Experience the European Christmas Markets with New Friends!

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

Overall Trip Highlights

• Expert-Led Tours: Discover Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna’s stories with seasoned local guides.
• Magical Christmas Markets: Savor mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade ornaments at Europe’s finest.
• Iconic Palaces & Fortresses: Marvel at Munich Residenz, Hohensalzburg, and Schönbrunn’s imperial grandeur.
• Classical Performances: Enjoy Mozart’s legacy and live concerts in historical settings.
• Architectural Treasures: Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Baroque halls, and elegant boulevards.
• Gourmet Experiences: Feast on schnitzel, Bavarian classics, and centuries-old culinary traditions.
• Scenic Rail Journeys: Relax as alpine views and rolling hills unfold outside your window.
• World-Class Art: Encounter masterpieces at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. 
• Seasonal Traditions: Embrace medieval fairs, modern festivals, and timeless holiday customs.
• Lasting Memories: Form new friendships, celebrate special moments, and cherish this festive adventure

Day One: Welcome to Munich!

Step into the festive magic of Munich, where history and holiday cheer blend seamlessly. Our adventure kicks off with an exploration of Marienplatz, the heart of the city since 1158, renowned for its stunning Neues Rathaus and the enchanting Glockenspiel, which reenacts stories from the 16th century. After soaking in the medieval charm, we gather for a cozy welcome dinner, setting the perfect tone for the exciting days ahead.

Highlights

• Arrival in Munich: Receive a warm welcome and transfer to a centrally located hotel.
• Stroll through festive streets: Immerse yourself in Munich’s holiday atmosphere.
• Welcome dinner: Savor Bavarian cuisine and meet fellow travelers in a cozy setting.

Day Two: Munich Walking Tour and the First Christmas Market!

We begin our day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, setting a steady pace for the day ahead. Our private guide then leads us through Munich’s historic center, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing insights into the city’s past. Midway, we pause at Viktualienmarkt, where we sample local street food—fresh pretzels, savory sausages, and other Bavarian favorites—before continuing on to Marienplatz.

At Marienplatz, the atmosphere shifts as we enter the famed Christmas Market. The Glockenspiel marks the square’s center, while the surrounding stalls offer holiday crafts, handmade ornaments, and seasonal treats. It’s a vibrant scene, blending tradition and festive energy in the heart of the city.

As evening approaches, we head to the iconic Hofbräuhaus. Here, hearty Bavarian dishes and locally brewed beer await, served in a lively hall filled with music and conversation. Finally, we ascend the Munich Town Hall observation deck to end the day with panoramic views of the city’s rooftops, lit softly by the glow of the season’s festivities.

Highlights

• Delicious Breakfast: Enjoy a relaxed start to the day with a meal at the hotel.
• Guided Walking Tour: Discover Munich’s history and key landmarks with an expert guide.
• Viktualienmarkt Lunch: Taste authentic Bavarian street food in a bustling market setting.
• Marienplatz & Christmas Market: Immerse yourself in a festive tradition filled with holiday treats and crafts.
• Glockenspiel: Witness this iconic mechanical show that has entertained visitors for generations.
• Traditional Bavarian Dinner at Hofbräuhaus: Indulge in authentic cuisine and local brews in a famed beer hall.
• Munich Town Hall Observation Deck: Take in panoramic views of the city to wrap up the day’s exploration.

Day Three: Royal Treasures & Medieval Festivities

After a hearty morning meal at our stylish hotel, we set out to explore one of Munich’s grandest landmarks—the Munich Residenz. Inside this vast palace, ornate halls and intricately decorated chambers showcase centuries of royal wealth and power. Just beyond its doors, the Residenz’s Alpine-themed Christmas Village awaits, offering festive treats like Glühwein and Bratwurst against a backdrop of charming wooden stalls.

Our afternoon transports us further back in time at the Medieval Christmas Fair. Wander through rows of costumed merchants selling handcrafted wares and roasting meats over open flames. With the day’s main explorations complete by mid-afternoon, we return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, leaving time to explore nearby shops or simply unwind.

