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About the Tour
The Christkindlmarkt (Christ-child market) found in the town-square of most German-speaking cities during Advent is a century old tradition. The scene is as old as the season itself: the smell of hot-spiced wine, roasted chestnuts and aromatic incense. The craftsmen, artists and vendors huddled in their tiny wooden huts offering warm greetings. Enjoy the sounds of children discovering clever new toys, of Carols in the distance, of Yuletide joy; Join us in experiencing the spirit of Christmas on a journey to the "Old World" as you've never seen it before. Our first stop is the famous city of Nuermberg, once the venue of Imperial Diets during the Middle Ages. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the Father of German Christmas Markets; one of the oldest and today one of the largest found in Germany. After enjoying plenty of time at the famous market, we leave the big city for the quiet town of Rothenburg o.d.Tauber. Rothenburg is well known as the best-preserved medieval city in Europe, still surrounded by its ancient wall. Highlights here include a walking tour and the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village Store, with over 70,000 different crafted ornaments to choose from. We then head south for Munich, the Capitol of Bavaria. From here we will have a full-day excursion to the country to visit the famous village of Oberammergau and King Ludwig II's Linderhof Castle. Situated in a snow-blanketed forest at the foot of the Alps, the fairy-tale King actually resided at the castle for 14 years (unlike his other castles, which he rarely frequented and were still under construction). From Munich we will continue to the scenic royal spa town of Bad Reichenhall for a visit to its Christmas Market. We finish the tour in the breathtaking village of Berchtesgaden, near the Austrian border by Salzburg. Here we will experience the traditional Christmas legend of the Krampusse and Buttnmandl (folkloric creatures that accompany Saint Nicholaus on his visits to this alpine village). The Christmas Market in Salzburg, Austria, as well as the famous "Silent Night Chapel" in Oberndorf are also included.
November 29: IN FLIGHT
November 30: NUREMBERG
Arrival at Munich International Airport (Franz Josef Strauss) this morning. Our first stop is the famous city of Nuermberg, once the venue of Imperial Diets during the Middle Ages. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the “Father of German Christmas Markets,” one of the oldest and today one of the largest found in Germany. After enjoying plenty of time at the famous market, we leave the big city for our hotel in the quiet town of Rothenburg o.d.Tauber. Hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight Rothenburg. (B, D)
December 1: ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Rothenburg is well known as the best-preserved medieval city in Europe, still surrounded by its ancient wall. Highlights today include a walking tour of the historic city and a visit to the Käthe Wohlfahrt “Christmas Village” Store, with over 70,000 different crafted ornaments to choose from. Free time this afternoon for shopping, personal interests or relaxing. Dinner tonight on your own. Overnight Rothenburg. (B)
December 2: MUNICH
This morning we head south to Munich for a walking tour of the city center and lunch at the market located on Marienplatz (Mary's Square). Afternoon check in to our hotel with free time for discovering the market and shopping. Dinner. Overnight Munich. (B, D)
December 3: LINDERHOF / OBERAMMERGAU
From here we will have a leisurely drive to the country to visit the little village of Oberammergau, site of the famous Passion Play once every 10 years from May through September. Then just a few kilometers away to "Mad" King Ludwig II's Linderhof Castle. Situated in a snow-blanketed forest at the foot of the Alps, the fairy-tale King actually resided at the castle for 14 years (unlike his other castles, which he rarely frequented and were still under construction). After a brief stop in Garmisch, we will overnight in Mittenwald, the "most Bavarian of villages." Overnight Mittenwald. (B, D)
December 4: MITTENWALD
This morning we have time at the Mittenwald Christmas Market before heading east to Berchtesgaden. Our route begins via two beautiful alpine lakes, the Walchensee and Kochelsee before turning into a spectacular scenic drive: The German Alpine Road. We stop this afternoon for coffee and picture taking before arriving in the breathtaking village of Berchtesgaden, near the Austrian border by Salzburg. Hotel check in and dinner. Overnight Berchtesgaden. (B, D)
 December 5: BERCHTESGADEN
This morning we have a walking orientation of Berchtesgaden town center and either (an optional) visit to the famous Salt Mines or a cruise across the enchanting Lake Königssee. Free time at the Christmas Market this afternoon before dinner. Special evening festivities in the town center as we experience the traditional Christmas legend of the Krampusse and Buttnmandl (folkloric creatures that accompany Saint Nicholaus on his visit to this alpine village -- pictured here). Dinner on your own. Overnight Berchtesgaden. (B)
December 6: SALZBURG
This morning we visit the famous "Silent Night, Holy Night" Chapel in Oberndorf and the Christmas Market in the City of Mozart, Salzburg, Austria. Lunch in Salzburg with free time before returning to Berchtesgaden later this afternoon. Free time in Berchtesgaden before dinner. Dinner. Overnight Berchtesgaden. (B, D)
December 7: MUNICH
This morning we transfer to Munich for free time in town before our Special Farewell Dinner tonight at the famous Hofbräuhaus Beer-hall. Overnight Munich. (B, D)
December 8: IN FLIGHT from Munich Airport
 Tour Reservations
Tour Price includes 9 nights accommodations in First-class Hotels, 6 Dinners and Breakfast daily, ground transportation in comfortable, deluxe touring Motor Coach, all sightseeing attractions, entrance fees (as indicated as included tour features), service charges, and luggage service. All prices are Land only unless otherwise indicated. Tour price is based on double occupancy (two to a room) and is subject to change. Limited single rooms available for a supplement.
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