CHRISTMAS SEASON IN GERMANY & AUSTRIA 2018 Please join us!
$6450 Nov 24 - Dec 5: Heidelberg, Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau, Salzburg & The Lakes
This tour is priced for a minimum group of 6 people. Per person. Double occupancy. Please inquire about a single-supplement room price.
Please join Che Bella Tour Director Erin Dettoni for this magical holiday adventure through her home of Germany and Austria, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience inspired by this itinerary with our Concierge Travel Services.
We know that the decision to spend your valuable time and money traveling is a costly investment. Call on us to create the perfect guided or independent travel custom itinerary. We work closely with groups who want a personalized, private experience. Che Bella Tours is Creative Travel, and the partner you want when planning a remarkable family vacation, destination wedding, trip of a lifetime or other special occasion. Contact us for more information. We'll be happy to send you the detailed itinerary for this tour.
Sat, Nov 24. Trans-Atlantic flight from US to Frankfurt
Day 1. Sun, Nov 25. Arrive Frankfurt. Included Transfer to Heidelberg. Your Adventure Begins!
Willkommen!
Your Tour Director and driver will be waiting for you at baggage claim and will transfer you from the Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg (approx. 45-50 mins) and our city center hotel, where we'll check in, store our bags and give you an orientation of the area.
Check in is usually at 2:00, so after lunch (not included) your rooms will be ready and you can enjoy the afternoon, relax and freshen up for our Included Dinner.
Included Welcome dinner
About Che Bella Included Dinners: At Che Bella Tours, when we gather around the table as a group, it is a celebration: A celebration of good food and wine. A celebration of culture. A celebration of friendship. Hosting this celebration is one of the joys of being a Che Bella Tour Director. We guide you through our favorite dishes … and maybe help you choose something you’ve never tried before. We pair the perfect wines and throw in some local delicacies to broaden your palate and surprise you a bit. You’ll go home with new culinary knowledge that will draw you under its spell and increase your hunger for more.
$6450 Nov 24 - Dec 5: Heidelberg, Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau, Salzburg & The Lakes
This tour is priced for a minimum group of 6 people. Per person. Double occupancy. Please inquire about a single-supplement room price.
Please join Che Bella Tour Director Erin Dettoni for this magical holiday adventure through her home of Germany and Austria, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience inspired by this itinerary with our Concierge Travel Services.
We know that the decision to spend your valuable time and money traveling is a costly investment. Call on us to create the perfect guided or independent travel custom itinerary. We work closely with groups who want a personalized, private experience. Che Bella Tours is Creative Travel, and the partner you want when planning a remarkable family vacation, destination wedding, trip of a lifetime or other special occasion. Contact us for more information. We'll be happy to send you the detailed itinerary for this tour.
Sat, Nov 24. Trans-Atlantic flight from US to Frankfurt
Day 1. Sun, Nov 25. Arrive Frankfurt. Included Transfer to Heidelberg. Your Adventure Begins!
Willkommen!
Your Tour Director and driver will be waiting for you at baggage claim and will transfer you from the Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg (approx. 45-50 mins) and our city center hotel, where we'll check in, store our bags and give you an orientation of the area.
Check in is usually at 2:00, so after lunch (not included) your rooms will be ready and you can enjoy the afternoon, relax and freshen up for our Included Dinner.
Included Welcome dinner
About Che Bella Included Dinners: At Che Bella Tours, when we gather around the table as a group, it is a celebration: A celebration of good food and wine. A celebration of culture. A celebration of friendship. Hosting this celebration is one of the joys of being a Che Bella Tour Director. We guide you through our favorite dishes … and maybe help you choose something you’ve never tried before. We pair the perfect wines and throw in some local delicacies to broaden your palate and surprise you a bit. You’ll go home with new culinary knowledge that will draw you under its spell and increase your hunger for more.
