Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany

Refer to the “Arrival instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach, and soon you will be crossing the border from Germany into Austria. As you drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers, charming villages and snow-capped peaks. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos to get settled in for a three-night stay. Tonight, enjoy Austrian hospitality during the "Welcome to Europe" dinner at the hotel.

A leisurely morning provides a chance to get acclimated and take in the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike, or simply relax in your Austrian village amid the splendid vistas. Later this morning, take a 1-hour ride into Berchtesgaden in the southeast corner of Germany, for your first Christmas Market experience. During your visit, you may wish to visit the Grassl Taste of the Alps shop to get acquainted with the local Schnapps. Return to Filzmoos to warm up before venturing out for an independent dinner at one of the cozy local restaurants.

The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg. A local guide will board the motor coach to share highlights of the surrounding area before familiarizing you with Salzburg’s Old Town on foot. With the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, spend the afternoon browsing the Christmas Market stalls in the charming pedestrian-only area. Shop for handmade crafts and Christmas decorations, including the traditional Austrian angels carved from wood. You may also choose to visit Mozart’s Birthplace (admission fee) or explore “Sound of Music” movie sites. Return to your hotel in Filzmoos for a festive Austrian dinner and musical entertainment.

Admire the glorious scenery as you travel into the province of Tyrol. During a morning stop in Kufstein, enjoy views of the hilltop fortress. Continue your drive along the Inn River to your Tyrolean Village hotel. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you to their theater with an entertaining performance of traditional Tyrolean songs, unique dances, traditional instruments and expert yodeling.

Start the morning in the capital of Tyrol with visits to the Olympic Ski Jump and Grassmayr Bell Museum. Proceed to Innbruck’s Old Town to admire the historical architecture and browse the extensive display of booths along the Maria Theresien Boulevard. The Golden Roof, a symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 shiny copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I had this covered balcony built to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. The famed Swarovski Crystal shop offers an indoor shopping option with sparkling displays. Warm up with glühwein (mulled wine) and fire roasted chestnuts. The excitement of the daytime shopping gives way to the festive glow of evening lights to accompany your independent dinner.

Return to Germany for an extended lunch stop at one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets. Augsburg’s “Christkindlesmarkt” dates back to the 15th century and was initiated by local gingerbread makers. You will find many shapes and sizes of the delicious German gingerbread (Lebkuchen), along with an expansive selection of other treats, crafts, decorations and gift ideas. From Augsburg, follow the “Romantic Road” northward past the unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages of Bavaria. End the day with an included dinner at your hotel in Nuremberg.

As you transfer into the city center, view some of Nuremberg’s historic landmarks. Spend most of the day on the main Market Square, taking in the ambience of what many consider to be Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Market. All will delight in the Children’s Market, and you will find gifts from all over the world at the international Market of the Sister Cities on the neighboring square. The Toy Museum (admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys,” is also within walking distance. Both lunch and dinner are independent, providing ample time for shopping and to try the famous Nuremberg sausages.

Transfer to the enchanting, medieval village of Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets and distinctive inns, you will feel as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf is a Christmas shop offering beautiful decorations and gifts as well as whimsical holiday displays. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner” at the Nuremberg hotel, share your favorite moments of the tour with your fellow travelers.

Travel through the Main River Valley to arrive in Frankfurt by mid-day. Walk the Christmas Market stalls of Römerberg Square in the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt) and try local holiday specialties such as Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and Bethmännchen (marzipan biscuits). A 30-meter-high Christmas tree decorates the center of the square. You may also like to pay a visit to the rustic wooden huts serving cocktails and homemade soup at the Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, properly nicknamed the “Pink Christmas” for its predominantly pink-tinted decorations and lights. Independent dinner allows you the flexibility to spend this last evening as you wish.

Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home.