Germany's Bamberg, Nuremberg, Munich,
Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau
Austria's Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna
11 days/10 nights
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
Neuschwanstein Castle and Oberammergau
Austria's Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna
11 days/10 nights
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this winter adventure through Germany and Austria, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: December 1 - 11, 2022 |
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The Christmas Markets Tour:
2 nights Bamberg 3 nights Munich 3 nights Salzburg 1 night Innsbruck 2 nights Vienna |
DAY 1: ARRIVE BAMBERG. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
Arrival at the Frankfurt airport. Your driver will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim to transfer you to Bamberg.
Narrow alleys, cozy corners, medieval and baroque building fronts, plus a distinct romantic flair - Bamberg is a unique work of art. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact old town centers, Bamberg has the magic of the past hanging in the air, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Today, Bamberg is a lively arts and cultural center with a thousand year old history, a long tradition of beer brewing and the buzzing atmosphere of a city full of life and street cafés and small antiques shops.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Bamberg, 2 nights with breakfast
Narrow alleys, cozy corners, medieval and baroque building fronts, plus a distinct romantic flair - Bamberg is a unique work of art. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact old town centers, Bamberg has the magic of the past hanging in the air, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Today, Bamberg is a lively arts and cultural center with a thousand year old history, a long tradition of beer brewing and the buzzing atmosphere of a city full of life and street cafés and small antiques shops.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Bamberg, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2. A DAY IN BAMBERG |
Morning private tour of the city. The city's Domplatz (square), flanked by the four-spired Bamberg Cathedral, the New Residence and a medieval building complex called Alte Hofhaltung, is the better of our tour. We're then off to a guided tour of the New Residence. The interior boasts marble floors, chandeliers, notable Baroque paintings and stucco work, while the outside rose garden has fantastic views of the surrounding area. We'll also see the Town Hall, perched on an island in the Regnitz River. Inside is a museum that is home to Europe’s most extensive porcelain collection. A walk over the bridge offers a great view of the elaborate murals and brings you into Little Venice, an old fishing village with charming riverside cottages.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy this walkable town at your leisure.
Bamberg is an interesting combination of fabulous things: history, shopping, jovial beer drinking and eating.
Christmas Markets.
Beer. One of the main attractions is its many hilltop beer gardens. The city is proud of its beer brewing heritage. This town of 70,000 people boasts 9 breweries brewing 50 unique beers. Brewing and consuming beer is a part of the city’s history. Each brewery has an archway in the middle called a schwemm. In the past, carts carrying barrels of beer to and from the brewery would pass through this archway. Now the schwemms are used as a corridor between the front door of the building and the door to the tavern. All have a window for patrons to buy beer to go, or to buy beer and drink it in the corridor. Che Bella will provide you with our Brewery walk.
Overnight in Bamberg.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy this walkable town at your leisure.
Bamberg is an interesting combination of fabulous things: history, shopping, jovial beer drinking and eating.
Christmas Markets.
Beer. One of the main attractions is its many hilltop beer gardens. The city is proud of its beer brewing heritage. This town of 70,000 people boasts 9 breweries brewing 50 unique beers. Brewing and consuming beer is a part of the city’s history. Each brewery has an archway in the middle called a schwemm. In the past, carts carrying barrels of beer to and from the brewery would pass through this archway. Now the schwemms are used as a corridor between the front door of the building and the door to the tavern. All have a window for patrons to buy beer to go, or to buy beer and drink it in the corridor. Che Bella will provide you with our Brewery walk.
Overnight in Bamberg.
DAY 3: NUREMBERG TO MUNICH |
This morning we'll begin our drive with a stop in 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. We'll enjoy an afternoon walking tour, including the city’s historic center, ending at the Hauptmarkt main square, where there are many Christmas shops. We’ll spend some time here for at your leisure before we continue on to Munich.
Included dinner in Munich.
Overnight in Munich, 3 nights with breakfast. This 4-star-superior hotel in Bamberg offers elegant accommodation next to the banks of the old Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal. It offers free high-speed WiFi and is a short walk from the UNESCO-listed Old Town district.
DAY 4: A DAY IN MUNICH |
This morning you set off to meet your guide for A private tour of Munich’s highlights. The tour will today will be a hefty 5 hours, so we’ll enjoy a late lunchtime (not included) at the famous Vikualienmarkt, the oldest open food market in Munich, where you can enjoy the local delicacies at your leisure, with the rest of the afternoon to enjoy on you own.
Overnight in Munich.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Overnight in Munich.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
Afternoon 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.
Dachau Concentration Camp. 2.5 hour tour + transportation. Dachau was Germany’s first concentration camp - opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau, near Munich. Explore the remaining buildings and reconstructions and learn more about the biographies of former prisoners. Maintained as a memorial, this visit at Dachau will provide an insight into this tragic period in history. Your price includes your guide, who will pick you up at your hotel, train tickets and the admissions to Dachau.
