Europe's Christmas Markets - Itinerary
Explore the Christmas Markets of Innsbruck, Munich, Strasbourg, and Bern on this charming adventure in the heart of Europe. Begin in the enchanting Bavarian village of Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play its residents have performed every decade since 1634. 2010 will mark the 41st performance of this dramatic rendering of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Drive through the striking Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck to see the Hofburg and the “Golden Roof,” and to shop at the many specialty stores in the Christmas market.
In Munich see the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, and Olympic Park. In the Black Forest, stop at Wies Church and then view one of the world’s most widely recognized castles – Neuschwanstein. Drive along Lake Constance and take time to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks. Enjoy a choir concert performed in an 850-year old church followed by a traditional Black Forest dinner. Cross the border into Strasbourg, France to see its noble Cathedral of Notre Dame. In Bern, see the Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, and the grand cathedral. End your journey in Lucerne, a beautiful Swiss town on a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with a traditional cheese fondue dinner.
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 to Collette’s holiday program featuring the traditional Christmas markets, historic towns and spectacular scenery of Europe.
Day 2: Oberammergau Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the charming town of Oberammergau. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local delicacies. (D)
Day 3: Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
Travel through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol. A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city’s rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market. (B, D)
Day 4: Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
Begin your day with leisure time to explore Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years. Later, return to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Munich’s historic area. (B)
Day 5: Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today’s highlights include a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. You also view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein, with its beautiful turrets and pinnacles. Continuing along the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and proceed to the heart of the mysterious Black Forest region - the setting of legends and stories of yore! Don’t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Your evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner. (B, D)
Day 6: 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 city of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique local character. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, “Petite France,” featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available for you to explore the wonderful Christmas market before dinner at the Gurtlerhoft Restaurant, one of Strasbourg’s finest. (B, D)
Day 7: Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland
Travel to Bern, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and the impressive Cathedral. Afterwards you may explore more of the area or shop for handmade items at the local Christmas market. (B)
Day 8: Bern - Lucerne - Bern
This morning you travel to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy a scenic walking tour of picturesque Lucerne, highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. The balance of the day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping or simply enjoy the wonderful setting of this beautiful city on a lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This evening, after returning to Bern, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with dinner, complete with the region’s famous cheese fondue, at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 9: Bern - Tour Ends
(B)
