This year, bid sayonara to the family and spend Christmas in Europe’s ice-cool winter destinations.
Let’s be honest, escaping at Christmas time is excellent. You avoid family quarrels and uncle Barry who always gets just a little too drunk. You get time off work and you don’t have to pretend to be grateful for those ugly, ugly sweaters. This year, bid sayonara to the family traditions and the Monopoly fallouts, and replace them with Europe’s ice-cool winter destinations. Spend New Year in the rave capital of Berlin, eat traditional Christmas dinner surrounded by alpine mountains, and marvel at the wonders of Paris and Cesky Krumlov instead!
We spend 12 days exploring France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic. We visit Paris, Lauterbrunnen, Grunau, Munich, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, Berlin.
What Is Included...
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Your legendary Busabout crew
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11 nights’ accommodation
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11 breakfasts
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All coach transport
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Christmas Eve dinner
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Christmas dinner in the Austrian Alps
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Lauterbrunnen traditional Swiss dinner
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Berlin walking tour
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Orientation walks through Munich, Cesky Krumlov, Prague & Dresden
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Paris night bike tour and river cruise
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Munich welcome beer (1 litre each!)
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Berlin New Year’s Eve party
Trip Highlights
- Skiing in Lauterbrunnen
- New Year’s Eve in the party capital of Europe
- Christmas feast in Austria
Trip Departures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in place globally, we will not be running any trips in 2021. Get more information on why this decision was made or see below for similar trips being run by our sister brands, Contiki and CostSaver.
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12 Day Itinerary
Alpine Festive Trek 12 day full itinerary breakdown and route map
Paris
Our festive adventure begins in the beautiful French capital of Paris. Meet with your fantastic Busabout guide at the hotel and get a breakdown of all the wonderful activities to come. Afterwards, delve into the depths of this historic city. Marvel at the impressive gothic architecture of Notre-Dame and gawp at the world-famous Champs-Elysees and Napoleon’s historic Arc de Triomphe. Later, climb the Eiffel Tower for a bird's eye view of the city or simply enjoy an afternoon relaxing and sampling the delicious local cuisine. This evening, embark on a cycle tour of the city and a starlight cruise down the River Seine where you’ll enjoy complimentary French wine and spectacular views.
Paris to Lauterbrunnen
We’re about to jingle our way to the Swiss border, so grab a croissant, board our sled (which looks an awful lot like a gorgeous Busabout coach), and let the magic happen. Relax and enjoy the spectacular views as we spend the day travelling through the lush French countryside. Before long, we’ll be drawing nearer to our destination: the staggering natural beauty, Lauterbrunnen. We’ll arrive in our little slice of Alpine paradise this evening just in time for dinner. Get checked in at the campsite and join us for a delicious, traditional Swiss meal in these stunning surroundings. Then kick back, relax and soak it all in, or grab a drink and party the night away with your fellow passengers. - Breakfast and dinner included
Lauterbrunnen
Like all true explorers, today you’re free to see Lauterbrunnen’s numerous and majestic sights however you deem fit. Venture to the “Top of Europe” on the Jungfraujoch railway, where you’ll view the world from a lofty elevation of 3,466 metres above sea level. Feeling peckish? Visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant up at Schilthorn, as featured in 007’s “On Her Majesty's Secret Service”. Here, you’ll devour a mouth-watering meal all the while sampling unique views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch mountains. Adrenaline junkies looking for their next thrill will be happy to know that we also offer an optional skiing and snowboarding experience. - Breakfast included
Lauterbrunnen to Grunau
It’s Christmas eve! A day for mistletoe, Christmas ballads, and chocolate aplenty. We’ll be spending this jolly morning trekking through the alps––snug in our homey coach––as we head for Austria and the sleepy village of Grunau. Keep your cameras at the ready as we meander through mountainous landscape. The scenery en route to Austria is nothing short of breathtaking! We arrive at our hostel this evening and are greeted by Gerhard, our gracious host. Relax and unwind after the long journey, whilst Gerhard cooks us up a delectable Christmas Eve dinner. After your delicious meal, sit back with some mulled wine and sing carols with your fellow passengers. - Breakfast and dinner included
