Europe’s Magical Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest with @offtheclocknurse

Willkommen in München!

Welcome to the festive heart of Bavaria – Munich, Germany! Your adventure begins with a warm welcome meeting at 6pm at our hotel, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and dive into the excitement of what’s to come. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group, complete with plenty of laughs and a toast to your holiday journey.

If you are unable to arrange a flight that allows you to arrive in time for the meeting, we advise arriving a day early. Additional nights at our hotel are available to purchase at checkout. Note that airport transfers are not included, so you will need to make your own way to the hotel.

Included Activities

• Munich – Welcome Meeting
  Munich – Welcome Dinner

Accommodation

• Hotel Europa (Standard room) or similar

Hop aboard a train bound for Salzburg, Austria – just a quick 1 hour and 45 minutes away. This enchanting city, famous for its salt mine heritage, Mozart, and The Sound of Music, is packed with charm. After checking in, join your leader for a stroll through Salzburg’s cobblestone streets and along its scenic river, soaking in the city’s history and whimsical character.

Later, head to the Christmas market in Cathedral Square, where the air hums with choir songs and the scents of glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and cinnamon apples. Your leader will guide you through a feast of local treats like Kasnock’n (cheesy gnocchi), Bratwurst, and Mozartkugel. Top off the day with a cable car ride to Hohensalzburg Fortress. This iconic castle boasts panoramic views, a cozy Christmas market, and, if you’re lucky, festive live music to cap off your magical Salzburg adventure.

Included Activities

• Salzburg – Christmas Market Visit
• Salzburg – Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit
• Salzburg – Christmas Market Small Tasting

Accommodation

• Hotel Lasserhof (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Discover the festive charm of Salzburg with a day trip to three enchanting village Christmas markets. Wander through twinkling stalls offering handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and local treats. Surrounded by snow-dusted alpine scenery, experience the magic of traditional carols, artisan crafts, and warm holiday cheer in this unforgettable winter wonderland.

Included Activities

• Salzburg – Three Village Christmas Market Tour
• Salzburg – Mirabell Palace and Gardens Tour

Accommodation

• Hotel Lasserhof (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Hop aboard the train to Vienna today – 2.5 hours of scenic views and maybe a cheeky nap. Once you arrive in Austria’s capital of grandeur, join your leader for a stroll through its enchanting streets. Marvel at the regal buildings, stroll through verdant parks, and admire monuments celebrating Vienna’s star-studded lineup of composers and historical heavyweights.

With some free time to explore, why not dive into the opulence of the Hofburg Palace, soak in world-class art at the Leopold Museum, or ride the iconic Prater Ferris Wheel for sweeping city views? By late afternoon, it’s time for some festive fun at the Christmas markets in front of City Hall. Sip on warm Christmas punch, snack on cinnamon-spiced biscuits, and shop till you drop amid twinkling lights and holiday cheer.

Included Activities

• Vienna – Christmas Market Visit

Accommodation

• Hotel Magdas (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Dive into imperial glamor at Schönbrunn Palace, the lavish playground of Empress Maria Theresa.

Feeling festive? With more than a dozen Christmas markets scattered across the city, there’s no shortage of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and unique gifts to discover. Whether you’re on the hunt for handmade trinkets or just another mug of mulled wine, Vienna’s markets have you covered.

Accommodation

• Hotel Magdas (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Hop on a train and travel east from Vienna to Budapest, a scenic 3-hour journey to the “Pearl of the Danube.” This city oozes old-world charm with its grand architecture and sweeping boulevards—perfect for exploring by bike (easy rental, just say the word!).

Once you’ve gotten your bearings with a quick walk around the city, dive headfirst into the holiday magic at Budapest’s Christmas markets. The main market in Vörösmarty Square sparkles with lights, and the air is filled with the tempting smells of Hungarian delicacies. Sip on mulled wine or warm up with a shot of pálinka while you meander through charming stalls, all set against a backdrop of stunning Neo-Renaissance buildings. We’ll also enjoy a wine tasting experience at Faust Wine Cellar.

Included Activities

• Budapest – Christmas Market Visit
• Budapest – Faust Wine Cellar Tasting

Accommodation

• B&B Hotel Budapest City (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

Your final full day is a free day to explore Budapest. Wander through the festive markets again, or visit St. Stephen’s Basilica for its stunning light show and live music. Stroll along the Danube promenade to admire the city’s holiday-lit landmarks, like Buda Castle and the Parliament building.

For added relaxation, you might like to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Surrounded by the grandeur of a historic palace, soak in warm, mineral-rich waters as the winter chill mingles with steam, creating a serene and festive retreat.

In the evening the group will gather together for a farewell dinner (at your own expense) and toast to an amazing European festive experience!

Optional Activities

• Széchenyi Thermal Baths (options starting from approx $25 USD)

Accommodation

• B&B Hotel Budapest City (Standard room) or similar

Included Meals

• Breakfast

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast together and perhaps take one last stroll through the city before bidding a fond farewell to Budapest and your fellow travelers. As you head on to the next part of your journey, take with you the amazing memories of festive markets, vibrant cities, and new friends made along the way.