Compare Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest by Intrepid Travel vs Grand Christmas and New Year’s Cruise by Titan Travel

Day 1 Munich

Willkommen! Welcome to Munich, Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. In the evening, head out for an included dinner with the rest of the group. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 2 Munich

In the morning after breakfast, venture out with your leader for an orientation walk of Munich. This cosmopolitan metropolis houses an extraordinary array of sights for travellers more interested in art, architecture, history, music and, of course, Christmas markets. There are 20 different Christmas markets in Munich and you'll be introduced to the best of them. From the Kripperlmarkt, which has all you need to create an authentic manger, to the Tollwood Christmas Market, Munich's vibrant ethnic festival. Music lovers will be able to get into the festive spirit with a special alpine Christmas Market concert from the balcony of Munich's town hall, which takes places Sunday to Thursday while the Christmas markets are on. Sip on a mug of gluehwein, grab a grilled sausage and browse the markets full of toys, wood carvings, candles etc.

Day 3 Salzburg

Travel south-east into Austria by train to Salzburg today, which should take around one hour and forty five minutes. Built on the fortune of its famous salt mines, Salzburg is the birthplace of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves legend, home to the hills from the Sound of Music and purveyor of absolutely everything Mozart. On arrival, check in to your hotel and then head out into the city for an orientation walk with your leader. The city will captivate with its history, as well as its cobblestone lanes, bubbling river and charmingly kitsch atmosphere. In the late afternoon, visit the atmospheric Christmas market in Cathedral Square. The smells of gluhwein, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon brushed baked apples waft through the marketplace, while the sounds of traditional Salzburg choirs fill the air. Here your leader will take you on food crawl that may include such classics as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Kasnock´n (cheese gnocchi), Bratwurst (sausage), Mozartkugel (marzipan-covered nougat in dark chocolate cover), Schwarzbrot (sourdough bread). Later on, jump in to a cable car and reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the city’s most visible landmark. This fully preserved castle hosts very small, intimate Christmas market and if you’re lucky, a Christmas themed live music.

Day 4 Salzburg

Today is free to explore Salzburg and the surrounding areas. Perhaps make your way to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden, situated in the German Alps. Otherwise, you may want to experience the life of the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music and visit movie scenes of the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace. In the evening, why not head back to the Christmas markets to soak up even more of the blissful atmosphere?

Day 5 Vienna

Board a train bound for Vienna today (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, embark on a leader-led walking tour of Vienna, passing grand buildings and parks. You'll see many monuments dedicated to famous composers and historical figures. In your free time, perhaps visit the striking Hofburg Palace, the Leopold Museum or seek out exceptional city views on the Prater Ferris Wheel. Later in the afternoon, head to the Christmas markets in front of the City Hall. Browse the markets, sip on Christmas punch and snack on some freshly baked cinnamon biscuits.

Day 6 Vienna

You'll have the whole day to explore Vienna, so perhaps head to Schoenbrunn Palace, which was designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The gardens are free to all visitors but there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at. Also, with over 12 Christmas markets to visit in the city, you'll be sure to find the perfect Christmas present.

Day 7 Budapest

Travel east from Vienna to Budapest by train (approximately 3 hours). Known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', Budapest's grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by. With so much to see and do, hiring a bicycle is a great way to move between sights and attractions. After a short orientation walk around the city, it's time to visit the Christmas markets. With the main Christmas market being located in Vorosmarty Square, every street light, tree and market stall lit up it gives the area a real Christmas feel. There are plenty of stalls offering different Hungarian foods to try and buy. Experience these great markets of Budapest with a glass of mulled wine or shot of traditional Hungarian palinka. The combination of market cheer and Neo-Renaissance architecture is a charming one.

Day 8 Budapest

Your Christmas Market adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time after you check-out.

Day 1 London - Munich - Nuremberg
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for a British Airways or another leading airline flight to Munich. Transfer to the port in Nuremberg, to embark the S.S. Beatrice (5T).

Day 2 Nuremberg
Discover Nuremberg, a quintessential medieval German city, on your panoramic city tour and enjoy Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas Market. Celebrate a festive evening at the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.

Day 3 Christmas Eve - Cruising the Main-Danube Canal - Regensburg
Spend a leisurely day on board as you cruise along the marvel of modern engineering, the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal from the Main River to the Danube River.

Day 4 Christmas

Day - Regensburg
Experience the perfect combination of an inviting skyline and impressive historic monuments as you stroll through Regensburg to its UNESCO-designated Old Town. Alternatively, trace the Jewish history in Regensburg, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Germany.

Day 5 Boxing

Day - Cruising the Danube River - Deggendorf (Theresienthal)
Snuggle in warm blankets on a horse-drawn cart ride through the Bavarian Forest before arriving at a famous glass manufacturer in Theresienthal. Learn about the techniques used to create Bohemian glassware. Once back on board, prepare for a festive Christmas celebration, complete with all the trimmings.

Day 6 Cruising the Danube River - Passau
In the beautiful city of Passau, situated at the confluence of three rivers, you will see its charming Old Town and ornate cathedral with Europe’s largest pipe organ on a guided walking discovery tour. Or visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration.

Day 7 Linz (Salzburg)
Journey through the region known to many as the ‘smile on the face of Austria’, Salzburg. On your guided tour through the UNESCO-designated Old Town, view historical gems, from the 17th century cathedral to Mozart’s birth house to the famous gardens where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed.

Day 8 Cruising the Wachau Valley - Dürnstein
Situated in the heart of the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein features many places of historic interest. Stroll through the town, stopping to warm yourself with a mulled wine tasting and to attend an organ concert. Later, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat - an exclusive private cocktail reception at the 13th century Artstetten Castle, hosted by an Austrian princess descended from the royal Habsburgs.

Day 9 Vienna
Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries and its famous former residents, Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience this elegant city with your choice of excursions, and enjoy VIP access to an extraordinary collection of art, reserved solely for Uniworld guests. End your day with a private concert of Mozart and Strauss at the Baroque Abbey Klosterneuburg.

Day 10 New Year’s Eve - Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former Habsburg summer residence, is on full display for you to enjoy. It is largely in its original condition, from the authentically furnished residential and ceremonial rooms to the maze and labyrinth in the gardens. Tonight you join the celebration as you take part in a glamorous ball in a historic palace. Dine amid the gilt and marble splendour of a baroque hall while musicians play during your festive supper, and waltz the night away to the music of the Waltz King, Johann Strauss.

Day 11 New Year’s

Day - Vienna - cruising the Danube River
After exploring Vienna, relax on board as the ship cruises to Budapest. Join another festive evening with the Captain’s Farewell Reception and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner.

Day 12 Budapest
Savour the beauty of both Buda and Pest, which lie on opposite sides of the Danube, on a panoramic tour showcasing St Stephen’s Basilica and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district.

Day 13 Budapest - London
Disembark the ship and transfer to Budapest Airport for a British Airways or another leading airline flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.