Autumn, Winter, Spring & Christmas Markets
Alpine Christmas Markets
Alpine Christmas Markets Itinerary:
Day 1: Salzburg
- Explore Salzburg with a Local Expert and visit Mozart's family home.
- Experience the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral.
Day 2: Innsbruck
- Enjoy a delightful horse-drawn Fiaker ride through Tyrol's picturesque countryside.
- Experience the Christmas Markets of Innsbruck.
Day 3: Freiburg
- Take a romantic walk through the medieval cobbled streets of Freiburg.
- Soak in the magic of Freiburg's Christmas Markets.
Day 4: Strasbourg
- Explore the enchanting Christmas Markets of Strasbourg, reminiscent of a fairytale.
- Immerse yourself in the glittering lights and the scent of cinnamon.
Day 5: Zurich
- Attend Europe's biggest indoor Christmas Market in Zurich.
- Experience the magnificence of the Swarovski crystal-decorated Christmas tree.
Authentic Dining:
- Munich: Taste the aromatic Lebkuchen and enjoy Gluhwein at the Christmas Market.
- Hall in Tirol: Enjoy a medieval banquet of Austrian specialties in a charming 700-year-old building.
- Zurich: Indulge in a warm Celebration Dinner with Swiss specialties and wine.
Included Insight Services:
- Highly-skilled Travel Director for expert guidance.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary.
- Bag handling service and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourish representing the destination.
- Scheduled transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria
Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria Itinerary:
Day 1: Vienna
- Explore the opulence of Schonbrunn Palace with a Local Expert.
- Learn about the history of the Habsburgs during a tour of the royal grounds.
Day 2: Salzburg
- Visit Mozart's family home on the Getreidegasse with a Local Expert.
- Experience the 500-year-old Christmas market in front of the cathedral.
Day 3: Neuschwanstein
- Journey to King Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle in the Bavarian Alps.
- Explore the stunning architecture rumored to have inspired Walt Disney's castles.
Day 4: Innsbruck
- Enjoy a delightful horse-drawn Fiaker ride through Tyrol's picturesque countryside.
- Experience the magic of Innsbruck's Christmas markets.
Day 5: Munich
- Join your newfound friends for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine.
- Immerse yourself in the heartwarming atmosphere of Munich's Christmas markets.
Authentic Dining:
- Vienna: Sample Viennese winter dessert and Gluhwein at the Christmas Market.
- Hall in Tirol: Enjoy a medieval banquet of Austrian specialties in a charming 700-year-old building.
- Munich: Indulge in a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer.
Included Insight Services:
- Highly-skilled Travel Director for expert guidance.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary.
- Bag handling service and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourish representing the destination.
- Scheduled transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Christmas Markets of Germany
Christmas Markets of Germany Itinerary:
Day 1: Berlin
- Explore the highlights of Berlin with a Local Expert, including Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall.
- Visit the restored Reichstag Building and soak in the city's rich history.
Day 2: Dresden
- Guided tour with a Local Expert showcasing Dresden's architectural marvels.
- Explore landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House, and Zwinger Palace.
Day 3: Leipzig
- Visit Thomaskirche, where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a Kapellmeister.
- Experience the festive atmosphere of Leipzig's Christmas Market.
Day 4: Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber
- Explore the fairy tale town fortified by ancient walls.
- Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Reiterlesmarkt.
Day 5: Nuremberg
- Explore the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market and its iconic Plum People.
- Marvel at the Leipzig Christmas Pyramid and indulge in local delicacies.
Authentic Dining:
- Dresden: Taste the local Christstollen with Gluhwein at the Christmas Market.
- Munich: Enjoy a festive Celebration Dinner with wine in the Bavarian capital.
Included Insight Services:
- Highly-skilled Travel Director for expert guidance.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary.
- Bag handling service and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourish representing the destination.
- Scheduled transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague & Germany
Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague & Germany Itinerary:
Day 1: Prague
- Explore Prague Castle with a Local Expert and enjoy panoramic views of the Vltava River.
- Visit St. Vitus' Cathedral and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Prague.
Day 2: Kutna Hora
- Explore the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Church of Bones, with its macabre yet fascinating interior.
- Discover the unique chapels and historical sites of Kutna Hora.
Day 3: Krakow
- Ascend Wawel Hill with a Local Expert to visit the Renaissance castle and cathedral.
- Explore the historic streets of Krakow and soak in its medieval atmosphere.
Day 4: Berlin
- See the iconic Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall with a Local Expert.
- Visit the beautifully-restored Reichstag Building and learn about Berlin's rich history.
