping streets and squares. Other touring options include visiting the Residenz (the former royal palace), which hosts a Christmas village, or the Alte Pinakothek art museum. One day, take a private excursion to Nuremberg to visit the city's world-famous Christmas Market.

Continue by private car to Salzburg. Visit Christmas markets in snow-dusted squares throughout the town, and enjoy private touring of cultural highlights, such as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace and Mirabell Palace. Walk down Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous shopping street, and visit select boutiques specializing in local products such as trachten fabric, loden coats, Christmas decorations and Mozartkugel chocolate pralines. Visit the beautiful Christmas market at Schloss Hellbrunn, where you can even enjoy a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride! Other touring options include an excursion to the Salzkammergut, a magnificent region of mountains and lakes in the Austrian Alps, to visit film sites from The Sound of Music; visiting the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg; or exploring one of Salzburg's salt mines.

Next, transfer by private car to Vienna. During private touring, your expert local guide will take you to the city's many Christmas markets, such as the market in front of Schonbrunn Palace, the market in the narrow streets of Spittelberg, and the Town Hall market, famous for its colorful evening lights. Explore interesting neighborhoods, visit upscale shops and food markets, and enjoy the wealth of spectacular art, architecture and history in this former imperial capital. Visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzaner Stallions and take a behind-the-scenes tour of their stables. See the highlights of world-renowned palaces, and tour museums such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Albertina, the Leopold Museum and the Freud Museum. See architectural monuments that exemplify the best in Vienna's Gothic, Baroque and Secessionist styles. Visit our favorite shops selling exquisite linens, crystal, chocolates, gourmet foods and antiques. Visit up-and-coming neighborhoods known for their designers and chefs. Taste local culinary specialties at our favorite stalls in the enormous Naschmarkt food market. We'll also ensure you have opportunities to visit Vienna's leading coffee houses.

Continue by private car to Prague, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. En route, tour Cesky Krumlov, a well-preserved medieval castle town on a hill above a bend in the Vltava River that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Prague, tour cultural highlights such as the Castle, the Old Town, the New Town and the Jewish Quarter with your private guide. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as private access to the stunning Baroque interiors of the Strahov Library. Also visit the city's best holiday markets. One evening, enjoy premium tickets to a performance in one of Prague's beautiful historic halls.

En route to Berlin, visit Dresden, the capital of Saxony and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Baroque art and architecture. During private touring, visit highlights such as the landmark Frauenkirche church and the outstanding art collections of the Green Vaults, Zwinger and Albertinum. Also enjoy time to browse Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas market.

During flexible private touring in Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany and one of Europe's most important cultural centers, see historical and cultural highlights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial. Opt to tour the Jewish Museum or one of the world-renowned institutions on Museum Island, such as the outstanding Pergamon Museum. Explore one or more of the city's dozens of holiday markets, such as the Gendarmenmarkt WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market, the Nostalgic Christmas Market at Opernpalais or Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg. Also visit Berlin's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, food halls, art galleries, modern architectural landmarks and shopping districts according to your interests.