1 Week The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Day 1: Arrival in Munich, Germany

Morning:

• Arrival and Check-In: Travelers arrive in Munich and transfer to their hotel in the city center.
• Check-in Recommendation: Hotel Bayerischer Hof – A luxury hotel close to Marienplatz.

Afternoon:

• Marienplatz Christmas Market: Begin the tour with Munich’s largest and oldest Christmas market. Stroll among traditional wooden stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, gingerbread, and mulled wine.
• Local Experience: Visit the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz for a festive photo op and enjoy live holiday music performances.

Evening:

• Dinner at Ratskeller Munich: Traditional Bavarian cuisine served in a cozy, Christmas-decorated setting.
• Evening Activity: Take a stroll through the market or a horse-drawn carriage ride through Munich’s historic old town.

Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany

Morning:

• drive to Nuremberg (1 hour) and check into a hotel such as the Hotel Victoria or similar.
• Nuremberg Old Town Tour: Visit the Imperial Castle, St. Lorenz Church, and the medieval Albrecht Dürer House for insight into the city’s rich history.

Afternoon:

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: The market, with its iconic red and white stalls, is one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, known for Nuremberg gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and roasted sausages.
• Local Treats: Sample a “Zwetschgenmännle” (plum figure) and warm up with traditional mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Evening:

• Dinner at Heilig-Geist-Spital: Enjoy a classic Bavarian dinner in this beautiful 14th-century former hospital on the river.

Day 3: Salzburg, Austria

Morning:

• Travel to Salzburg (2-hour drive ). Check-in at Hotel Sacher Salzburg or a charming boutique hotel in the Old Town.
• Guided Walking Tour: Explore Salzburg’s baroque architecture, including Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Mozart birthplace.

Afternoon:

• Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: Visit the scenic Christmas market at Domplatz and Residenzplatz, where travelers can shop for artisan gifts, enjoy local treats, and admire views of Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Local Specialties: Indulge in Austrian specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) and Maroni (roasted chestnuts).

Evening:

• Dinner and Mozart Concert at St. Peter Stiftskeller: Austria’s oldest restaurant offers a festive dinner with a classical concert for a truly memorable evening.

Day 4: Vienna, Austria

Morning:

• Travel to Vienna (2.5-hour drive) and check in a 4-star hotel in the city center.
• City Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a grand introduction to Vienna’s imperial beauty.

Afternoon:

• Vienna’s Christmas Market at Rathausplatz: With more than 150 stalls, this market is one of Europe’s most opulent. Enjoy handcrafted gifts, Austrian snacks like Bratkartoffel (potato pancakes), and classic Viennese pastries.
• Local Treats: Try a Viennese apple strudel and the traditional Punsch (fruit punch).

Evening:

• Dinner at Figlmüller: Known for Vienna’s best schnitzel in a cozy, rustic setting.
• Evening Experience: Attend a concert or ballet performance at the Vienna State Opera for a night of elegance.

Day 5: Prague, Czech Republic

Morning:

• Drive to Prague (4 hours) and check in at Hotel Paris Prague or Grand Hotel Bohemia.
• Old Town Walking Tour: Begin in Old Town Square, with stops at the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn.

Afternoon:

• Prague Christmas Market: Prague’s Old Town Square is renowned for its magical holiday market. Experience live nativity scenes, Christmas carols, and festive decorations.
• Market Treats: Try Trdelník (a cinnamon-sugar pastry), klobása (grilled sausage), and traditional Czech beers.

Evening:

• Dinner at Mlynec: A restaurant on the Vltava River, with views of Charles Bridge. Offers Czech-inspired dishes in a modern setting.
• Evening Stroll: Enjoy the beautifully illuminated Charles Bridge for picturesque winter views.

Day 6: Dresden, Germany

Morning:

• Travel to Dresden (2 hours ) and check in at Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe.
• Walking Tour: Discover Dresden’s restored Baroque architecture, including the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and Frauenkirche Church.

Afternoon:

• Dresden Striezelmarkt: Germany’s oldest Christmas market, famous for its “Stollen” fruit bread, wooden crafts, and elaborate decorations. Enjoy live performances and festive workshops.
• Local Specialties: Sample the market’s unique treats, like the Dresden Stollen (a holiday fruit bread) and Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen (gingerbread).

Evening:

• Dinner at Sophienkeller Dresden: Traditional Saxon dishes served in a vaulted, medieval-inspired setting.

Day 7: Return to Munich

Morning:

• Return to Munich (5-hour) or arrange direct flights back for travelers from Dresden.

Afternoon:

• Farewell Lunch and Shopping in Munich: Final lunch at Dallmayr Delicatessen for Bavarian cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Free Time for Last-Minute Shopping: Take in a final shopping experience at Kaufingerstrasse, Munich’s main shopping street, or visit the Viktualienmarkt for souvenirs.

Evening:

• Departure: Transfer to Munich Airport for flights back home.