Tour Dates: November 28 – December 10 , -or- December 1 – 13, 2009
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Tuesday/Saturday USA - Frankfurt
Depart on a regular scheduled flight from the U.S. to Frankfurt.
Day 2: Wednesday/Sunday Frankfurt - Erfurt - Leipzig
Depart from Frankfurt in the morning and drive eastward to our first stop, Eisenach, located at the foot of the Wartburg Castle. Continue via Weimar to Leipzig, where, after checking in at the hotel, we will visit one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets. The main attractions are located on the historical market square in front of the ancient town hall. Marvel at the 75 foot Christmas tree with its thousands of lights, or stroll through the many stalls with handcrafted Christmas gifts from the region. Sample bratwurst and mulled wine, a typical German style snack, at one of the numerous food stalls throughout the market. Overnight stay at Hotel Tulip Inn or similar. Includes: (D).
Day 3: Thursday/Monday Leipzig - Meissen - Dresden
In the morning you continue towards Meissen, where we visit one of Germany’s oldest porcelain factories. Founded in the 18th century, it has long been producing delicate, handcrafted products found in royal courts and celebrity homes worldwide. Meissen proudly restores and reproduces any previously cast products, since many models have been preserved throughout the centuries. Visit the exhibition hall and workshops where all steps of the painting and glazing process will be explained. Continue on to Dresden, where you will enjoy a city tour. After checking-in at the hotel, visit the Dresden Christmas “Striezelmarkt”, named after a local cake specialty. Highlights are the Christmas pyramid, and the many stalls where you can sample the “Strietzel”. Overnight stay at the Steinenberger Parkhotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Friday/Tuesday Dresden - Annaberg - Schneeberg - Plauen
After breakfast, you travel along country roads to visit two ancient miner-villages, Schneeberg and Annaberg. These villages are typical of the Erzgebirge (ore-mountains) and are where the German tradition of woodcarving and Christmas-pyramids began. In older times, light – represented by candles - was an important symbol of life and safety for the miners, who worked in the dark tunnels. Demonstrating their deep religious beliefs, the woodcarvers used candles to illuminate the pyramids with saints and symbols from the Holy Night. The market in Annaberg dates back as far as 1510. In Schneeberg the main attraction, aside from the market, is St. Wolfgang’s church. In the afternoon we continue towards Plauen, a city famous for its handcrafted lace. Tonight, dinner will be hosted at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Alexandra or similar. Includes: (B, D).
Day 5: Saturday/Wednesday Plauen - Bamberg - Frankfurt
Today you travel through the Franconian forest to the imperial city of Bamberg. The city founded in the 9th century, has a nicely preserved old-town which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there will be much to see during the walking tour through town. The next German Christmas market can be experienced at the pedestrian zone around Bamberg’s cathedral, a perfect opportunity to do some more shopping. Continue through the rolling hills of Franconia, until you reach Frankfurt late in the afternoon. Overnight stay at the Intercity Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 6: Sunday/Thursday Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Black Forest
This morning, drive to Heidelberg for a walking tour of the old university town. Your next stop is at Baden - Baden, one of the most beautiful and well know Spa resorts in Germany. In the afternoon continue to the Black Forest, home of the cuckoo clocks. Enjoy dinner this evening, at the hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Schwarzwald Residence or similar. Includes: (D).
Day 7: Monday/Friday Black Forest - Lindau / Lake Constance - Neuschwanstein Castle / Füssen
After breakfast, depart for Lake Constance. Enjoy a walking tour in the picturesque island town of Lindau. Afterwards, you will stop in the Allgäu region, with its picturesque views of the spectacular Bavarian Alps. In Hohenschwangau, visit the fairy tale castle of King Ludwig II, the Neuschwanstein Castle. Overnight stay at Treff Hotel Luitpoldpark or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 8: Tuesday/Saturday Füssen - Oberammergau - Ettal - Munich
This morning you drive to Oberammergau, home of the famous Passion Play, which is performed just once every 10 years. Stop at the Benedictine Monastery of Ettal. On to Munich, where you will enjoy an extensive city tour ending at the romantic Christmas Market, where you can stroll about, exploring and shopping. Overnight stay at Hotel Erzgiesserei Europe or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 9: Wednesday/Sunday Munich - Salzburg - Munich
Today enjoy a full day excursion to the city where the famous composer Mozart was born – Salzburg. You begin with a walking tour through the old town, taking in all the important sights - Mozarthouse, the Cathedral, the Getreidegasse and more. You will have free time to spend on your own, strolling around, visiting the beautiful Christmas Market and sampling the most famous sweet made in Salzburg, the Mozartkugeln. In the late afternoon, your coach will return to Munich. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Thursday/Monday Munich - Rothenburg - Nuremberg
After breakfast drive along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, making some stops along the way. On a city walk you will learn much about this charming, small medieval town. See the famous Jakobskirche with its spectacular altar by the woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. You will have some free time to enjoy the Christmas Market and local shops, including its world famous Christmas shop. In the afternoon you continue to Nuremberg. Overnight stay at DERAG Hotel Maximillian or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 11: Friday/Tuesday Nuremberg
Today join a visit to the "Christkindl Market", probably the most famous Christmas Market of the world in the historic city of Nuremberg. On a city walk you will see the main sights such as the home of the artist Dürer. Visit the medieval Kaiserburg Castle before you have the rest of the day free for the Christmas Market and for shopping. This evening, you will be treated to a traditional Advent dinner and a small seasonal gift. Includes: (B, D).
Day 12: Saturday/Wednesday Nuremberg - Wuerzburg - Frankfurt
In the morning you leave for Wuerzburg. Enjoy a tour of the magnificent Residence, a masterpiece of German baroque architecture and the last organized visit to a German Christmas Market. Arrive in Frankfurt during the late afternoon. Overnight stay at the Intercity Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 13: Sunday/Thursday Frankfurt - USA
Following breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer on your own* to the airport for a regular scheduled flight back to the United States. Includes: (B).
Price Includes:
- Round-trip air from New York to Frankfurt (other major U.S. gateways available at additional supplement)*
- Deluxe, private, motorcoach
- English speaking tour escort throughout
- 11 Nights accommodation in Superior Tourist and 1st class hotels with private facilities
- Buffet-breakfast daily at the hotels
- Four dinners
- Entrance to Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, the Meissen Porcelain Factory, Neuschwanstein Castle, Jakobskirche, Kaiserburg Castle and the Residence Wuerzburg
- Visits to the Christmas Markets in Leipzig, Dresden, Annaberg, Bamberg, Munich, Salzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg
- Sightseeing tours of Heidelberg, Lindau, Munich, Salzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg
- Taxes and service charges
- Baggage handling (one piece p.p.)
- Comprehensive information kit
Please note: *Air taxes, fuel surcharge and any other charges and taxes related to the airline ticket are NOT included and will be charged at the time of ticketing.
We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance, which we offer through Travel Guard. A pre-existing medical condition exclusion is waived if insurance is purchased within 24 hours of initial tour deposit.
*Optional airport transfers available at an additional cost.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Tour Prices:
$ 2,470* per person, double occupancy
$ 2,365* per person, third person rate
$ 2,895* per person, single occupancy
Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuation.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Germany
Local Culture
Christmas/New Year Tours
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
, ext: 09232
