Christmas Markets of Germany & Austria
A bucket list item for many of us, and we can’t wait to get in the holiday spirit with YOU!
We’re heading to Germany & Austria, where magic takes over. Stroll through some of Europe’s Famous Christmas markets with dazzling shop windows, twinkling lights, and trees decked out in the brightest ornaments. Streets buzz with the sounds of carolers serenading the chilly night air, and the joy is palpable everywhere you go.
Imagine strolling through Christmas markets stalls in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, mulled wine or cider in hand, soaking in the holiday spirit. Over seven amazing days, you’ll explore these historic European cities, savor the authentic flavors of Bavarian and Viennese cuisine, and even squeeze in some Christmas shopping while marveling at landmarks, palaces, and charming villages along the way.
All breakfasts and two dinners are included along with city transfers, transfers to/from the airport to our hotels, activity fees, lodging and ALL the logistics/driving/planning are taken care of for a carefree experience. Let’s take this journey together and create lasting memories with new friends!
What You'll Love About This Trip
- Experience multiple Christmas markets in each City
- Unique seasonal dining and shopping
- Local Gratuities Included
- Included Transfers to and from the airport
- Travel with Howard & Katelyn
- Several meals included (all breakfasts and two dinners)
- 3-Star and 4-Star Accommodations throughout the trip
Welcome to Munich! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle where you can get settled in and relax after your long journey.
Then come join us for a welcome meeting & drinks! The first round is on us as we kick off an amazing week ahead. It’s the perfect chance to meet everyone, swap stories, and just enjoy good company. And don’t forget to snag your welcome bag—it’s our little way of saying thanks for embarking on this journey with us. Can’t wait to clink glasses and share some laughs with you. In the evening, our dinner will be at a local restaurant, just a quick walk from the hotel. It will feature a 2-course set menu with a modern twist on traditional Bavarian cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Kindly be aware that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.
Special Information
Airport transfers are included on an individual basis. Tourist Visas are included for all USA-resident travelers. Flight information must be provided no later than 45 days from the start of the trip.
Arthotel Munich is a 3-star hotel located near the central station and Marienplatz, featuring pop art-style decor, soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a daily buffet breakfast. It offers amenities like a bar, a garden, and a 24/7 reception, making it a convenient option for exploring the city and a popular choice for those attending events like Oktoberfest.
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Start the day with an included hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures. With our local tour leader, we will walk towards the city center and take included public transportation to embark on an orientation walk; immersing ourselves in Munich’s rich history and vibrant culture. Some highlights of the tour include seeing the Marienplatz, Frauenkriche, and Town Hall.
Using our public transportation tickets which will be provided by your tour leader, we will take the tram and then walk for 10 minutes to the Nymphenburg Palace. The palace, built in the late 17th century, is an architectural masterpiece, with sprawling, beautifully manicured grounds. On this tour, you’ll learn the history of the royalty connected to this magnificent site as you visit the museums within the palace walls.
Before heading to the Christmas markets you will have time for a leisurely lunch at your own pace.
Experience Europe’s incredible Christmas markets, including the Kripperlmarkt, where you’ll find everything from carved decorations to food and drink stalls as well as all the materials you would need to create your own nativity scene. Tollwood Christmas Market is a vibrant market, with more than 200 brightly colored stalls containing organic delicacies from all over the world. Music lovers will be able to get into the festive spirit with a special alpine Christmas market concert from the balcony of Munich’s town hall.
Included Activities
- Munich Christmas Markets
- Nymphenburg Palace Visit
- Mulled Wine Tasting
Arthotel Munich is a 3-star hotel located near the central station and Marienplatz, featuring pop art-style decor, soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a daily buffet breakfast. It offers amenities like a bar, a garden, and a 24/7 reception, making it a convenient option for exploring the city and a popular choice for those attending events like Oktoberfest.
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Today, we’ll say goodbye to Munich and board an included scenic train ride, traversing picturesque landscapes as we make our way to the enchanting city of Salzburg.
After checking in to our Salzburg hotel, we will walk to the city center to begin our tour. Once in town, with the Salzach river running through its center, you will see that Salzburg is an enchanting city surrounded by the Eastern Alps. Meander through cobblestone lanes, between centuries-old buildings and take in the atmosphere and magnificent views. Some highlights of the tour include seeing the Catherdral Square, Mozart’s birthplace, the Salzach river promenade, Famous Getreidegasse shopping street, and the birthplace of Mozart kugel. You will be walking for roughly 1-2 miles so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
After, we’ll walk to to the station and take a cable car up to the medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. This towering fortress is situated on the Festungsberg, 1,660 feet above the city. Your entrance ticket is included and once inside the fortress you will have time to explore on your own. You will meet back at the cable car at a set time and head to the Christmas market down below.
