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Christmas Market at St. Stephen Basilica square, Budapest

Europe's Magical Christmas Markets by Car & Train

Germany, Austria & Budapest

(9 days / 8 nights)

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Discover festive European culture under twinkling lights

Embrace the Christmas spirit of Europe on this enchanting 9-day tour. You’ll begin in Bavaria’s capital, Munich, home to countless yuletide markets and world-class festive decorations. Then hit the road past epic Alpine scenery to Austria. You’ll explore the spellbinding markets of Salzburg and Vienna, discovering rich culture along the way. Finish your adventure with a relaxing train journey to bustling Budapest. In winter, Hungary’s capital transforms into a twinkling-light-filled wonderland, with Christmas markets nestled between historic sites and steaming spas.

Want to spend more time exploring the Christmas markets of Munich or Budapest? You can add extra nights to the start or end (or both!) or your trip during the booking process.

9 days / 8 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1698 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Outstanding travel experience & personal service
  • Handpicked hotels & routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comfortable train journeys booked for you
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guides
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Experience true storybook wonder with a Christmas adventure in the Alps
  • Admire elegant architecture in Vienna and see the Hofburg, Schönbrun & Belvedere palaces decked out for the holiday season
  • Browse the enchanting Christmas markets of Budapest and warm up in relaxing thermal spas
  • Discover charming, fairy-lit city streets and journey past snowy mountain peaks in Austria
  • Wander past vibrant stalls and a towering bauble-adorned tree in Munich’s world-famous Marienplatz square
  • Immerse yourself in musical history in Salzburg, and browse world-renowned handcrafted ornaments
  • Stroll the banks of the Danube river to see the monumental Hungarian Parliament Building and grand Buda Castle
  • Enjoy peace of mind on a magical Christmas markets tour with your detailed personal itinerary and hand-marked map from a local travel expert
  • Combine the thrilling freedom of a self-drive adventure with a relaxing train ride to Hungary

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Alps i, Castles and Royalty i, Christmas i, Christmas Markets of Europe i, Culture and History i, Family i

Season

Nov - Dec

Departure

Daily

Interest

Alps i, Castles and Royalty i, Christmas i, Christmas Markets of Europe i, Culture and History i, Family i

Driving distance

440/273 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Christmastime in Munich

    After arriving in Munich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore the festive streets of Bavaria’s capital.

    Begin in Marienplatz square, in the heart of Munich’s Old Town (“Altstadt”), which is transformed every year to host a dazzling market called Christkindlmarkt. Stroll colourful stalls, sip on a steaming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) and be wowed by the sparkling Christmas tree at the centre of the square.

    This evening, make sure you stroll past the magnificent Frauenkirche cathedral on your way to get a taste of Bavarian beverages at the hugely popular Hofbräuhaus brewery.

    Spend the night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Exploring Munich’s Christmas Markets

    Head to the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace with a magical Christmas Village in its elegant courtyard.

    Next up is Mittelaltermarkt, a medieval-themed market evoking the delights of Christmasses long past. Then head to the English Garden (“Englischer Garten”) to seek out the cosy seasonal market beneath the Chinese Tower.

    You could also take the U-Bahn to the Olympiapark, where the Tollwood Winter Festival and fairytale-themed Märchenbazar await.

    This evening, discover enjoy a bite to eat at Rindermarkt, near Marianplatz. You’ll also find delicious wintry delicacies on offer at the Viktualienmarkt food market nearby.

    Spend another night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Journey through the snowy Alps to Austria

    Spend your day driving from Munich towards Salzburg. You’ll travel through Austria’s spectacular Alps, with incredible snow-dusted views all around.

    Upon arrival, head out to explore the city under twinkling festive lights. While beautiful all year round, Salzburg is truly magical at Christmas.

    Stroll through the historic Alstadt (“Old Town”) and look for the bustling Christmas Market, with plenty of stalls selling handcrafted goods and tasty treats. It’s spread across the famous Dom- and Residenzplatz squares, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    You could also delve into the city’s rich musical past at Mozart’s birthplace.

    Spend the night in Salzburg.

    Average driving distance: 144 km / 89 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 4: Exploring the Christmas Markets of Salzburg

    Immerse yourself in more of the yuletide sights and sounds of Salzburg today.

    Head to the elegant Salzburg Cathedral. Each Christmastime, a magical market springs up here, offering handcrafted souvenirs and delicious local treats.

    Next, head to the medieval fortress Hohensalzburg. In the castle courtyard you’ll find a tucked-away Christmas market that feels like stepping into a fairytale.

