Product Code: MT-1891
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15-Day Festive Europe Tour – Discover Holiday Magic with Christmas Markets & Winter Lights in Europe in 2025
Book By 31 January 2025
15-Day Festive Europe Tour – Discover Holiday Magic with Christmas Markets & Winter Lights in Europe in 2025
Experience Europe’s holiday magic on this festive season tour, where Christmas markets and twinkling winter lights bring every destination to life. Begin in London, where a Thames River cruise gives you views of illuminated landmarks, then stroll the cozy holiday markets along the city’s bustling streets. In Paris, wander down elegantly lit boulevards and explore charming neighbourhoods adorned with seasonal décor. Marvel at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Venice’s Rialto Bridge, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, all amid festive surroundings. Venture into the snowy Swiss Alps to revel in panoramic views of lakes and glaciers, and perhaps sample mulled wine or festive treats at a local market. Toast with Munich locals over a holiday brew, and enjoy free days in Paris, Rome, and the Alps to savour Europe’s holiday ambiance at your own pace. Relax in air-conditioned comfort from your coach and count on your dedicated Tour Leader and friendly driver to make this a season to remember.
Return economy flights to London with checked luggage
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
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Welcome to England! Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day. Take in the festive atmosphere as London sparkles with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Stroll past iconic landmarks adorned especially for this festive season.
Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you are likely to depart Australia on Day 0. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
Meals included: N/A
Your first day with the group and the tour leader will start with an orientation tour of Greenwich and cruise along the River Thames. Look out for London’s most famous sights including Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Enjoy the afternoon to explore London on your own or join an optional walking tour (at your own expense) featuring the Highlights of Westminster. Meet up with your fellow travellers in the evening for a group dinner at a traditional local pub.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Depart London after breakfast this morning, cross the English Channel en route to Paris, ‘The City of Lights and Love’. Enjoy a driving tour of the French capital, passing many of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. After the city tour, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the famously electric and historic Latin Quarter. Then travel back to the hotel, experiencing Paris’ world-famous metro system.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Enjoy a full day in Paris to do as you please. Soak up the festive magic of the City of Light during this enchanting season. Stroll along the Seine River, where glittering Christmas lights illuminate the elegant bridges and historic buildings- the Eiffel Tower sparkles even brighter this time of year. Explore the charming Christmas markets, such as the one at Tuileries Garden, brimming with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and cozy mulled wine. Marvel at Paris’ famed architecture adorned with holiday decor, indulge in festive delights at sophisticated cafés, or browse the lavishly decorated windows of luxury stores along Boulevard Haussmann. Your Tour Leader will also have some fantastic optional tours on offer (at your own expense).
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, depart Paris and travel south to Beaune, in the beautiful Burgundy region. After time to explore the town and enjoy a local lunch and wine (not included), take the stunningly scenic drive east across France into Switzerland. Admire the alpine forests, beautiful lakes and dramatic mountains! Arrive in the Swiss Alps – home for the next two days!
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day of free time in Switzerland’s wonderful Alps. The Swiss Alps transform into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with snow-draped peaks, twinkling lights, and charming alpine villages bustling with holiday cheer. Traditional Christmas markets, cozy chalets, and the aroma of spiced mulled wine create an enchanting atmosphere, while skiing, sledding, and scenic train rides offer unforgettable adventures amidst the breathtaking landscapes. Optionally, your tour leader can arrange a full day excursion (at your own expense) to the summit of a Swiss mountain providing panoramic views of valleys, lakes and glaciers.
Meals included: Breakfast
Leave the mountains after early breakfast this morning, as the coach travels south out of Switzerland and into Italy. Stop for the quintessential European photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower of Pisa! The world-famous 840-year-old bell tower is immaculately presented and one of the most popular cultural European landmarks. Next, continue onwards to the exquisite Tuscan region – famous for its rolling hills, wine, food, and medieval towns. Time for a local vino or two!
Meals included: Breakfast
After the short drive into Florence this morning, explore the stunning Renaissance city with your Tour Leader on an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to explore this enchanting city on your own. Then, continue through the Italian countryside to incredible Rome, the 2,300-year-old capital of Italy. Rome during the Christmas season is a captivating experience, offering a mix of festive cheer, religious heritage, and timeless beauty. Explore the heart of the city on your own before joining back up with the group for a relaxed included dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
When in Rome, do as the Romans do- or enjoy you free day Rome as you see fit. Rome is enchanting during the Christmas season, with a blend of festive traditions, religious significance, and historical charm. Rome is famous for its intricately crafted nativity scenes also known as Presepi. Smaller churches to grand St Peter’s Bascillica, and public spaces across the city showcase unique presepi, including life-sized versions. Enjoy some Italian seasonal delights like like panettone, pandoro, and struffoli (honey-coated fritters) are available at local bakeries.
