Skip to main content
EF Ultimate Break logo
EF Ultimate Break logo
Loading MKGB

Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland

10 days, 4 cities  |  From $2,489 before flights  |  Estimated biweekly payments as low as $75

Trip type
Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

41
Activity level

Which trip style is right for you?

Essential: Room with 3+ other travelers in conveniently located hostels. For social butterflies who thrive on meeting other people.

Plus: Stay with just one other person in 3 or 4-star hotels. Perfect for couples or anyone who enjoys recharging in their own space.

Why go?

What do you get when you combine picturesque Venetian canals, hilltop Bavarian castles, snow-capped Swiss mountain ranges, and bustling Christmas markets? Some would say this trip and, sure, they’d be right. But what do you really get? A Christmas-time fairytale.

What you'll get

  • Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)
  • 8 nights in handpicked accommodations
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners
  • Expert Tour Director
  • 24/7 support from our travel gurus
  • 3 insider city tours with local guides
  • Trips to Christmas markets in each destination

Picture yourself

  • Riding in a gondola through the canals of Venice
  • Yodeling from atop the majestic Swiss Alps
  • Raising a toast inside one of Munich’s legendary beer halls
  • Living a fairytale on the balcony of a hilltop castle
  • Snapping selfies in front of bright and festive holiday lights

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Pack your appetite for adventure (and pasta) and board your overnight flight to Italy. This is the time to rest up—new countries, cultures, and cuisines await.

Day 2: Arrive in Venice + Welcome Dinner

Benvenuto (welcome) to the Venice Region, otherwise known as Veneto. Once one of the richest and largest maritime trade empires in the world, the sheer number of canals, bridges, and boats should come as no surprise. You’ll drop off your bags, stretch your legs, then venture over to an authentic neighborhood on the western side of Venice.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today’s highlights
  • Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
  • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
  • Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.
  • Travel to and tour the Santa Margherita neighborhood of Venice.
Travel questions?

Chat with a Trip Expert!

1-800-766-2645
Monday–Thursday, 9am–7pm ET
Friday, 9am–5:30pm ET

Accommodations

We handpick every accommodation and focus on locations and properties where local culture is at your doorstep. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used properties for this tour.

Skip to end of carousel

Anda Hostel

This one-of-a kind design hostel is located in Mestre with easy access to the heart of Venice. Guests enjoy modern accommodations, an onsite bar and Anda-hosted parties. Nearby you'll find cocktail bars, gelato shops and the...

Ski Lodge Engelberg

This mountain hostel is located in the center of Engelberg. Guests enjoy a cozy atmostphere, onsite restaurant, and lively bar. Nearby you'll find mountain shops, a 12th-century monastery and Mount Titlis.

Meininger Salzburg

This modern hostel is located in central Salzburg. Guests enjoy ensuite bathrooms, free internet, and a bar onsite. Nearby you'll find Rockhouse Salzburg, ZIB shopping centre and picturesque Kapunzinerberg mountain.

Skip to start of carousel

Flights

When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.

Perks of booking flights with us

  • Round-trip flights
  • Airport transfers to and from accommodations
  • Ability to pay for flights over time
  • Major international airlines only
  • 24/7 support in case of changes or delays
  • Locked-in price at booking
  • Flexibility for pre- or post-trip travel

Learn more

Traveler photos

Loading photos

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

Overall rating based on 41 traveler ratings

Showing 1-6 of 40 traveler reviews

Skip to page selector
Don’t waste your money do it on your own

2 out of 5 stars

4th-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Dec 2024

It is a good intentions itinerary and activities. There are several reasons why not to book with EF for this tour. 1. Going to very populated cities for Christmas markets and so is everyone else. Most of the markets are so full you can hardly move in them, which isn’t...

Ultimate Break

Thanks for sending this over! Good to know you would have liked more info on what to expect from the markets and the hotels. It's...

4 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Dec 2024

10/10 BOOK THIS TRIP!!

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Kersten, traveled in Dec 2024

This was my first trip with EF and I loved it! I just got back home yesterday and have already booked another trip if that tells you how much I enjoyed it. It was a nice mix of planned activities and free time. Tyson was a great tour director with lots of knowledge and great...

Best Decision Ever

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Morgan, traveled in Dec 2024

I was on the fence about the trip in general but bucked up the courage to go… and I am so thankful I went. Met so many beautiful and amazing people in my group, seen so many wonderful sights and ate a ton of delicious food! Georgia was the best of the best tour guides, and...

Incredible First Trip With EF

4 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Dec 2024

Wish I could give this 4.5 stars because it was so close to perfect. Overall, this trip was an incredible experience and, while it may sound cliché, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our tour director, Georgia, was exemplary, offering incredible insights on what to do during our...

Christmas markets around Europe

4 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler samantha, traveled in Dec 2024

This trip was amazing I was so happy to see all of the most beautiful places ever and Georgia was excellent I really enjoyed everything about it. Only things that sucked at times were room sizes with multiple people but that’s to be expected.

EF Ultimate Break

So glad you had a great time! If the rooming wasn't it for you, maybe look into some plus trips next time!

Skip to start of list

Showing 1–6 of 40 reviews

FAQ

Select trip date

DateTrip typePrice
2025
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
Essential
$2,489
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
Essential
$2,489
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
2026
Essential
$2,489
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919
Essential
$2,489
Plus
$2,919