Itinerary:
Overnight flight from the USA to Frankfurt
Day 1
BAMBERG
Board your bus at the airport in Frankfurt and journey to Bamberg (a UNESCO World Heritage site) for a walk along the Krippenweg (the path of nativity scenes) with its 36 stations including the renowned medieval Christmas altar originating in 1523 by Veit Stoss in the Bamberger Dom (Cathedral). Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this charming city on your own.
Board your bus at the airport in Frankfurt and journey to Bamberg (a UNESCO World Heritage site) for a walk along the Krippenweg (the path of nativity scenes) with its 36 stations including the renowned medieval Christmas altar originating in 1523 by Veit Stoss in the Bamberger Dom (Cathedral). Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this charming city on your own.
B,D
Day 2
MEISSEN - DRESDEN
Your first stop today will be the porcelain factory in Meissen. The remainder of the day will be spent in Dresden where the first German Christmas Market originated in the year 1434.
After a brief familiarization of the city you will be free to visit the Striezelmarkt (Christmas Market) or any of the historical sites within walking distance such as the Zwinger, Semper Opera House, the Green Vault in the Dresden Royal Palace or the Albertinum.
After a brief familiarization of the city you will be free to visit the Striezelmarkt (Christmas Market) or any of the historical sites within walking distance such as the Zwinger, Semper Opera House, the Green Vault in the Dresden Royal Palace or the Albertinum.
B,D
Day 3
SEIFFEN
South from Dresden are the rolling hills of the Erzgebirge with its enchanting towns including the famous toy makers village of Seiffen. Ore mining was the major industry in the area but could not be relied upon to generate enough income to support the families and therefore the locals turned to specialty wood carving and lace making to supplement their income.
Nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids etc. originated from this area. Enjoy browsing through the many specialty Christmas shops.
South from Dresden are the rolling hills of the Erzgebirge with its enchanting towns including the famous toy makers village of Seiffen. Ore mining was the major industry in the area but could not be relied upon to generate enough income to support the families and therefore the locals turned to specialty wood carving and lace making to supplement their income.
Nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids etc. originated from this area. Enjoy browsing through the many specialty Christmas shops.
B,D
Day 4
NUREMBERG
Today it’s on to explore Nuremberg at your leisure, browse the Christmas Market or visit the many shops or sights on your own including a possible visit to one of the cities famous Lebkuechner (ginger bread bakery). This Christmas market is the best known and most visited in Germany, with more than 2 million visitors annually.
Today it’s on to explore Nuremberg at your leisure, browse the Christmas Market or visit the many shops or sights on your own including a possible visit to one of the cities famous Lebkuechner (ginger bread bakery). This Christmas market is the best known and most visited in Germany, with more than 2 million visitors annually.
B,D
Day 5
MUNICH
A tour of the baroque Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs starts your day. The construction of the lavishly and beautifully decorated palace took five generations of rulers to complete. Spend the afternoon at the Christmas market and browse the stalls with ornaments, nativity scenes and gifts and maybe try a little gluehwein (mulled wine) to warm you up. The world famous Hofbrauhaus is within walking distance of the market, built in 1589, it is known for its Octoberfest atmosphere throughout the year.
A tour of the baroque Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs starts your day. The construction of the lavishly and beautifully decorated palace took five generations of rulers to complete. Spend the afternoon at the Christmas market and browse the stalls with ornaments, nativity scenes and gifts and maybe try a little gluehwein (mulled wine) to warm you up. The world famous Hofbrauhaus is within walking distance of the market, built in 1589, it is known for its Octoberfest atmosphere throughout the year.
B,D
Day 6
NEUSCHWANSTEIN - OBERAMMERGAU
After breakfast, begin your journey through the picturesque towns to the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein. Built by King Ludwig ll, between 1869 and 1886, it is his most famous castle. The craftsmanship and detail is spectacular and murals on the walls feature scenes from Richard Wagner’s Operas. A stop at the beautiful rococo Wieskirche (Church in the Meadow) will be worth your time on the way to the alpine village of Oberammergau for a stroll and some browsing in the local stores.
B,D
Day 7
REGENSBURG
Of the major German cities it was one of the least damaged during World War II and the old town has many of it’s original buildings. Three different Christmas markets in the city within walking distance is another novelty. Be sure not to miss the impressive Cathedral, home of the internationally acclaimed boys choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen, whose director for 30 years was Georg Ratzinger, the brother of the current Pope.
Of the major German cities it was one of the least damaged during World War II and the old town has many of it’s original buildings. Three different Christmas markets in the city within walking distance is another novelty. Be sure not to miss the impressive Cathedral, home of the internationally acclaimed boys choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen, whose director for 30 years was Georg Ratzinger, the brother of the current Pope.
B,D
Day 8
ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Today is set aside to explore the well preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the massive fortification to the quaint streets you will get the feeling of a bygone era. Kaethe Wohlfahrt, the year round Christmas store, has a vast selection of ornaments, decorations and gifts and of course there is also the outside market.
Today is set aside to explore the well preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From the massive fortification to the quaint streets you will get the feeling of a bygone era. Kaethe Wohlfahrt, the year round Christmas store, has a vast selection of ornaments, decorations and gifts and of course there is also the outside market.
B,D
Day 9
HEIDELBERG
The old town comes alive with the seasonally decorated market stands, some with international wares, like carvings from Africa or amber jewelry from Poland.
Here you will have to make your final decisions of how to spend the last money you brought along for gifts or souvenirs.
The old town comes alive with the seasonally decorated market stands, some with international wares, like carvings from Africa or amber jewelry from Poland.
Here you will have to make your final decisions of how to spend the last money you brought along for gifts or souvenirs.
B,D
Day 10
Flight Home to USA from Frankfurt
B
B = Breakfast buffet L = Lunch D = Dinner
We reserve the right to adjust or modify the tour itinerary if necessary, without prior notice.
ADVENT IN GERMANY
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