    Fans of The Sound of Music will want to visit the Mirabell Palace Gardens (“Mirabellgarten”). Then, top off your Salzburg experience at Schloss Hellbrunn, a Renaissance palace. Each winter it hosts a vibrant market surrounded by bauble-adorned conifer trees.

    Spend another night in Salzburg.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: From elegant Salzburg to vibrant Vienna

    Journey through Austria’s frosty countryside to reach the capital, Vienna. This drive takes you into the district of Salzkammergut, famous for its crystal-clear lakes and chocolate-box villages.

    Along the way, make a stop at Melk Abbey on the shores of the Danube river. When you arrive, return your rental car and drop your bags at your accommodation. Then, head out to explore the city streets.

    Head to Rathausplatz square to discover Vienna’s most famous Christmas market, in front of Vienna City Hall. This is also where you’ll find a huge ice rink, so lace up your skates and go for a spin surrounded by glimmering lights.

    Spend the night in Vienna.

    Average driving distance: 296 km / 184 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 6: The Magic of Christmas in Vienna

    Today is all about embracing the Christmas spirit in Austria’s magical capital. Start by strolling down the iconic Ringstrasse boulevard, under a canopy of trees and twinkling lights. Don’t miss iconic sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the palaces of Hofburg, Schönbrunn and Belvedere.

    Then, throw yourself into the city’s festivities at its enchanting markets. Some of the most famous include the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresian-Platz and the Karlsplatz Christmas Market. There’s even a market at Schönbrunn Palace to explore.

    This evening, you might want to see festive show at the Vienna State Opera – just be sure to book your tickets in advance.

    Spend another night in Vienna.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 7: Journey to festive Budapest

    This morning, you’ll board a comfortable train from Vienna to Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Once you’ve arrived, jump straight into the Hungarian Christmas spirit at Vörösmarty Square. Here you’ll find a lively market selling charming homemade gifts, local treats and more.

    Close by, stroll up the elegant Andrássy Avenue, decked out with twinkling festive lights. Then head to the banks of the iconic Danube river. From the east side, you’ll have unparalleled views of the grand Buda Castle (“Budavári Palota”). You can also head down the riverside walkway to admire the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building.(“Országház”).

    This evening, indulge in a relaxing soak at one of Budapest’s many thermal spas. The most famous are Széchenyi and Gellért.

    Spend the night in Budapest. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: History and Culture in Budapest

    Enjoy a day at your leisure in festive Budapest. There’s plenty of historical and cultural sites to discover, as well as some more Christmassy activities to enjoy.

    Start by heading to St Stephen's Basilica to find a delightful Christmas market and winter festival. Lace up your skates to glide across the rink, or simply enjoy exploring the range of food, drink and handicraft stalls on offer.

    Later, head to the Buda district to see the grand castle up close. You can reach it by crossing the famous Chain Bridge, and then either walking up Castle Hill (there are both gentle and steep routes) or taking the funicular train.

    Back in the Pest district of the city, you could head to Városliget city park to explore Vajdahunyad Castle, or to enjoy a relaxing few hours at the Széchenyi spa.

    Spend another night in Budapest. 

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: Departure from Hungary

    Today, your Christmas adventure in Germany, Austria and Hungary comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of the city’s festive spirit.

    If you want to spend more time discovering the magic of Budapest, we recommend adding extra nights in the booking steps. This way you can make the most of your time in the Hungarian capital.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight.

    Attractions
View full itinerary

Optional extras

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

9 days / 8 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1698 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in the Alps. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in the Alpine region, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Alps Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and personal experience.

Across the Alps region, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please also note that in the countries you’ll be visiting, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Of course! Adding extra nights to your tour allows you to make the most of your stay in the city at the start and end of your trip. You can visit more of the fantastic attractions, or relax after your flight to Europe or before you return home. 

You can customise how many nights you want to stay before and/or after your tour during the booking process.

You can also easily add optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

Your Christmas markets tour is all about discovering the magical festivities that pop up all over the cities of Europe in wintertime. Each city has several different markets on offer, so you can choose to spend your day exploring as many as you like.

Most Christmas markets in Europe are free to explore. That said, they may have paid attractions on offer, such as fairground rides for any children in your party.

We recommend checking the opening hours of any markets you want to visit. These may vary by market and depending on the day of the week. Some stay open late into the night, while some begin to wind down in the early evening.

It’s also good to keep in mind that the most popular markets can become busy during peak hours. This gives them a bustling atmosphere, but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting the markets on weekdays during normal working hours (usually 9 AM – 5 PM).

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Alps is 19. A small fee will also apply to any drivers under 25.

