11-Day Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany Tour
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe. The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for your arrival in Europe. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Munich Airport & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos. Upon arrival at Munich Airport, disembark, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents 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, pretty 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 dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Berchtesgaden & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos. A leisurely morning provides a chance to acclimate 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 boundless splendor. Later that morning, take a 1-hour ride into a southern pocket of Germany for your first Christmas Market experience, in Berchtesgaden. During your visit, you may wish to join the tour manager for an explanation and tasting of the local Schnapps. Return to Filzmoos to warm up before venturing out to one of the local restaurants for an independent dinner. Another option is to take a horse drawn carriage (approximately €35 per person) up to the cozy alpine hut of the Unterhofalm Restaurant. (Breakfast)
DAY 4 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg – Filzmoos. 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 High 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 can also visit Mozart’s Birthplace (€12 admission fee) or explore “Sound of Music” movie sites. Return to your hotel in Filzmoos for a festive Austrian dinner buffet and musical entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Kufstein – Tyrolean Village. Admire the glorious scenery during your drive through the province of Tyrol. As you walk through the town of Kufstein, enjoy views of the hilltop fortress and consider restaurants offering regional specialties for your independent lunch. Continue 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, amusing instruments and expert yodeling. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village. Start the morning with a visit to one of the more intimate Christmas Markets offering amazing views over Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Descend into the Old Town to admire the historical architecture and browse the elaborate variety of booths along the Maria Theresien Boulevard. The Golden Roof, the symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 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. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - GERMANY . . Augsburg – Nuremberg. 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 the 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 unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages. End the day with check-in and an included dinner at your hotel in Nuremberg. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg. As you transfer into the city center, view some of the historic landmarks of Nuremberg. Spend most of the day on Nuremberg’s 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 (€6 admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “city of toys,” is also within walking distance. Both lunch and dinner are independent allowing ample opportunity to try the famous Nuremberg sausages. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rothenburg – Rüdesheim. 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. Your final tour destination is Rüdesheim, a small village located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region and known for its festive atmosphere. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel, share your favorite moments of the tour with fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim. A full day of exploration will allow you to become well-acquainted with Rüdesheim. Tour the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Take a ride on the chair lift (€6 round trip) for magnificent views of the Rhine River Valley. Walk along the Drosselgasse, the lovely main shopping street. Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market is the smallest market you will visit on your tour, exemplifying an authentic local atmosphere as you shop and enjoy the seasonal entertainment. An independent dinner, gives you the option to participate in the holiday atmosphere well into the evening. (Breakfast)
DAY 11- Daytime flight back to U.S.A. Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)