Ultimate Winter European Adventure: Frankfurt to Krakow with Castles, Christmas Markets & Concerts

Day 1: Arrival Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on December 9, 2025

3:00pm

Arrive Frankfurt Airport

Arrive from Sydney and transfer to accommodation. Relax and get oriented with a stroll in the nearby Römerberg old town square, known for its quaint half-timbered buildings and Christmas market starting in late November.
0EUR, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Apfelwein Wagner

Enjoy traditional Hessian cuisine alongside their famous apple wine in this cozy tavern, perfect for warming up after your flight. Open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Cologne day trip

Cologne, Germany on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Business Class Train to Cologne

Take a direct ICE train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Cologne, approximately 1h15m. Trains frequent and comfy in business class.
EUR60, 1h15m

10:00am

Cologne Cathedral Visit

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at its Gothic architecture and panoramic city views from the tower. Opens 9am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Früh am Dom

Savour traditional Cologne dishes and Kölsch beer in this bustling brewery near the cathedral. Open 11am-10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Cologne Christmas Markets

Wander the multiple festive markets around the cathedral area offering crafts, snacks, and mulled wine. Usually 11am-9pm.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Return Train to Frankfurt

Business class train back to Frankfurt for overnight stay.
EUR60, 1h15m

Day 6: Strasbourg transfer

Frankfurt to Strasbourg on December 13, 2025

9:00am

Business Class Train to Strasbourg

Board a direct high-speed train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Strasbourg taking approx 2h30m, settle into business class seats.
EUR90, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at La Corde à Linge

This Alsatian restaurant near the Petite France area serves tarte flambée, perfect for your first taste of local cuisine. Open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Petite France & Strasbourg Christmas Market

Explore the charming quarter Petite France and the famous Christmas markets around Place Broglie. Markets run daily 11am-8pm in December.
Free entry, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Au Brasseur

Enjoy hearty Alsace fare and beers brewed onsite at this lively restaurant, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Colmar day trip

Colmar, France on December 14, 2025

8:30am

Business Class Train to Colmar

Quick 30 minute train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar, famous for its fairy-tale half-timbered houses and Christmas markets.
EUR25, 30m

9:15am

Colmar Christmas Markets

Spend the morning exploring five different themed markets offering crafts, local foods, and festive decorations. Open 10am-7pm.
Free entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wistub Brenner

A traditional Alsatian winstub offering specialty choucroute and local wine pairing. Open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Strasbourg

Business class train back to Strasbourg for evening relaxation and dinner.
EUR25, 30m

4:00pm

Light evening stroll by the Ill river

Enjoy beautifully lit views of Strasbourg old town from the riverbanks before dining.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Tire-Bouchon

Cozy wine bar and bistro serving refined Alsace plates, great for focused wine tasting. Open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 10: Munich transfer

Strasbourg to Munich, Germany on December 16, 2025

9:00am

Business Class Train to Munich

Longer sleek train journey through scenic countryside taking approx 4h15m. Pre-booked business class.
EUR120, 4h15m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hofbräuhaus

Visit Munich’s iconic beer hall for Bavarian specialties like weisswurst and pretzels. Open daily 9am–12am.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Munich Christmas Markets

Explore Marienplatz Christmas market featuring traditional crafts, mulled wine, and festive music. Open 10am-9pm.
Free entry, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Schneider Bräuhaus

Traditional Bavarian dishes including pork knuckle and dumplings in a lively atmosphere. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 11: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

Munich day trip, Germany on December 17, 2025

7:00am

Guided Castle Tour Bus

Depart early via guided luxury bus tour covering Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, including entrance tickets. Approx 10h full day trip.
EUR150, 10h

6:00pm

Return to Munich

Arrive back for evening rest after magical castles tour.
Included, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Andechser am Dom

Relax with Bavarian comfort food and a great range of beers near the cathedral.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Rothenburg day trip

Munich day trip, Germany on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Business Class Train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Approx 2h15m train ride with one connection, exploring this perfectly preserved medieval walled town.
EUR70, 2h15m