If you are under 25, you may also be restricted in the size of vehicle you are able to rent. Please contact your personal Travel Consultant if you are unsure about which car to choose.

The transfers between your hotel and train stations are not included with this package. Your accommodation will usually be within a short walking distance of the stations. You could also get a taxi from your hotel if you prefer.

On this tour, you’ll travel between the capitals of Austria and Hungary by train. This convenient journey should take around 2.5–3 hours.

We recommend packing some snacks and water. While there can be power sockets on trains, you shouldn’t rely on having access to one, so charge your electronics before you board.

The borders are open between Austria and Hungary, but please keep your passport close by. There might be random identification checks during the journey.

Please also be aware that although they are both EU countries, they use different currencies. Austria is on the Euro and Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Additionally, if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

The roads across the Alps are usually in good condition all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in the Alps are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. This is especially true when crossing mountain passes.

Due to the altitude of some roads, and especially in winter, storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the Alps ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

The short answer is very easy!

Most countries in Europe are either part of the European Union, the Schengen Area, or both. These are diplomatic agreements that mean visitors to one country can easily cross the border into another.

Chances are you won’t need to pass through any border control after the initial airport inspection in your arrival country. That said, you’ll still need to keep your passport handy, as there may be some spot-checks on cars driving over borders.

During your visit to Germany, you may travel to both lowlands and high-altitude regions.

The temperature doesn’t vary greatly between the regions, with the average temperature in winter being between -1°C – 5°C (30°F – 41°F). Snowfall is common in the higher altitude regions but is also possible lower down. Make sure to pack plenty of layers to keep warm.

During your visit to Austria, you may travel to both lowlands and high-altitude regions.

In higher mountain villages, average daily temperatures in winter are between -3°C – 9°C (27°F – 48°F). In lower-altitude towns and cities, close to lakes and at the foot of the mountains, temperatures in the winter months are often between 0°C – 10°C (32°F – 50°F).

Snowfall is common in the higher altitude regions but is also possible lower down. Make sure to pack plenty of layers to keep warm!

Hungary has a temperate climate, with cold, snowy winters.

During the winter months, you can expect temperatures of between 1°C – 3°C (34°F – 37°F). Snow and rain are likely during your trip, so make sure you pack plenty of warm, waterproof layers.

Wintertime in the Alps is all about one thing: staying cosy! As you’ll be exploring vibrant Christmas markets during your trip, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Temperatures are likely to be chilly and it might even snow!

For these reasons, we recommend packing the following:

  • Warm, thermal underlayers
  • Warm fleeces and woollen jumpers
  • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
  • Thick woollen socks
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots
  • A day bag for your essentials
  • A smart outfit for dining out in the city
  • Your camera and charging packs for your electronics
  • Reusable water bottle
  • 2-pin European plug adapter

You can find more handy information about packing for a trip through the Alps on our travel guide.

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

It’s good to be aware that you may require different currencies during your Alps and Europe trip. Germany, Austria and Italy have the Euro (€) as their local currency.

That said, Switzerland and Liechtenstein both have the Swiss franc (CHF, ₣) as their currency, Czech Republic has Czech koruna (CZK) and Hungary has Hungarian Forint (HUF Ft).

On your Alps road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around €1.50–€1.90 per litre. That’s ₣1.40–1.80.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in the Alps. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €25–€30 per person for each day’s lunch, or ₣20–30. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €30–€35, ₣25–35. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €50–€70 or more, which would be ₣45-65. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria tipping is not mandatory, but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

You’ll be spending time in a few different regions on your tour. All of these are part of the Schengen area, which is a zone of free movement. The European countries that are part of Schengen are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you are visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or another EU state, you won’t need a visa for short-term travel (less than 90 days) to a Schengen area country.

Visiting from another country? Please look up the official websites of the Nordic Visitor destinations you’ll be visiting. On them you’ll find the complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to enter. You’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa via the country where you will be spending the most time.

Good to know: Liechtenstein does not issue visas. If you enter via Switzerland, you’ll see there is no border control. The same visa requirements apply between both countries.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Europe, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

If you prefer, you can begin your tour in a different city in the region. Just ask your travel consultant and they can let you know the options in terms of train travel or rental car fees. We’ll be happy to try to rearrange your itinerary so it works for you. 

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a regional travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome package with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Alps Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Munich?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The airport is well connected to the city via public transport such as S-Bahn, trains and buses.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency in Germany, Italy and Austria.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses.

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Rental car

Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
View Info

BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
View Info

Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
View Info

BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
View Info

Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
Close Info View

Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1698 EUR

Request info

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