Tour the Christmas Markets of Germany & Austria
A warm Glühwein on a cold December day, listening to traditional Christmas music, wandering the booths and shops decorated for the season, it’s all simply… magical. Bavaria and Tyrol celebrate Christmas like no other place in the world, and our Ten Day Christmas Market Vacation is a magical way to experience these culturally vibrant regions.
Bavaria and Tyrol during the holidays is a wonder of Christmas markets, decorated churches, Alpine horns, cinnamon sticks, and snow. It captures your Christmas spirit and imagination in a way that no other place can. This trip will create memories that last a lifetime!
What’s Included:
- Dec. 1st
- Walking: minimal
- You arrive in Munich where I will be waiting at the airport. Then a short one-hour and thirty minute ride to Garmisch Partenkirchen for hotel check-in at the Aja Hotel. We rest using the spa and swimming pool before an early dinner at the Schranne restaurant.
- Dec. 2nd
- Walking: above average
- Driving time: 2 hours
- A journey by Mercedes V Class to Neuschwanstein Castle, the dream of Ludwig II. With advanced entry, no lines, and snow covered views we journey into the mind of one of Bavaria’s most famous kings. After our tour we head to Oberammergau village for souvenir shopping and sight-seeing. That evening is free time for wandering the Christmas Market of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
- Dec. 3rd
- Walking: above average
- Driving: 0
- We meet in the lobby jackets in hand as we then journey to the peak of the Zugspitze Mountain. Using the exciting Zugspitze cable car we will ascend to just under 10,000 feet where the Alps will open to us with views of Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Throw a few snowballs, pose for photos, and learn about the unique history of Germany’s tallest mountain before walking over to Austria! The mountain is the border between the two countries!
- The afternoon is for shopping and hot mulled wine as we wander the small Christmas market and shops of downtown Garmisch and Partenkirchen. That evening we dress warm as a local horse carriage brings us through the city on a tour before an evening reservation at the Guesthaus Schranne.
- Dec. 4th
- Walking: minimal
- Driving: 3 1/2 hours
- We check out of our hotel and hop in our private chauffeured vehicles to Innsbruck; home to over four Christmas markets, the Golden Dachl, and Swarovski Crystal. Feel free to join your guides for a tour of the city or enjoy free time to shop and wander. We meet at 2:00 p.m. for transportation across the Tyrolean Alps to our hotel in Berchtesgaden Germany, the AlpinaRos Hotel, a three-star accommodation in the heart of my favorite Alpine village.
- Dec. 5th
- Walking: above average
- Driving: 1 hour
- We meet our guide in the lobby of the hotel for a Sound of Music Tour; Where you will be transported back to the sights, locations, and sounds that have captured the imaginations and hearts of generations. That afternoon we will be dropped of in downtown Salzburg where you experience the amazing Christmas Market of Salzburg, the largest in Tyrol as you leisurely walk to a late lunch. But we are on a budget! So you will have to cook it! That’s right, we will learn from the experts how to make our own strudel’s, sweet and savoury, before reaping our rewards with amazing Tyrolean wine and beer. That afternoon we make our way back into Salzburg for free time in the Christmas Market, and did I mention… your first taste of Krampus! The evil demons will be wandering the streets providing photo opportunities that will make your friends back home wonder just what the heck is going on?! Then using our private transportation we make our way to Berchtesgaden for a night cap, more Krampus, and bed.
- Dec. 6th
- Walking: average
- Driving: 30 minutes
- We slowly make our way to the famous Salt Mine of Berchtesgaden for a tour over a mile and a half below the earth’s surface. You will get to ride slides and trains as you are mesmerised by the history and methods used in gathering this precious mineral. Then after lunch at the local restaurant, we are treated to a Schnapps distillery tour where Krampus demons wait outside. I suggest you bring them a schnapps to keep them at bay!!! In Berchtesgaden, we will have reserved seating at the local brewery for dinner and free time to wander the streets and enjoy the Krampus parades, Christmas Markets, and more! Hot Glühwein acts as our armour as the demons whip and beat the unworthy. But never fear, there are plenty of hiding spots where the timid can watch the festivities or hide when necessary.
- Dec. 7th
- Walking: minimal
- Driving: 4 hours
- We make our way to Hallstatt for the day where there will be free time to wander the beautiful streets or take the cable car to the peak of the mountain where you will learn of the amazing Salt Mine that pre-dates the Romans!
- That afternoon we take a leisurely drive back to Munich for hotel check in and free time for dinner.
- Dec. 8th
- Walking: average
- Driving: 0
- A leisurely day in downtown Munich with a short walking tour of the city followed by free time to wander
- Dec. 9th
- Walking: your choice
- Driving: 0
- Our free day! Your opportunity to relax, enjoy Munich, or take a local tour to Rothenburg or Nuremberg. It’s your day!
- That evening we all meet back for our last meal together where we say good-bye’s.
- Dec. 10th
- Using the Lufthansa Airport Shuttle which is located next to the hotel you will be able to head to the Munich Airport for transportation home.