10:30am

Walking Tour of Rothenburg

Discover the town walls, Plönlein viewpoint and Christmas village. Shops and museums open 10am-5pm.
EUR10, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zur Höll

Historic tavern serving Franconian specialties in traditional style.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Return Train to Munich

Relax in business class on the way back to Munich.
EUR70, 2h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Dallmayr

Upscale dining with Bavarian-French fusion near central Munich.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 14: Salzburg transfer

Munich to Salzburg, Austria on December 21, 2025

10:00am

Business Class Train to Salzburg

Short and scenic 1h30m rail journey from Munich to Salzburg in business class.
EUR50, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at St. Peter Stiftskeller

Europa’s oldest restaurant offers Austrian specialties in historic setting. Open 11:30am-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Salzburg Christmas Markets

Explore the historic market around Cathedral Square with traditional crafts and festive treats. Open 10am-8pm.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Evening concert or Mozart museum visit

Optional evening plans at Mozart’s birthplace or a Christmas concert if tickets available.
EUR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zum fidelen Affen

Hearty Austrian fare in welcoming pub atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h

Day 16: Vienna transfer

Salzburg to Vienna, Austria on December 23, 2025

9:00am

Business Class Train to Vienna

Fast ÖBB Railjet 2h45m service connecting Salzburg to Vienna in comfortable business class.
EUR60, 2h45m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Figlmüller

Taste famous Wiener schnitzel at this iconic Viennese restaurant near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Open 11am-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Christmas Markets at Rathausplatz

Large festive market with outdoor skating rink, crafts, and food stalls open daily 10am-9pm.
Free entry, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Modern Austrian fine dining in Stadtpark – perfect prep for the Christmas concert night. Open until 10pm, reservation essential.
EUR100, 2h

Day 18: Christmas Concert

Vienna, Austria on December 25, 2025

3:00pm

Christmas Concert at St. Peter’s Church

Attend the traditional Christmas concert featuring classical choral and orchestral music. Usually about 1h30m duration, starting mid-afternoon.
EUR40, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Famous for Tafelspitz (boiled beef), this elegant restaurant is great for a cozy, festive dinner after the concert. Open Christmas day, booking essential.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 20: Prague transfer

Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic on December 27, 2025

9:00am

Business Class Train to Prague

Direct Railjet train approx 4h, business class for comfort on this scenic route.
EUR70, 4h

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Lokál Dlouhááá

Traditional Czech tavern serving Pilsner beers and classic dishes. Open 11am-11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Prague Christmas Markets

Explore markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mlýnec

Gourmet Czech cuisine with views of Charles Bridge. Open until 11pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 27: Krakow arrival

Prague to Krakow, Poland on January 2, 2026

9:00am

Business Class Train to Krakow

Approx 7h journey with a change in Katowice, pre-booked business class for comfort and group seating.
EUR90, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in and light dinner at Bar Mleczny Milkbar Tomasza

Experience traditional Polish dishes in a casual milk bar setting, perfect for an easy, local meal after travel.
EUR15, 1h

Day 28: Auschwitz day trip

Krakow, Poland on January 3, 2026

8:00am

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour

Depart early for guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau, approx 6 hours including transport. Essential historical visit requiring advance booking.
EUR50, 6h

3:00pm

Return to Krakow

Relax in the evening after this profound experience.
Included, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Szara Gęś

Upscale dining with contemporary Polish cuisine in Krakow’s Old Town.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 29: Sleigh ride experience

Krakow, Poland on January 4, 2026

10:00am

Winter Sleigh Ride

Enjoy a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride in the beautiful outskirts or nearby Tatra region, a 2-3 hour scenic experience for the group.
EUR40, 3h

2:00pm

Afternoon rest and exploration

Relax and explore Krakow’s cultural sites or coffee spots locally.
Free, N/A

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at Wierzynek Restaurant

Historic Krakow restaurant serving classic Polish royal dishes, ideal for group celebration dinner. Open to late evening.
EUR50, 2h

Day 31: Departure

Krakow, Poland on January 6, 2026

Morning

Fly out Krakow to Sydney

Transfer to Krakow Airport for international flight back to Sydney, concluding the group’s winter European journey.
Booked, N/A