A European Honeymoon: 12 Days of Christmas Time Magic

  • Day 1: Paris, France
    1 hour flight from Amsterdam
    4 hours(310km) from Brussels

    Begin your honeymoon adventure in the romantic city of Paris. Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower, stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre, and indulge in the French cuisine at a cozy bistro. Be sure to visit La Grand Roue, the giant Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde, for a breathtaking view of the city lights.

  • Day 2: Brussels, Belgium
    1.5-hour train (320 km) from Paris

    Explore the beautiful and historic city of Brussels. Visit the famous Atomium, Grand Place, and Manneken Pis for some great photo opportunities. Enjoy some of the world-famous Belgian chocolates and waffles while taking in the festive Christmas markets.

  • Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands
    2.5-hour train (200 km) from Brussels

    Experience the unique culture and charm of Amsterdam. Take a boat tour through the canals, explore the Rijksmuseum, and visit Anne Frank’s house for a historical perspective. Enjoy the spectacular Amsterdam Light Festival, which starts every year at the end of November.

  • Day 4: Frankfurt, Germany
    3-hour train (450 km) from Amsterdam

    Head to the city of Frankfurt to experience one of the oldest and most famous German Christmas markets. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and try some traditional schnitzels, sausages, and mulled wine. Be sure to visit St. Paul's Church, the Römerberg, and the Main Tower observation deck for an unforgettable view of the city.

  • Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria
    4-hour train (500 km) from Frankfurt

    Make your way to the scenic city of Innsbruck, nestled in the picturesque Austrian Alps. Take a cable car up to the top of Nordkette for a breathtaking view of the mountains and enjoy some traditional Austrian food and drinks at the Christmas market. Make sure to visit the famous Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, and the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum.

  • Day 6: Salzburg, Austria
    1.5-hour train (185 km) from Innsbruck

    Visit the charming city of Salzburg, famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for “The Sound of Music”. Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and Salzburg Cathedral. Be sure to check out the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the world.

  • Day 7: Vienna, Austria
    2.5-hour train (300 km) from Salzburg

    Experience the imperial grandeur of Vienna, the capital of Austria. Visit the stunning Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera. Check out the beautiful Christmas markets on Rathausplatz and Karlsplatz, where you can find everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious Austrian treats.

  • Day 8: Prague, Czech Republic
    4-hour train (380 km) from Vienna

    Travel to Prague, the historic and charming city known for its beautiful architecture and old-world charm. Walk across the beautiful Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, and explore the beautiful Old Town. Be sure to visit the Christmas markets located in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, which offer beautiful handcrafted gifts and local food and drinks.

  • Day 9: Dresden, Germany
    2.5-hour train (150 km) from Prague

    Make your way to the beautiful city of Dresden, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful Christmas markets. Visit the famous Frauenkirche, stroll through the Zwinger Palace, and explore the city's many museums. Don't miss the Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany.

  • Day 10: Berlin, Germany
    2.5-hour train (190 km) from Dresden

    Visit the dynamic and vibrant city of Berlin, known for its rich history and world-class cultural offerings. Visit the famous Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Holocaust Memorial. Be sure to visit the beautiful Christmas market in Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most popular markets in the city.

  • Day 11: Copenhagen, Denmark
    6-hour train (320 km) from Berlin

    Experience the magic of Copenhagen during the festive Christmas period. Visit the famous Little Mermaid statue, stroll through the colorful Nyhavn Harbor, and explore the beautiful Tivoli Gardens, which transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Enjoy some traditional Danish cuisine and drinks at the Christmas Market in Tivoli, one of the most popular markets in the city.

  • Day 12: Oslo, Norway
    8-hour train or 2-hour flight (650 km) from Copenhagen

    End your honeymoon adventure in the picturesque and charming city of Oslo, Norway. Enjoy a winter wonderland experience at the Christmas market in Spikersuppa, where you can find everything from local craft and food to winter activities. Visit the famous Viking Ship Museum and take a walk in the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Paris Eiffel Tower (2 hours, €25)
  • Brussels Grand Place (1 hour, €10)
  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise (2 hours, €20)
  • Frankfurt Christmas Market (3 hours, €20)
  • Innsbruck Nordkette Cable Car (3 hours, €40)
  • Salzburg Salzburger Christkindlmarkt (2 hours, €15)
  • Vienna Hofburg Palace (2 hours, €20)
  • Prague Old Town Square (2 hours, €15)
  • Dresden Frauenkirche (1 hour, €10)
  • Berlin Brandenburg Gate (2 hours, €10)
  • Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens (3 hours, €35)
  • Oslo Viking Ship Museum (2 hours, €15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €215

Transportation

You will travel between the cities mainly by train, which is generally the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation. You can book your train tickets in advance online or purchase them directly at the train stations. Expect travel times between 1-5 hours depending on the distance. Keep in mind that some routes may require transfers or train changes. Flights can also be an option, but keep in mind the additional time required to get to and from the airport as well as increased costs compared to train travel.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Munich, Germany or Krakow, Poland for some additional Christmas markets and festive charm. If you have less time, consider skipping Brussels or Dresden and spending more time in other cities. Keep in mind that the Christmas markets typically run from late November through early January, so plan accordingly.

Airports

The Schiphol Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam is a major international airport and a hub for many airlines. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) are both major international airports with numerous connections to other European destinations. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) are also major airports in the region. Expect travel times between the airports and city centers to range from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the location.

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