Celebrate the holiday season Alpine style. On this great itinerary, you'll spend six nights in one hotel in the heart of Austria, and explore the Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria. Highlights of your tour include a picture stop of the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle which is even more magical during the holidays; a visit to Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage Site; and the small town of Oberammergau, which owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play, performed only every ten years. Explore the scenic cities of Innsbruck, Munich and Salzburg with informative tours in each location. In Salzburg, savor a delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant. This tour includes plenty of independent time for shopping the wonderful Christmas markets found in these lovely cities where you are sure to return home with one-of-a-kind treasures for you or those on your gift list.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Welcome as you join us 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.
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, including its wonderful Christmas Market and many unique specialty shops.
Day #4 Innsbruck - Munich, Germany - Innsbruck - Travel to Munich this morning. 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. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Tonight’s dinner is at a popular local restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
Day #8 Innsbruck - Tour Ends - Your tour ends in Innsbruck this morning.