TORONTO — The Intrepid Group is offering a collection of Christmas market tours for Canadians wanting to experience the festive, historic European atmosphere this holiday season.

The seasonal collection will take travellers to Europe’s traditional and charming Christmas Markets. Travellers may pick from an eight-day Limited-Edition Christmas Markets of Central Europe tour, or add a day tour in Moscow, Prague, London, Poland and Budapest.

“The European Christmas markets are rich in history, on these tours travellers will immerse in the local culture and sip mulled wine, purchase crafts, trinkets and decorations and taste treats,” said Leigh Barnes, regional director for Intrepid Group North America. “When you travel across the continent this winter, you’ll discover that Christmas in Europe is a time for celebration with quirky local traditions unique to the country and city you are in.”

The festive tradition dates back many centuries. Every year, most European cities host a month-long market that draws millions of people from around the world. As travel to these markets continues to increase, the Intrepid Group wants travellers to get a taste of the markets in different countries, but with a local guide who can talk to the traditions and influence culture and history had on the markets in each city.

Here’s a look at some of Intrepid Group’s Christmas market trips:

• Christmas Markets of Central Europe (from $1,661): This eight-day Christmas Market tour visits Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest. Travel by train from city to city to enjoy the many sights of Europe and then explore some of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
• Prague’s Merry Markets Christmas tour (day trip, from $58.98): Spend an afternoon in Prague visiting the main market – its history dates back before the 1989 revolution – and two different Christmas markets outside the city centre.
• London’s Christmas Lights and Markets tour (day trip, from $74.73): This tour is popular for many reasons, one being it’s one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. Travellers will learn the true origins of Santa as they wander the winding cobbled streets of Covent Garden and visit one of the city’s most famous markets.
• Budapest’s Merry Markets and Mulled Wine (day trip, from $65.03): This holiday season, explore three of Budapest’s traditional Christmas markets, including one that’s ranked among the best in Europe. Explore local cafes tucked along decorated streets and learn about traditional Hungarian Christmas celebrations and customs.
• Krakow’s Christmas Market and Flavours (day trip, from $114.94): Experience a traditional Polish Christmas market with history from today’s era and the communist era. Spend time admiring Admire Krakow’s famous handmade cribs. Your guide will teach you the centuries-old tradition of how they were built.