DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Munich, Germany
DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Munich
Arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to rest, relax, or explore the decorated streets. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Sunday - Munich City Tour and Christmas Market
Today's tour highlights the landmarks of this city. View the Olympic Stadium in the heart of Olympia Park, the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Continue to the Nymphenburg Palace for a photo stop. Once the summer residence of Bavarian rulers, the palace is renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture. Driving through the city, pass countless museums, galleries, palaces, and historic monuments. Arrive at Marienplatz Square, cultural center of the city, dominated by the Town Hall and its Glockenspiel, with its life-size figures dancing to music several times a day. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the festive spirit at the Christmas Market with stalls filled with treasures waiting to be explored, or join the optional Tour of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will cover some of Salzburg's most historic sites including, the house where Mozart lived, Archbishop's Palace, the Salzburg Cathedral, and Hohensalzburg Fortress
Optional: Half Day Tour of Salzburg (PM)
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Linderhof Castle and Innsbruck City
On the drive south, stop to admire the fairytale Linderhof Palace in the secluded Graswang Valley, built by "Mad" King Ludwig. On to Oberammergau, where the world-famous Passion Play is performed every ten years. Cross into Austria and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital of the Austrian Alps, steeped in centuries of colorful history, architectural gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical period. Stand before the 15th century Golden Roof, iconic symbol of the city, the Triumphbogen, a triumphal arch overlooking the bustling square, and the Rococo decorations of the Wilten Basilica
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Tuesday - Liechtenstein, Rhine Falls
From Innsbruck, travel to the storybook Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz, a remnant of feudal Europe between Switzerland and Austria. Continue on a drive to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Here, view the thunderous Rhine Waterfall, one of Europe's largest and most powerful. Head north toward Strasbourg with a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, with dense forests of thick pine trees and traditional homes with long sloping roofs
Overnight: Strasbourg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Wednesday - Strasbourg City Tour
Embark on a city tour of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, nestled on the border of France and Germany. Stop at the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture, housing one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. The walking tour continues to the La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and bistros, and to Place Kleber, a large historic square. The city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the heart of France's largest and oldest Christmas market, the marchés de Noël. Taste the tiny traditional cakes of Alsace called bredeles and stroll the stalls with artisans showing off their handcrafted wares. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread delights at the dozen themed markets that fan out from the center, along with a towering Christmas tree and streets aglow with lights and decorations. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Strasbourg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Heidelberg Christmas Market
This morning, head to Heidelberg, in a picturesque setting located between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald Forest. Here, see the red sandstone ruins of the Heidelberg Castle perched on the slopes of Mount Königstuhl, originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop masterpiece has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a dominant symbol of the city. Wander the castle terrace with its sweeping views and then explore the Old Town below. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover the enchanting alleyways, Renaissance and Baroque façades, and cozy squares in the Old Quarter. In the market square, visit the holiday market with its seasonal cheer. Try mulled wine and lebkuchen before continuing to Mainz on the fabled Rhine River. In Mainz, walk through the restored historic center, the site of the market square and the renowned Christmas market. The air is scented with toasted almonds, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. Against the backdrop of the Cathedral of St. Martin, the festively decorated stands offer Christmas specialties of homemade garlands and straw stars, tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles, and much more
Overnight: Mainz
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Friday - Cruise on the Rhine River
Begin the day with a cruise on the scenic Rhine River. See stunning vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards, and villages of timber-framed houses along the course of the river. Pass the Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. Stop enroute for a wine tasting before returning to Mainz. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Mainz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Saturday - Depart Germany
This morning transfer to the airport in Frankfurt for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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