9 Day Alpine Christmas Markets
From
$2499
Land Only
$3499*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
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Not Included:
Porterage at Holiday Inn Munich City Centre hotel, optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Christmas markets opening times vary and are seasonal.
Accommodation Details:
The Hilton Mainz has a very limited number of twin rooms, and availability cannot be guaranteed. A roll-away bed will be provided in a double room when a twin room is required and not available.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page. Also consult our Health page for information on vaccines and documentation required for entry.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Munich, Frankfurt-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - 7 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Munich
- 1 night Innsbruck
- 2 nights Strasbourg
- 2 nights Mainz
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure datesâ€
- 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Experience festive Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and France
- At Marienplatz Square in Munich, view the Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel
- Admire Bavaria's fairytale Linderhof Palace, built by "Mad" King Ludwig
- Stay in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg on the border of France and Germany
- View the red sandstone ruins of the 12th century Heidelberg Castle
- Cruise on the scenic Rhine River with its stunning vistas of hilltop castles
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Porterage at Holiday Inn Munich City Centre hotel, optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of the city near to many attractions.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased in destination may cost 10% or more.
- Reserve early - tours often sell out.
- Travel insurance only covers pre-departure purchases.
- Book online or by phone up to 1 week before departure, unless otherwise noted.
- Tour operating days vary by departure date.
Enjoy a half-day excursion to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include views of some of Salzburg’s most historic sites including the house where Mozart lived, Arch Bishop‘s Palace, the 17th century Baroque Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Approximate tour duration is 7 hours. Expect 2 hours of walking as well as considerable time standing.
| Day #3 | 01 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2027 | $69.00 |
An unforgettable 4-country journey through Central Europe! Every destination-Poland, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic-with side trip to Bratislava was magical. Our tour manager Matt was exceptional, ensuring our safety and comfort every step of the way. Combined with our professional and steady tour driver Martin, the logistics were flawless. Five stars!"
Maria H.
We have been on many Gate 1 trips and have enjoyed each one of them. But we have just finished our Poland trip and wish to especially contact you with the highest praise for our guide, Joanna. She was so knowledgeable, organized, always welcoming and available. She kindly offered snacks of candy, gingerbread, etc. and prepared a picnic for us. We had 2 birthdays and she organized celebratory treats for each one ( with permission from the spouses). We lived our trip and it was made even more special because of Joanna. She also expressed gratitude to Gate 1 for all they do to provide excellent trips and she is grateful to work for them. Our bus driver was also excellent and much appreciated! Our group was large, but everyone appreciated Joanna and we all were grateful for this wonderful trip. Thank you.
Sandra M.
The trip was wonderful! Switzerland was absolutely beautiful and the cogwheel trains, boat tours, etc were perfect! Having a small group is very nice as well. Petra our tour guide was great, very informative, extremely kind and we would love having her as our guide anytime!! We will continue to use Gate 1 again like we have done in the past.
Nancy C.
I had an excellent trip. I was very impressed by the tour Manager Damian and the driver Piotr. They both did an excellent job. I think Damian is the best tour manager I have ever met and I have travelled with a variety of touring companies.
May T.
We had a great trip! We enjoyed our travels through the small German, Swiss and Austrian towns. Our guide, Soma was excellent.
Lamar S.
A special thank you to our tour guide, Micheal, for making our vacation so enjoyable. He was kind, knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. His warm personality brought our entire group together, making the trip even more memorable. We truly appreciated his care, professionalism, and positive attitude. Thank you, Micheal, for an unforgettable experience!
Anu K.
Just a brief note to acknowledge Michael, the Tour Manager, on our recent Gate 1 Central Europe tour. He was outstanding in every way that matters to a family on vacation. He was extremely knowledgeable, provided information and context concerning all the places we visited, ensured our comfort and safety, and was kind, personable, approachable, and good-humored throughout our ten days together. Although we travel specifically to visit unique countries on the tour, the tour manager has an impact on our enjoyment of each locale. Michael added immeasurably to our enjoyment and memory of each city/country on the tour, and he is a tribute to Gate 1. His professionalism reflects well on the company. This was our fourth Gate 1 international trip, and we will travel again with Gate 1.
Michael M.
This was our first time traveling with Gate1. Everything right from booking the travel (with Vicky), all the travel arrangements, hotels, food, transportation, tour manager (Katarina), coach driver (Tom) - was absolutely great! Katarina arranged daily schedules flawlessly and we were able to cover everything we'd planned for and some more. I can't wait to book my next trip with Gate1. Thank you!
Aditi D.
