Let’s get Festive!

Day 1: Depart USA for Munich

Day 1- December 2: Transfer to Old Town Munich Hotel and prepare to be immersed in the Festive Christmas Market experience! Check into Old Town Hotel – 

We will stow our luggage and venture over to sample some Wurst, Elisenlebkuchen and Gluhwein while exploring the stalls at the most famous Christmas Market in Munich situated a stone’s throw from our hotel!

Hop on Hop Off at leisure to relax and counteract jet lag while getting the lay of the land in Munich!

The king of Munich Christmas Markets. This Christkindlmarkt can be found in Marienplatz, Munich’s main square, with delightful stalls spilling out into the nearby shopping streets as well.

Because of its central location in Munich’s Old Town, this has conventionally been the most touristy and crowded market by far, but it’s popular for a reason: stall after stall of traditional handmade crafts, delightful snacks to be bought and the all-too-romantic backdrop of the Neues Rathaus.

Be sure to duck into the courtyard of the Rathaus to see more stalls and the Christkindl post office, where you can get a special Christkindl stamp for your postcards/letters. 

Our expert foodies have once again put together a delectable itinerary full of the best quality seasonal favourites. You’ll experience the unique local specialties of the holidays while taking in the magically unmatched Bavarian Christmas market ambience. And don’t worry about the chilly weather, it’s easy to stay warm with a mug of hot, delicious, homemade mulled wine (Glühwein) in your hands. It’s like a pub crawl for Christmas nerds!

So, grab your most beautiful or tacky Christmas sweater, and join us as we eat our way through the historical old city and visit Munich’s best (and secret!) Christmas markets.  Learn about the local history, and sample all the tasty holiday goodies and adult beverages that make November and December the most mouth-watering time of year.

And, YES, all the food and hot mulled WINE is included!

Remainder of afternoon at leisure. Meet at 6:00 to climb the tower!
Climb St. Peter’s Tower before dinner at Hofbrauhaus for extensive views of Old Town Munich.
Hofbrauhaus: Entertainment, Beer, Wine and German Fare!

One of the most popular Bavarian eateries and hot spots!! Get ready for a festive evening!

*First stop is in Rottenbuch with a wonderful Church “off the beaten tracks” for your pictures. Local Bakery for a second coffee , fresh baked Brezel or fresh pastry for the way.

*We visit the Fairy Tale Castle of Neuschwanstein (guided tour).
After this we have a breathtaking view from the Marienbrigde to the castle.

*On the way back we visit the famous old Church of Wieskirch built in the 17th century (Unesco world cultural heritage).

*All this makes you hungry? At the end of the trip,we stop on a Bavarian cheese farm, where we get cheese and sausage platters with fresh baked bread. Enjoy a 360 mountain view.

*Dinner in Old Town Munich: Restaurant to be advised.

Dinkelsbuhl

Dinkelsbühl could be called the "little sister" of Rothenburg - just as romantic but not so crowded. It is the perfect place to have lunch (not included), your guide can recommend a good restaurant to you. The old town is dominated by the tower of the Gothic St. Georg-Church, a visit to the almost 60 square meter nativity scene inside is definitely worthwhile!

The Dinkelsbühl Christmas market, located in the historic 'Spitalhof', is open daily from 1 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. Weibs Brauhaus for lunch

Duration: 2 hours 

Admission Ticket Free

Stop At:  

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This world-famous medieval city will exceed all your expectations! We can start with an approx. 1 hour guided walking tour in the very heart of the city, leading you to all the breathtaking sights, including: > the town hall at central plaza > the 'Meistertrunk - clock' > the Saint James church (small entrance fee) with its noteworthy wood-carved altar (early 16th century) containing the famous holy blood relic and Riemenschneider’s masterpiece of woodcarving > the viewpoint at the former castle's location > the splendid 'boulevard' Herrengasse with the overwhelming Christmas world and much more! Back to the main square: Nestled in the picturesque setting between the town hall and the church, the Rothenburg Christmas Market, called the 'Reiterlesmarkt', is one of the most charming in Germany. And as one of the few, it has a centuries-old tradition, as the name suggests. The "Reiterle" comes from the Germanic legend world and - like Santa Claus - is a lucky figure that delights all people through his visit. (Open daily from 11 a.m.)

Lunch at Weib’s Brauhaus! Schnitzel and Apple Fritters?

7:30: Dinner: Restaurant to be advised

The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is truly a romantic market with a long history. Its origins go back to 1491, making it the oldest market in Salzburg. 

Spending the Advent season in Mozart's city is like walking into a fairy-tale. The Fortress sits high above the city and the Cathedral serves as a magnificent backdrop for the sales booths while the tempting fragrance of bake apples, incense and cotton candy wafts through the air.

With over 90 events, the Salzburg Christmas Market offers visitors a varied social and cultural programme. These include an exhibition of Christmas mangers, exciting processions of Perchten in their frightening masks and costumes, as well as genuine folk song and dance performances. One of the highlights is the Advent Brass Concert. 

Not to forget: Salzburg is the birthplace of the most famous Christmas carol of all time “Silent Night, Holy Night”.

6:00pm Best of Mozart Concert and VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg 

On this VIP evening program, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner on a panoramic terrace overlooking Salzburg, followed by a Mozart concert at the hilltop fortress of Hohensalzburg. Enjoy an elegant, multi-course meal with seafood or veal, paired with a bottle of red or white wine. Then, settle back and relax as you take in centuries-old musical scores from the city’s famed composer.

A VIP dinner and concert program at Hohensalzburg Fortress

Meals include one wine bottle, several gourmet courses, and a luxury aperitif prior to your meal

Eat on the open-air terrace when weather permits, or at a window seat in the dining room

Tours include a round-trip ascent and descent on the panoramic funicular to the fortress.