Meals included: Breakfast
Rome city makes way for scenery as the coach travels to Venice. See vineyards, orchards and majestic mountains pass by from your vantage point. On arrival in Venice, your tour leader will introduce the city with an orientation walk. See world-famous St Mark’s Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The evening is free, with hundreds of local restaurants and bars to discover in winding alleys and hidden piazzas. Consider exploring Venice the traditional way – from the canals. Your tour leader can arrange for gondola and water taxi rides for a canal-based perspective of the beautiful palaces, villas and bridges that comprise this very special city.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, set off from Venice for another remarkable journey through some of Europe’s finest scenery. Travel via the Brenner pass and stop in the city of Innsbruck, in the Tyrol region of Austria. Innsbruck transforms into a winter wonderland with its stunning alpine backdrop and festive charm. Innsbruck also celebrates local Christmas customs like Krampus parades, where costumed figures roam the streets in early December (please note timings cannot be guaranteed). We then continue on to Munich which is renowned for its large-scale, festive Christmas celebrations. An orientation tour in Munich will introduce you to the famous Karlsplatz and Marienplatz as well as provide an insight into some of the region’s rich history. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed together at a traditional German beer hall- “prost!”.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Leaving Munich, head to one of the most picturesque areas of Germany along the Rhine River. Enjoy an included lunch and free time to soak up the views and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. Next up, take a stunning cruise along the Rhine River. This part of the valley is home to the most concentrated stretch of castles in Europe! Take in the views of the striking cliffs, medieval castles and historic vineyards along the riverbanks. Afterwards, sample some of the excellent wine varieties of the region with an included tasting experience.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
On arrival into Amsterdam, get acquainted with sightseeing highlights from the water and learn more about this historic city as you cruise along the canals. The rest of the day is free to wander the streets of Amsterdam at your leisure; explore colourful neighbourhoods, sample local food & beers or visit some of the city’s world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Complete your Dutch adventure by joining the final included group dinner this evening in Amsterdam.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Say farewell to Amsterdam and head to the medieval city of Bruges, in Belgium. Enjoy free time to stroll along cobblestone streets, admire historic buildings, stock up on Belgian chocolate or sample a Belgian waffle. After Bruges, it’s time to complete the last leg of the journey back to London. Arrive back in London towards the end of the day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Depending on onward travel timings, enjoy breakfast and farewell your group at the hotel. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your flight home taking with you the festive cheer of Europe.
Note: Due to flight times and scheduling, you may arrive in Australia the following day. Final documents will confirm travel timings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price based on tours starting:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Christmas Markets and Winter Illuminations
Europe during the festive season is a truly magical experience, with enchanting Christmas markets and dazzling winter illuminations bringing towns and cities to life. The crisp air carries the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere. However, travelers should note that the days are colder and shorter during this time, and public Christmas markets and illuminations operate on varying schedules that cannot be guaranteed. Crowds are common, and some shops and museums may have irregular hours or closures. Please keep in mind that itineraries serve as a guide and are subject to change due to these factors.
Itinerary
Our multi-country Europe tours are carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture and beauty of each country. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.
Accommodation
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly driver will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is a range of styles; including hotels, resorts and lodges, generally of a quality 3 star or higher local rating.
Coaches
Our elegant coaches come equipped with safety belts, reclining seats, air-conditioning, onboard toilets, huge windows and plenty of legroom to ensure that your coach tour is a pleasure from the moment you set foot on the bus and throughout your journey.
Tour Leader
Your tour leader will be experienced, friendly and passionate to share each destination with you. They will be on hand to offer suggestions for extra activities, local dining options and more while you are on tour.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature of multi-country Europe travel rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves early starts and several long travel days, with one to two nights in each destination on average. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs directly with the guide.
Fitness
A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. The maximum group size is approximately 48 per vehicle.
Meals
Breakfast at hotels is typically continental buffet style cold dishes and basic hot dishes. Included lunch and dinners are typically authentic meals purposefully chosen to complement the local experience.
Refer to Important Info for details.
Accommodation
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly driver will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is a range of styles, including hotels, resorts, and lodges, generally of a quality 3 star or higher local rating.
Important Information
Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, airport transfers, travel insurance (strongly recommended), optional programs, visas (if required), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A medium level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, larger walking aids or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature of multi-country Europe travel rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves early starts and several long travel days – see the itinerary for distances travelled. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs directly with the guide (at your own expense).
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement froM $1500 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Extend your stay in London with pre- or post-tour accommodation for one or two nights at the same hotel as the main tour, inclusive of breakfast, starting from $360 per room per night. Please note that transfers are not included, the maximum number of nights available to be booked is 2 nights, requests for pre- or post-tour stays cannot be processed within 60 days of departure, and are subject to availability. Standard tour amendment and cancellation fees apply to pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is generally not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Children 10 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation is subject to a fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
Each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Europe for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Accommodation providers typically offer continental buffet style breakfasts with cold dishes and basic hot dishes, and special dietary requirements cannot be requested for breakfast. Included lunch and dinners are typically authentic meals purposefully chosen to complement the local experience. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices, aside from vegetarian, may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation styles including hotels, resorts and lodges are carefully selected to suit the prevailing size of the group. The accommodation may not be located in the city or town centre, but are typically chosen to be near public transport options. Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.
Tipping
Tipping for guides and drivers is discretionary and strongly recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided. It is customary to tip the tour leader and driver at the end of the tour an amount from €5 Euro per person per day.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel surcharges, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 30 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 48 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit.
Coaches
Our elegant coaches come equipped with safety belts, reclining seats, air-conditioning, onboard toilets, huge windows and plenty of legroom to ensure that your coach tour is a pleasure from the moment you set foot on the bus and throughout your journey. Onboard wifi is not available due to the nature of cross country travel.
Tour Extensions
Packaged tour extensions must be booked at least 10 months before departure or before flights are issued.
Optional Programs
A list of optional programs will be provided on your final documentation or during the tour. Optional programs must be booked directly with the guide and paid in the local currency.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-1891
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