Grunau
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal! Wake up to a fairy tale winter wonderland and the Christmas you always dreamt of. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your pajamas and tear into your presents whilst relaxing with a drink or two. Anyone looking for a more action-packed Christmas morning can head out for an optional skiing and snowboarding excursion in the Austrian Alps. This afternoon, we’ll turn the festive spirit up to 11 as we prepare for our extravagant Christmas feast, complete with trimmings, cranberry sauce, and a healthy dose of love. We’ll spend the rest of the day rocking around the Christmas tree, getting merry on local Schnapps, and staying nice and cosy in our quaint hostel. (B, D) - Breakfast and dinner included
Grunau to Salzburg to Munich
It’s boxing day and time to say goodbye to festive, idyllic Grunau. It’s been a Christmas for the ages, but today we’re journeying to the German border. Just before lunch we’ll stop off in the city of Salzburg: the birthplace of a ‘little-known’ musical genius named Wolfgang Mozart. Upon arrival we’ll stretch our legs with an orientation walk, taking in the many wondrous sights of the city. Afterwards, you’re free to grab a bite to eat and explore a little before we board the coach and continue our journey. Later, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Once we’ve checked into the hostel, we depart for an orientation walk before heading off to a local beer hall for an authentic Bavarian dinner and a few steins of the refreshing local brews. - Breakfast included
Munich to Cesky Krumlov
Czech yourself before you wreck yourself; we’re off to Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. After a morning of relaxing travel we arrive to an orientation walk of this uniquely quaint town. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Check out the UNESCO-listed Old Town and take in the serene atmosphere. See the massive Cesky Krumlov Castle which (surprisingly for a town of this size) is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, kick back and relax in one of the many fine local cafes or pubs. This evening, meet with your guide and head off to the Eggenburg brewery to enjoy some delicious, authentic food and a refreshing local beer or two. - Breakfast included
Cesky Krumlov to Prague
Prague’s waiting today and we’re eager to Czech it out (sorry). We’ll arrive in the afternoon and embark on an orientation walk of this historic city before setting you free to discover all the best sights for yourself. Marvel at the gorgeous Baroque and Gothic architecture with its multitudes of towers, churches and castles. Fancy a break from sightseeing? Grab a trdelnik, wash it down with a becherovka and tonic, then laze the day away in any number of authentic Czech cafes or bars. This evening, we meet for a delicious dinner and a few drinks at a traditional Czech restaurant. Feel free to head out and experience the eclectic nightlife of this fairy tale city! - Breakfast included
Prague
How could we leave a city like Prague so soon? Truth is, we can’t. Today is yours to explore, experience, and consume every inch of this magical city. See the glorious Prague Castle, visit the Old Town Square and its fantastic festive markets, and see the intricate Prague Astronomical Clock dating back to the 1400s. This city’s like a fairy tale, and today it’s your duty to etch its stories onto your heart. - Breakfast included
Prague to Dresden to Berlin
Every chapter has an ending and today we turn the page on Prague. But our story’s not yet over and we’re journeying north to the beautiful city of Berlin! Shortly after crossing the German border we arrive in the historical home of the Saxon Kings, Dresden. Enjoy an orientation walk and a sightseeing tour of the gorgeous Old Town. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat in one of the many fine, local establishments. This evening we arrive in the sprawling metropolis of Berlin. Tonight, head out into the city for a delicious local dinner and some drinks. Then, recharge at the hostel or head out into the night and experience Berlin’s renowned nightlife. - Breakfast included
Berlin
It’s New Year’s Eve and we find ourselves smack-bang in the thumping heart of Berlin. Everyone knows tonight’s going to be spectacular, but first head out on an inclusive walking tour to see the numerous historic and cultural sights. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the myriad of museums, galleries, and incredible architecture, or grab an authentic bite to eat in town. Alternatively, take the time to relax and unwind to prepare for the epic party to come. This evening, meet with the rest of the group and prepare for a night of complete insanity. We’ll spend the rest of the year partying up a storm, lost in the amazing atmosphere of Berlin’s unique nightlife! - Breakfast included
Berlin
Happy New Year! Or as the Germans would say, ‘frohes neues Jahr!’ We wish you many happy returns and hope you’ve had a magical winter season with us. Check-out is after breakfast. - Breakfast included