The Sound of Christmas: Markets, Mountains & Magic

1st – 5th December 2025

Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – Arrival in Munich & Bavarian Christmas Market Experience

We meet at Malta International Airport at 05:00hrs to check in for our flight to Munich, scheduled to depart at 07:15hrs. Upon arrival in Munich, we board our coach and begin our festive adventure with a visit to the Bavarian Christmas Market, set against a backdrop of the Alps, twinkling lights, and charming holiday stalls.

Later in the day, we continue to our peaceful hotel, where we check in and settle into our rooms. In the evening, we step out to soak in the festive atmosphere at the nearby Bad Reichenhall Christmas markets, beautifully set in the pedestrian area and surrounding gardens.

Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Hallstatt, Dachstein Skywalk & Alpine Christmas Magic

After breakfast, a day of breathtaking beauty awaits us. We begin our journey to Hallstatt, one of the most picturesque towns in all of Europe. Nestled in the Austrian Alps along the shores of Lake Hallstatt (Hallstättersee), this charming village is renowned for its fairytale scenery, traditional alpine architecture, and serene lake views. We will wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the wooden houses, and stop at two iconic photo spots that capture the essence of Hallstatt’s beauty.

Our second optional destination lies just a short distance away — a true alpine adventure. We will start with the exhilarating “convertible feeling” as we ride the panoramic gondola to the mountaintop. Once there, we will experience unforgettable views from the World Heritage Skywalk and the dramatic Hallstatt Suspension Bridge. Suspended 350 meters above Hallstatt, the Skywalk offers sweeping panoramas of the Hallstatt Salzkammergut region — a must-see moment for every visitor.

In the afternoon, we return to Bad Reichenhall, where the festive spirit continues at the Alpine Town Hall Square Christmas Market. This traditional market features regional artisan products, warm mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and other delightful seasonal specialties — the perfect way to end a magical day.

Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – The Sound of Music Trail: Salzkammergut, Mondsee, St. Gilgen & St. Wolfgang

After enjoying breakfast, we set off for a day filled with Alpine charm and cinematic nostalgia as we explore the stunning Salzkammergut region — famously associated with The Sound of Music. Our tour takes us through Mondsee, St. Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang, each brimming with storybook beauty.

Our first stop is the picturesque town of Mondsee, home to the Basilica of St. Michael, once part of the historic Mondsee Abbey. Fans of The Sound of Music will instantly recognize this as the setting of the wedding scene between Maria and Baron von Trapp. While the film only featured the interior, both the interior and exterior are truly breathtaking. After our visit, we will enjoy some free time at the lakeside promenade and gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll with views of Lake Mondsee.

Next, we make our way to the charming resort town of St. Gilgen. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting, it offers a quieter alternative to the busier tourist spots. We’ll take a short walk through town, passing the picturesque city hall with its red roof, and enjoy the lakeside gardens that make this place so memorable. After some free time, we continue to our next destination.

Our final stop in the Salzkammergut is St. Wolfgang, named after the saint who sought refuge in this mountainous haven. We begin our visit in the historic Marktplatz, followed by a visit to the stunning Pilgrimage Church, the town’s most iconic landmark. Afterwards, we stroll through the pedestrian zone of St. Wolfgang, with free time to enjoy a coffee by Lake Wolfgangsee or browse local shops for souvenirs.

As evening falls, we shift into a magical festive mood with a visit to the Hellbrunn Palace Advent Market, just outside Salzburg. This enchanting market is set in a fairytale forest of over 700 Christmas trees, decorated with 10,000 red ornaments and glowing lights. The palace façade itself is transformed into a giant Advent calendar, creating an unforgettable experience for both young and old.

Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Berchtesgaden, Königssee & Salzburg’s Christmas Splendor

After breakfast, we begin our day immersed in the festive magic of the Berchtesgaden Christmas Market. This traditional Christkindlmarkt, set in the heart of the historical town center, is a celebration of time-honored customs and Alpine charm. The decorated wooden stalls offer a beautiful array of handcrafted ornaments, local woodwork, and folk-art Christmas decorations, while the air is filled with the sounds of seasonal music, Christmas carolers, and the joy of the live nativity scene. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, adding to the fairytale atmosphere that defines this magical market.

After soaking in the festive spirit, we take a short drive to the Königssee, one of the most pristine and scenic lakes in all of Germany. Surrounded by steep rock walls and majestic mountains, the lake resembles a Nordic fjord in both shape and ambiance. Since 1909, only electric, rowing, and pedal boats have been allowed, preserving its crystal-clear waters. The Watzmann Mountain towers over the lake, creating postcard-perfect views that will linger in your memory.

In the afternoon, we continue to the enchanting city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a city bursting with cultural elegance. We will enjoy a walking tour through the Altstadt (Old Town), where cobbled streets, baroque buildings, and historic squares transport us back in time. Our walk leads us to the Salzburg Christmas Market, one of the most famous and beautiful in Europe, located in the impressive Residenzplatz square.

Set against the backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral, the Alte Residenz, and the Neue Residenz, the market features around 100 beautifully decorated stalls. But the experience goes beyond shopping — visitors are treated to a rich daily program of festive events including choral concerts, Krampus parades, Christmas story readings for children, and even festive melodies played from the towers above the square.

This day promises a magical blend of nature, culture, and holiday wonder — a perfect celebration of the Advent season.

Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Farewell & Nymphenburg Gardens

After enjoying our final breakfast in Bad Reichenhall, we bid farewell to this peaceful alpine haven and begin our journey back to Munich. With our luggage loaded and spirits full of festive memories, we head toward one last majestic stop before our departure.
Before entering the city for airport check-in, we will visit the magnificent Schloss Nymphenburg, a splendid Baroque palace located in Munich’s Neuhausen-Nymphenburg district. Together with the adjacent Nymphenburg Palace Park, it ranks among the most impressive royal palaces in Europe. In fact, its frontal width of 632 meters even surpasses that of the famed Palace of Versailles.

We will take time to stroll through the palace’s beautifully manicured gardens, taking in the serene atmosphere and elegant layout. One of the highlights is the historic fountain system, powered by cast-iron pumping stations that have been operating for over 200 years—a remarkable feat of Bavarian engineering and craftsmanship. These fountains, still functioning today, were once considered the pinnacle of technological achievement in their time.

After this graceful end to our journey, we make our way to Munich Airport, where we will check in for our return flight scheduled to depart at 20:00 hrs.
As we conclude this magical Christmas tour, we leave with hearts full of joy, unforgettable memories, and the spirit of the Advent season warmly alive within us.

Tour Pricing and Inclusions

Adult in a twin/double room	€750
Child with 2 paying adults (2-11 years)	€650

Price Includes:

• Return flights with KM Malta Air
• 20Kgs Checked in luggage, 10Kg Hand luggage and small bag
• 4 Nights in a 3* hotel in the pedestrian area of Bad Reichenhall
• Daily Breakfast
• Rooms with private facilities and Wifi
• All transport included as per program
• All excursions and entrance fees
  • Hellbrunn Advent Market
• Service of Tour Leader
• Airport Taxes and Services Charge
• Insolvency fund certificate
• City Tax to be checked at the reception before Check-In

Price does not include:

• City Tax at €3.60 per person/night
• Hallstatt Skywalk & Gondola €24
• Dinners

NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.

The booking is confirmed upon payment of €350 deposit.

Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone.

For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details: Kercem Ajax FC. A/C TOURS
Account Number: 40023111554
IBAN: MT09VALL22013000000040023111554
Account Currency: EUR

With bank bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name. Eg. Austria – MR AND MRS VELLA