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Enchanting Christmas Markets: A Rail Journey Through France and Austria

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Day 1: Paris Christmas Magic

Paris, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Begin your French Christmas journey with a delightful breakfast at Angelina, famous for its rich hot chocolate and pastries.
Walk to Place de la Concorde and enjoy the beautiful morning views.
EUR20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Christmas Market at Champs-Elysées

Stroll down the famous Champs-Elysées, immersing in the festive atmosphere and browsing delightful wooden chalets filled with handmade gifts.
Metro Line 1 to Champs-Élysées - Clémenceau.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Indulge in a classic French lunch with their famous steak-frites and secret sauce.
Walk to the restaurant nearby.
EUR35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral

After lunch, visit the iconic cathedral and enjoy the festive decorations in the vicinity.
Metro Line 4 to Cité.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Cafe de Flore

Warm up with a cup of coffee at this historic café, a favorite of many famous writers.
Take a short walk to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
EUR8, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit the Christmas Market at La Défense

Head to La Défense for one of the largest Christmas markets with over 300 chalets.
RER Line A from Châtelet to La Défense.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Les Fines Gueules

Enjoy a gourmet dinner at this cozy bistro, featuring classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
Metro Line 1 back to central Paris.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Reims Sparkle

Reims, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast spread.
Check out and head to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Reims

Catch a short train ride to Reims, the heart of Champagne country.
Take the train from Gare de l'Est to Reims.
EUR25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Reims Christmas Market

Explore the charming market featuring local Champagne, food, and crafts set against the backdrop of beautiful city lights.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Brasserie Excelsior

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with a variety of traditional French dishes and a glass of local Champagne.
Short walk to the brasserie.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Reims Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where French kings were traditionally crowned.
Walk to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tour a Champagne cellar

Experience a guided tour of a local Champagne house, complete with tastings of their finest brews.
Book a tour online in advance.
EUR30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Enjoy the festive lights

Stroll through the illuminated streets of Reims and enjoy the festive decor.
Walk around the city center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Millénaire

Savor a delectable dinner with seasonal ingredients at this highly recommended restaurant.
A short walk from the market.
EUR55, 2 hours
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Day 3: Strasbourg Delight

Strasbourg, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Campanile

Start your day with a balanced breakfast at your hotel before heading into Strasbourg.
Check out, head to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Strasbourg

Take a scenic journey to Strasbourg, known as the capital of Christmas.
Take the train from Reims to Strasbourg.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Strasbourg Christmas Market

Wander through the multiple markets located in the historic center, filled with artisanal goods and festive treats.
Walk from the train station to the market area.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Corde à Linge

Enjoy Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée at this quirky restaurant.
Close walk from the market area.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this famous cathedral, housed nearby the markets.
Short walk to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Take a river cruise

Relax on a canal cruise through Strasbourg's enchanting old town, beautifully lit up for the holidays.
Board the river cruise near the Cathedral.
EUR18, 1 hour

5:00PM

Continue exploring markets

Return to the markets for more shopping and enjoy some mulled wine.
Walk among the stalls.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Black & Wine

Indulge in a delicious dinner with a view of the Strasbourg Cathedral.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Strasbourg

Day 4: Mulhouse Wonders

Mulhouse, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before traveling to Mulhouse.
Check out and go to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Mulhouse

Embark on a train journey to Mulhouse, famous for its textile heritage.
Take the train from Strasbourg to Mulhouse.
EUR20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Mulhouse Christmas Market

Delve into the local market, offering artisanal crafts and delicious baked goods.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Tilleul

Relish a cozy lunch with local dishes at this popular spot.
Short walk from the market.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Cité de l'Automobile

Tour the world’s largest automotive museum, a unique experience in Mulhouse.
Take a tram or ride-sharing service to the museum.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Mulhouse's Old Town

Stroll through the quaint streets and architecture, soaking in the holiday ambiance.
Walk around the city center.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Au Pied de Cochon

