Christmas Markets Of Europe
Featuring France and Switzerland

Strasbourg, Basel, Bern, & Zurich
December 01 - 08, 2024
7 Nights
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3 Home bases
5 Destinations
Light
Activity level
Premium
Service level
Group size : 6
3 Home bases
5 Destinations
Group size : 6

Small and Intimate journey with a maximum of 6 guests traveling through some of the most iconic and memorable Christmas Markets in Europe. 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! In addition to an abundance of festive cheer with candles, and carols in France and Switzerland, we promise memorable culinary experiences along the way with some of our favorite eateries, serving local and authentic cuisine. Envision yourself sipping hot mulled wine as you wander past ornate market stalls and pay tribute to old-world traditions, local craftsmanship, and mesmerizing city backdrops. Come and Join us on the fun discovery of the fairy-tale festivities at some of the most charming Christmas destinations in Europe.

What is Included

Nights
3 nights in Strasbourg - 5 stars

2 nights in Bern - 5 stars

2 nights in Zurich - 5 stars

Meals
7 traditional breakfasts

1 lunch (with a cooking class)

4 dinners (2 at Michelin-starred restaurants)
including wine pairings


Activities
Private walking tours of Strasbourg, Colmar, Bern and Zurich

1 Spa & Massage experience (60 minutes)

Tickets to all sites visited with a private guide

Unlimited Christmas Markets experiences

1 traditional cooking class with lunch

And More
Private airport/train station transfers in Strasbourg and Zurich

Services of a journey host & professional local guides throughout

Luxury transportation throughout

Assistance with the packing and shipping of your treasures

All taxes

Highlights

Best Time of The Year

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.

Culture and History

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.

Itinerary

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
|The itinerary as presented may need to be modified from time to time to address possible logistical and weather challenges.
The itinerary as presented may need to be modified from time to time to address possible logistical and weather challenges.
Welcome to Strasbourg, France

Day 1- Welcome to Strasbourg, France

Day 1 : Welcome to Strasbourg, France

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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. Your arrival being at leisure, we have not planned any activities for the day, yet, 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 paired with some of their regional wines.

Colmar & Alsace Small Villages

Day 2- Colmar & Alsace Small Villages

Day 2 : Colmar & Alsace Small Villages

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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.

Alsace Traditional & Modern Cuisine

Day 3- Alsace Traditional & Modern Cuisine

Day 3 : Alsace Traditional & Modern Cuisine

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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.

Basel & Bern, Switzerland

Day 4- Basel & Bern, Switzerland

Day 4 : Basel & Bern, Switzerland

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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.

Bern Christmas Markets & History

Day 5- Bern Christmas Markets & History

Day 5 : Bern Christmas Markets & History

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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.

To Zurich We Go

Day 6- To Zurich We Go

Day 6 : To Zurich We Go

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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.

Towns & Traditions of Switzerland

Day 7- Towns & Traditions of Switzerland

Day 7 : Towns & Traditions of Switzerland

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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!

There Is Always More..

Day 8- There Is Always More..

Day 8 : There Is Always More..

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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?

Accommodations

Regent Petite France Hotel & Spa

Strasbourg, France

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...

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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 and tanners once lived and worked in this neighborhood built on the water. The magnificent half-timbered houses date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their sloping roofs open onto attics where skins used to be dried.

Junior Suite | Bern
Charming room | Bern

Hotel Schweizerhof

Bern, Switzerland

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...

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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 – a decorous arrangement of Patrician portraits, Murano glass installations and snug seating areas – bustles with the chatter of locals. Along olive-toned corridors linger Art Nouveau-style velvet seating, oversized orchids and arty canvases depicting shots of the city.

Classic River View | Zurich

Storchen Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

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...

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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 for its 360-degree views.

Your Host

Mikael Audebert
Mikael Audebert
Founder & CEO
Creative Director

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What is Included

Nights
3 nights in Strasbourg - 5 stars

2 nights in Bern - 5 stars

2 nights in Zurich - 5 stars

Meals
7 traditional breakfasts

1 lunch (with a cooking class)

4 dinners (2 at Michelin-starred restaurants)
including wine pairings


Activities
Private walking tours of Strasbourg, Colmar, Bern and Zurich

1 Spa & Massage experience (60 minutes)

Tickets to all sites visited with a private guide

Unlimited Christmas Markets experiences

1 traditional cooking class with lunch

And More
Private airport/train station transfers in Strasbourg and Zurich

Services of a journey host & professional local guides throughout

Luxury transportation throughout

Assistance with the packing and shipping of your treasures

All taxes

What guests have said

TASTE OF SPAIN
Quote

Elvira

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!

January 2020
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Important Information

Good to know
All listed activities are optional in attendance.

Additional daily trips and excursions may be arranged for a small supplement.

Gratuity is not included and always optional.

Travel insurance is recommended.
Smallprint

Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.

All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.

Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.

Deposit non refundable in case of a cancellation by the guest more that 24 hours after making the reservation.

In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.

How about extending?
Come early, or leave late. Allow our experts to customize a pre- or post- extension to your journey. For this journey, we recommend Brugges, Paris, Prague or Vienna. Just let us know when securing your journey with us.
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Exclusive Experiences

Christmas Markets Of Europe

December 01 - 08, 2024

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Christmas Markets Of Europe

December 01 - 08, 2024

Get added to the wait list for Christmas Markets Of Europe should a room open up on this departure.

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Find out more about Christmas Markets Of Europe

  • If you’re excited about this journey but unable to join us for these dates, why not allow us to privatize this experience for your travel party? Simply complete the form below indicating the date range you prefer, and we will customize this itinerary to suit your needs.
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  • Although not required, we would reach out should we be unable to get through by email.
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