Imagine traveling along Europe’s legendary Romantic Road and experiencing destinations like Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Munich, and Salzburg where once again, as in centuries past, it’s Christmas Market time. We invite you to join us as we explore these enchanting markets located in medieval town squares where a myriad of wooden stalls create a fairytale-like atmosphere. These small stalls are vibrant with twinkling holiday lights reflected from glistening tinsel angels and hand-blown glass ornaments Inviting aromas beckon one to nibble on roasted chestnuts, warm pretzels, and freshly baked pastries.
This captivating journey also includes visits to many of Bavaria’s most notable sites. Among them is Linderhof Castle, home of the fabled “Fairytale Prince” and of course, shopping at a typical fabric emporium tucked away in the heart of Germany. How can you not join us?
Day 1 - Willkommen!
You’ll personally arrange your flight schedule for December 4th arrival at Germany’s Frankfurt International Airport. Taxi service is readily available here to whisk you to our nearby downtown hotel. Following check-in there will be plenty of time to unpack and relax before our exciting itinerary begins. Or perhaps enjoy a mid-day stroll to the shops and cafes located nearby.
This evening we’ll meet our tour directors and travel companions at our traditional Welcome Dinner. (Welcome Dinner) Overnight Frankfurt
Day 2 - Vintage Costumes & Quilts
Today we’ll visit the storybook town of Heidelberg, a picture-perfect village dating from the 12th century, framed by majestic mountains and dense forests—and crowned by the famous ruins of castles. Here, mists from the winding river dampen the cobbled streets of Old Town and awaken the ghosts of a romantic past. We’ll hear all about this storied village, its facts and fables, as our guide points out the ruins of medieval forts as well as Gothic cathedrals whose gargoyles peer down from high above the Market Square.
Next we’ll visit the Max Berk Textile Museum, which is housed in a baroque church and adjacent rectory built in the 1700s. Still privately run by the family, the museum boasts a rotating collection of historical garments and accessories, international textiles, and a selection of American and British quilts dating back over 200 years!
Later we’ll visit the Market Square and explore our first Christmas Market which bustles with over 140 stalls, and savor the spectacular views of the castle and Old Quarter, all resplendent in holiday decorations.
Germany’s Old World Christmas Markets present an opportunity to partake in a tradition that began in the 1300s. During the month of December, market squares are transformed into enchanted fairylands of wooden stalls festooned with garlands of pine branches and lit by thousands of tiny twinkling lights. Local festivals may consist of a few dozen stands or hundreds of rows of gaily-lit booths covering entire town squares. During daytime and long into evening, the inviting aromas of roasting chestnuts and sizzling sausages, along with such holiday favorites as Christmas stollen, hot mulled wine, and potato pancakes, emanate from the bustling food stands. Meanwhile the warmly familiar sounds of traditional holiday music and Christmas carols enrich the soul. (C Breakfast) Overnight Frankfurt
Day 3 - A Christmas Village
Our journey this morning along the Romantic Road takes us to the stunningly beautiful Rothenburg of der Tauber (red castle), one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of Europe. A photographer’s dream, its cobbled lanes are lined with half-timber structures, and its Market Square offers a crowning glory: an ornate Renaissance fountain.
Later we’ll visit to the famous Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village and Museum. Upon entering one is immediately “enveloped in Christmas” by the sights and sounds of the shop. The entire interior is designed like a miniature Franconian village with snow covered houses, thousands of twinkling stars and winding cobble stone streets. A 16 ft. tall revolving white Christmas tree, decorated with over 1,000 glass balls and 16,000 sparkling lights, stands watch over the diminutive dwellings. We’ll step inside the private museum here to view the owner’s personal collection of wonderful antique Christmas decorations from Germany, and a history of this holiday festivity and its secular customs.
We’ll have time later to visit the festive Christmas Market, where you’ll want to be sure and taste the delicious local specialty called Schneeball, or snow ball, made from strips of fried sweet dough covered with chocolate or caramel or other, similar treats. Yum!
Our busy day ends as we step aboard our motorcoach for our short journey on the “Road of Kings & Emperors” to the city of Nuremberg. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Nuremberg
Day 4 - Discovering The Prune People!
Our day begins with an excursion high above the city for breathtaking views of Nuremberg’s medieval dwellings and their pointed roofs and turrets. Our city tour features the old town, the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946.
Next we’ll enter the grounds of what was once a Carthusian monastery, complete with cloisters and monastic outbuildings, and now home to the spectacular collection of the German National Museum. The Museum showcases almost every aspect of German culture, from the Stone Age to the 19th century. Our private tour here will focus on the Museum’s extraordinary collection of costumes, needlecrafts, and paintings. Afterward there will be free time to further explore the treasure trove of over one million artifacts here.