Dachau Concentration Camp. 2.5 hour tour + transportation. Dachau was Germany’s first concentration camp - opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau, near Munich. Explore the remaining buildings and reconstructions and learn more about the biographies of former prisoners. Maintained as a memorial, this visit at Dachau will provide an insight into this tragic period in history. Your price includes your guide, who will pick you up at your hotel, train tickets and the admissions to Dachau.
DAY 5. CRAZY KING LUDWIG AND OBERAMMERGAU |
After a relaxed morning we head to Bavaria’s most famous landmark, world reknowned Neuschwanstein castle, built by the eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This iconic structure, perfectly perched at the base of the Alps, is Ludwig’s late 19th century tribute to the early medieval age of knights and to Richard Wagner’s operas. Perched majestically over the Lech river valley at the edge of the Alps, Neuschwanstein is an eternal testament to the power of imagination.
We’ll then head to Oberammergau, the picturesque little village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play and local woodworking artisans. You'll have time at your leisure for strolling, shopping, and of course lunch.
On the way to back to Munich we'll stop for a refreshing visit to the beautiful hilltop monastery at Andechs. Known as the Holy Mountain but maybe better known for its beer, Andechs is a pilgrimage destination for spiritual seekers and beer aficionados alike.
Tonight: Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Munich.
We’ll then head to Oberammergau, the picturesque little village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play and local woodworking artisans. You'll have time at your leisure for strolling, shopping, and of course lunch.
On the way to back to Munich we'll stop for a refreshing visit to the beautiful hilltop monastery at Andechs. Known as the Holy Mountain but maybe better known for its beer, Andechs is a pilgrimage destination for spiritual seekers and beer aficionados alike.
Tonight: Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Munich.
DAY 6. INNSBRUCK |
The most wonderful time of the year is even better in Innsbruck. Festive Christmas markets entice visitors with delicious punch and local specialities, such as Kiachl – freshly baked farmers’ donuts served with sweet or savoury toppings. The medieval streets are filled with the romantic glow of twinkling lights, traditional Austrian brass bands play out from the towers and Advent concerts get visitors in the Christmas spirit. Traditions, such as the Krampus parades (when demon-like creatures from Alpine folklore parade through the streets in elaborate costumes), nativity scene displays, visits from St. Nicholas and Advent concerts entertain guests of all ages. And traditional Christmas specialties, such as delicious fruit breads and Christmas stollen, are just waiting to be enjoyed.
Innsbruck is colorful, beautiful, walkable and surrounded by the looming, snowy Alps.
Innsbruck will be your best chance to see snow while in Austria for Christmas, so be sure to take a cable car ride up into the mountains for a winter wonderland experience.
A 14-metre high Christmas tree, decorated with Swarovski crystals, is installed near the Golden Roof and the entire Old Town is lit with sparkling fairy lights.
For a fun way to see the city, jump aboard the Christkendlbahn.
Included dinner
Overnight in Innsbruck, 1 night with breakfast
Innsbruck is colorful, beautiful, walkable and surrounded by the looming, snowy Alps.
Innsbruck will be your best chance to see snow while in Austria for Christmas, so be sure to take a cable car ride up into the mountains for a winter wonderland experience.
A 14-metre high Christmas tree, decorated with Swarovski crystals, is installed near the Golden Roof and the entire Old Town is lit with sparkling fairy lights.
For a fun way to see the city, jump aboard the Christkendlbahn.
Included dinner
Overnight in Innsbruck, 1 night with breakfast
DAY 7: TO SALZBURG |
Pretty villages with flower boxed windows and balconies; glacial lakes nestled in the border fingers of the Alps; pastureland and forests flowing over the rolling moraines of the alpine foothills: Bavaria is one of those places with an almost mythological reputation, and our tour today explores the Bavarian Way of Life.
Enroute to Salzburg, we'll make a stop in Berchtesgaden, a picturesque village tucked against the sheer walls of the Bavarian Alps surrounded on three sides by Austria. Stroll through the winding streets lined with pastel buildings decorated with “Luftmalerei” paintings, browse the wood carvings and Bavarian clothes in the shops, and stop at one of the many cafes with outdoor seating to enjoy Bavarian specialties and beer, or Kaffee und Kuchen (pastries).
Included 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, 2 nights with breakfast
Enroute to Salzburg, we'll make a stop in Berchtesgaden, a picturesque village tucked against the sheer walls of the Bavarian Alps surrounded on three sides by Austria. Stroll through the winding streets lined with pastel buildings decorated with “Luftmalerei” paintings, browse the wood carvings and Bavarian clothes in the shops, and stop at one of the many cafes with outdoor seating to enjoy Bavarian specialties and beer, or Kaffee und Kuchen (pastries).