All around the Salzburg Cathedral Christmas Market, the aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon-brushed baked apples combines with the beautiful sounds of traditional carols sung by the Salzburg choir filling the air. Browse through unique gifts and souvenirs, handcrafted by local artisans, offering the perfect memento of your visit to this magical market. The market will come alive with all the sights, smells and sounds, inviting you to linger and soak in the joyful spirit of the holiday season.
Later, join us at a nearby cocktail bar for fun after-dinner libations. We’re only halfway through our tour of some of the best Christmas markets, so let’s celebrate!
Included Activities
- Train ticket to Salzburg, Austria
- Walking Tour of Salzburg
- Cable Car and admission ticket to Hohensalzburg Castle
- A cocktail or coffee at the after-dinner meetup
Special information
Our travel time today will be approximately two hours total.
The Theaterhotel Goldenes Salzburg is a 4-star hotel in central Salzburg known for its upscale charm and convenient location near the Mirabell Palace and Old Town. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a bar, complimentary breakfast buffet and express check-in/check-out.
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Another beautiful day in Austria! After breakfast, experience the Christmas magic as you embark on a scenic journey to visit the charming villages of St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang in Salzkammergut and Strobl and their enchanting Christmas markets.
We’ll start the day by walking from the hotel to the bus stop at Main Station, where we will board a bus bound for St. Gilgen. Upon arrival, we will transfer to a shared boat and take a scenic ride across Wolfgangsee Lake to reach Strobl, followed by another boat ride to St. Wolfgang. In each village, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, where an array of food stalls awaits. Lunch will be at your discretion, allowing flexibility in your exploration. After indulging in the delights of these charming towns, you will take the bus back to Salzburg. Throughout the day, transportation tickets are provided, ensuring seamless travel. Although there will be breaks on the bus and boat, expect continuous walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended for today’s excursions.
Included Activities
- Bus & Boat Tickets for the villages of Wolfgangee Lake
The Theaterhotel Goldenes Salzburg is a 4-star hotel in central Salzburg known for its upscale charm and convenient location near the Mirabell Palace and Old Town. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a bar, complimentary breakfast buffet and express check-in/check-out.
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Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a journey to Vienna, Austria’s historic capital. From our hotel we will take a private transfer to the station and board an included train to Vienna.
After checking in to our Vienna hotel, we’ll join our local tour leader for a leisurely stroll through Vienna as they highlight the city’s iconic landmarks. Marvel at the majestic architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, explore the bustling Graben, and admire the historic Hofburg Palace. Pass by Karlsplatz and the grand Vienna Opera House before reaching the impressive City Hall. Your tour leader will offer short stops at all the significant sites along the way, ensuring a comprehensive orientation of Vienna’s highlights. This informative tour covers approximately 1-2 miles, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included Activities
- transfer to Salzburg train station
- Coach train ticket to Vienna, Austria
- Walking tour of Vienna
Special information
Today’s train ride will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Hotel Exe Vienna, or similar, is a 4-star hotel located in Vienna’s Hernals district, situated near the Alserstraße Underground Station and Yppenplatz. It offers air-conditioned rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The hotel also features a gym, an indoor swimming pool, and a buffet breakfast.
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Start the day with a delicious breakfast before visiting the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace for a self-guided Imperial Tour, immersing yourself in the grandeur of Austria’s imperial history. Your entrance ticket is included. Once inside, take a self-guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace, with its breathtaking architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. This magnificent Rococo-style palace has 1,441 rooms and was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. In 1786, Mozart performed in the palace Orangery. In front of the palace is a smaller Christmas market, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat before you transfer back to town for the remainder of the day.
Afterwards, the vibrant city of Vienna awaits your exploration. Spend the remainder of the day as you please, whether indulging in some last-minute shopping, admiring the city’s iconic sights, or meandering through one of Vienna’s 12 enchanting Christmas markets.
Conclude your journey with a heartwarming farewell dinner. Share laughter and memories with newfound friends at a local restaurant. Savor the best of Austrian cuisine, toast to your adventures, and bid farewell to an incredible trip. Dinner will feature a 2-course set menu of traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Included Activities
- Public Transportation ticket for Vienna
- Imperial Tour (self-guided) ticket for Schönbrunn Palace
- Farewell Dinner with the group
Hotel Exe Vienna, or similar. This 4-star hotel is located in Vienna’s Hernals district, situated near the Alserstraße Underground Station and Yppenplatz. It offers air-conditioned rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The hotel also features a gym, an indoor swimming pool, and a buffet breakfast.
