Europe does some of the best Christmas markets on Earth, featuring mulled wine, regional delicacies, ice rinks and open air concerts – there is something for everyone.
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
There’s nothing that gets you into the mood for the holiday season like a good Christmas market. Europe, and especially Germany, has some of the best Christmas markets in the world, where you will find everything from the aroma of Orange Gluehwein and brätwurst in the air, to chimney cakes and potato dumplings, and even igloo-shaped rakija bars. As well as delicious local foot and drink European Christmas markets are a haven for stalls selling unique gifts, ice rinks and open-air concerts. The dedicated tours on offer are just as eclectic as the Christmas markets themselves, some taking in multiple countries over a week or two, taking in different seasonal traditions and amazing locations along the way. Here are five unique Christmas markets tours in Germany and Europe.
Alpine Christmas Markets
Who wouldn’t want to tour the Alps in search of the world’s best Christmas markets? This tour is a touch of Christmas magic, starting off in Munich and heading to the high ground and some of the true gems of the Alps. You’ll see Salzburg’s snowcapped spires and enjoy a steaming cup of Glühwein in Innsbruck, as well as walking the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg. The tour then heads to the fairytale setting of Strasbourg, before finishing in Zurich with a visit to Christkindlimarkt, one of Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas market, with over 160 wooden chalets. From €2.995.
Book at Tourradar.com
German Christmas Markets
(Photo: Trafalgar.com)
Germany has more than its fair share of excellent Christmas markets and over eight days this tour attempts to visit as many as possible. The trip starts in Frankfurt before heading to Nuremberg and the city’s Christkindlesmarkt, famous for sweet gingerbread hearts and Zwetschgenmännle prune men that hang from the stalls. Then you’ll travel through Weimar, Dresden and Leipzig, taking in the seasonal delights as you go, before finishing in the German capital Berlin, home to dozens of fabulous Christmas markets. From €2,275.
Book at Trafalgar.com
Europe Christmas Markets: Budapest to Zagreb
This tour is something a bit special, travelling from Hungary, Slovenia, Austria and Croatia by train over eight days. The destinations along the way are well chosen, with the chance to wander through some of Graz’s 14 charming markets and take in winter scenery in Ljubljana and Slovenia’s picturesque towns, flanked by grand lakes and mountains, before finishing in Zagreb to enjoy its month-long Advent festival. A local guide is always on hand to lead the way explaining the history of each destination and providing tips on what to do with your free time. From €1.479.
Book at Tourradar.com
Christmas Markets of Germany
(Photo: Insightvacations.com)
This top-rated tour zigzags down Germany from Berlin to Munich, taking in some of the country’s finest Christmas markets on the way. You’ll be doing everything from eating bratwurst in Berlin and experiencing the Christmas pyramids in Dresden, enjoying some of the largest and oldest Christmas markets Germany has to offer. Also enroute is Nuremberg Market’s Christkindlmarkt stalls and the Leipzig Market, which can get very merry at Christmas. A local tour guide leads the way, bringing to life iconic city sights and history too – it’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. From €2,475.
Book at Insightvacations.com
Christmas Markets of Austria and Bavaria
There are some real gems on this eight-day tour of Christmas in Germany and Austria, travelling through five cities along the way. You’ll travel through the snowcapped peaks of the Austrian Alps, visiting Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Salzburg’s 500-year-old Christmas Market and Munich’s six-story tall Christmas tree. One of the highlights is the Salzburg Market Tasting experience, where you can try authentic gingerbread, washed down with a glass of mulled wine. These are small groups with many dinners and all breakfasts included. From €2,650.
Book at Insightvacations.com