Eleven days through the alpine Christmas markets, when the town squares fill with wooden stalls, glühwein, and the smell of roasting almonds.
Every American town with a holiday market is imitating something, and this is the something. The German and Austrian Christkindlmarkt tradition goes back to the 1400s, and once you have stood in one of those squares at dusk with a hot glühwein, the imitations never quite land the same way again.
We travel between towns by motorcoach through the alpine countryside, which in early December means snow on the peaks and valley towns already lit for the season. Baroque squares, cathedral steps, and wooden stalls selling ornaments carved by families who have been doing it for generations.
This is a longer trip than most of ours, eleven days, and it is paced accordingly. Multiple nights in each region rather than a new hotel every night. Time to sit in a café and watch the square rather than sprint through it.
You know I collect a Christmas ornament from every new place I go. I will need a bigger suitcase for this one.
Baroque squares and alpine towns
Grand imperial squares strung with lights, alpine towns where the market fills the space in front of the church, and the mountain scenery in between. Glühwein in a souvenir mug at every stop.
Six centuries of tradition
Wooden stalls, hand-carved ornaments, gingerbread, and roasting almonds. Some of these markets have been running in the same square since the 1400s, and they have gotten very good at it.
Depart the United States on an overnight transatlantic flight, arriving to begin the tour. A gentle first day to find your feet and shake off the jet lag.
Imperial squares, alpine towns, and the Austrian markets at their best. Multiple nights in each region, so you unpack and stay put for a while.
Across the border into Bavaria and beyond, through market towns and countryside, with time built in for wandering rather than just marching.
The last of the markets and a farewell dinner with the group. By now you will have a suitcase problem, and you will not regret it.
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the United States, arriving home the same day.
Full day-by-day itinerary, hotels, and included meals available on request.
Pricing, hotels, and the full day-by-day itinerary are available by email or phone. This is a 2027 departure, so there is plenty of time to plan and pay it down.
Yes. This one is open to everyone, and it is a lovely trip for couples.
Yes. Roundtrip international airfare is part of the package. Departure city options are available and I will go over them with you.
More than most of our trips, and worth knowing up front. Christmas markets mean cobblestones, standing, and walking between stalls in cold weather. If that gives you pause, call me and we will talk honestly about whether this is the right fit.
Cold. Days often near or below freezing, with a real chance of snow. That is the whole point, but pack for it. A serious coat, warm layers, waterproof boots with grip, hat, and gloves.
Yes, valid for at least six months past your return date. For a 2027 departure you have plenty of time, but do not leave it until the last minute.
Because rushing the markets defeats the purpose. Multiple nights in each region means less packing and unpacking and more time actually sitting in the squares.
Early. December departures fill first, and 2027 pricing is best now. Email me for the full details.
Use the Email for More Information button below or call me at 931-801-9900. I will send the full itinerary, hotels, and pricing.
Send me a note and I will get you the full itinerary, hotel list, and pricing. No obligation.
Passport required · Travel insurance strongly recommended · Pack for real winter.
Browse our full lineup of trips, day adventures, and members-only gatherings.
See All Trips →