CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Germany and Austria - December 15 - 23, 2012
$3529 - includes airfare from most USA cities
$2289 - airfare not included
$100 discount if paying by check or bank draft
$420 single room supplement
When I think of outdoor markets, I immediately conjure up the mental image of weekly market days in France and Germany. These moving markets roll into one town on Monday then depart on a circuit of the area towns throughout the week. When the market comes to town I love to wander, to look, to smell and to experience the local flavor! I always end up buying something: a new musical instrument, a pastry, fresh vegetables, olive oil, cheese, or local art.
Christmas Markets (Christkindl Markt) are similar to traditional markets, but ifused with Christmas spirit and cheer. These are popular in many German and Austrian towns, but none can compare to the beauty, variety and seasonal ambience of those in Nuremburg and Salzburg. It’s here you will find everything from unique decorations, beautiful handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to feast on sumptuous food. All this, combined with chilly weather, caroling choirs, brass bands, millions of lights, and festive decorations is sure to supercharge any tour experience.
Saturday, December 15, 2012: Fly overnight to Frankfurt, Germany -- International flights are included as a optional add-on for this tour. However, you can arrange your own flight s if you would like. Please schedule your flight to arrive in Frankfurt by 11:00 a.m.
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Sunday, December 16, 2012: Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport — After airport security and customs, meet your Exploring Europe tour leader and driver. Heidelberg, a bustling university town, is included on the itinerary of most every tour visiting western Germany. While it is very touristy most of the year, it is charming during the holiday season. Enjoy a few hours visiting the markets and getting into the European holiday spirit. Later, travel to Rothenburg on der Taüber, an authentic medieval walled town. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a few hours to relax before joining for dinner. Sleep in Rothenburg for 2 nights.
Monday, December 17: Nuremburg Christkindl Market – Today, we will travel to nearby Nuremburg, home of Germany’s most famous Christmas Market. The entire town square is filled with over 180 wooden stalls, loaded with homemade crafts, local food, mulled wine, and Christmas cheer. Each stall is decorated with red and white cloth and has become the model for all other Christmas markets in Europe. You are sure to enjoy a full day of cheer in the “Little Town from Wood and Cloth,” as it has become known. Tonight, we will return to Rothenburg where you can enjoy an event-free evening and dinner on your own.
Tuesday, December 18: Castle Neuschwanstein and Reutte, Austria – After breakfast, we will make our way south, on the famed “Romantic Road” toward Bavaria. Most of the day will be spent at the huge castle complex of Schwangau. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the village atmosphere, hike in the spruce woodlands, and enjoy the pristine lakeside. Also, enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Neuschwanstein, famous as the home of “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This castle, is the model upon which Walt Disney conceived “Cinderella’s Castle” at the Disneyland resort. After a full day out-of-door, enjoy a grand gourmet dinner, prepared by my friend Hermann, at his Tyrolean restaurant in Reutte, Austria. Sleep 1 night in Reutte.
Wednesday, December 19: Salzburg, Austria -- Leaving the Tyrol area behind, we will skirt the Alps in route to Salzburg. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the famous old town. After checking into our hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to explore more of Salzburg on your own. Later, we will meet at the Augustiner Braüstubl for a hearty dinner. Sleep 2 nights in Salzburg.
Thursday, December 20: Salzburg – This morning, enjoy a drive through the Saltzgammergut countryside visiting several sights made famous by the movie, “The Sound of Music.” Return to Salzburg to explore the Christmas Market, the castle, and town. Dinner and entertainment are left up to you tonight. You might want to consider a sleighride, a concert, or poking around in the old town.
Friday, December 21: Dachau and Munich – From Salzburg, it is a three hour drive to Dachau. Here, step back in time to the days of WWII and the regime of the Third Reich. Dachau, Hitler’s first “concentration camp” provides a somber reminder of the atrocities of WWII. Later, arrive in Munich and enjoy a walking tour of the city center. Dinner is not provided tonight, but why not consider meeting at the famous Hofbräuhaus am Platz for some good food, better beer, and great music? Sleep 2 nights in Munich.
Saturday, December 22: Munich -- Munich, like Nüremburg, is known for its Christmas Markets and holiday cheer. Enjoy an event-free day in town. Tonight, meet for a festive gourmet dinner at one of my favorite restaurants.
Sunday, December 23: Fly Home -- Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Travel to the airport for your flight home.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
-Transportation by bus or van from your arrival airport in Germany to your departure hotel in Munich.
--Twin room accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels and guesthouses with private bath.
- Limited single rooms are available for a supplement of $420.00
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All breakfasts and five of your dinners.
· Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it at all our dining experiences.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
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Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
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-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
-Tours and admissions to the following attractions, experiences, and sights: Heidelberg orientation ▪ Rothenburg walking tour and orientation ▪ Christkindl Market day in Nuremburg ▪ Castle Newschwanstein entrance and guided tour ▪ Salzburg orientation and walking tour ▪ Salzgammergut driving tour and notable Sound of Music sights ▪ KZ Dachau visit ▪ Munich orientation walking tour ▪ Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Munich, Heidelberg, Rothenburg, and Nuremburg ▪ Augustiner Braüstubl dining experience ▪ Reutte gourmet dining experience ▪ Munich gourmet dining experience ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
· Credit Card payments accepted.
