Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Arrive London (D)
Arrive in London where the city is alive with the excitement of the season. After clearing formalities, you transfer to your central hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps stretch your legs with a gentle wander nearby or simply rest after the long journey. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Manager for a welcome dinner, the perfect opportunity to toast the start of your European Christmas adventure.
Five nights: DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London, London.

Day 2. London sightseeing and Christmas lights (B)
Today a local expert introduces you to many of London’s famous sights at the most beautiful time, on a panoramic and walking tour. See Trafalgar Square, the exterior of Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Finish in lively Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest marketplaces and a favourite meeting place for performers and artists. Enjoy free time to browse the shops and festive decorations before returning to the hotel along a route that showcases London’s spectacular Christmas lights.

Day 3. River Thames to Greenwich and pub lunch (BL)
This morning board the local river bus and cruise along the Thames, passing sights such as the Tower of London from the water. Disembark at Greenwich, often called the village of London and wander past market stalls and independent shops. You then have a choice of museum visit: explore the historic tea clipper Cutty Sark or discover maritime stories at the National Maritime Museum. A traditional pub lunch full of local character is included. Afterwards you may return with the group to central London or stay longer in Greenwich and make your own way back later, enjoying the festive atmosphere at your own pace.

Day 4. Blenheim Palace Christmas experience (BL)
Leave London for the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire and a visit to magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s most impressive stately homes. At Christmas this grand estate becomes a winter wonderland, with themed decorations and a sparkling atmosphere. Enjoy a special Christmas afternoon tea and free time to browse the seasonal market stalls or stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens. Return to London in the early evening with time to experience the city’s magical streets after dark.

Day 5. St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s South Bank (BD)
Today begins with a visit to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, crowned by its world-famous dome and an instantly recognisable feature of the London skyline. After free time for lunch, join your Tour Manager for a walk across the Millennium Bridge to London’s South Bank. Take in views of Shakespeare’s Globe and the riverside skyline before finishing at bustling Borough Market, where food stalls tempt with seasonal treats. This evening, gather with new friends at a traditional English restaurant for a farewell dinner to celebrate your time in London.

Day 6. London to Regensburg, Germany (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Germany. On arrival you travel to Regensburg, a beautifully preserved medieval city on the Danube River. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to settle into your Bavarian surroundings, perhaps taking a short evening stroll among the twinkling lights and wooden stalls.
Three nights: Hampton by Hilton Regensburg, Regensburg.

Day 7. Regensburg at leisure (BD)
Enjoy a relaxed day at leisure to discover Regensburg at your own pace. Wander through narrow lanes lined with historic buildings, seek out cosy cafés or begin exploring the Christmas markets that dot the Old Town. This evening share dinner with your group and soak up the warm Bavarian hospitality.

Day 8. Regensburg guided tour and Christmas markets (B)
With a local guide you explore Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. See the Old Stone Bridge, the first stone bridge built across the Danube, and the ancient Roman gate, Porta Praetoria. Stroll through the Old Town, alive with festive colour and the aromas of seasonal treats, then enjoy a tasting of Bavarian favourites. The afternoon is free to browse the various Christmas markets, each with its own character, or you may choose an optional excursion to the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace, set in an atmospheric palace courtyard. 

Day 9. Regensburg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Freiburg (BD)
Leave Regensburg and travel through the heart of Franconia to picture-perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Here you step into the past as you wander cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Visit the delightful German Christmas Museum, filled with glittering glass ornaments, nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids and displays of festive traditions. Later continue to Freiburg, set on the western foothills of the Black Forest and settle into your hotel for the next three nights. Enjoy a cosy dinner at the hotel restaurant this evening.
Three nights: Hotel Elements Pure, Freiburg.

Day 10. Freiburg sightseeing and markets (B)
This morning take the local streetcar into Freiburg’s Old Town for a choice of guided tours. Learn about the city’s history on a walking tour through medieval streets and hidden corners or focus on its Christmas heritage with a tour highlighting festive customs in the historic centre. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the Christmas markets, explore local shops or find a café to watch the world go by in this lively German university town with influences from the neighbouring French and Swiss cultures.

Day 11. Freiburg – Strasbourg, France – Freiburg (BD)
Travel across the border into France to visit Strasbourg, where Roman, French and German influences blend beautifully. On a guided tour you discover the Old Quarter known as “Petite France”, with its waterways, timbered houses and the impressive Cathedral of Notre Dame. Afterwards you have free time to explore the many markets and decorations that make Strasbourg famous as the Capital of Christmas. Later return to Freiburg and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional Alsace cuisine.

Day 12. Freiburg – Colmar – Lucerne, Switzerland (B)
Today you visit Colmar, another jewel of the Alsace region, where half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and canals create a fairytale backdrop. During the festive season the town is decorated with lights, garlands and Christmas displays. Enjoy time to wander, shop for gifts or sample local specialties before travelling on through the mountains to Lucerne in Switzerland. Nestled beside a serene lake and surrounded by snow-tipped peaks, Lucerne is enchanting in its winter finery.
Two nights: Hotel Astoria Lucerne, Lucerne.

Day 13. Lucerne sightseeing and Lake Lucerne cruise (BD)
Winter’s crisp air is softened by the scents of cinnamon and mulled wine as you join a local guide for a walking tour of Lucerne’s Old Town. See the Chapel Bridge, historic squares and painted façades, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to continue exploring, perhaps seeking out more Christmas markets or relaxing by the lakeside. Later take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, admiring the surrounding mountains and shoreline villages. This evening, share a farewell dinner of Swiss cuisine with your fellow travellers and reminisce about the highlights of your European Christmas journey.

Day 14. Zurich to Perth (B)
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to Lucerne. Transfer to the airport in Zürich for your return flights to Perth. As you fly home, reflect on London’s glowing streets, the magic of Germany’s Christmas markets and the charm of France and Switzerland in winter.

Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
***There are new requirements for UK citizens holding dual citizenship with other countries including Australia. UK citizens MUST enter using their UK passports as of FEB 2026. For more information please visit:  https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/united-kingdom