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
- Driving: Shuttle from airport to downtown: 45 minutes using the Lufthansa Airport Shuttle with direct service to your hotel.
- You arrive in Munich where I will be waiting. Then a short one-hour ride to Garmisch Partenkirchen for hotel check-in at the Werdenfelserei. We rest using the spa and swimming pool before an early dinner at the Schranne restaurant.
- Dec. 2nd
- Walking: above average
- Driving time: 3 hours
- We check out of the hotel and 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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we check into the Werdenfelserei; four-star accommodation, centrally located, with heated rooftop pool, spa, sauna, exquisite restaurant and bar.
- 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 to the entrance of the Partnachklamm where we will have a guided torch-lit hike through this amazing canyon where the icicles will dazzle and the river below will excite.
- 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: 1 hour
- We slowly start heading north. A stop at the stunning Konigsee Lake and Olympic bobsled track before a leisurely drive to Munich, where we check back into Hotel Eden Wolf. That evening we Prost with the locals at the famous HofbrauHaus before calling it a night!
- Dec. 8th
- Walking: average
- Driving: 0
- It’s our free day! Take in the Christmas Markets of Munich, Krampus parades, or hop on the local shuttle to Rothenburg am Traube for more markets and fun. It is truly your choice. Our guides will be on hand to give options and ideas.
- Dec. 9th
- Walking: above average
- Driving: 1 hour and 20-minute train ride
- We journey by train to the world famous Nuremberg Christmas Market where sausages, mistletoe, and more Glühwein await! With full bellies and sacks filled with presents, we slowly make our way back to Munich for a good night’s rest.
- Dec. 10th
- Walking: minimal
- Driving: Shuttle from airport to downtown: 45 minutes and not included in trip cost.
- With suitcases packed, we head home, where the Christmas tree awaits!