Day 2. Mon, Nov 26. A Day in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is often called one of the most romantic towns in Germany. It’s colorful alleyways, vibrant university population and prime location on the river all contribute to it’s charm. This morning we’ll meet our local guide for a private tour of the main sights of Heidelberg, beginning at the Old Town with the world’s longest continuous shopping street. Well stroll along the river, make stops at the Town Hall, the Marktplatz and Hercules fountain, where petty criminals were chained during medieval times. We'll also see the University Prison before we work our way up to the famous Heidelberg castle.
This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore The Heidelberg Christmas Market.
Tonight: Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Heidelberg
Day 3. Tues, Nov 27. Transfer to Rothenberg ob der Tauber
Departing early this morning, we’ll drive about 1.5 hours to our first stop: the Fairy-Tale dream town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With its splendid location and charming medieval atmosphere, hardly any other town is able to captivate its visitors in quite the same way as Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria.
Our private guide will meet us for a 2-hour sightseeing tour. A walk through this small town is an unforgettable encounter with bygone centuries. The imposing building of the Town Hall, stately towers, massive fortifications, churches and patrician houses are witnesses to a mighty imperial past.
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the Rothenberg Christmas Market
Dinner included tonight
Day 4. Wed, Nov 28. Transfer to Nuremberg
Departing in the late morning, we will transfer to Nuremberg, famous for its medieval walls and ancient castle, gingerbread cookies, toy manufacturing, Gothic churches, bratwurst and of course, the Christmas market. The city dates back to the year 1050 and for 500 years it was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The National Socialists made Nürnberg the unofficial capital of their empire, which became known as the Third Reich. In January 1945, 90% of the old city of Nürnberg was destroyed, then rebuilt to look like the original, but there are also modern buildings.
After we check in to our hotel, our private guide will take us on a tour of this fascinating city. Afterwards, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the Nuremberg Christmas Market.
Tonight: Dinner on your own and overnight in Nuremberg
Heidelberg is often called one of the most romantic towns in Germany. It’s colorful alleyways, vibrant university population and prime location on the river all contribute to it’s charm. This morning we’ll meet our local guide for a private tour of the main sights of Heidelberg, beginning at the Old Town with the world’s longest continuous shopping street. Well stroll along the river, make stops at the Town Hall, the Marktplatz and Hercules fountain, where petty criminals were chained during medieval times. We'll also see the University Prison before we work our way up to the famous Heidelberg castle.
This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore The Heidelberg Christmas Market.
Tonight: Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Heidelberg
Day 3. Tues, Nov 27. Transfer to Rothenberg ob der Tauber
Departing early this morning, we’ll drive about 1.5 hours to our first stop: the Fairy-Tale dream town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With its splendid location and charming medieval atmosphere, hardly any other town is able to captivate its visitors in quite the same way as Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria.
Our private guide will meet us for a 2-hour sightseeing tour. A walk through this small town is an unforgettable encounter with bygone centuries. The imposing building of the Town Hall, stately towers, massive fortifications, churches and patrician houses are witnesses to a mighty imperial past.
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the Rothenberg Christmas Market
Dinner included tonight
Day 4. Wed, Nov 28. Transfer to Nuremberg
Departing in the late morning, we will transfer to Nuremberg, famous for its medieval walls and ancient castle, gingerbread cookies, toy manufacturing, Gothic churches, bratwurst and of course, the Christmas market. The city dates back to the year 1050 and for 500 years it was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The National Socialists made Nürnberg the unofficial capital of their empire, which became known as the Third Reich. In January 1945, 90% of the old city of Nürnberg was destroyed, then rebuilt to look like the original, but there are also modern buildings.
After we check in to our hotel, our private guide will take us on a tour of this fascinating city. Afterwards, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the Nuremberg Christmas Market.
Tonight: Dinner on your own and overnight in Nuremberg
Day 5. Thurs, Nov 29. Transfer to Munich
This morning you set off to transfer to Munich (2 hour drive) and check in at your hotel. We’ll meet our local guide at the famous Vikualienmarkt Market, the oldest open food market in Munich, where you can enjoy the local delicacies for lunch (not included) and then are on to a private tour of Munich’s highlights.
We’ll finish our tour at the Munich Christmas Markets, where you have the rest of the day to shop, shop, shop!