Included 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, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 8: A DAY IN SALZBURG |
Traditional Krampus runs, advent singing and the Christkindlmarkt all mark the Advent season in Salzburg. During our private morning tour, we'll enjoy it all.
This afternoon enjoy the merriment.
• Take horse and carriage ride around the Old Town.
• Go ice skating in Mozart Square.
• Of course, enjoy the Old Town Christmas Market
Tonight we take the funicular high up above Salzburg for included dinner and a Christmas concert of music by Mozart, Haydn, Bach, and other legendary composers.
Overnight in Salzburg
This afternoon enjoy the merriment.
• Take horse and carriage ride around the Old Town.
• Go ice skating in Mozart Square.
• Of course, enjoy the Old Town Christmas Market
Tonight we take the funicular high up above Salzburg for included dinner and a Christmas concert of music by Mozart, Haydn, Bach, and other legendary composers.
Overnight in Salzburg
DAY 9. TO VIENNA |
This morning we head to Vienna. You will be transferred to the hotel, an elegant and modern 5-star property situated right in the city center on the famous Ringstrabe Boulevard, near the Opera. After you check your bags, we'll embark with your private guide on a private 3-hour walking tour of the city center.
This afternoon is yours to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
Your evening will begin with an included wine tasting of the best and oldest Austrian wines in one of the oldest Baroque buildings in Vienna. The cellar, built in 1701, has been a famous meeting place for artists, Viennese people and visitors from all over the world. Afterward, we'll head to included dinner.
Overnight in Vienna, 3 nights with breakfast
This afternoon is yours to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
Your evening will begin with an included wine tasting of the best and oldest Austrian wines in one of the oldest Baroque buildings in Vienna. The cellar, built in 1701, has been a famous meeting place for artists, Viennese people and visitors from all over the world. Afterward, we'll head to included dinner.
Overnight in Vienna, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 10. A DAY IN VIENNA AT YOUR LEISURE |
Enjoy the holiday festivities. Head over to the Museums Quartier in Vienna to witness ice pavilions, light shows, video projections, DJs and live music. Remote-controlled cars race over the frozen pond, and you’ll get to enjoy some Christmas punch.
Explore Vienna's vibrant art scene. Vienna's museums provide endless artistic delights, from the permanent collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which includes works by Titian, Peter Paul Rubens and Albrecht Dürer, to The Kiss by Gustave Kimpt, one of the world’s most famous paintings, which you will find at the Belvedere.
Experience Vienna's unique coffee culture. Relax at one of Vienna's many coffee houses. Two particularly popular drinks at Vienna’s cafés are the verlängerter (espresso with hot water) and melange, which is like a Viennese-style cappuccino.
Tonight: Farewell Dinner. Tonight we’ll be treated to an evening of waltzes and operates by Strauss and Mozart and a delicious 4-course meal.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Explore Vienna's vibrant art scene. Vienna's museums provide endless artistic delights, from the permanent collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which includes works by Titian, Peter Paul Rubens and Albrecht Dürer, to The Kiss by Gustave Kimpt, one of the world’s most famous paintings, which you will find at the Belvedere.
Experience Vienna's unique coffee culture. Relax at one of Vienna's many coffee houses. Two particularly popular drinks at Vienna’s cafés are the verlängerter (espresso with hot water) and melange, which is like a Viennese-style cappuccino.
Tonight: Farewell Dinner. Tonight we’ll be treated to an evening of waltzes and operates by Strauss and Mozart and a delicious 4-course meal.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, is an excellent place to learn about the Habsburgs, their impact on European history...and their odd chins. During this 2.5-hour Schönbrunn Palace tour we'll join a local historian for an in-depth exploration of this crown jewel of Imperial Austria. Along the way we'll acquire a solid understanding of how the Habsburg dynasty evolved and discover the hidden stories behind its gilded details and ornate furnishings.
Counterpoint and Music in Vienna. Vienna and music are inseparable. The passion for music in Vienna guided and nurtured Western music since the 17th century, and has attracted some of the greatest musicians and composers that have ever lived to the city: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and dozens upon dozens of others. On this Vienna Opera tour with a local historian, we’ll visit sites associated with the major figures of music history, learning how music has shaped Viennese society and tracing the roots of beloved classical music traditions which are still practiced today.
• See the famous Lipizzaner horses in action at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School.
Counterpoint and Music in Vienna. Vienna and music are inseparable. The passion for music in Vienna guided and nurtured Western music since the 17th century, and has attracted some of the greatest musicians and composers that have ever lived to the city: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and dozens upon dozens of others. On this Vienna Opera tour with a local historian, we’ll visit sites associated with the major figures of music history, learning how music has shaped Viennese society and tracing the roots of beloved classical music traditions which are still practiced today.
• See the famous Lipizzaner horses in action at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School.
DAY 11. FLIGHTS OUT FROM VIENNA |