European Christmas Market Magic with Justine – My Balance Project
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 7, 2026
Cultural
$7,149 NZD
BOOK WITH $500 NZD DEPOSIT
European Christmas Market Magic with Justine – My Balance Project
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 7, 2026
$7,149 NZD
BOOK WITH $500 NZD DEPOSIT
Step into a world of twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and centuries-old traditions on this festive journey through Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. From Munich’s medieval charm to the grandeur of Vienna and the riverside beauty of Budapest, this trip captures the timeless magic of the holiday season in true European style. Wander through cobblestoned squares filled with carolers, sip mulled wine beneath shimmering chandeliers of light, and discover the artistry and warmth behind every handmade ornament and festive treat.
Hosted by Justine Shera of My Balance Project, alongside expert local guides, this experience blends culture, connection, and celebration. Justine’s calm and uplifting approach brings a personal touch to every moment – creating space for mindful travel, new friendships, and plenty of laughter amid the sparkle of Europe’s winter wonderlands.
From exploring castles and cathedrals to soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths and dining by candlelight, this trip is an invitation to slow down, savour the season, and rediscover the simple joy of shared experiences. Whether it’s your first Christmas abroad or your next European escape, this is a journey you’ll remember long after the lights fade and the snow melts away.
For those wanting even more Christmas cheer, a 3-day Munich extension is available prior to the main itinerary starting!
Trip Start: Munich, Germany - Saturday November 28th 2026
Trip Finish: Budapest, Hungary - Monday December 7th 2026
Trip Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Accommodation: 9 Nights Hand-picked ⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Shared & Private Available)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 2
Group Size: Up to 20 Guests
Inclusions
Accommodation: 9 Nights Hand-picked ⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Shared & Private Available)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 2
Hosted by Justine Shera – My Balance Project
Experienced Local Guides in Each Destination
Train Travel Between Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest
Welcome Dinner in Munich
Guided Christmas Market Walking Tour in Munich
Visit to Marienplatz, Residenz, and Medieval Markets
Full-Day Guided Excursion to Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Free Day in Munich to Explore at Leisure
Optional Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen (Extra Cost)
Guided City Tour of Salzburg
Visit to Domplatz and Residenzplatz Christmas Markets
Sound of Music Themed Guided Tour
Visit to Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and Hellbrunn Palace
Guided Walking Tour of Vienna
Visit to Vienna State Opera, Heldenplatz, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Market
Evening Walking Tour of Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Guided Orientation Tour of Budapest
Visit to Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
Entry to Budapest Thermal Baths (Széchenyi or Gellért)
Optional Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Budapest (Extra Cost)
Optional 3-Day Pre Trip Munich Extension
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Your Host
My Balance Project with Justine Shera
Hi there, I’m Justine from New Zealand, otherwise known as @mybalanceproject on social media. I wear many hats, including being Mum to Aiden and wife to Bill, but one of them is content creator where I share my life & passion for women’s health, fitness, food and travel. I have loved going on adventures for as long as I can remember, my Mum will tell you from when I could walk I was always off exploring, wanting to go places and see new things.
In my late 40s, I’m still the same. Travel fills a space for me that nothing else can. I love the opportunities it brings to see beautiful new places, expand my view of the world, and escape from real life… even just for a little while. I love everything from hiking for days off the beaten track, to Mediterranean towns and big cities. I’m so excited to share my passion for travel with carefully curated trips for women that offer a little adventure, a chance to reset and relax and to make new friendships that last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Munich
Arrive in Munich and make your own way to the joining hotel. At 3pm, meet your host Justine, your guides, and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting before setting out to explore Munich’s festive Christmas markets.
Begin at Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, where stalls glow beneath the magnificent New Town Hall, then wander through the elegant Residenz Palace Courtyards Market and finish at the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – a charming step back in time with traditional foods, crafts, and music. End the evening with a warm Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Mirabell by Maier – Standard Room (or similar)
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Welcome Dinner
✅ Activities
- Afternoon Welcome Meeting
- Guided Walking Tour of Munich’s Christmas Markets
- Visit Marienplatz, Residenz, and Medieval Markets
Day 2 Nuremberg Christmas Traditions
After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided excursion to Nuremberg, home to one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets. Explore the charming Old Town and visit the world-renowned Christkindlesmarkt at the Main Market Square, where stalls overflow with festive treats and handmade gifts.
Marvel at the Schöner Brunnen Fountain and the Gothic beauty of the Church of Our Lady before enjoying time to shop, taste, and explore at your own pace. Return to Munich in the evening with free time for an optional dinner or to revisit your favourite market.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Mirabell by Maier – Standard Room (or similar)
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Breakfast
✅ Activities
- Full-Day Guided Excursion to Nuremberg
- Visit Christkindlesmarkt and Main Market Square
- Explore Nuremberg’s Old Town
Day 3 Munich at Leisure
Today is yours to enjoy Munich at your own pace. Revisit your favourite Christmas markets, relax in a cozy café, or explore more of the city’s cultural treasures. With festive music and warm Glühwein in the air, every corner of Munich sparkles with holiday cheer.
Alternatively, choose an optional day trip to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Füssen (extra cost). Journey through snow-dusted Bavarian countryside and step into one of Europe’s most enchanting landmarks.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Mirabell by Maier – Standard Room (or similar)
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Breakfast
✅ Activities
- Free Day to Explore Munich’s Christmas Markets
- Optional Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Munich International Airport (MUC).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. For information on airport transportation please head to the relevant airport website.
Pre-booked transfers for most international airports are available via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below. Note that this trip requires entry to Germany, Austria and Hungary.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s locations, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/europes-christmas-markets-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We do not recommend booking flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We do not recommend organising this until your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
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