Day 5: Dresden
- Guided tour showcasing Dresden's architectural marvels, including the Frauenkirche and Semper Opera House.
- Explore the Christmas Markets of Dresden and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Authentic Dining:
- Prague: Enjoy traditional mulled wine and Trdelnik pastry at the Christmas Market.
- Berlin: Indulge in German cuisine and wine at a local, family-run restaurant for a Celebration Dinner.
Included Insight Services:
- Highly-skilled Travel Director for expert guidance.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary.
- Bag handling service and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourish representing the destination.
- Scheduled transfers for arrival and departure flights.
Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets
Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets Itinerary:
Day 1: St. Petersburg
- Explore St. Petersburg's iconic landmarks with a Local Expert, including St. Isaac's Cathedral and Decembrists' Square.
- Visit St. Catherine's Palace and the Amber Room, learning about the city's history at Peter and Paul Fortress.
Day 2: St. Petersburg
- Discover the magnificent Hermitage Museum with a Local Expert, housed in the former Winter Palace.
- Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of St. Petersburg's Christmas Markets, experiencing traditions from Russia and around the world.
Day 3: St. Petersburg to Moscow
- Travel in comfort aboard the high-speed 'Sapsan' train from St. Petersburg to Moscow.
- Upon arrival, explore Moscow's opulent Metro stations with a Local Expert.
Day 4: Moscow
- Tour Moscow's Red Square with a Local Expert, visiting St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum.
- Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress and learn about its rich history.
Day 5: Moscow
- Experience Moscow's vibrant Christmas Markets, offering handcrafted treasures and delicious local and global foods.
- Enjoy a fun-filled Celebration Dinner with East to West culinary delights and drinks.
Authentic Dining:
- Moscow: Indulge in a Celebration Dinner featuring a culinary blend of East and West, accompanied by drinks to toast your new friends.
Accommodation:
- St. Petersburg: Stay at the centrally located Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge, offering historic charm and modern amenities.
- Moscow: Experience comfort and convenience at the Marriott Grand Hotel, situated on the main street leading to Red Square and the Kremlin.
Included Services:
- Highly-skilled Insight Tour Director for expert guidance.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with extended Business Class legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary.
- Bag handling service and included hotel tips.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourish - local tidbits representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
- Complimentary transfers from St. Petersburg Airport on arrival day, and to Moscow's airports on departure day (scheduled times only). Additional transfers available for a fee.
Magical Switzerland
Magical Switzerland Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Switzerland
- Arrive in Switzerland and transfer to your hotel.
- Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a briefing on your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Geneva - Chillon Castle - Montreux
- Visit Chillon Castle with a Local Expert, admiring its stunning architecture and learning about its rich history.
- Enjoy a delightful fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet in Geneva, experiencing a true Swiss culinary tradition.
Day 3: Montreux - Glacier Express - Zermatt
- Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Glacier Express, traversing the Swiss Alps and marveling at picturesque landscapes.
- Arrive in Zermatt, a charming traffic-free village nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn.
Day 4: Zermatt - Free Day
- Explore Zermatt at your leisure. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride or enjoy winter activities like skiing or snowboarding.
- Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of local Christmas Markets, if available on select departures.
Day 5: Zermatt - Montreux
- Depart Zermatt and return to Montreux.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Montreux at your own pace, taking in the beauty of Lake Geneva and the surrounding scenery.
Day 6: Montreux - Departure
- Bid farewell to Switzerland as you transfer to the airport for your departure flight or onward journey.
Authentic Dining:
- Geneva: Indulge in a delicious fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet, savoring the flavors of Swiss cuisine.
- Dining Summary: Enjoy buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with wine throughout your journey. Festive Highlight Dinners will replace included meals for departures during Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Accommodation:
- Stay in comfortable accommodations throughout your trip, providing a cozy retreat after each day's adventures.
Included Services:
- Expert guidance from your Travel Director, ensuring a seamless journey.
- Travel in luxury aboard Insight's air-conditioned coach, with ample legroom and onboard amenities.
- Personal radio headsets for insightful commentary during guided tours.
- Bag handling service and included hotel tips for added convenience.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi to stay connected.
- Enjoy Insight Flourishes, local specialties representing the destination, throughout your trip.
- Transfers available at scheduled times for arrival and departure flights, with options for additional transfers if needed.
Experience the magic of Switzerland in winter, from enchanting castles to breathtaking alpine landscapes and festive Christmas markets. Let Insight take care of the details while you enjoy an unforgettable journey through this picturesque country.