We just returned from our 13 day trip to Lake Como, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. It was a fabulous trip! This is the 5th Gate 1 trip we've taken. We had the BEST Tour Manager ever in GABI. What an absolute gem - she was incredibly helpful with everything and took great care of us!!! Of the five trips we've taken with Gate 1 - Gabi is by far the best tour manager we've had. Also, our bus driver, Andrea, was wonderful as well! We love Gate 1 and look forward to future trips with you!
Laura M.
Gabi, our tour director was just the best tour director ever. She is so knowledgeable about the different countries. She tells wonderful stories on the bus and she's just a very caring and kind person. My bag was lost for a week and she really helped with the communication to authorities in customs and the airlines to get my bag finally delivered to the hotel. Gate One packed in even more activities and countries than the itinerary in the brochure. Lichtenstein was a surprise. The whole trip was wonderful. We even had perfect weather-in between heat waves.
Mary J.
This was my 14th Gate 1 trip, and reminded me all over again why I keep coming back to Gate 1 Travel. My mother is Bulgarian and I have wanted to see this region all my life. I'm so glad that when I finally went it was on a fabulous, packed itinerary that allowed us to see and enjoy as much of the countries as we possibly could in the time we had. All the hotels were comfortable and well-located, most of them situated in their respective city centers, and all very walkable. The coach was comfortable and the driver Adrian was prompt and competent. The history, culture, and vibrancy of all three countries really shone through the well-crafted and immersive itinerary. The local guides were all knowledgeable and engaging, and Matthew at Bran Castle was a real standout. Almost everyone in the tour group enthusiastically agreed that he was the best local guide of the trip, with many people saying he was the best they've ever experienced. And where do I even begin about Sherban? He's everything a tour manager should be and so much more. I hope Gate 1 realizes what an asset this man is. He is truly a master of his craft. This was the largest Gate 1 tour group I've ever had, yet he kept things running smoothly, punctually, and harmoniously. He was incredibly knowledgeable about all the different regions we visited, and presented that knowledge in a way that was interesting, humorous, and relatable. He made everyone feel individually seen and heard, even in a group of 42 travelers. I am left eagerly anticipating my next Gate 1 trip in a few months, and can confidently say that I intend to be a Gate 1 traveler for life.
Kyra A.
The tour manager Kayo and driver Conrad are excellent, very friendly - helpful - well experienced. They put Client Satisfaction and Safety on top of everything else. Our family of 4 enjoyed the tour very much, it was beyond expectation. We'll come back to Gate 1 for more good time.
Binh N.
The trip was wonderful. Our tour manager, the driver, and all the local tour guides we met along the way were fantastic, not to mention our fellow travelers. Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend it. This was my very first experience with Gate1 and surely it won't be the last.
Faranak G.
What a wonderful taste of a beautiful and historic part of Europe. We toured the 3 magnificent cities of Prague, Bratislava and Budapest. Each has its own story and charm. Martina, our tour manager, was very knowledgeable and kind. She kept our group at a great pace and her clever sense of humor kept the group laughing. This is a great tour for getting an insight into a part of the world that will make you want to come back for more. Thank you Gate1.
Michael P.
Our trip exceeded our expectations! Our tour guide, Marc, was amazing, as well as our driver, Tibor. The tour was perfectly paced with guided sightseeing and independent travel
Christine M.
This tour should be called Breathtaking Switzerland. Each stop seemed more beautiful than the last. We covered a lot of ground but at a comfortable pace. Our guide, Siobhan, was organized, knowledgeable and very kind. Bruno, our driver, expertly navigated the winding mountainous roads with ease. This was our first time visiting Switzerland but hopefully not our last. Thank you Gate1.
Michael P.
Thomas is an incredible Tour Manager. I look forward to another trip with him in the future. He's professional, knowledgeable, engaging, thoughtful, and entertaining. The tour itinerary was excellent - a fantastic mix of spectacular scenery, history, art, music, food and fun activities to immerse us in the culture. I enjoyed the more relaxed itinerary in comparison to other tours (though I understood the sometimes-rushed schedules on previous tours to avoid the worst of the crowds, to maximize activities, etc.). It really allowed us to savor the environment like the locals.
Cynthia E.
Excellent trip. We enjoyed the trip very well. The coverage of locations, airport- hotel transfer, hotels were all excellent. Particularly we admire tour manager Justyna for the wonderful task of everything including selecting some of the best restaurants. We would certainly take more Gate1 tours in future.
Raghunath C.
We had an excellent experience traveling with Gate 1 for the first time. Our Tour Manager , Matthias knows his job well, was an effective communicator, able to meet the needs of all traveling in our group. Local tour guides very knowledgeable and professional. Hotels were very nice, and in a great location to city centre areas. Meals provided were exceptional. Nice balance of touring with group, optional tours and independent time on this tour. Would highly recommend Gate 1 for their quality of service provided.