As the evening descends, we unwind at our hotel restaurant, enjoying delicious pinsas and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a relaxed and cozy way to end the day, savoring the flavors of Munich while reminiscing about the day’s adventures in great company.

Highlights

• Munich Residenz: Discover Bavaria’s largest palace, adorned with opulent halls and royal treasures.
• Residenz Christmas Village: Enjoy seasonal specialties in an Alpine-inspired setting.
• Medieval Christmas Fair: Step into a historic atmosphere with costumed vendors, hearty fare, and handcrafted goods.

Day Four: From Munich’s Green Oasis to Salzburg’s Cultural Heart

We begin our final morning in Munich by gathering for a satisfying breakfast, fueling up for the day’s journey. After checking out and bidding the city farewell, we venture into the English Garden. Here, the quiet winter landscape contrasts beautifully with the unexpected thrill of surfers tackling the Eisbach wave—an unforgettable snapshot of Munich’s vibrant spirit.

By midday, we board the train for Salzburg, watching as Bavaria’s gently rolling hills give way to Austria’s scenic splendor. Arriving in Salzburg, we settle into our new accommodations and take time to relax. Soon, we’re off to explore Getreidegasse, the storied street lined with timeless shop signs and cultural landmarks, including the birthplace of Mozart. The evening concludes with a memorable dinner, savoring contemporary Austrian flavors amid a welcoming, historic ambiance.

Highlights

• English Garden: Enjoy a peaceful winter stroll and catch a glimpse of daring Eisbach surfers.
• Transfer to Salzburg: Traverse picturesque landscapes on a relaxing train journey from Bavaria into Austria.
• Getreidegasse Street & Mozart’s Birthplace: Wander a charming historic lane and visit the home where one of the world’s greatest composers began his legacy.

Day Five: Salzburg’s Hilltop Fortress & Historic Tastes

We begin the day gathered for breakfast, savoring a variety of fresh options to fuel our exploration. Soon after, a guided walking tour leads us through Salzburg’s storied streets—past Mozart’s birthplace, the elegant Mirabell Gardens, and the city’s Old Town, rich with baroque architecture and centuries of musical heritage.

As midday approaches, we ascend to Salzburg Fortress for lunch at the Festung Restaurant. Here, a meal shared against the panorama of Alps and rooftops sets the tone for the afternoon. With time dedicated to exploring Hohensalzburg Fortress itself, we take in the fortress museum, admire the medieval architecture, and gaze out over the city spread below.

Later, we venture into the Salzburg Christmas Market at Cathedral Square, where twinkling lights and seasonal aromas create a timeless holiday ambiance. As evening falls, we step back into history at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. Known as Europe’s oldest restaurant, it blends tradition and warm hospitality—an unforgettable finale to a day steeped in Salzburg’s culture and charm.

Highlights

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Venture inside one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortifications and enjoy sweeping city views.
• Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg: Uncover centuries of history, music, and architectural grandeur in the Old Town and beyond.
• Dinner at Europe’s Oldest Restaurant: Dine where tradition runs deep and stories linger in every corner, completing a day rich in heritage and flavor.

Day Six: Arrival in Vienna & A Royal Celebration

After savoring a final breakfast together, we bid farewell to Salzburg and embark on a scenic train journey to Vienna. The Austrian countryside glides by as we relax, reflect on the past days, and anticipate new experiences in the capital city.

Upon arriving in Vienna, we settle into our stylish accommodations, taking a moment to unwind before the evening’s grand occasion. Tonight, we experience the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, beginning with a guided tour that reveals its opulent interiors and transports us back to a time of royal splendor. As the sun sets, we dine in the elegant surroundings before moving on to the Orangery to enjoy a classical concert steeped in Vienna’s rich musical legacy. It’s a magnificent evening that perfectly captures the essence of the city’s culture and history.

Highlights

• Transfer to Vienna: Journey through picturesque Austrian landscapes en route to the capital city.
• Schönbrunn Palace Tour: Explore imperial opulence and timeless architecture in the grand former summer residence of the Habsburgs.
• Dinner and Concert at Schönbrunn Palace Orangery: Savor fine cuisine and immerse yourself in classical music at one of Vienna’s most iconic settings.

