Sip mulled wine and collect unique handicrafts, hand-made ornaments and toys at some of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Spend three nights in the traditional Alpine Village of Oberammergau and two in the heart of the Black Forest. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Innsbruck, capital of Tyrolean Austria. Visit historic Nuremberg, Wurzburg and Rothenburg. Explore Strasbourg’s Petit France and its quaint market stalls huddled around the imposing cathedral. Attend a private choir performance in an 850-year-old church in the enchanting Black Forest followed by a traditional Black Forest dinner.
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Day 0
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette's holiday program featuring the traditional Christmas markets and historic towns of Central Europe. On this journey you will have time to sip mulled wine and shop for handicrafts in some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
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Day 1
Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins
Oberammergau is the perfect picture of a Bavarian Alpine village, a chance to glimpse into the past, while experiencing the living history of the region. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner featuring local delicacies in a traditional village inn.
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Day 2
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
After an introduction to the local language and culture by your Tour Manager, you traverse the Bavarian landscape to the Tyrolean town of Innsbruck, nestled in the heart of the mountains. A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city’s history, culture and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof.” The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market.
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Day 3
Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
This morning, travel to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. Enjoy free time to explore Munich’s historic area. You will have ample time to explore the Christmas market. Later, return to Oberammergau where you have time to stroll about the village, perhaps shopping for the intricate woodcrafts the town is known for.
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Day 4
Oberammergau - Wurzburg - Franconia
You depart Oberammergau for the Franconia region of Germany. Your destination is Wurzburg, where a guide will lead a leisurely-paced walking tour of the city. This ancient wine town is rich in historic sites, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops, boasting the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. You will have time to shop in the lively Christmas market.
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Day 5
Franconia - Nuremberg - Rothenburg - Franconia
Start your day with a city tour of historic Nuremberg featuring the old town, the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Your city tour concludes with a visit to Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in Germany that dates back to 1628. Here you can spend the day sipping Gluwhein and sampling roast sausages. Over 200 wooden stalls have given the Christmas market its name of "Little Town from Wood." Here you can find items like Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods and sweets, Christmas tree angels and toys. Later, proceed to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany.
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Day 6
Franconia - Black Forest
Travel through the scenic countryside of Germany to the heart of the Black Forest! Here you can relish the peacefulness of the surrounding forests and shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and woodcarvings. Your evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner.
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Day 7
Black Forest - Strasbourg, France - Black Forest
Travel the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and the vineyard fields of the Alsace to the provincial capital of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique character. Enjoy a guided tour of the old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available to explore the Christmas market before your farewell dinner at one of Strasbourg's finest local restaurants.
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Day 8
Black Forest - Tour Ends
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