Winter Wonderland: Christmas Markets in Munich, Salzburg, & Vienna

Arrival in Munich

Your winter journey begins with arrival in Munich. After a private transfer from the airport, you'll settle into your luxurious accommodations at The Charles Hotel, a sophisticated urban retreat in the heart of the city. You’ll have time to relax and refresh before we gather for our first taste of Munich's Christmas magic: the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, where the neo-Gothic town hall provides a stunning backdrop for twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine. We'll then return to the hotel for a welcome dinner at Florio, where delightful cuisine sets the stage for the adventures ahead.

Accommodations: Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel
Meals: Dinner (D)

English Garden & Munich Exploration

After breakfast, we'll embark on a private walking tour of the Munich Residenz, Bavaria’s formal royal palace and Germany’s largest city palace, spanning four centuries of architectural styles across its 130 rooms. Following our tour, we'll discover the Christmas Village nestled in the palace's imperial courtyard, where Alpine-style huts and artisan demonstrations create an intimate market atmosphere within the historic walls. Enjoy lunch at your leisure amongst the market stalls, then the afternoon is yours to discover Munich at your own pace—indulge in spa treatments at the hotel's world-class wellness center, explore cultural treasures like Nymphenburg Palace or the Alte Pinakothek Museum, or wander the elegant shopping districts. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at Restaurant Käfer-Schänke, a Munich institution known for its refined Bavarian cuisine.

Accommodations: Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Cookie Workshop & Tollwood Festival

This morning brings a delightful hands-on experience as we master the art of traditional cookie decorating. Expert instructors will guide us through techniques for creating beautifully iced Christmas biscuits, from elegant snowflakes to festive designs. After our workshop, we'll enjoy lunch at Dallmayr Bar & Grill, a beloved Munich establishment. The afternoon offers time to explore Munich's famous shopping streets, visit cultural sites, or unwind at the hotel spa. As evening approaches, we'll venture to the Tollwood Winterfestival, a unique market celebrating creativity, sustainability, and international culture, with handcrafted art, live performances, and spectacular fire shows. Dinner is at your leisure among the festival's diverse culinary offerings. We'll conclude the evening with a visit to Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel's enchanting performance.

Accommodations: Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Journey to Salzburg

After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Munich and journey to Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace and the setting for The Sound of Music. Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch at leisure before checking into the legendary Hotel Sacher Salzburg.The afternoon is yours to explore the charming Getreidegasse shopping street or the Mirabell Market, perfect for browsing local crafts and seasonal treats. As evening descends, we'll immerse ourselves in the Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral Square, one of the world's oldest Advent markets, dating back to the 15th century. Surrounded by baroque architecture and festive lights, you'll have time to explore the market's treasures before an unforgettable dinner at the Michelin-starred Glass Garden.

Accommodations: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Mozart's Legacy & The Sound of Music

This morning, we'll step into musical history at Mozart's Birthplace, exploring the rooms where the composer lived and viewing precious artifacts including his own violin and clavichord. After lunch at your leisure, you’ll embark on a private Sound of Music tour. Your expert guide will take you to iconic filming locations including Leopoldskron Castle with its memorable lakeside setting, Nonnberg Abbey where Maria was a novice, the Mirabell Gardens where the von Trapp children danced around the Pegasus fountain, and the gazebo where "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" came to life. Those preferring a different pace can explore the Mirabell Christmas Market independently during this time. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at the Sacher Grill, savoring traditional Austrian specialties in elegant surroundings.

Accommodations: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Vienna Arrival & Coffeehouse Culture

After breakfast, we'll journey to Vienna, Austria's magnificent capital. Arriving by early afternoon, we'll check into the Hotel Imperial, a palace transformed into one of the city's most distinguished hotels, where you'll walk in the footsteps of royalty since 1873. Lunch is at your leisure before we visit the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, where the neo-Gothic town hall creates a fairytale backdrop for one of Europe's most atmospheric Advent markets. You'll have time to explore the festive stalls and soak in the magical ambiance of this celebrated Viennese tradition. This evening, we'll gather for dinner at OPUS, the Hotel Imperial's acclaimed restaurant. If we are fortunate with timing, an optional after-dinner opera in Vienna’s infamous Opera House may be available; but if not a Viennese world-class orchestra or enchanting concert in an historic venue is guaranteed to be an option.

Accommodations: Hotel Imperial
Meals: Breakfast (B) Dinner (D)

Schönbrunn Palace & Riding Dinner

After breakfast, we'll visit the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace with a private guide, followed by the chance to explore its Christmas market where festive stalls create a magical atmosphere against the baroque palace courtyard. You'll have time to explore both the market and the palace grounds, with lunch at your leisure among the market's culinary offerings. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the Hotel Imperial's luxurious spa, discover Vienna's elegant shopping boulevards, or simply relax in your palatial surroundings. This evening brings a truly unique experience—a Viennese Riding Dinner. In a specially equipped horse-drawn carriage complete with table service, you'll enjoy a three-course meal with wine while gliding through Vienna's historic streets. It's an unforgettable blend of nostalgia, elegance, and Viennese charm.

Accommodations: Hotel Imperial
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Lipizzaner Stallions & Rathausplatz Market

After a leisurely breakfast and morning free time, we'll witness the grace and precision of the Spanish Riding School's famous Lipizzaner stallions during a performance in the baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace—considered the most beautiful riding hall in the world. These magnificent white horses and their skilled riders perform classical dressage movements passed down through centuries of imperial tradition. After lunch at your leisure, this afternoon brings an immersion into Vienna's legendary coffeehouse culture—a tradition so significant it's recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Our private café tour will take us to historic and elegant establishments where you'll sample classic Viennese coffee specialties and traditional pastries, learning about the rituals and social importance of these beloved institutions. This evening, we'll gather for our farewell dinner at The Rote Bar in Hotel Sacher, a Vienna institution.

Accommodations: Hotel Imperial
Meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Departure

After breakfast, luxury transfers will be provided to Vienna's airport for your departure flights, taking with you memories of Central Europe's most magical holiday season—from Munich's festive markets to Salzburg's musical heritage to Vienna's imperial grandeur. The warmth of this winter wonderland will remain with you long after the journey ends.

Meals: Breakfast (B)