Description

There is nothing quite like Christmas among the Alps with the festive Munich Christmas Market, Salzburg’s snowcapped spires and an indulgent cup of Glühwein. Your Local Expert brings Mozart’s history to life before before a visit to Salzburg's Christmas market. After tasting these festive treats, the culinary delights continue with a traditional dining experience at Swarovski Crystal Worlds. If that is not enough to summon your holiday spirit, a stroll through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg will certainly do the trick, not to mention the fairytale surrounds of Strasbourg, where the sweet scent of cinnamon treats is carried on the breeze at the oldest Christmas market in France.

Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snowcapped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me. Board the Glacier Express to Andermatt and adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. In the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• $3,000 flight credit per person
• 8 night Alpine Christmas Markets guided tour with Insight Vacations, Munich to Zurich
• Includes stylish hotels, 13 meals, visit Strasbourg’s and Zurich’s Christmas markets plus more
• 6 night Magical Switzerland guided tour with Insight Vacations, Zurich to Geneva
• Includes hand picked hotels, 11 meals, Glacier Express scenic train, Chillon Castle visit plus more

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 10-24 December 2025

Alpine Christmas Markets Itinerary:

Day 1 / Arrive in Munich

Welcome to Germany.  Meet your Travel Director this afternoon for an orientation of the city that will show you some of the city’s major sights, culminating in the Marienplatz, with its soaring Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Here, the Christkindlmarkt will be in full swing, an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2 / Free Time in the Bavarian Capital Relaxed Start

Explore Munich with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert for a foodie walking tour in the city centre. Alternatively, visit the famous Residenz, and see its museum and Treasury. This afternoon, consider joining an optional experience to explore the romantic royal palaces of the Bavarian Alps.

Day 3 / Lake Chiemsee, Salzburg and Innsbruck

Travel alongside the tranquil waters of Lake Chiemsee on your way to Salzburg in Austria, where the spires and domes of the Old Town are often draped in snow in December. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and sit down to a musical demonstration on his original pianoforte. Enjoy a visit to Swarovski in the afternoon followed by a highlight dinner. Head through the mountains to your Innsbruck hotel.

Day 4 / Innsbruck at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a horse & carriage ride in the morning. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Old Town and Christmas Markets, set in front of the Golden Roof, graced by beautifully preserved medieval facades.

Day 5 / The Black Forest via Lindau

Travel through the Alberg tunnel, Austria’s longest road tunnel, as you return to Germany and pause in the tiny island-town of Lindau. Walk through the maze of ancient streets down to the harbour. Across the lake, often shrouded in mist, look for the rising silhouette of snow-capped peaks. After time to explore, continue along the shores of the Bodensee to your hotel in the Black Forest.

Day 6 / Freiburg Sightseeing

Visit Freiburg in the morning, a lively university city with a charming Christmas atmosphere. Walk from the medieval Münster through the heart of the historic old quarter, past colourful stalls offering a range of festive goodies from the Black Forest.

Day 7 / Strasbourg and Alsace Experience Relaxed Start

Cross the Rhine to the region of Alsace, wedged between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. This area has changed nationality four times since 1870! Arrive in Strasbourg, the City at the Crossroads, where the Christmas Market is the oldest and one of the largest in France. Spend time in a cosy neighbourhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings, with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery, warm with fragrant promise. Return to Germany and venture to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of local specialties, accompanied by wine.

Day 8 / The Swiss City of Zürich Relaxed Start

Cross the Swiss border and head for Zurich where a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit takes you through the streets of Zurich. A highlight is Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets. Toast to the culmination of your Yuletide journey during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with its own microbrewery.

Day 9 / Depart Zürich Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out. Transfers are available from your hotel to Zürich Airport.Transfers are available from your hotel to Zurich Airport every 20 minutes between 4:00am and noon and from 4:00pm to 11:30pm.

Magical Switzerland Itinerary:

Day 1: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland, an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cozy villages, snow-laden forests, and imposing mountain ranges crowned by breathtaking peaks. Upon your arrival at Zürich airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Lucerne allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake and majestic mountains that frame the city. Stroll through the charming streets, where the atmosphere is filled with a sense of calm. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for a light dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Begin your day exploring Lucerne, a captivating 14th-century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will detail the city's treasures, including the iconic covered wooden bridges, intricately painted gables, and the famous Lion Monument. Afterward, enjoy some free time to discover Lucerne's excellent shops or take a leisurely lakeside walk, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. The bustling markets and quaint cafes offer a glimpse into local life. Later, embark on a scenic journey along the dramatic Walensee, passing through the historic town of Chur, to reach the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Located in the Engadine Valley, the resort sits among the awe-inspiring Grisons Alps, offering a blend of natural beauty and sophisticated elegance.

Day 3: St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start

This day is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps start with a leisurely breakfast before exploring the chic resort's spa quarter, known for its luxurious wellness facilities and relaxing ambiance. Admire the traditional sgraffito plaster-coated facades that adorn many of the local buildings, showcasing intricate designs and rich history. If shopping is on your agenda, St. Moritz's stylish boutiques offer a range of high-end fashion and unique local crafts. The vibrant local market is perfect for finding artisanal goods and souvenirs. Alternatively, take an epic rail journey over the Bernina pass, which runs through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking views of the alpine landscapes, from glistening glaciers to verdant valleys, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Day 4: Aboard the Glacier Express

Board the world-famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, with lunch included. The panoramic journey descends through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverses the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that soars above deep gorges. As the train joins the broad Rhine Gorge, it meanders beside rock-strewn rivers, climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands.  After spiralling to the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass, you'll descend to Andermatt. Here, rejoin the coach and drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, passing the Devil's Bridge, a site steeped in local legend. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley, with each turn of the route revealing stunning view that capture the essence of the Swiss Alps.

Day 5: Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," offers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where the diverse flora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.

Day 6: Chillon Castle and Geneva

Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. Join Maud, the curator of the Chateau, to visit the beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how this world-renowned organization provides vital assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at a local restaurant, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue dinner complete with wine.

Day 7: Depart Geneva

Your magical journey through Switzerland concludes after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport, bidding you farewell as you reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences from your Swiss adventure. As you head home, you'll carry with you the sights of this beautiful country, enriched by the connections you've made and the stories you've gathered along the way.