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A Very Bavarian Christmas

November 30 - December 8, 2024 | 7 Nights | Nuremburg - Munich
Starting at $3,900.00

Christmas (Advent) is a magical time in the Bavarian region of Germany. The medieval towns, picturesque landscapes and enchanting castles are the perfect backdrop to enjoy some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The town squares are transformed into whimsical holiday scenes, lined with stalls selling hand-crafted gifts, wonderful Bavarian food and sweet treats, and of course Glühwein (mulled wine).

Day by Day Itinerary

Saturday, November 30, 2024 - Depart US for Munich

Depart for your overnight flight to Munich, Germany  

Sunday, December 1, 2024 - Munich to Nuremburg

After arriving at the Munich Airport, you will have a private transfer to the hotel in central Nuremberg. The drive takes you through the Bavarian countryside and across the Danube. Overnight Nuremberg.

Monday, December 2, 2024 - Nuremburg

After breakfast, we embark on a walking tour. Divided in half by the Pegnitz River, Old Town Nuremberg is squeezed inside an impressive Medieval wall and leads up to Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle. We’ll see numerous churches, bridges, and historical sites. Nuremberg’s Main Square is home of the largest Christmas market in Europe. Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the city, perhaps visit a museum, Albrecht Dürer’s home, or the medieval beer cellars. Overnight Nuremberg.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - Bamberg and Rothenburg 

Today we head out to the Bavarian countryside to visit Bamberg and Rothenburg with a guided tour in each. Built on seven hills, Bamberg is a beautiful example of a medieval Bavarian town. Our walking tour explores notable sights including Little Venice, St. Michael's Monastery, the Imperial Cathedral, and the Old Bridge Town Hall. Maximiliansplatz square in the pedestrian zone is transformed into a Christmas market, featuring a large half-timber nativity scene. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Germany's best-preserved walled town. Our walking tour takes us through some of the gates and towers past medieval architecture to 'Postcard Square' (The Plönlein) and St. Jakob's Church. The Rothenburg Christmas Market (Reiterlesmarkt) is one of the most popular in Germany. Overnight Nuremberg.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Munich

This morning after breakfast, we take the scenic drive to Munich. On the way we will stop at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for a visit. Then we will visit Nymphenburg Palace.  Built as a summer residence for the Wittelsbach family, Nymphenburg is an elegant Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. After checking in to our hotel, we embark on an early evening walking tour. We visit the Neue Rathaus with its famous Glockenspiel clock, the Mariensäule column and the Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain), the Alte Rathaus with its striking pinnacled, gabled front, the Alte Peter with the loveliest view of Munich - all on or around the Marienplatz. A quick stop at The Hofbräuhaus on the Platzl square is a must. The Marienplatz also hosts a large Christmas Market (Münchner Christkindlmarkt), plus there are numerous markets around Munich to enjoy. Overnight Munich.

Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Augsburg

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning at leisure in Munich. Around lunchtime we will depart by train for Augsburg. Our walking tour of Augsburg follows the narrow romantic streets between late medieval houses with countless little bridges over the ancient creeks and little canals. We explore some of the magnificent fountains, grand old guild houses, exquisite churches, the Town Hall and the Fuggerei, the oldest still existing social settlement in the world. And of course, a visit to the Christkindlesmarkt, a village of booths forming one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Overnight Munich.

Friday, December 6, 2024 - Füssen

After breakfast, we leave Munich and drive to Füssen. On our way we stop at the charming town of Oberammergau, best known for its Passion Play. We will visit the theatre and view some of the lovely painted homes. Then we continue to Schloss Linderhof, an extravagant palace built for King Ludwig. Our tour of the palace will show you the golden splendor of the king’s rich lifestyle. Overnight Füssen or Hohenschwangau.

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - Neuschwanstein Castle

Of course, you can’t travel to Bavaria without a visit to the famous “Cinderella Castle”, Neuschwanstein – another of “Mad King Ludwig’s” castles. We spend the morning exploring the castle and then early afternoon at the nearby Füssen Christmas Market before heading back into Munich for the night. Overnight Munich airport hotel.

Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Flight to US

Or perhaps you want to extend your travels into Austria or Switzerland.

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