Day Seven: Vienna’s Regal Charm & Festive Cheer

We begin the morning with a shared breakfast, ensuring we’re well-prepared for a day that delves deep into Vienna’s cultural and historical heart. Setting out with our guide, we wander past imperial grandeur, ornate palaces, and century-old cafés, arriving at St. Stephen’s Cathedral—its towering Gothic spire a symbol of the city’s storied past. A pause for Viennese coffee allows us to savor the city’s time-honored coffeehouse tradition.

After the tour, the Christmas Village at St. Stephen’s Square awaits with its festive stalls and spirited energy. Surrounded by handcrafted ornaments and seasonal delicacies, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the holiday mood. We refuel over a classic Viennese lunch at Figlmüller, indulging in their renowned Wiener Schnitzel, before continuing on to St. Peter’s Church, a baroque gem whose interior rivals some of Europe’s finest. The Austrian National Library impresses next, with the State Hall’s marble statues and thousands of ancient volumes creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.

As evening falls, our day concludes at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market. The glow of twinkling lights against Vienna’s City Hall sets a magical scene, immersing us once again in festive warmth. With mulled wine in hand and the scent of gingerbread in the air, we reflect on the city’s grand past and joyful present, cherishing the memories created in this timeless setting.

Highlights

• Guided Walking Tour of Vienna: Explore historic sites including the Hofburg Palace and Albertina, and immerse yourself in Viennese coffee culture.
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Admire one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, a Gothic masterpiece at the city’s core.
• Christmas Village at St. Stephen’s Square: Browse handcrafted gifts and savor seasonal treats beneath the cathedral’s spire.
• Lunch at Figlmüller: Taste the original Wiener Schnitzel in a renowned Viennese setting.
• St. Peter’s Church & Austrian National Library: Experience baroque splendor in both sacred and scholarly spaces.
• Rathausplatz Christmas Market: End the day in a festive wonderland, with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and the joyful hum of holiday cheer.

Day Eight: A Grand Finale in Vienna’s Cultural Heart

Your final day together begins over breakfast, as we reflect on the unforgettable moments that brought us here. The morning takes us to the Spanish Riding School, where we witness the graceful Lipizzaner stallions in their morning training session. Watching these magnificent horses and their riders practice the art of classical dressage is a truly unique experience, offering a glimpse into centuries-old equestrian traditions.

Next, we step into the grandeur of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, immersing ourselves in galleries that celebrate the world’s artistic masters. The museum’s opulent halls and priceless artworks remind us of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Vienna.

A short stroll brings us to Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market, where we savor the festive ambiance one last time. Surrounded by beautifully decorated stalls and the aroma of warm seasonal treats, we take in the magic of the holiday season, knowing these moments will linger in our memories.

As the day winds down, we return to our hotel to pack and prepare for a final evening to remember. We gather for a farewell dinner in the heart of Vienna, sharing our favorite stories, reminiscing about unexpected adventures, and toasting to new friendships formed along the way. It’s a perfect way to conclude our journey, filled with culture, discovery, and the warmth of shared experiences.

Highlights

• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Admire a world-class collection of art, from old masters to Austrian icons.
• Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market: Enjoy a final taste of Vienna’s festive holiday spirit.
• Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the journey and the bonds formed, raising a glass to the memories that will accompany you long after you depart.

Day Nine: Departure Day

On our last day, we savor a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made throughout our journey. We take last group photos, capturing the friendships formed during this magical trip. As we head to the Vienna airport by shuttle, we say heartfelt goodbyes to our new friends, knowing that the bonds created will last a lifetime. Our hearts full, we depart for the USA, taking with us the joy and warmth of this incredible adventure.

Highlights

• Final Breakfast: Enjoy one last delicious breakfast at the hotel.
• Group Photos: Capture memories with new friends in farewell photos.
• Heartfelt Goodbyes: Say goodbye to newfound friends and travel companions.
• Departure: Fly back to the USA, carrying the joy and warmth of the trip.

Note: This itinerary serves as a general guide to what we will be doing, seeing, and eating, with the final version provided approximately two weeks prior. The published itinerary is an example and may be adjusted to include accommodations, tours, or restaurants of comparable quality to ensure the best experience.