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Christmas Markets of Bavaria & Austria

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Activity level

Overview

Overview
Christmas market tour

Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Rothenburg Christmas market with the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world; Munich where over 30 different Christmas markets reside; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; and Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner, to name a few. Sparkling lights, festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols, enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages, and sweet treats of every kind, and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.

calendar icon 15 Days    location icon 2 Countries     meal icon 20 Meals

Activity Level: (Active) This is a relatively active trip due to the level of walking involved in exploring the cities. Europe is known for its cobblestone walk ways and uneven steps. You should be mobile and fit enough to walk leisurely for 3-4 hours and take more than 10,000 steps per day when we visit cities on walking tours and their Christmas Markets. 

Itinerary

Itinerary
Airport

Day 1 - Home Cities to Frankfurt, Germany

Board your overnight flight to Frankfurt. 

Day 1

Day 2 - Frankfurt

Welcome to Frankfurt! After being transferred to the hotel spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure stroll through the Christmas Markets, do some shopping and take in the sights. Later this evening, join the rest of the group for a Welcome Dinner.

*Transfer time is linked to our group air

Day 3

Day 3 - Frankfurt to Wurzburg

This morning, make your way to Würzburg, enjoy a Walking City Tour and revel in the opulent baroque and rococo architecture of this beautiful city. Once the great seat of power for the Prince-Bishops of Germany. No visit to Würzburg is complete without a guided tour of one of Europe’s most renowned baroque castles – the UNESCO World Heritage Site Würzburg Residence. This colossal palace, with its over 300 rooms, illustrates the grand power of the ancient regional rulers. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to visit the Christmas Markets.

Day 4

Day 4 - Rothenburg O.D.T

Today is spent in Rothenburg, a picturesque town famous for its ‘Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt’. The name originates from a Germanic legend that refers to a lucky figure who brings joy to all people through his visit. Learn more about this picturesque town on a Walking City Tour and have a chance to taste the famous ‘fried snowball’! Afterwards, some free time to do some shopping at the Christmas Market where you will find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

Day 5

Day 5 - Wurzburg to Nuremberg

This morning, depart Wurzburg for Nuremberg and enjoy a Walking City Tour, viewing its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle. The rest of the afternoon will be spent browsing the spruce stalls at the Nuremberg Christmas Markets. Perhaps you may want to sample some favourite Bavarian fare – from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights. This evening we have an included dinner.

 

Nuremberg

Day 6 - Nuremberg

Today we head back to the Nuremberg Christmas Markets where we get to sample the famous Nuremberg Gingerbread. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the Christmas Markets and the quaint town of Nuremberg on your own.

Day 6

Day 7 - Nuremberg to Munich

This morning, take a journey along the famous Romantic Road, dotted with 29 medieval towns. Stop along the way at Nördlingen, with fully intact city walls and magnificent medieval, and renaissance house. Originating in the 15th century, Augsburg, known for its medieval square, fills up with one of the oldest Christmas Markets. Upon arrival in Munich, the remainder of the day is yours to explore.

Day 7

Day 8 - Munich

During a Walking City Tour, see Munich’s most intriguing sights like the Victual’s Market, Marienplatz, Sendlinger Gate, Palace of Justice, and New Court. To warm up, enjoy a cup of hot mulled wine at the famous Marienplatz Christmas Market. Afterwards, go Christmas Market hopping to explore some of the 30 plus different markets that Munich has to offer. Later this evening, enjoy an included dinner.

Swarovski

Day 9 - Munich to Innsbruck, Austria

Departing Munich, we head into Austria, famous for its luscious countryside, towering alps, and fresh alpine forests. Take a scenic route through the snowcapped alps as we head to the mountainous village, Innsbruck. On route, we stop at Swarovski Crystal Worlds. It will feel like a fantasy world when you marvel at the 17 chambers of wonder that can be discovered. The afternoon will be at your disposal to discover the local Christmas Market.

Salt Mine

Day 10 - Innsbruck to Salzburg

This morning, enjoy a Walking City Tour of Innsbruck, seeing the Golden Roof, Old Town, Bergisel Jump and more. Departing Innsbruck, we stop at Berchtesgaden in Bavaria. Here we visit one of the largest Salt Mines in Europe, operating since 1517. Wooden slides take you down to that “white gold”, once the most important currency. Continuing to Salzburg, enjoy an evening at the Salzburg Christmas Markets.

