Ultimate Christmas markets tour 2025

Check in with a C the World rep at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg around 18:00 PM, and get ready for a unforgettable European adventure . We depart to Amsterdam! (Dinner on board flight)

We arrive in Amsterdam. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage, we continue to the hotel to refresh. Explore Amsterdam at your own pace, and get a great nights rest to be ready for the rest of the tour.
(Breakfast on board flight)

The Dutch countryside awaits as we visit Zaanse Schans windmill village and the beautiful harbor village of Volendam. We then see how the traditional Clogs (wooden shoes or klompe) are made and we taste famous Edam cheese. Around lunch time we enter Amsterdam. The afternoon / evening is yours to explore Amsterdam, the Christmas markets, the coffee shops and to paint the town red. C the World recommends a canal cruise, the Heineken Brewery, Anne Frank House or Leidse Plein’s unlimited ribs.
(Breakfast)

We depart the Netherlands and drive to Germany. Early afternoon we board our Rhine valley cruise and enjoy a cruise through one of the most concentrated stretches of castles in the entire Europe. After the cruise we enjoy a wine tasting in Boppard, tasting some of the local wines.
(Breakfast, Dinner)

We head South through Germany and visit Heidelberg on the banks of the river Neckar. Karlsplatz offers some amazing views of the castle, with a ice rink as well! The main Christmas market is situated at MarktPlatz. Why not take the funicular to get amazing views from the castle! (Breakfast)

After breakfast we depart to Munich. After our arrival around lunch time, we visit the Christmas markets in Marienplatz. Explore Munich at your own pace. We recommend the BMW Museum, The city centre offers some of Munich's most famous attractions, such as the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Marienplatz and Altes Rathaus (main square and Old Town Hall), the Allianz Arena (football stadium), BMW Welt and Olympiapark (Olympic Park) in the north of the city, and the Kunstareal (museum area) with its world famous museums. We enjoy dinner in a local beer keller selling the famous 1 Liter Steins (Beer). (Breakfast, Dinner)

Italy awaits! But first, a quick stop in Innsbruck (Austria) A scenic drive through Austria takes us to Innsbruck, surrounded by snow capped mountains. Ladies, why not visit one of the biggest Swarovski shops in the World, whilst the gents enjoy a local schnapps to escape the cold. The Christmas market on Maria-Theresien-Strasse will leave you in awe! We continue with a spectacular drive into Italy through the Italian dolomites, and down to Venice. We show you the best of Venice, including the Rialto bridge and St Mark Square. A free evening after the tour for you to explore Venice. (Breakfast)

A free day in Venice. C the world recommends the glass blowing island of Murano, the lace shops on Burano or head to Lido’s beach. Perhaps a Gondola ride?
(Breakfast)

We depart Venice and head North, passing close by Milan, and into Switzerland to the spectacular Jungfrau valley. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery that this area is world famous for. (Breakfast)

A free day in Switzerland for you to explore! Your guide will give some recommendations on things to do and see. We recommend the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, for unbeatable views across Switzerland. Enjoy the ice palace and taste some local chocolate. Alternatively enjoy some snow activities like tobogganing, or the experienced can try their hand at snowboarding or skiing. (Breakfast)

We depart Switzerland and continue through the Burgundy wine district of France. Bonjour Paris! We arrive at the City of lights, and after checking in at our hotel, we continue to the on a guided tour of the Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre and Moulin Rouge. (Breakfast)

After breakfast we explore all the main sights of Paris on foot. Your tour leader will show you the Opera house, Tuileries Garden, the Louvre Museum, Pont Neuf and the Notre Dame. After free time and lunch in the Latin quarter we continue to the most famous landmark in Paris, the Eiffel Tower. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace.
(Breakfast)

A full free day to explore the sites of Paris. Why not visit Disneyland, or perhaps make your way to the gardens of Palace of Versailles. There are more than 15 Christmas markets scattered all over Paris. (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we continue to the airport for our return flight back to Johannesburg. We depart Paris at 14:50. (Breakfast)

We arrive back in Johannesburg with a scheduled arrival time of 07:10. Say goodbye to new friends made and start thinking about the reunion party.
(Breakfast on board flight)