European Christmas Markets 2.0 with Janelle @janelleonajet

Dates

Dec 3–9, 2024

Group Size

8–20 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

When winter arrives in Europe, the festive season is joyfully celebrated with Christmas-themed shop windows, colorful shimmering lights and trees brimming with brightly lit ornaments. Where the singing of well-remembered carols echo in the icy night air and good cheer overflows on the busy streets. With a cup of mulled wine or cider in hand, you’ll wander through the Christmas market stalls in Munich, Salzburg and Vienna on this 7-day trip through Germany and Austria. Take in the sights of historic European cities, the aromas and tastes of authentic Bavarian and Viennese cuisine and do some Christmas shopping between visits to breathtaking landmarks, palaces, and villages. Enjoy the festive spirit, and be sure to take something back for your friends and family! Please Note: This is an adventure travel itinerary that involves train transfers and transporting your own luggage between hotels and trains.
$2,799USD
$2,999USD
Dec 3–9, 2024
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Janelle
Janelle

Hey everyone! My name is Janelle (@janelleonajet), and I am a travel-obsessed millennial. I love sharing my adventures, how to find cheap flights, and other travel tips & tricks - but now it's time to take our excitement for travel to the next level. Come join me on this trip & let’s travel the world together!

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Trip Activities

  • Nymphenburg Palace Visit

  • Munich City Walk

  • Munich Christmas Markets

  • Mulled Wine Tasting

  • Salzburg City Walk

  • Salzburg Cathedral Christmas Market

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress

  • Three Village Christmas Market Tour

  • Vienna City Walk

  • Vienna City Hall Christmas Market

  • Schoenbrunn Palace Imperial Tour

Included in Your Trip

  • Double Occupancy in 3-Star Hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide Throughout Trip

  • All City Transfers

Not Included

  • Flights (except as noted)

  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas & Travel Insurance

  • Airport Transfers

  • Tips & Gratuity

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into MUC.

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Arthotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Munich, Germany

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Day 2

Info

This morning you'll visit Nymphenburg Palace, a 17th-century marvel that served as a summer residence for the kings of Bavaria. Afterward, head back for a tour of Munich and explore some of the incredible Christmas markets.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Nymphenburg Palace Visit

1 Hour 30 Mins

Nymphenburg Palace, built in the late 17th century, is an architectural masterpiece, with sprawling, beautifully manicured grounds. On this tour, you'll learn the history of the royalty connected to this magnificent site as you visit the museums within the palace walls.

Munich City Walk

1 Hour

Surrounded by the Bavarian Alps, this cosmopolitan city, with its breathtaking architecture, is alive with art, history and music, and its world-famous markets. Your Guide will lead you through the main district, where you’ll grab lunch and explore before heading with your group to visit the city's Christmas markets.

Munich Christmas Markets

1 Hour

Experience Europe's incredible Christmas markets, including the Kripperlmarkt, where you’ll find everything from carved decorations to food and drink stalls as well as all the materials you would need to create your own nativity scene. Tollwood Christmas Market is a vibrant market, with more than 200 brightly colored stalls containing organic delicacies from all over the world. 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.

Mulled Wine Tasting

15 Mins

Mulled wine tasting on your Christmas market tour is included.

Arthotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Munich, Germany

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Day 3

Info

Today, you’ll travel east by train and cross the border into Austria, to the town of Salzburg, the backdrop for The Sound of Music and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Your Guide will lead you on a tour of Salzburg, a picturesque, fairytale town, enhanced by the magic of its festive Christmas spirit. Then enjoy some lunch and explore before heading to the Christmas market in the late afternoon.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Train to Salzburg

2 Hours

Salzburg City Walk

30 Mins

With the Salzach river running through its center, Salzburg is an enchanting city surrounded by the Eastern Alps. Meander through cobblestone lanes, between centuries-old buildings, and take in the atmosphere and magnificent views.

Salzburg Cathedral Christmas Market

1 Hour

The aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds, and cinnamon-brushed baked apples will waft through the marketplace as the beautiful sounds of traditional carols sung by the Salzburg choir fill the air.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

1 Hour 30 Mins

After the Cathedral Square Market, you’ll take a cable car up to the medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. This towering fortress is situated on the Festungsberg, 1,660 feet above the city.

Hotel Lasserhof (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Salzburg.

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Day 4

Info

Another beautiful day in Austria! This morning, you'll head out of town to visit three different villages and their Christmas markets.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Three Village Christmas Market Tour

7 Hours

Travel into the idyllic countryside to visit the Christmas markets in St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang in Salzkammergut, and Strobl. Please note this tour is not available Monday through Wednesday.

Hotel Lasserhof (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Salzburg.

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Day 5

Info

Today you’ll travel to Vienna, Austria's historic capital. After checking in, join your group for a stroll through the city, then grab some lunch and explore. In the afternoon, head to Austria's Christmas market in front of City Hall. Eat, drink, and be merry as you soak in the festive atmosphere.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Train to Vienna

2 Hours 30 Mins

Vienna City Walk

1 Hour

Take a stroll through Vienna with your Guide as they point out the highlights of the city. Take time to visit the striking Hofburg Palace, and the Leopold Museum and for exceptional city views, ride the Prater Ferris Wheel.

Vienna City Hall Christmas Market

1 Hour

This vibrantly decorated market will get you into the spirit of the festive season, with more than 40 colorful and brightly lit stalls, offering traditional handicrafts, culinary treats, and Christmas magic enhanced by the backdrop of its magnificent baroque architecture.

Hotel Post (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Vienna.

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Day 6

Info

This morning you'll head to the Schoenbrunn Palace for a self-guided Imperial Tour. Afterward, the city is yours to explore! Do some last-minute shopping, see the sights, or visit one of Vienna's 12 Christmas markets. In the evening, meet with your group for a farewell dinner to toast your trip!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Schoenbrunn Palace Imperial Tour

40 Mins

Take a self-guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, with its breathtaking architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. This magnificent Rococo-style palace has 1,441 rooms and was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. In 1786, Mozart performed in the palace Orangery.

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Hotel Post (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Vienna.

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Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of VIE.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

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Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.