Alpine Christmas - Itinerary
Explore the traditional Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria on this enchanting holiday adventure. Spend all six nights in the charming city of Innsbruck, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Austrian Alps, so that you only have to unpack once. See the city’s highlights including the “Golden Roof,” the Hofburg, and Maria Theresienstrasse. Discover the city’s wonderful Christmas market and its many unique specialty shops.
Tour the fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein, Wies Church – a World Heritage Site, and the wood-carving village of Oberammergau – home to the once-a-decade Passion Play. Visit Salzburg and walk through Mirabell Gardens, seen in “The Sound of Music.” View Mozart’s birthplace, explore Salzburg’s delightful Christmas market, and enjoy a special dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant in the historic city center.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Vacations in exploring the traditional Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Germany.
Day 2 -Innsbruck, Austria - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the beautiful city of Innsbruck, located in the state of Tyrol. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 -Innsbruck
A local guide leads a panoramic Innsbruck city tour of the highlights of the town: Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful city, its wonderful Christmas Market, and its many unique specialty shops. (B)
Day 4 - Innsbruck - Munich - Innsbruck
This morning you return to Munich. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Munich’s lovely historic area and its well-known Christmas market. Tonight’s dinner is at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5 - Innsbruck - Oberammergau - Innsbruck
A delightful day of sightseeing awaits you. You begin with a scenic picture stop of the fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle - its turrets and pinnacles create a dream-like atmosphere. Next, visit Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage Site, before proceeding to Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play, performed only once every ten years. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of this quaint, picturesque village. (B)
Day 6 - Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Travel through the picturesque Austrian countryside to Salzburg, a city filled with beautiful gardens and wondrous architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace), and many other highlights of this beautiful city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s fabulous Christmas market. Your day concludes with a delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, located in the historic city center. (B, D)
Day 7 - Innsbruck
Your day is at leisure to relax, explore Innsbruck’s hidden treasures, or return to the Christmas markets for some last-minute shopping. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, celebrating the end of a wonderful trip. (B, D)
Day 8 - Innsbruck - Depart for Home
Your tour ends in Innsbruck this morning. (B)
