Dating back as far as the 1400s, Christmas markets in Europe have provided locals and foreigners with unforgettable experiences. From Christmas light displays and concerts to gluhwein and festive dishes, you are sure to be dazzled and delighted on this journey! This year, we provide an abundance of festive cheer with candles, carols, and snow in France and Switzerland. Envisage sipping hot mulled wine as you wander past ornate market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship, and mesmerizing city backdrops. We invite you to join us on a discovery of the fairy-tale festivities in the most charming Christmas destinations in Europe.
The festive season in Europe is one of intrigue and delight! Picture charming wooden chalets in 13th-century towns, snow-capped cathedrals, and market stalls spilling out of medieval town squares. Enjoy several dinners and tours included in this journey as well as your own shopping expert, who will point out hidden gems and advise you on finding the perfect gifts.
Christmas Markets are as much a part of Europe’s history its monarchs and castles. Seeing such sites in winter is a privilege and the various cultures are showcased through traditional displays, performances and outfits. Join us in exploring a winter wonderland filled with charm, festivity and exclusive shopping experiences.
Today, after a private transfer from the airport or train station, we invite you to unwind and settle into what will be your home for the next 3 nights. We then enjoy a light lunch at leisure, tucking into pastries! Afterwards, we have arranged an exclusive class with a famous pastry chef, Thierry Mulhaupt, who will showcase how to make gingerbread and Christmas Tarte folle. As a reward for your finesse in the kitchen, we have organized a welcome spa treatment at the property. In the evening, we enjoy a tour of the markets, some hot wine, and a traditional Alsace dinner.
This morning, we will be greeted by our local tour guide and led on a private walking tour of Strasbourg and its capital. Lunch will be at leisure, before we depart for Colmar, which is often referred to as 'the Disneyland of Christmas'. Mid-afternoon, a local historian gives us a swift yet informative tour of this magical town. We then explore what has been named one of the best Christmas Markets of Europe. Colmar's Little Venice district warmly welcomes you, lit-up and brimming with the festive spirit. Dinner is at leisure in the town, with our recommendations.
Today, we have arranged a special culinary experience in Alsace - a region known for its blend of German and French cultures reflected in the art, gastronomy, and quirky traditions. Christmas would not be the same without sampling traditional dishes from around the World. We visit local markets and have a cooking class, followed by lunch (guests may enjoy a different activity if they wish). After an afternoon at leisure, we visit more markets in the city and later regroup for a Michelin-starred dinner at the famous Le 1741, paired with wines from the region.
Today, we bid France adieu and depart for Switzerland. Our first stop in the Helvetic Republic, a town in Basel. With our suggestions and recommendations, we allow for time for lunch at leisure and browse the Christmas market in the town square, rich in character. While in town, we recommend a visit to the cathedral, fully decorated for the celebrations. Our arrival in Bern is scheduled for late afternoon, where we have organized an authentic Fondue dinner with one of our favorite local chefs. Interact while learning about this traditional dish with a festive cocktail in hand.
After a slow start to the morning, our local guide and historian takes us on a private walking tour of Switzerland's capital, which includes food sampling stops along the way. After lunch at leisure, we become acquainted with local ceramic artisans. The region is well known throughout Europe for its handmade ceramics, rich with decorative engobes. The producers are mostly family-run businesses and they use traditional techniques to create small batches of unique pieces. Here, you may very well find the perfect Christmas gifts to take home. We enjoy dinner at leisure, with our recommendations.
After one last languorous morning stroll through the historic streets of Bern, we depart for our last destination. Along the way, we stop at Hutwill, where over the years, the town's Christmas market has become renowned throughout Switzerland and certainly stands out from many others. The exhibitors offer a wide range of unique handmade products, art, Christmas-specific goods, and culinary specialties. All showcased in its welcoming Gingerbread House. After lunch, we continue to Zurich where the rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure.
After a lovely walking tour of Zurich by a local historian, we take a 45 minute trip to Stein Am Rhein. With Gothic architecture is likely to be one of the most ethereal Christmas markets in Europe. Our visit includes a medieval market held in the town's former Benedictine monastery. After the sun sets and we have enjoyed the markets, we make our way back to Zurich. Here, we have our farewell dinner at one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants, paired with a superb selection of wines, of course!
This morning, our hosts and local partners transfer you to Zurich airport or train station. Why not extend your stay in Zurich or beyond Switzerland? Our experts would be delighted to assist with creating an itinerary brimming with more Christmas Markets of Europe. What about another unique experience in Prague, Vienna, Brugges or Paris?
This 17th century former mill used to house the Glacières de Strasbourg, where blocks of ice were produced for shops, breweries and private households all over the region. Production fell as refrigerators became commonplace and finally ended in 1989. That was when Mr Jean-Maurice Scharf, the current owner, acquired the buildings and converted them into what is today The Regent Petite France. The property offers its guests an outstanding experience in a setting that perfectly combines history and modernity. The property is located in the heart of the Petite France. This is the most picturesque part of Strasbourg. Fishermen, millers...
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern is a Juliet-balcony-studded grande dame with welcoming but snazzy interiors. It is steps from the main train station, has views of the Swiss parliament and Alps, lays claim to Bern’s only central spa and rooftop bar – and does Switzerland’s best wiener schnitzel. In situ since 1857, the Schweizerhof occupies one of the best locations in Bern. Bern’s famous stone arcades, which house some excellent independent fashion and art boutiques, and Bärenplatz’s extensive food market are five minutes’ walk away. If the golden stone façade is imposing in scale, the mood inside is boutique. The low-lit lobby-cum-bar...
Welcome to a centuries-old establishment that melds traditional hospitality with polished design-led good looks, occupies an enviable perch on the river in central Zurich. Its pier lends exclusivity, a mood enhanced by the jazz-filled waterside bar. The only hotel on the River Limmat in central Zurich. Storchen strikes up from the water in a peachy collage of leaded windowpanes and striped sunshades. To its rear lie the old town’s elegant rows of designer labels, as well as sleepy square Weinplatz and nearby Gemüsebrucke, which hosts a small farmers’ market on Saturdays. Across the river is the twin-spired Grossmunster, worth climbing...
It was a great Christmas vacation in Spain organized by Art In Voyage where my family from 3 different counties got together to celebrate New Year. We stayed in the center on Madrid and in the hart of Sevilla. Property were carefully chosen to accommodate all 6 people comfortably. Mikael was very attentive to details of daily trips when we venture to explore adjacent towns by car. Toledo, Ronda, Grenada, Cadiz, Cordoba – I cannot believe we managed to see so many beautiful cities in a such short time! Thank you Art In Voyage and our personal tour guide Mikael for this unique experience. Special Thank you comes from Russia and Ukraine: my family will always remember The Very Spaniard Holiday!
All journeys booked before December 31, 2020 are subjected to special, more flexible booking terms and conditions. click here to learn more
All listed retreats (hotels, villas and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. If replaced, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 60 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $150 per person administrative fee.
NEW! Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $150 per person administrative fee.
