ESBT European Christmas Markets & Castles 2025
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to get in the holiday spirit than Europe’s Christmas markets. The lights, the decorations, the music, the gluhwein. European Christmas markets are one of my favourite trips to take and I’ve honestly lost count of how many I have been to over the years. But since there’s no such thing as too many Christmas markets, I’m planning a return to some of my favourites in 2025. I’d like to invite you along with me.
Here’s everything that you need to know about my ESBT European Christmas Markets and Castles Group Trip for 2025.
About Eat Sleep Breathe Travel Group Trips:
I started running ESBT Group Trips with the intent of offering fun, adventurous trips to various destinations around the world to readers and followers. The goal is to take the stress out of travel and to connect with like-minded people while exploring and learning.
As such, ESBT group trips tend to be busy itineraries that aim to provide the best value for your money. This might mean things like longer drive days, lots of walking, or back-to-back activities with limited free time. We also may go ‘off-grid’ at times and have little, or no, internet access. These are travel adventures, not laid-back vacations. Please always read through the itinerary to understand the plans, schedule, and level of activity involved. I also strongly recommend that you to do your own destination research to check things like climate, weather, and culture to ensure it is something you are comfortable with.
In addition, ESBT group trips are meant to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone is welcome. In joining these tours, you are agreeing to continue to promote this theme and to treat all other travellers with kindness and respect. Along these lines, it is up to you to ensure that you are healthy enough to join. Rooms and spaces are often shared so I ask you to be considerate of your fellow travellers and seek medical attention ahead of time if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any concerns or questions about the itinerary or destination based on your personal needs, please reach out to me.
ESBT European Christmas Markets and Castles Group Trip 2025
Dates
This tour is 8 days, 7 nights, and will take place from November 30th-December 7th, 2025. Like with all itineraries I do my best to run trips over weekends to help you better maximize your vacation time. You are welcome to come early or stay later if you wish. We start in Munich and end in Vienna- both of which are major international hubs and good jumping points for further travel (and other Christmas markets!) in Europe.
About this Trip
Christmas market season is one of the busiest times to visit Europe so it will be more crowded than my other group trips. We also are joining in tours in some places and using public transportation to better keep costs down during this busy season. That being said, all the people gathering for the Christmas markets and the sense of community and festive spirit is part of the charm!
Myself and the local team have done our best to find clean, comfortable, and affordable hotels within city centres that are close to the markets either by walking distance or public transit. Christmas markets are explored on foot so make sure that you are comfortable walking. We will also be spending a lot of time outside so dressing warmly is key- especially in the evenings! It’s also always a good idea to bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket as it can snow or rain (or both!). I will provide more details on what to bring and packing suggestions closer to our travel dates.
While we have many group activities, I’ve also built in some free time. Many cities have multiple Christmas markets so you will have lots to explore. That being said, the cities we visit also have many other sites and attractions so feel free to choose what best suits your interest and go at your own pace. Myself and our local guide will be happy to provide some ideas and recommendations.
Finally, we will be travelling by train and you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. This might include up and down stairs in hotels and train stations alike- so please keep this in mind as you pack.
Itinerary
November 30th: Munich, Germany
Welcome to Munich, Germany! Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm then we head out for an included dinner.
Please note that airport transfers are not included in the cost. Directions for those wanting to use public transport will be provided before departure.
Inclusions
-Group meeting and welcome dinner
December 1: Munich, Germany
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 gluhwein, grab a grilled sausage and browse the markets full of toys, wood carvings, candles etc.
Inclusions
-Breakfast
Guided Christmas market walk
-Gluhwein tasting
December 2: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Experience Bavaria’s stunning landscapes on a visit to the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle (approximately 2h drive away from Munich). Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a forested hill in Bavaria, is a fairy-tale fortress built by King Ludwig II, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. This 19th-century masterpiece, which inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, offers visitors a glimpse into the king’s fantastical vision and the enchanting landscapes that surround it. We will be joining a tour for this full day trip and will return to Munich in the evening.
Inclusions
-Breakfast
-Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
December 3: Day Trip Through the Romantic Road Including Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Travel along Germany’s oldest and most popular holiday route, the Romantic Road, which stretches from Würzburg in Lower Franconia to Füssen near Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy the impressive nature and scenery as you pass through Franconia and Northern Bavaria, visiting famous medieval cities like Dinkelsbühl and nearby Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Bayreuth. Start your journey with a visit to Harburg Castle, dating back to 1150, for a tour of one of southern Germany’s largest and best-preserved castles. Continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a delightful medieval town with a well-preserved old town, charming half-timbered houses, intact city walls and the most magical Christmas store you have ever seen! The day trip we are joining is a full day trip, we will be back to Munich in the evening.
Inclusions:
-Breakfast
-Romantic Road & Rothernburg ob der Tauber Day Trip
December 4: 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 performance.
Inclusions
-Christmas Market Visit
-Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit
-Salzburg – Hohensalzburg Cable Car
-Salzburg- Christmas Market small tasting
December 5: Salzburg
Today is free to explore Salzburg and the surrounding areas. Some ideas include:
- the salt mine in Berchtesgaden, situated in the German Alps.
- The Sound of Music tour where you visit movie scenes including the Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, Leopoldskron Palace and Hellbrunn Palace.
- If you are up for a full day, you can do a day trip to the idyllic town of Hallstatt for more Christmas markets.
- You can also spend today exploring more of Salzburg city itself with all of its beautiful shops and decorations.
While the Salzburg 2025 holiday schedule isn’t out yet, I’m hoping that our tour will coincide with the local Krampus run which takes place around this time. We won’t know until closer to our travel dates, but I’ve been twice and it’s a lot of fun and worth going out in the evening for!
Inclusions
-Breakfast
December 6: 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.
Inclusions:
-Breakfast
-Vienna Walking tour
December 7: Vienna
After breakfast, our tour officially comes to an end. If you are departing today, we will help you figure out the best way to the airport. However, Vienna is one of my favourite cities at Christmas so if you have the time I suggest you stick around (I plan to!). You can find more ideas of what to do in Vienna at Christmas in my post here.
Included Activities
- breakfast
Trip Cost & Booking
The total cost of this trip is $4500.00 CAD per person for a shared room. Single supplement may be arranged depending on availability. The cost for this is an additional $1010.00.
In order to secure your space, a non-refundable deposit of $400 CAD will be required at the time of booking. There is a minimum requirement of 8 people for this trip to run. Maximum number of guests will be 12. Most of my group trips are solo women but friends, family, and partners are always welcome.
This itinerary will open for booking on Monday November 4th at 10am EST. Please check back then for instructions on how to book on.
I hope you join me on this magical and festive adventure!