Later we’ll explore Nuremberg’s medieval narrow lanes within walled courtyards to discover small craft studios that offer one-of-a-kind treasure in pewter, stained glass, pottery, and jewelry. Nearby, the immense Hauptmarkt Square is celebrating one of the largest markets in Germany, as it has since 1628. Over 200 booths brimming with holiday decorations and favorite specialties like hand-carved wooden soldiers, tinsel angels, and little prune people await your discovery. Happy shopping! (C Breakfast) Overnight Nuremberg
Day 5 - Fairytale Princes & Castles
This morning we’ll travel into the rolling, velvety-green We continue our spectacular journey south this morning on the Romantic Road, now to the city of Oberammergau. Its Passion Play, known world-wide, has been presented since 1634 as an offering of thanks after the Black Death stopped just short of the village. Our local guide will familiarize us with this beautiful village also famous for the glorious paintings and frescoes that adorn most of the Alpine homes. The region is noted for woodcarving as well, and streets are lined with shops offering wooden angels and toys.
Today, by special appointment, we’ve arranged for a private talk with one of the Passion Play’s local representatives.
This afternoon we’ll journey into the Bavarian Alps to visit King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle. Here we’ll learn of the grandiose indulgences of a “Fairytale Prince” who nearly bankrupted the Bavarian empire. The castle is a spectacle of gilded stucco and sumptuous furnishings, tapestries, rich fabrics, and exotic carpets. (C. Breakfast) Overnight Oberammergau
Day 6 - Tyrolean Treasure
An exciting day awaits as our coach travels to the beautiful city of Innsbruck, Austria. Situated between Germany and Italy in the western portion of Austria, Innsbruck is Europe’s oldest and most picturesque city in the state of Tyrol. We’ll see the famous Triumphpforte whose arches are embellished with detailed marble reliefs. One side depicts happiness and the joy of marriage, while the other side depicts grief over the death of Emperor Franz Stephan, who died during his son’s wedding celebrations. Our panoramic tour here also takes us to the spectacular Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof). Covered with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, the roof was constructed for Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I so that he could view tournaments and other events taking place in the square below.
Take advantage of today’s free afternoon to explore the many fine artisan galleries, or visit the festivities at the Christmas Market. And wherever you go, be sure to look up and enjoy the Alpine landscape of snowcapped mountains. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Oberammergau
Day 7 - Munich's Glockenspiel
Our great day in Munich begins with a visit to a traditional fabric shop located in the heart of the city. We’ll experience shopping where the locals shop for fabrics, patterns, buttons, and books.
Afterward we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Munich’s famous sites, including Olympic Stadium and the Victory Arch, as we make our way to the Marienplatz, whose soaring Town Hall is famous for its Glockenspiel. Through life-sized wooden figures, this 43-bell clock tower portrays the wedding of Duke Wilhelm and Renata of Lorraine.
Later this afternoon we’ll return to the Marketplace where a 110-foot evergreen tree twinkles over the stalls of the Christmas Market. This area specializes in Bavarian folk art and offers a huge selection of hand-crafted decorations. (C. Breakfast) Overnight Munich
Day 8 - The Sound of Music
Today we’ll travel through breathtaking countryside to Salzburg, Austria. This beautifully quaint Austrian city, tucked beside a winding river, offers a delightful combination of medieval streets and spacious baroque squares. It’s truly a special place that captures the spirit of a bygone era through its ornate palaces, imperial grandeur, and echoes of Mozart’s music. We’ll explore this jewel of a city on a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the 18th-century Mirabel Gardens. Here Maria von Trapp and the children were seen dancing throughout the gardens singing Do-Re-Mi. We’ll also see the Mozart Geburtshaus, the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy a free afternoon to further explore this compact city, perhaps shopping for beautiful Austrian crystal, or maybe bright china and linens so typical of Austrian households. And be sure to save time to visit the unique Christmas Market on Cathedral Square. You might be lucky enough to hear a performance by a traditional Salzburg children’s choir. You won’t soon forget the pristine Alpine beauty and breathtaking mountain vistas of Salzburg, Austria.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a very special Farewell Dinner at the “Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show”. This memorable show features songs from the “Sound of Music” movie and dining on characteristic Austrian cuisine...an evening we’ll surely remember forever. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Munich
Day 9 - Auf Wiedersehen
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Perhaps afterward we can all gather one last time for a farewell group picture!
You’ll arrange your own individual transfer service to Munich Airport. (C. Breakfast)
We hope you’ll join us on this memorable journey through a land of quaint villages and ancient castles during this most festive time of the year. It’s a holiday delight you’ll enjoy only with Country Heritage Tours.
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