Finish your day with a hearty meal of traditional Alsatian food.
Short walk from the Old Town.
EUR35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mulhouse

Day 5: Zurich's Charm

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kyriad

Enjoy a warm breakfast before departing for Zurich.
Check out and head to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Zurich

Take the train across the picturesque Swiss countryside to Zurich.
Travel from Mulhouse to Zurich by train.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Zurich Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the largest Christmas market in Switzerland, located in the Old Town.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Swiss Chuchi

Savor the flavors of Switzerland with a delicious cheese fondue for lunch.
Short walk from the market.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll along Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely walk by the lakeside, enjoying the sparkling views.
Head to the lakeside from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Learn about Swiss cultural history in this renowned museum, showcasing various exhibitions.
Take public transport to the museum.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy a coffee and their famous Luxemburgerli macarons at this iconic pastry house.
Walk to the café.
EUR10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

Indulge in hearty Swiss dishes at this charming restaurant with a historical setting.
Short walk from the café.
EUR45, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 6: Innsbruck Arrival

Innsbruck, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast before checking out.
Check out and go to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Innsbruck

Travel through the stunning Tyrolean Alps on your way to Innsbruck.
Train from Zurich to Innsbruck.
EUR35, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Innsbruck Christmas Market

Discover the local market set against snow-capped mountains, featuring handcrafted goods.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gasthof zu Tirol

Delight in a traditional Tirolian lunch with local specialties.
Short walk from the market.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Golden Roof

Marvel at the historic landmark adorned with over 2,600 fire-gilded tiles.
Walk to the Golden Roof.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Take the Hungerburgbahn

Ride the funicular up to Hungerburg for stunning views of Innsbruck.
Board the funicular from the market area.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Innsbruck Christmas Market

Head back to the market to enjoy more festive cheer and local delicacies.
Walk back down from Hungerburg.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Die Wilderin

Experience a delightful dinner featuring seasonal and regional dishes.
Short walk from the market.
EUR40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Innsbruck

Day 7: Salzburg's Splendor

Salzburg, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before departing for Salzburg.
Check out and go to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Salzburg

Journey to the stunning city of Salzburg, famed for its baroque architecture.
Take the train from Innsbruck to Salzburg.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Salzburg Christmas Market

Roam this charming market in the heart of Salzburg, filled with festive delights.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Stiftskeller St. Peter

Dine at one of the oldest restaurants in Europe with traditional Austrian cuisine.
Easy walk from the market.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg

Take the funicular up to the fortress for panoramic views of Salzburg.
Ride the funicular from the city.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Mozart's Birthplace

Explore the museum dedicated to the life of classical music's most famous composer.
Walk back to the city center.
EUR12, 1 hour

5:30PM

More market exploration

Return to the Christmas market to soak in the festive spirit one last time.
Walk through the market area.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Wildermann

Enjoy an authentic Austrian dinner in a cozy setting.
Short walk from the market.
EUR35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Salzburg

Day 8: Vienna's Festivities

Vienna, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast before leaving for Vienna.
Check out and head to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Vienna

Travel to Vienna, ending your Christmas market tour in the heart of Austria's capital.
Take the train from Salzburg to Vienna.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Vienna's Christmas Market

Experience the enchanting Viennese market filled with affordable handmade gifts and delicious treats.
Walk from the train station to the market.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Gasthaus Pöschl

Savor traditional dishes in this classic Viennese restaurant known for its schnitzels.
Short walk from the market.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Explore the magnificent palace and its Christmas market, beautifully illuminated.
Take U-Bahn Line 4 from Karlsplatz to Schönbrunn.
EUR15, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to central Vienna

Head back to the city center for more festive activities.
U-Bahn back to the city center.
EUR3, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Plachutta

Finish your travels with traditional Tafelspitz at this famous Viennese restaurant.
Short walk from the U-Bahn station.
EUR50, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening stroll in the city

Enjoy a leisurely evening walk through the beautifully illuminated streets of Vienna.
Walk around the city center.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Vienna
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