German & Austrian Christmas Markets

Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt: a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifully maintained old buildings. There is so much to see and do in the city centre, including the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, which has traditionally been the centrepiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt. If you have time prior to the tour commencing, we recommend you visit them! Dinner tonight is included in your hotel, but first, enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. (D) Stay: Hilton Frankfurt City Centre

We arrive into the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the ‘Romantic Road’, mid morning. You will have plenty of free time to explore the enchanting Christmas Markets in the Altstadt (old town). We arrive mid afternoon in nearby Rothenburg, the finest medieval city in all of Europe.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the delightful cobblestoned streets, ramparts and turrets of picture-postcard Rothenburg. Make a point of walking through the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets, set in the narrow alleys are perhaps the quaintest you will ever see.

This evening, after dinner in your hotel, we have included a special treat – a torchlight tour with the Night Watchman through the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider

Today we visit medieval Nürnberg with its massive stone towers and gates, which was once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and War Crimes trials. Nürnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways and Europe's most splendid Christmas Markets. A truly magical European Christmas atmosphere where local choirs sing, and the smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. This huge market has a unique law that only traditional Christmas artefacts are allowed for sale. We return to Rothenburg mid-afternoon and the rest of your day is free. (B) Stay: Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider

Travelling south we reach village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria.

After a brisk walk uphill you will enjoy a visit to one of the most inspiring and famous castles in the world – ‘Mad' King Ludwig's romantic Neuschwanstein Castle. At the Castle you will enjoy a guided tour inside the King's apartments, staterooms, halls and throne room all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga.

Later we continue to the historic village of Oberammergau – famed for its ‘Passion Play' performances which have been staged every 10 years since the 1600's. Oberammergau is set in the picturesque Ammer Valley beneath snowcapped mountains. The town itself is also famous for its beautifully painted houses and chalets. (B/D) Stay: Parkhotel Sonnenhof, Oberammergau

Driving to nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen we board a funicular train which takes us across snow laden fields to the base of the mighty Zugspitze. At this point the train enters the mountain and tunnels its way up to Zugspitzeplatt station at an altitude of 2,600 metres. Here you can be entertained by the alpine hustle and bustle and marvel at the acrobatic stunts of the free skiers and snowboarders in Terrain Park Zugspitze. There is also a marvellous SonnAlpin Glacier Restaurant to enjoy a relaxing brunch.

Later we will catch the cable car to the summit of the Zugspitze mountain, Germany's highest peak. At an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres the views are quite stupendous. Take in the unmatched 360° panorama with a view of more than 400 peaks in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany, or enjoy lunch in the Gipfelalm rustic summit lodge. We then catch the Eibsee cable car all the way down to the lakeside where our coach meets us and takes us back to our hotel. (B/D) Stay: Parkhotel Sonnenhof, Oberammergau

This morning we stop at Kloster Ettal. This monastery in a lovely shaded valley dates back over 700 years and is one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in existence.

Afterwards, we visit nearby Linderhof for a guided tour of the extravagant French Rococo Palace – yet another of King Ludwig's amazing creations.

This afternoon we have included a guided visit to the Oberammergau Passion Play Theatre & the ‘My Time' to wander through the streets of beautifully painted houses and chalets. (B/D) Stay: Parkhotel Sonnenhof, Oberammergau

Departing Bavaria we cross the Garmisch Pass and descend into the spectacular Inn Valley and reach the winter resort of Innsbruck before lunchtime. You have plenty of time to explore the delightful Old Town and see the famous ‘Golden Roof'. The Christmas markets are beautifully located in the old city central square.

Later we continue to Salzburg – the baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress) where we spend three nights. (B/D) Stay: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg

This morning we enjoy a walking tour with a local guide who will introduce you to this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music'. The rest of the day is entirely free for you to enjoy this marvellous city with its winding cobblestoned streets, churches, Christmas decorations and shops – all a short walk away. Take time to visit the huge castle for a fascinating view and don't forget to soak up the atmosphere of the famous Salzburg Christmas Markets. (B) Stay: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg

Driving south, we stop at the ski resort of Filzmoos where we board a horse drawn carriage to enjoy a ride through this winter wonderland. Passing through the snowy woods, and surrounded by majestic mountains, we reach the remote Oberhofalm alpine hut which provides a perfect lunchtime stop.

This evening we have arranged a special dinner in the St Peter Stiftskeller – Austria's oldest restaurant which dates back 1200 years! Be enchanted as we step back in time to the late 18th century. (B/D) Stay: Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg

Travelling north we cross into Germany and arrive into Munich for our last night together. Rebuilt since the war the central walking precinct is a mass of people and activity. The shopping is excellent. Perhaps take lunch in one of the numerous cafés or a giant Beer Hall? A perfect place for some Christmas shopping (and yes there are Christmas Markets all around the old Town Hall). Your farewell dinner tonight will be enjoyed in a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Maritim Hotel Munich, Germany

This morning it is time to say farewell as your tour ends. (B)