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A Christmas Market Trifecta with Switzerland, Germany & France

(Discovering a Christmas Wonderland in Three European Countries)

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Priced From
$5,998 USD *
(Price Per Person, Double Occupancy)
* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.
7 days | 6 nights

Immerse Yourself in the Christmas Markets of
Zürich, Bern, Lucerne, Alsace and the Black Forest

The Christmas markets of Switzerland, Germany, and France are enchanting destinations that transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season. In Switzerland, markets like the ones in Zurich and Lucerne feature charming wooden stalls, artisanal crafts, and delicious Swiss treats like raclette and mulled wine. Germany, renowned for its Black Forest, where visitors can enjoy gingerbread, sausages, and handmade ornaments amidst festive lights and decorations. France's Christmas markets, such as those in Alsace and Colmar, blend traditional Alsatian charm with French elegance, offering delightful regional specialties, beautiful decorations, and a warm, fairytale atmosphere. Each country's markets provide a unique and magical experience that captures the spirit of Christmas. Let the symphony of flavors transcend you into a world of culinary bliss, where the festive market stalls, culinary creations and allure of the holiday season harmoniously converge to create everlasting memories of a fantastical Christmas wonderland.
Small Group Friendly
Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
6 Nights at 2 Luxury Boutique Hotels
Round-Trip Zürich Airport Transfers
This is a Fully Hosted Tour
First Class Train and Boat rides
Festive Breakfast Each Morning
Total of 6 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners
6 Christmas Markets in 3 Countries
Hands-On Cookie Making Class
Hands-On Candle Making class
Chocolate Museum & Candy Bar Creation
Fondue Steamboat Dinner
Travel Through Ravenna Gorge
Germany's Black Forest Experience
A Tour of Colmar, Alsace's Little Venice
Alsatian Dinner paired with local wines
Two Christmas themed Nature Hikes
Guided Tour of Zürich Old Town
Guided Tour of Bern Old Town
Guided Tour of Lucerne
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Please note that this tour runs from Tuesday to Monday each week in order to take full advantage of the Christmas Markets. Availability includes December 3 - 9 and December 10 - 16, 2024. Also available for December 2 - 8 and December 9 - 15, 2025.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
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Day 1
Zürich to Lucerne by Train, Boat | Transfer to Hotel in Weggis | Cocktails & Dinner
Prepare to embark on a journey that will enrich your senses and captivate your heart amidst the magical Christmas season that starts the moment you land in Zürich, Switzerland. Begin your enchanting voyage from Zürich airport where the Swiss winterscape unfolds in all its breathtaking splendor on your way via train to Lucerne, then boat to the picturesque town of Weggis to your cozy hotel where comfort and elegance await. Later that evening, in a celebration fit for the holiday season, savor welcome cocktails that sparkle with holiday magic, and delight your palate with a sumptuous multi-course gourmet dinner crafted to perfection. Allow yourself to be seduced by the tantalizing aromas and flavors, as the warmth of the holiday spirit envelops you in its welcoming embrace, setting the stage for the extraordinary adventures that await you in the coming days. (D)
Day 2
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
The Christmas Markets of Bern | Old Town Tour
Christmas in Bern, Switzerland, is a magical experience that captivates visitors with its enchanting atmosphere. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine from the the three Christmas markets, where artisans sell handmade crafts and local delicacies. The Bern Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral, stands tall amidst the festivities, offering a serene backdrop to the cheerful hustle and bustle. Ice skating rinks and cozy cafes provide perfect spots to warm up and enjoy the season's delights. Bern's iconic sandstone buildings and quaint alleyways beckon, where grand monuments stand as testaments to an unparalleled past. Ready yourself for a picture-perfect selfie next to the magnificent Bundeshaus Parliament Building, where you will have a breathtaking backdrop of the Aare-Marzili River and the snowcapped Alps. It's a scene straight out of a holiday postcard.
Day 3
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Santa (Samichlaus) Guided Tour | Candle Making & Christmas Markets
Today you will be stepping into the enchanting world of Lucerne with a special Santa Claus-guided city tour, where history meets Christmas tradition as Santa will regale you about how Christmas has been celebrated throughout the years juxtaposed with tales of Lucerne's fascinating past and its rich cultural heritage. He continues with historical anecdotes of iconic landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Take time to enjoy the festive Christmas markets in Franziskanerplatz known to be the 'Home of Christmas' in Lucerne and become mesmerized by the flood of twinkling Christmas lights where you can sample traditional treats and admire handcrafted ornaments. Next, take a short jaunt toward the pier to "Vögeli-Gärtli where you will make your own personal candle from fragrant beeswax to help warm the holiday spirit within.
Steamboat Fondue Dinner on Lake Lucerne
In the evening you will embark on a romantic journey on the unforgettable and historic steamboat Wilhelm Tell, perfectly adorned in festive Christmas decor. Luxuriate in a sumptuous three-course dinner, followed by the pièce de resistance-Switzerland's decadent cheese fondue. Imagine being in the glow of the night as you dip into the bubbling pot of melted Swiss cheese, and a gentle sway of the steamboat as you bask in the romance of the moment. Gliding along the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, and the sound of Christmas carols ringing in the air from the twinkling shores of lovely Lucerne, you realize that the fantasy has truly begun. (B, T, D)
Day 4
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Zürich Christmas Markets | Black Forest | Bio-und Wellness Alpenblick Hotel
Today you will pack up your bags and be escorted to your next luxurious boutique property in the Black Forest of Germany. Enroute to your destination, you will journey through the enchanting streets of Zürich, where history blends seamlessly with the festive spirit of Christmas. Your guided walking tour promises to immerse you in the charm and beauty of the renowned Christmas markets as you traverse the cobblestone streets, among architectural marvels and iconic landmarks, all under a canopy of Christmas lights to brighten your day before your journey takes you to the breathtaking Schwarzwald region. The holistic pampering of the highly regarded Bio-und Wellness Alpenblick hotel is your haven of tranquility nestled amidst nature's embrace. Once you settled in, the choice is yours and promises to be nothing short of blissful journey of discovery. Either embark on a short, guided hike through the pristine landscape, bringing you up close and personal to the heart of nature's beauty, or luxuriate in the hotel's renowned wellness center, where you will melt into relaxation, refresh and rejuvenate until your heart desires…or until the dinner bell rings.
Multi-Course, Farm-to-Table Dining Experience
Your day will be capped off with an extraordinary gastronomical experience like no other as your host introduces you to the philosophy behind their organic cuisine. Discover the secrets of sustainable living and the art of harmonizing flavors with nature's bounty. From farm-fresh ingredients to innovative cooking techniques, every dish tells a story of passion and dedication to the earth. As the evening twilight unfolds, you'll be treated to a lavish four-course dinner, each course a masterpiece of culinary artistry, while being cradled by the warmth of new friendships and the joy of shared moments. (B, T, D)
Day 5
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Black Forest | Cookie Making | Ravenna Gorge
Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure in the Black Forest and beyond starting out with a Cookie Baking Extravaganza with Host Ferdinand Thoma where you will learn the art of crafting delicious regional cookies while soaking in the warm hospitality. As a cherished memento, each person will receive a beautifully packaged box to safely transport their creations home, along with a stylish kitchen apron to treasure forever. The experience wouldn't be complete until you pair your cookie with a savory touch of hearty soup to complement your sweet delights. Next you will journey through the fairytale region of the enchanting Black Forest inside your cozy coach as you are whisked away to the dazzling Ravenna Gorge region where you will discover the most romantic and intimate Christmas markets yet. As you step into a world of magic, behold the magnificent stone viaduct towering above a snow-covered village, illuminated in a thousand dazzling lights. Feel the festive spirit come alive as a train rushes over the gorge in the distance, enveloped in a mist of red, blue, and green hues. Explore wooden stalls adorned with holiday treasures, from handcrafted goods to tantalizing Black Forest specialties, all offered with warmth and passion by local artisans.
Flaming Dinner Delight
As dusk sets, relax and reminisce about the day's adventures as you journey back to the cozy comforts of Hotel Alpenblick. Later in the evening you will feast on a truly unforgettable dining experience with an exquisite flaming meat delight. Savor the delectable liquor flavors as you are warmed inside and out amid the cozy confines of Hotel Alpenblick's restaurant as your day of enchantment concludes. Your dreams this evening are on the house! (B, T, L, D)
Day 6
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Colmar, Alsace-France | Chocolate Museum & Candy Bar Creations | Christmas Market Exploration
Embark on your final gastronomic journey as your private coach transports you to the charming town of Colmar in Alsace, France. Marvel at the scenic beauty along the Rhine as you make your way to the "Little Venice of Alsace," renowned for its picturesque waterway canals. Upon arriving in Colmar, you will dive into the culinary delights of Alsace at the bustling market hall to immerse yourself in a world of Alsatian specialties before venturing into the winding alleyways to the famed chocolate museum. Meet skilled chocolatiers as you embark on an unforgettable tour through chocolate history and indulge in an "all you can eat" variety of chocolate flavors, and even create your own customized chocolate bar. After savoring the sweet sensations of the day, lose yourself in the festive atmosphere as you peruse the stalls adorned with holiday treasures.
Farewell Alsatian Gourmet Dinner at Wistub
Then to put a little Christmas icing on this final night of your tour, you will cap off the evening at the esteemed Wistub Pfeffel for an authentic Alsatian dining experience. With every bite you will be tantalized with the array of local Alsatian specialties paired with a selection of typical Alsatian white wines, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as well as Crémant, the Alsatian rendition of champagne. Let your taste buds dance with delight as you sample the flavors of the region in this unforgettable, gourmet feast. (B, T, D)
Day 7
Swiss Breakfast Buffet
Start each day by enjoying a hearty breakfast while taking in the holiday ambience that surrounds you. Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, yogurts, muesli, breads, pastries, a variety of cheeses and meats, along with cooked dishes. A selection of teas, coffee and juices are also available to help kickstart your morning and invigorate you for the adventures that lie ahead.
Check-Out and Departure | Transfer by Train to Zürich Airport
Your final day has come too soon, but it is time to pack your bags with a new appreciation for the Christmas Markets of Switzerland, Germany and France, all offering unique flavors of their respective regions. You will end your culinary journey with a final train ride back to Zürich where you may wish to extend your stay. If you do wish to continue exploring Switzerland or other regions, please let your Culinary Travel Specialist know prior to your departure. (B)
ZürichLucerneBernOchlenbergBlack Forest, GermanyHöchenschwandRavenna GorgeColmar, Alsace-France
Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category
Member of ASTA Member of ATTA Member of GSTC