Dating as far back as the 1400s, Christmas Markets in Europe have been providing locals and foreigners with Christmas light shows, concerts, apple cider, gluhwein, local sweets, traditional dishes, and Christmas trees that put Rockefeller Center's spruce to shame! This year, we fill your festive cheer with candles, carols, and snowflakes (hopefully) in France and Switzerland. Picture yourself sipping on hot mulled wine as you wander past heavenly market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship, and mesmerizing city backdrops. We invite you to join us in discovering the fairy-tale festiveness of the most charming Christmas destinations in Europe!
There is nothing quite like the festive season in Europe! Picture charming wooden chalets in 13th-century towns, snow-capped cathedrals, and market stalls filling medieval town squares. In addition to having several dinners and tours included throughout the journey, our host and shopping expert will point out hidden gems and advise you on finding the perfect gifts.
Christmas Markets are as much part of Europe’s history as their royals or castles. Seeing these sites in winter is an absolute treat, with culture showcased in the form of traditional displays, performances, and outfits. Join us in exploring a winter wonderland filled with charm, festivity, and the most exclusive shopping opportunities.
Today, after a private transfer from the airport or train station, we invite you to unwind and settle in what will be your home for the next 3 nights. Once settled and after a light lunch at leisure, we dig right into...pastry. We have arranged an exclusive class with famed pastry Chef Thierry Mulhaupt, who will show us how to make gingerbread and the famous Christmas Tarte folle. After hard labor comes the reward. We have then organized a welcome spa treatment at the property, followed by a night tour of the markets, some hot wine, and a traditional welcome Alsace dinner.
This morning, we meet up with our local tour guide for a private walking tour of Strasbourg and its capital. Lunch is at leisure, after which we depart for Colmar, which is considered by some as 'the Disneyland of Christmas'. We are expected in there mid-afternoon where a local historian gives us a quick 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 welcomes you, illuminated and ready for a festive evening. Dinner is at leisure in town, with our recommendations.
Today, we have organized a special culinary day 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 trying traditional dishes from around the World. To that effect, we put you to work with a visit to local markets and a cooking class, followed by lunch (guests may skip the class and enjoy a different activity). After an afternoon at leisure to visit more of the markets and the city, we regroup for a Michelin-starred dinner at the famous Le 1741, which is served with excellent wines from the region.
We bid farewell to France and make our way to Switzerland today. Our first stop in the Helvetic republic is the town of Basel. With our suggestions and recommendations, we allow time for you to enjoy lunch at leisure and browse the idiosyncratic Christmas market in the town square. While in town, we recommend a visit to its cathedral, fully decorated for the celebration. 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 and learn about this traditional dish while enjoying seasonal cocktails.
After a slow start of the morning, our local guide and historian takes us on a private walking tour of Switzerland's capital, which includes food tasting stops along the way. After lunch at leisure, we meet up with local ceramic artisans. The region is well known throughout Europe for handmade ceramics with rich decorative engobes. The producers, mostly family businesses, use traditional techniques to create small batches and unique pieces. There, you may very well find some perfect Christmas gifts to take home. Tonight, dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
After one last stroll at leisure through the historic streets of Bern (or late morning), we depart for our last destination. Along the way, we stop in Hutwill. Over the years, this town's Christmas market has become well known throughout Switzerland as it stands out from many others. The exhibitors offer a wide range of unique handmade products, art, Christmas-specific goods, and culinary specialties, and showcased in the welcoming Gingerbread House. After lunch, we continue onto Zurich where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
After a lovely walking tour of Zurich by a local historian, we make our way, 45 minutes away, to Stein Am Rhein. With its medieval architecture is probably one of the prettiest Christmas Markets of Europe. Our visit includes a medieval market held in the town's former Benedictine monastery. After sunset and some time spent enjoying the markets at night, we make our way back to Zurich where we hold our farewell dinner at one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants, which of course, includes a superb selection of wines.
This morning, our hosts and local partners transfer you to Zurich airport or train station. Yet, why not extend your stay in Zurich or beyond Switzerland? Our experts would be delighted to assist with creating an itinerary for more Christmas Markets of Europe or something completely different and unique. How about 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 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.
