Munich, Innsbruck and Swarovski, Oberammergau, The Fantasy Castles of the Romantic Road, The Lake District, Salzburg and Vienna
December 1 - 11, 2023
9 days/10 nights
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
December 1 - 11, 2023
9 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.
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The Christmas Markets Tour:
3 nights Munich 1 night in Innsbruck 1 night in The Lakes District 2 nights Salzburg 2 nights Vienna |
DAY 1: ARRIVE MUNICH. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
Arrival at the Munich airport. Your driver will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim to transfer you to Bamberg.
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.
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 2. 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 3. CRAZY KING LUDWIG AND OBERAMMERGAU |
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.
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.
Tonight: Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Munich.
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.
Tonight: Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Munich.
DAY 4. INNSBRUCK |
This morning, we travel along some of the most beautiful lakes of Bavaria and the Karwendel Mountains, a formidable mountain range of great natural beauty, and considered the “Golden Roof” of Austria. Without a doubt, however, shining highlight of the morning is The World of Crystal. This magnificent location glistens with brilliant crystals that Swarovski is famous for, showcasing artistic interpretations of crystal in 14 underground spaces – including works by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalì.
The most wonderful time of the year is even better in Innsbruck. Festive Christmas markets entice visitors with delicious punch and local specialities. 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. 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.
Included dinner
Overnight in Innsbruck, 1 night with breakfast
The most wonderful time of the year is even better in Innsbruck. Festive Christmas markets entice visitors with delicious punch and local specialities. 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. 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.
Included dinner
Overnight in Innsbruck, 1 night with breakfast
DAY 5: TO SALZBURG |
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).
Our guide will show us the locations where the famous Sound of Music movie was filmed, and we'll spend some time at the Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market and perhaps sing a song at the gazebo.
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 and an operatic Mozart concert.
Overnight in Salzburg, 2 nights with breakfast
Our guide will show us the locations where the famous Sound of Music movie was filmed, and we'll spend some time at the Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market and perhaps sing a song at the gazebo.
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 and an operatic Mozart concert.
Overnight in Salzburg, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 6: A DAY IN SALZBURG |
During our private morning tour, we'll enjoy the highlights of the Old Town.
This afternoon enjoy the merriment of the Old Town Christmas Market.
Tonight is dinner on your own.
Overnight in Salzburg
This afternoon enjoy the merriment of the Old Town Christmas Market.
Tonight is dinner on your own.
Overnight in Salzburg
DAY 7. TO THE LAKES |
The real scene-stealers of the area is Austria's Lake District, known as Salzkammergut. Our first stop on this journey is The village of Strobl on the banks of Lake Wolfgangsee, where we will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. We'll have some time to enjoy this lovely town and its Christmas Market before we move on to Lake Hallstatt. Hallstatt is one of the prettiest spots in the country. Some sources say this is Austria's oldest village too, dating back to the eighth century BC. This charming village was named a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 1997. You can spend hours walking up and down the single main street of the village or even running along the lake in the shadow of the surrounding towering mountains. Pay a visit to the oldest salt mine in the area; the name of the region Salzkammergut derives from ‘salt' once busily traded as ‘white gold.' Local shops still sell local salt in attractive bottles that make for ideal souvenirs to take back with you.
We'll overnight at a luxury hotel right on the lake with breathtaking views of the mountains and a gourmet included dinner.
Overnight 1 nights with breakfast
We'll overnight at a luxury hotel right on the lake with breathtaking views of the mountains and a gourmet included dinner.
Overnight 1 nights with breakfast
DAY 8. TO VIENNA |
This morning we head to Vienna. Enroute, we will enjoy an included winetasting of the white wines of the region.
After, we will be transferred to the hotel, an elegant property situated right in the city center. You will have time for lunch before we enjoy a private panoramic driving tour of the highlights of Vienna.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Vienna, 3 nights with breakfast
After, we will be transferred to the hotel, an elegant property situated right in the city center. You will have time for lunch before we enjoy a private panoramic driving tour of the highlights of Vienna.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Vienna, 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 9. A DAY IN VIENNA AT YOUR LEISURE |
Today is yours to enjoy this vibrant city.
See a performance of the Spanish Riding School, an Austrian institution dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses
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 at one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe.
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.
See a performance of the Spanish Riding School, an Austrian institution dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses
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 at one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe.
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 |