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Christmas Markets of Austria Germany & Switzerland

Dec 2 - 10, 2026

Your Advisor

Debra Chiabai & Sue McGarvie

Playful Coconuts/ Over40GETAWAYS

TICO: 2569684

debra@playfulcoconuts.com

6132829707

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Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

This festive European journey takes travellers on a magical winter adventure through some of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Beginning in elegant Vienna, the itinerary immerses guests in the rich traditions of Europe’s famous Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and centuries-old customs create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Travellers will explore historic city centres, admire grand architecture such as Vienna’s State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, and experience the charm of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, before continuing to Munich to enjoy traditional Bavarian Advent celebrations and festive market squares.

The journey continues through the storybook villages and alpine scenery of Oberammergau and Innsbruck, where picturesque streets and mountain backdrops enhance the festive spirit. The experience concludes in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland, where a guided orientation and special local experiences offer the perfect finale to this cozy winter getaway. Throughout the trip, travellers enjoy a balance of guided sightseeing, cultural experiences, and free time to browse markets, sample regional specialties, and soak in the warmth and wonder of Europe’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Day 1 · Wed, Dec 2

Optional

Flight from Ottawa to Vienna - Zurich to Ottawa (price subject to change until booked)

YOW · Dec 2, 2026 at 2:10PM EST

YYZ · Dec 2, 2026 at 3:31PM EST

YYZ · Dec 2, 2026 at 6:30PM EST

VIE · Dec 3, 2026 at 8:45AM CET

ZRH · Dec 10, 2026 at 1:20PM CET

YYZ · Dec 10, 2026 at 4:25PM EST

YYZ · Dec 10, 2026 at 6:10PM EST

YOW · Dec 10, 2026 at 7:18PM EST

Day 2 · Thu, Dec 3 · Vienna, Austria

Stay at Imperial Riding School

Dec 3, 2026

Overnight stay at Imperial Riding School in Vienna. Additional details Location This hotel lies close to the beautiful Belvedere Palace within a few minutes walk of the state opera house and links to the public transport network. The hotel was bui...

Trafalgar — Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany & Switzerland (Scheduled Group)

Inclusions Dining Summary 7 Breakfast (B) 3 Dinner (D) 1 Lunch (L) Be My Guest Lucerne: Visit the Meyer family at Küssnachter Alpenhof and learn about the workings of the farm and the animals that live there. Settle into the family's dining room a...

Arrival in Vienna and welcome dinner

Your journey begins in Vienna, Austria. Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Take the opportunity to explore on your own before meeting your fellow travelers. Your Travel Direct...

Day 3 · Fri, Dec 4 · Vienna

Discover Vienna's Christmas charm

Meals: Breakfast Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Vienna, taking in sights such as Parliament, City Hall, the grand State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, once the winter palace of the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful royal h...

Day 4 · Sat, Dec 5 · Munich

Vienna → Salzburg → Munich transfer

Dec 5

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Venture from Vienna to Mozart's beloved Salzburg, then onward to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Dramatic vistas accompany your journey as you travel past alpine landscapes toward Munich.

Salzburg walking tour

In Salzburg, join your Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the Mirabell Gardens and iconic sights that featured in the filming of the Sound of Music before continuing to Munich.

Stay at Four Points by Sheraton Munich Arabellapark

Dec 5, 2026

Overnight stay at Four Points by Sheraton Munich Arabellapark in Munich. Additional details Location This chic first-class hotel is located directly in the elegant district of Bogenhausen. In the hotel's neighbourhood, guests will find Arabellapar...

Day 5 · Sun, Dec 6 · Munich

Munich Christmas markets and Advent traditions

Bundle up warmly and join a Local Specialist on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. Embrace the festive cheer in Marienplatz with its impressive Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel, then spend the r...

Day 6 · Mon, Dec 7 · Innsbruck

Munich to Oberammergau and Innsbruck

Dec 7

Leave Munich behind and travel through the romantic Bavarian countryside en route to Oberammergau, which hosts the poignant Passion Play every ten years. Continue from Oberammergau to Innsbruck. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit Oberammergau

Overview In Oberammergau, admire the village’s intricate woodcarvings and elaborate frescoes depicting Bavarian themes before continuing to Innsbruck. Indulge in delicious regional flavors along the way.

Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Innsbruck Tivoli

Dec 7, 2026

Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Innsbruck Tivoli in Innsbruck. Additional details Location The hotel is located in Innsbruck just opposite the Olympia World, next to the Tivoli Stadium and within 25 minutes’ walking distance of the Bergisel sk...

Day 7 · Tue, Dec 8 · Lucerne

Innsbruck to Lucerne via Vaduz

Dec 8

Meals: Breakfast See the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck before continuing to Vaduz to view its castle, perched perfectly above the Liechtenstein capital. Your final stop today is Lucerne, where you’ll spend the next two nights. An orientation...

Orientation tour of Lucerne

On arrival in Lucerne, enjoy an orientation tour that takes you past some of the city’s main sights, introducing you to this lakeside winter wonderland.

Stay at Astoria Lucerne

Dec 8, 2026

Overnight stay at Astoria in Lucerne.

Day 8 · Wed, Dec 9 · Lucerne

Explore Lucerne and festive Be My Guest lunch

This morning, choose to join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Embrace the Yuletide cheer in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town. For lunch, celebrate your magical journey together during an exclusiv...

Day 9 · Thu, Dec 10 · Lucerne

Journey home from Lucerne

Bid a festive farewell to your travel companions, returning home with magical Christmas memories of your time in Vienna, Munich, Oberammergau, Innsbruck, Vaduz and Lucerne. Meals: Breakfast