Bernadette W.
Our tour guide, Izabella, was so wonderful! She went out of her way to make this trip special and meaningful. She is so kind, patient, knowledgeable and professional. I have never been on a Gate 1 tour before, but this will not be my last one! I was so impressed with Izabella, Henry (our driver) and all of the local guides. They made the trip so unforgettable with their knowledge and enthusiasm. I really felt that we were immersed in the beautiful Polish culture. I will highly recommend this tour company and this tour of Poland to friends and family. I felt that the price of the trip was very reasonable. The hotels were great. The food was amazing. Poland is a beautiful country. The people are friendly and open to sharing their rich culture, history and heritage. I loved the excursions and the dinner with the Polish singers and dancers. This was an exceptional trip. I am so grateful that I was able to share it with my children and my in-laws.
Rita N.
SERGE IS FANTASTIC! He made our trip so wonderful! He was so knowledgeable, kind, caring, funny, attentive, intelligent, organized and he made each one of us feel so special and that he wanted each of us to have an amazing trip! We're so grateful that Gate 1 has a Serge as a guide and we have told all of our friends about Serge and Gate 1. We want to go on another trip with Serge as our guide and we will contact Gate 1 to find out his schedule!
Susan B.
Exploring the beautiful cities of Eastern Europe and wandering their cobblestone streets brought history to life in a way that no book or photograph ever could. Our tour manager, Derek, orchestrated the entire experience with humor, grace, and remarkable professionalism. Funny, articulate, and endlessly engaging, he struck the perfect balance between keeping us informed and keeping us entertained. It was also clear that he had assembled an outstanding team of local guides. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and familiarity with one another added a special dimension to every excursion. Like a perfectly choreographed performance, all of the countless details happening behind the scenes came together seamlessly, allowing us to simply enjoy the experience. Derek and his team made it look effortless, and that is perhaps the highest compliment one can give. A special shout-out as well to our amazing driver, Esteban, who navigated narrow European streets with incredible skill and calm. Beyond being an excellent driver, he was a genuinely kind and gracious person who helped make the journey even more enjoyable. Once again, Gate 1 exceeded expectations in both value and execution. It was a busy and activity-filled 11 days, but we were fortunate to share it with a wonderful group of fellow travelers whose diverse backgrounds and personalities enriched the experience. I feel grateful to have made this journey alongside them. This was a memorable trip from start to finish, and one my husband and I will treasure for years to come.
Lisa W.
I have been on several Gate one trips and always satisfied with the tour managers I've had but Siobhan may have spoiled me for any others in the future. She was so extra. She provided us with detailed cards with suggestions for free time with clear detailed instructions and directions. She was extra in surprising the group with goodies. Best tour experience yet, wish I could find out which tour she was going on next to book with her.
Darla R.
I would like to commend our exceptional Tour Manager, Louis, who led our 12-Day Classic Germany tour beginning on May 9. Louis demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, knowledge, patience, and genuine care throughout our journey. His educational discussions and historical videos on the bus added tremendous depth and meaning to each destination, and his passion for Germany and its history clearly enhanced the entire experience for our group. He was especially attentive to first-time travelers, always answering repeated questions with kindness and patience, never making anyone feel rushed or uncomfortable. His ability to confidently guide us through busy city streets and complex logistics made everyone feel safe and well always cared for. What truly set Louis apart were the many thoughtful extras he provided along the way - introducing us to favorite local treats at various stops, creating and distributing laminated maps for us to keep, and even giving small farewell tokens at the end of the tour. These gestures reflected his genuine commitment to excellence and his desire to make the trip memorable for every traveler. Most importantly, Louis consistently modeled professionalism, warmth, and pride in his work in every interaction. I also want to mention that several travelers shared similar praise with me during the tour, and I believe I am speaking on behalf of many who may not take the time to submit feedback themselves. I sincerely hope this message reaches the appropriate leaders at Gate One and is also shared directly with Louis, so he knows how greatly his efforts were appreciated.
Sharon K.
I cannot say enough good things about the wonderful experience we had in Romania with Amalia as our tour manager. It was evident that she was prepared to make sure everyone on the tour had a fantastic and memorable vacation.
Tim M.
Our travel manager, Jana, was outstanding! She has a wonderful personality, and was a joy to interact with every day. She is a consummate professional. She went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met. She provided excellent advice. She assisted us in making reservations that were not part of the tour options. Jana is extremely knowledgeable about all of the places we visited, and her knowledge certainly equaled (if not exceeded) that of the local guides. This was my first Gate 1 Tour, and if Jana is a good example of the quality of the other tour managers, I can't wait to book another tour soon!
