The ItineraryTuesday, December 1
- Departure from the United States to Vienna, via Zurich Wednesday, December 2 Wien - Arrival in Vienna Austria. Visit the renowned Christmas Market. - Accommodation at Hotel Henri Wien Siebterbezirk**** three nights. - Classical Concert Vivaldi Performance in the evening Thursday, December 3 Wien - 10:00 am Visit the National Library Austrian National Library With seven reading rooms and around 3.9 million books, the Austrian National Library in the Hofburg tops the list, primarily because of its impressive State Hall. - Admire the magnificent architecture and the horses of the Spanish Riding School. - Celebrate the Christmas season with a visit to the enchanting Christkindmarkt, sampling delectable gingerbread and gluten-free treats. Browse the wooden stalls filled with handcrafted toys, seasonal gifts, and festive fare. Friday, December 4 Wien -Schonbrunn Palace & gardens Guided Tour in EnglishSchönbrunn Palace is famous as the magnificent former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a key Austrian cultural landmark with a rich history involving figures like Maria Theresa and Mozart, known for its grand rooms, extensive gardens, and the world's oldest zoo - Enjoy the xmas market at the Palace, later experience the magic of Stephansplatz Christmas Market, situated against the backdrop of the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral Saturday, December 5 Munich - Depart by train to Munich, Germany - Accommodation at Motel One Hotel ****for three nights. - Experience Christmas on the move! The Christkindlt Tram is a special Christmas tram that you can ride. It departs from Sendlinger Tor – which is a stunning old city gate – and takes you around the old town with its Christmas lights and decorations. If it snows, this ride is even better! It’s like riding through a huge wintery snow globe! Sunday, December 6 Munich Visit the Marienplatz—the city’s sprawling central square—in order to catch one of the best shows. At 11 a.m. and noon, everyone’s attention is focused on the elaborate neo-Gothic façade of the Neus Rathaus, or New Town Hall. A few minutes after the 43 bells of the glockenspiel begin to ring, large figures come to life. Musicians celebrate a royal wedding. Barrel-makers dance in the streets. Two knights on horseback compete in a jousting match, and the Bavarian knight in blue and white always beats his opponent. Absolutely delightful!! - Guided Walking Tour of Munich with a local Uncover the magic of Munich with a private walking tour designed exclusively for you. Say goodbye to the generic tours and embark on a fully customized adventure with a local host who knows Munich inside and out. Whether you're interested in Munich's history, culture, or hidden gems, your guide will curate a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to your interests. After booking, you'll complete a short questionnaire to share your preferences, ensuring every detail of your tour aligns with your passions and pace.Explore Munich your way on a fully customizable private walking tour Monday, December 7 Munich - