Austria · CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS
The markets run from mid-November to Christmas Eve and then disappear in a morning. The 6 below cover the Vienna squares, the Salzburg cathedral market and the Advent concerts, with prices and which ones include the Glühwein mug.
Ride the funicular up to Salzburg’s 900-year-old Fortress Hohensalzburg for a three-course dinner and an Advent concert of Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and Haydn. The $93 package includes the ride, meal, and concert, but not drinks. Choose VIP for a better meal and central concert seating.
“What a lovely experience in a lovely setting. Beautiful music and night time views of Salzburg from the fortress. Don’t miss out!!!”
Walk about 2 kilometers through four of Vienna’s Christmas markets with a local English- or Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll sample hot punch with optional extra rum, cookies, and other market food while learning about Viennese holiday customs. The route favors smaller markets and lively alternative districts over only the famous central squares.
“We saw the markets that we never would have seen. A great culinary tour with lots is stories.”
Ride the funicular from Festungsgasse to Fortress Hohensalzburg for a 1.5-hour Advent concert by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble. Hear Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and traditional Salzburg music in the castle hall. The concert begins at 8 pm, with additional 5 pm and 8 pm performances on December 25 and January 1.
“The venue itself was incredible, but the exceptional performance of these virtuosos was purely an exquisite experience. I wished they could have played a few more encores. Nobody wanted the concert to come to an end! It was the highlight of our time in Salzburg.”
Walk from Mariahilf through Spittelberg and the MuseumsQuartier to Maria-Theresien-Platz, tasting Austrian snacks, Glühwein, and rum-spiked punch. English-speaking guides such as Rita, Kamil, Chloe, and Germana lead the 2 to 3 hour outing, capped at 20 people. Expect plenty of walking, crowded markets, and cold weather.
“Enjoyed our walking tour. Nice to taste local food and cider and warm drinks and visit a few of the more local legit markets. My travel friend was saying we weren’t going to the big markets and second guessing me. Did I prove her wrong. These were the “right” markets to go to to get the legit feel rather than over commercialized experience. Loved our guide.”
Start at your hotel, vacation home, pier, or train station and walk through Vienna’s Christmas markets with a private licensed guide. Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll see Karlskirche, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Freyung, Hofburg, Graben, and Rathausplatz. Guides including Brigitte, Walter, Daniela, and Sabine add history, food advice, and practical city tips.
“Great way to see several Christmas markets in Vienna as well as hear some history and see the sights. Walter was a great guide! Definitely recommend!”
Spend about three hours with an English-speaking local guide, starting at Hotel Sacher and ending on Neubaugasse. You’ll sample Vienna’s shopping districts, see Swarovski creations, visit a Christmas market when in season, and browse coffee, cake, chocolate, tea, and marmalade at classic city stops. The group is limited to 15 people.
“Nice guide, showed us many places and ts interesting stories about the city. She also recommended local specialties.”
Pick a hall, a palace or a valley.