We will have a special included dinner tonight in the famous Hofbrauhaus Restaurant where you can enjoy some lively German music and eat delicious traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Day 6. Fri, Nov 30. Day in Munich
Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions in her home town.
We'll meet back this evening for our included cooking class and dinner. A charming Bavarian chef welcomes you with a sparkling aperitif in a modern cooking school in the heart of Munich. You will learn the very best recipes from Bavaria and Together you will cook traditional dishes you find on the menu of every inn and restaurant in Munich.
Overnight in Munich.
Day 7. Sat, Dec 1. A Day at Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau
Today our day trip winds down the “Romantic Road” to Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1886 on a rugged cliff against a scenic mountain backdrop, was intended to “embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle”, as the king wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner. While the building itself replicates the 13th century Romanesque style, some of the images of the murals are based on themes from Wagnerian operas such as “Tannhäuser” and “Lohengrin”. We’ll spend some time at the castle and then head to Oberammergau, the picturesque little village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in the and local woodworking artisans.
Tonight: Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Munich
This morning you set off to transfer to Munich (2 hour drive) and check in at your hotel. We’ll meet our local guide at the famous Vikualienmarkt Market, the oldest open food market in Munich, where you can enjoy the local delicacies for lunch (not included) and then are on to a private tour of Munich’s highlights.
We’ll finish our tour at the Munich Christmas Markets, where you have the rest of the day to shop, shop, shop!
We will have a special included dinner tonight in the famous Hofbrauhaus Restaurant where you can enjoy some lively German music and eat delicious traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Day 6. Fri, Nov 30. Day in Munich
Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions in her home town.
We'll meet back this evening for our included cooking class and dinner. A charming Bavarian chef welcomes you with a sparkling aperitif in a modern cooking school in the heart of Munich. You will learn the very best recipes from Bavaria and Together you will cook traditional dishes you find on the menu of every inn and restaurant in Munich.
Overnight in Munich.
Day 7. Sat, Dec 1. A Day at Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau
Today our day trip winds down the “Romantic Road” to Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1886 on a rugged cliff against a scenic mountain backdrop, was intended to “embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle”, as the king wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner. While the building itself replicates the 13th century Romanesque style, some of the images of the murals are based on themes from Wagnerian operas such as “Tannhäuser” and “Lohengrin”. We’ll spend some time at the castle and then head to Oberammergau, the picturesque little village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in the and local woodworking artisans.
Tonight: Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Munich
Day 8. Sun, Dec 2. Transfer to Lake Chiemsee and then to Salzburg
This morning we take a beautiful drive. Lake Chiemsee is the largest fresh water lake in Germany and boasts three main islands on the lake: Herreninsel, the largest; Frauenchiemsee, also called Herreninsel (“gentlemen’s island”) and Fraueninsel (“ladies’ island”); and uninhabited Krautinsel. It is known as “Cabbage Island” because in the Middle Ages it was cultivated with cabbages and other vegetables.
Herreninsel has a palace built by King Ludwig II in 1878 called Herrenchiemsee, which was never completed but was meant to be a replica of the Palace of Versailles. Frauenchiemsee, the smaller of the two main islands, houses a Benedictine nunnery, built in 782, as well as a small village. The nuns make a liquor called Klosterlikör (“cloister liquor”) and marzipan (almond paste). Chimsee also is home to one of the most unique Christmas markets. As part of our day tour, we’ll take the boat over to the market and have the opportunity to explore.
In the late afternoon we will transfer to Salzburg.
Tonight: Included Culinary Tour and Dinner. This evening you will take part in a culinary tasting tour through the old city of Salzburg. Salzburg is a center for gourmets and you will learn about the history of this culinary culture, which began with the Romans.
Day 9. Mon, Dec 3 A Day in Salzburg
This morning you will meet your city guide and embark on a 3.5 hour tour. After a nice lunch (not included) we will enjoy a 3 hour driving and walking tour to the town of Oberndorf bet Salzburg, known for that memorable opening scene from The Sound of Music. We’re then headed for a quick journey to the town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg to visit the chapel where the Christmas hymn “Silent Night” originated. Visit the Silent Night Chapel and enjoy singing the famous hymn to ring in the Christmas season!