Day 11

Day 11 - Salzburg

Today we set out on a walking City Tour of this remarkable metropolis, admiring the beautiful towers, domes, and interior of the Salzburg Cathedral, built in the Baroque style and home to many priceless artifacts. Afterwards enjoy some free time for a stroll around the Christmas Market.

Day 12

Day 12 - Salzburg to Vienna

Departing Salzburg, we head towards Vienna. On route, high on a rocky outcrop, lies Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Continue towards Vienna for an evening at leisure.

Christmas

Day 13 - Vienna

Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace Complex – the winder residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Vienna Christmas Market or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café. Later this evening, enjoy an included Farewell Dinner.

Vienna

Day 14 - Vienna

Savour your final day in Vienna with leisurely pursuits. Delight in exploring the many museums the city has to offer, indulge in an enchanting evening opera performance at the renowned Vienna Opera House, or return to the Christkindlmarkt for some memorable last-minute shopping experiences.

airport

Day 15 - Vienna to Home Cities

Transfer to Vienna airport and bid farewell to all your newfound friends.

*Transfer time is linked to our group air

Dates & Pricing

Dates & Pricing
Date and Price Content
November 30, 2024 - December 14, 2024
Space Available

Double Occupancy

$6,625.25

Single Occupancy

$7,825.25

All prices are per person, land only and include all taxes and fees. Prices are in CAD.

Not included in price:

  • International airfare (Group Airfare is available)
  • Airline baggage fees for additional or over-sized luggage
  • Airline fuel surcharges if there is a change in fuel prices
  • Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
  • Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Any personal expenses
  • Travel Insurance
  • Pre or post tour arrangements

*Group Air is limited, pricing includes 1 checked bag per person
*Group Air pricing is per person and includes all taxes and fees

 

*Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date and must contain sufficient blank pages for entry and exit endorsements.

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Important Information

Deposit: A deposit of $700 per person is due at the time of booking to secure your space. It is fully refundable up to 121 days prior to tour start date.

Final Payment: Is due 120 days prior to tour start date. Cancellation penalties will apply. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.

Highlights

Highlights

Multi-Night Stays

Enjoy multi-night stays in Wurzburg, Nuremberg, Munich, Salzburg & Vienna.

Meals Included

There are 20 meals included on this tour; daily breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 3 tastings

Guided City Tours

Enjoy an indepth guided City Tour of Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna

Included Christmas Markets

Enjoy access to the Christmas Markets of Frankfurt, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremburg, Augsburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Wurzburg Residence

Unlike many Palaces, the Wurzburg Residence was built in its entirety, with short interruptions, almost within a single generation. The architects drew their inspiration from an area extending from Vienna to Paris and from Genoa and Venice to Amsterdam. 

Rothenburg Fried Snowball

You will have the opportunity to taste a Fried Snowball in Rothenburg, otherwise known as a Schneeball. It is a pastry made from shortcrust pastry traditionally decorated with white confectioner's sugar. 

Nuremberg Gingerbread

In Germany, when you think of Christmas, you think of Nuremberg Lubkuchen, the city's famous gingerbread. These sweet and spicy treats have been baked for more than 600 years and are loved by young and old alike. 

Munich Hot Mulled Wine

While in Munich before you explore the Christmas Markets, you will be given the chance to taste some Hot Mulled Wine, a spiced wine made up of red wine along with various different spices and is served warm.

Romantic Road of Bavaria

The name Romantic Road gives expression to the feelings experienced by many people when they see the medieval towns. The Romantic Road reveals the wealth of European history, art and culture awaiting travellers. 

Medieval Towns

Nordlingen with its wholly intact city walls with their turrets and gatehouses. Augsburg with its grandeur buildings from the Gothic, Renaissance and eras.

Swarovski Crystal World

The realm of the Giant hosts a rich collection of precious items housed in 18 Chambers of Wonder. Here, in a world of fantasy inspired and designed by some of the world’s greatest artists, visitors can believe in miracles for just a moment.

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

Take a trip through salt and time in the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden and be a part of the mysterious tour underground, during which you can be astounded by the fascinating, wonderful world of the “white gold”.

Salzburg Cathedral

Visitors are greeted by the resplendent façade made of Untersberg Marble. Looking down from it are four monumental statues: Apostles Peter and Paul holding a key and a sword, as well as Salzburg's two patron saints, Rupert and Virgil.

Melk Abbey & Museum

A fascinating Baroque building sits on a granite rock overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey. From a distance one can already see the dome of the abbey church and the two towers, with golden ornaments, which look like hands raised towards the sky.

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