Danube Express Christmas Markets of Central Europe from Munich
Overview
Limited Time Offer: NO Single Supplement on Deluxe Suite
Weave through the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps before enjoying the joys of the festive season with this expertly curated itinerary – perfectly designed to indulge the senses at the most wonderful time of the year. A Luxury Train experience includes a magical concert of Viennese Christmas folk songs, a traditional ‘Fiaker’ (horse-drawn carriage) through Vienna’s grand boulevard and a tasting session of the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral.
MUNICH – SALZBURG – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Champagne reception on departure
- Extended visits to the Christmas Markets of Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest
- See Vienna stunning Old Town by horse-drawn carriage
- Tasting experience of the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of the iconic St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
MUNICH
Arrivals day in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to the five-star Sofitel Munich Bayerpost for a two-night stay. An elegant, modern hotel in the historic setting of Munich’s former Bavarian Royal Post Office, the hotel is perfectly located in the vibrant heart of the city. Just a five-minute leisurely stroll takes you to Karlsplatz Stachus, which leads onto one of the city’s most popular shopping streets, Neuhauser Strasse; and at the other end of this street is Marienplatz, in the Altstadt (Old Town).
Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception dinner in the elegant surroundings of this contemporary design hotel.
MUNICH
Electrified by the indescribable buzz of yuletide cheer, Christmas in Munich is truly magic. One of the most famous of all the city’s Christmas markets is located on Marienplatz in the heart of the city. This centuries-old market, which had its beginnings in the 1600s, is a fresh mix of old and new – keeping to older Bavarian traditions, with mouth-watering Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts, presented alongside decadent sweet treats and intriguing electric creations.
Watching over, a majestically illuminated Christmas tree casts a charismatic glow over the bustling square – perfectly adding to the festive feel.
MUNICH & SALZBURG
Mid-morning, you will be transferred to Munich railway station to enjoy a drinks reception before boarding the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Marking the beginning of your voyage of a lifetime, a Bavarian inspired-Oompah brass band will perform as the train departs from the station, and our cabin attendants will be there to escort you to your private en-suite cabin.
As our train weaves its way out of Munich we take lunch in the Restaurant Car as we enjoy the spectacular Bavarian scenery unfolding before our eyes as we head across the border into Austria for our first stop this afternoon in Salzburg.
SALZBURG & VIENNA
Following a leisurely breakfast onboard our private train, we make a visit to the DomQuartier, a unique cultural highlight in the heart of Salzburg. Over 400 years ago, the powerful prince archbishops began to transform the wealthy city of Salzburg into a baroque jewel and an urban masterpiece was created, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Residenz and cathedral area, complemented by the Benedictine monastery of St. Peter can be experienced as a continuous tour. The terrace above the Cathedral Arches reveals stunning views of the Salzburg historic district as well as the mountains surrounding the city. A special view to end our time in Salzburg.
VIENNA
A beautiful city to explore at any time of the year, but wintertime in Vienna is an extra special experience. Exquisitely illuminated with hanging lights of the Christmas markets, Vienna’s squares are brimming with culinary treats, handmade gifts, and quaint ornaments. We will explore this beautiful city, with a panoramic tour of the grand boulevard encircling Vienna’s historic quarters.
From here we will enjoy a traditional ‘Fiaker’ (horse-drawn carriage) ride through the charming city streets, before sampling the traditional Pirker gingerbread in front of magnificent St Stephen’s.
BUDAPEST & VIENNA
This morning we will visit the Museum of Fine Arts which is the largest art museum in Austria and located right in the heart of the city. Opened to the public in 1891, the main part of the museum’s collection is made up of artworks acquired by the Habsburg dynasty. We will also enjoy a trip to the Christmas market situated on Maria-Theresien Platz.
We return to the train for lunch as we wind through whimsical wintery landscapes of Hungary, before arriving at our final stop of Budapest. We stay for two nights at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace.
BUDAPEST
Budapest is an alliance of two cities separated by the River Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Our city tour includes the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church, and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill.
We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the City Park. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Make sure to take the opportunity to stroll through the many Christmas Markets scattered around the city.
BUDAPEST
Following breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.
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Terms & Conditions
PAYMENT TERMS:
- 25% of the total tour cost due at booking
- 75% or the balance due no later than 95 days prior to departure
- For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
CANCELLATION FEES:
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96 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
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95 - 65 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
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less than 65 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee
Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL.
The above times are based on European time. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies paid by the client will be charged prior to refund.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.
Inclusions & Exclusions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
- Five-star pre and post tour accommodation
- Private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle Danube Express train
Service
- Cabin attendant service including evening turndown
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Travel tips and FAQs for this tour will be provided upon booking.