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore Salzburg at your leisure.
Tonight is Dinner on your own
Overnight in Salzburg
This morning we take a beautiful drive. Lake Chiemsee is the largest fresh water lake in Germany and boasts three main islands on the lake: Herreninsel, the largest; Frauenchiemsee, also called Herreninsel (“gentlemen’s island”) and Fraueninsel (“ladies’ island”); and uninhabited Krautinsel. It is known as “Cabbage Island” because in the Middle Ages it was cultivated with cabbages and other vegetables.
Herreninsel has a palace built by King Ludwig II in 1878 called Herrenchiemsee, which was never completed but was meant to be a replica of the Palace of Versailles. Frauenchiemsee, the smaller of the two main islands, houses a Benedictine nunnery, built in 782, as well as a small village. The nuns make a liquor called Klosterlikör (“cloister liquor”) and marzipan (almond paste). Chimsee also is home to one of the most unique Christmas markets. As part of our day tour, we’ll take the boat over to the market and have the opportunity to explore.
In the late afternoon we will transfer to Salzburg.
Tonight: Included Culinary Tour and Dinner. This evening you will take part in a culinary tasting tour through the old city of Salzburg. Salzburg is a center for gourmets and you will learn about the history of this culinary culture, which began with the Romans.
Day 9. Mon, Dec 3 A Day in Salzburg
This morning you will meet your city guide and embark on a 3.5 hour tour. After a nice lunch (not included) we will enjoy a 3 hour driving and walking tour to the town of Oberndorf bet Salzburg, known for that memorable opening scene from The Sound of Music. We’re then headed for a quick journey to the town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg to visit the chapel where the Christmas hymn “Silent Night” originated. Visit the Silent Night Chapel and enjoy singing the famous hymn to ring in the Christmas season!
You’ll have the rest of the day to explore Salzburg at your leisure.
Tonight is Dinner on your own
Overnight in Salzburg
Day 10. Tues, Dec 4. – Day in the Lake District or “Salzgammergut”
Today we’re off for a full day tour to the beautiful Lake District of Salzburg to enjoy a private tour of the Salzkammergut region of Austria, the most beautiful area of Austria. We’ll begin with the Fuschlsee, where the opening scenes of The Sound of Music were shot.
AND no holiday season adventure is complete without an included sleigh ride through the Salzburg Alpine Region. The sleigh ride will take you to a famous mountain lodge for lunch (not included). Then, on to the villages of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang on the banks of Lake Wolfgangsee, which will welcome us with wonderful Christmas Markets. We’ll end our day at the postcard-perfect Lake Hallstatt-a UNESCO world Heritage site.
Included Farewell Dinner: Tonight we dine at the oldest restaurant in Eastern Europe, Salzburg’s number one address for great food served with a generous helping of culture.
Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 11. Wed, Dec 5. Departures from Salzburg Airport
Transfer to Salzburg airport for departure flights back to the U.S.
Today we’re off for a full day tour to the beautiful Lake District of Salzburg to enjoy a private tour of the Salzkammergut region of Austria, the most beautiful area of Austria. We’ll begin with the Fuschlsee, where the opening scenes of The Sound of Music were shot.
AND no holiday season adventure is complete without an included sleigh ride through the Salzburg Alpine Region. The sleigh ride will take you to a famous mountain lodge for lunch (not included). Then, on to the villages of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang on the banks of Lake Wolfgangsee, which will welcome us with wonderful Christmas Markets. We’ll end our day at the postcard-perfect Lake Hallstatt-a UNESCO world Heritage site.
Included Farewell Dinner: Tonight we dine at the oldest restaurant in Eastern Europe, Salzburg’s number one address for great food served with a generous helping of culture.
Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 11. Wed, Dec 5. Departures from Salzburg Airport
Transfer to Salzburg airport for departure flights back to the U.S.