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All good things must come to an end! Transfers to the airport have been arranged based on the flight information you have provided.
Please note for flight purposes that the trip ends in Vienna.
Special Information
Airport transfers are included on an individual basis. Flight information must be provided no later than 45 days from the start of the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport Transfers - Airport Transfers are included on an Individual Basis (flight info must be provided no later than 45 days in advance)
- Free Visa - Free tourist visa on arrival
- Accommodations - 6 Nights in 3-Star & 4-Star Accommodations
- Guide - Local Language and English Speaking Guide
- Local Gratuities – Tips for hotel staff and waitstaff for included meals
- Transport - Air conditioned vehicles and trains
- Select Meals - 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Guided Tours - Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, + more
- Our Private Community - Enjoy free access to our private community. You'll also have support throughout the trip planning process as well as multiple pre-trip Zoom calls to meet your fellow travelers
- Two Trip Hosts - Travel with Howard & Katelyn! We'll be with you every step of the way
What's Not Included
- International Flights - to Munich/from Vienna
- Additional Food & Drink (except as noted)
- Tips for our Main Guide & Driver
- Optional Activities
For every group trip, we evaluate, compare, and work hard to select the best operator for each destination.
After visiting Jordan and experiencing the level of service and support for ourselves, we are proud to partner with the stellar team at Jordan Horizons Tours to custom-build this itinerary with us. With 2200+ independent reviews and a near perfect 5.0 score, Jordan Horizons Tours has been proven time and again as an excellent operator in the Middle East, offering exceptional premium services to our travelers. This will be our third visit to Jordan in partnership with Jordan Horizons Tours.
This trip is rated as moderately active. Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles a day, often on uneven surfaces, sand, or rocky terrain, especially at sites like Petra and Wadi Rum. Some experiences, such as optional hikes, climbing steps, or getting in and out of Bedouin-style 4×4 trucks, require basic balance and mobility. While alternative options (like paid golf carts in Petra) may be available, they can be limited or unreliable, so participants should expect and be prepared for a fair amount of physical activity throughout the journey.
All packages are individually priced, and the package stipulates if it is a solo or double occupancy. Single Supplement is Compulsory.* If you are traveling with a partner, friend or family member in the same room and are booking together, please select two of the same package. If you are traveling with a friend, but booking separately, please indicate in the check out form who your travel companion will be. You will be able to indicate bed configuration (two Twins or one shared King/Queen) at the time of booking.
*We are unable to pair solo travelers. If you do not have a travel partner at the time of booking, please select the solo traveler booking option.
Packages are priced for double occupancy. If you are booking as a solo traveler, please select the solo occupancy option. Single supplement is compulsory for all single rooms and you will have your own room for the entire duration of the trip.
You can secure your spot on the on the October 2026 Jordan Trip with a 25% deposit, and make interest-free payments at any time of any amount prior to July 20, 2026 when final payments are due.
We welcome payments for your trip either via ACH (electronic payments from a USA bank account) or all major Credit Cards.
To help us keep trip costs more affordable for you, surcharges for payments are not included in the trip package price, and you are encouraged to select the payment method that suits your needs. For example, if you receive international travel coverage insurance for purchasing with a specific credit card, then booking with a credit card may be the best option for you.
There is no surcharge for ACH electronic payments, while Credit Cards will add 2.9% to each transaction/automatic payment (3.9% for AMEX). All payments must be made through the WeTravel platform. We do not accept checks or alternative methods of payment.
Securing “cancel for any reason” travel insurance at the time of booking is strongly recommended for protection against unforeseen cancellations or accidents. If paying for your trip with a credit card (see payments payments above), check for coverage benefits that may apply for international travel.
We recommend using VisitorsCoverage (select from many different carriers and plans)
For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory due to local regulations.
However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting (on day 1 of trip), recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
Our cancellation policy is based on the days until the trip starts.
Once you have booked your spot, your initial trip deposit is non-refundable, but can be used for ANY future trip with Newstate Adventures. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance that provides “cancel for any reason” or other coverage for non-refundable trip costs.
If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 120 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment.
Any additional payments above and beyond the deposit are fully refundable until 120 days prior to the trip start date.
• Cancellation prior to 120 days; we will hold the deposit amount as a credit towards future trips with NNGT
• Cancellation between 119-55 days prior to departure will incur a 25% cancellation fee
• Cancellation 54 days or less prior to travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee
• No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur a 100% cancellation fee
