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 your Alpine Village 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 is your 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 Alpine Village amid the splendid vistas.
Later this morning, a short ride brings you to Berchtesgaden, Germany. A local guide will join you for an informative visit to the Berchtesgaden Documentation Center located at the base of the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain hideaway. By late afternoon arrive in the center of Berchtesgaden for your first Christmas Market experience and independent dinner.
Return to your Austrian Village hotel this evening.

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 introducing you to 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.
On the way back to your hotel, stop for an Austrian dinner at a family-owned restaurant.

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 Innsbruck 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 fire-gilded copper tiles. Completed in 1500, Maximilian 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 store offers an indoor shopping option with sparkling displays. Warm up with glühwein (mulled wine) and fire-roasted chestnuts. The excitement of 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 Lebkuchen (German gingerbread) along with an expansive selection of other treats, crafts, decorations and gifts.
From Augsburg, travel northward past unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and the 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 UNESCO World Heritage city of Regensburg. Regensburg was once a political center of the Holy Roman Empire and is now considered to be Germany’s best preserved medieval city. This afternoon, explore the various Christmas markets the city has to offer. This evening, the Market at the Thurn & Taxis Palace provides a romantic backdrop for further exploration and independent dinner.

After a relaxed morning in Regensburg, travel the short distance to the neighboring town of Abensberg, known as one of the most unique and artistically-illuminated Christmas Markets in Bavaria. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the Kuchlbauer’s Brewery and Tower. Following your visit, enjoy the Christmas Market at the brewery and in the town center.
Return to Regensburg this evening for a “Farewell Dinner” to share your favorite moments of the tour with your fellow travelers.

Transfer to the Munich Airport for your return flight home.