Karen B.
I have had the opportunity to go on 9 Gate 1 Tours to several countries and I have not had a tour manager as good as Nicolas. Of course, there were amazing views, beautiful countryside and awesome chocolate. Our 11-day Switzerland tour with a group of 31 was truly elevated by our exceptional tour manager, Nicolas. His organizational skills were phenomenal, ensuring every detail of the trip ran seamlessly. Nicolas brought Switzerland to life with his deep knowledge of the region's history, sharing engaging insights both on the bus and during walking tours. His charm and genuine effort to connect with every traveler made the experience feel personal and inclusive. He consistently went above and beyond-providing curated recommendations for free-day activities, assisting with additional museum visits, and offering thoughtful restaurant suggestions in each city. Nicolas also demonstrated remarkable professionalism and diplomacy when handling challenging situations, remaining calm and composed even under pressure. His presence made us feel relaxed, well cared for, and fully immersed in the experience. I would absolutely travel with Nicolas again and highly recommend him to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, attentive, and outstanding tour manager.
Tina R.
We cannot express how awesome Our Tour Manager Ama was. Gate 1 Travel should have hundreds more like Her. She was the brightest part of Our recent trip. Having traveled with Gate1 on many trips, I can say She was the Best Tour Manager that We have had the privilege to spend Our vacation time with. A passionate approach to Her work was evident in every aspect of the trip. She has the innate ability to draw in each individual traveler to want to be Her Friend and it works amazingly. I know by the second day, My Wife and I had fallen under Her spell. She was always beaming, making everyone feel appreciated and it was, as I said amazing. Gate 1 should be very glad to have this young Lady in their program.
Billy W.
Wow! Gate 1 did it again. What a fabulous trip. I am still smiling. Kurt, the tour director, is a shining star and what all directors should aspire to. He was fun, personable, fair, knowledgeable, and inclusive. He made each one feel special. His organizational skills are superb with use of QR codes, extensive daily plan booklet, and constant updates. I mention again that he was fun! He is a keeper and a great representative of gate 1 hospitality and commitment to excellence.
Anita D.
I just wanted to express how much we enjoyed our tour manager Renata. I know she was filling in for our original guide at the last moment. She was excellent, a real asset to Gate 1. She shared her personal memories and experiences living in communist Poland and how it compares to today. I really appreciated that and told her how that added to the tour experience. Our bus driver Valdek was excellent as well.
Eric E.
I took a very similar tour in 2024 with a different company. Your tour was far superior! I couldn't believe the location of the hotels. It was incredible. I loved having only 17 people on the tour. It made for a much closer knit group. Ania and Andrew were fabulous. Ania truly made this trip. She was polite, fun, had cookies and candy for us to try, had us dancing in a parking lot one day at a restaurant stop!!! Andrew was always smiling and could drive anywhere while being safe. This trip was truly excellent! Thank you!
Susan L.
My trip was wonderful! My friends and I truly had a blast. Our tour guide Louis was phenomenal! As was our driver Kristoff. All the local guides were great too. David, Audrey, Tina. All were wonderful! The hotels were excellent as well. But I truly want to give a hats off to Louis. He went above and beyond to make sure we got the most out of every city and country. He is excellent! Will recommend your company to friends and family and hope to book another future tour with you.
Megan C.
The trip was awesome. Our tour guide Daja was excellent, the tours were well planned, the hotels were convenient for the city or public transportation and the food was delicious. Daja was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited, she was upbeat and energetic, she seemed to really care that her guests were enjoying the trip and she was well organized. Dimitri was an excellent bus driver. He knew the routes and was safety conscious
Marlene D.
Our trip was fantastic! Marija (Tour Guide) and Simon (Driver), along with local guides (Tina, David, and Brigitte) were warm, welcoming, extremely knowledgeable, and professional. The cities visited and the pace of the trip were perfect in every way. This was our fifth Gate 1 excursion and we are already looking forward to our sixth in the fall!
Taryn K.
This was my first travel tour ever, and it exceeded my expectations. The hotel accommodations were very nice and located better than I anticipated. Our trip was well planned out and executed. Our driver Roman was wonderful, very nice and we always felt safe. Our bus was always clean and ready to go. But the absolute star for us was Soma! From our first meeting to our final goodbye, he made us feel like family. He had total control of our group and took great care of us. I'm sure there will be more Gate 1 tours in the future, but I can't imagine we will have anyone even close to Soma. You have a treasure!
Jim B.
Wonderful trip and I hope to do more travel with Gate1 in the future. Tour guide was Soma and driver Lucas made the trip so enjoyable and informative. Thank you for a fantastic experience.
Ralph H.




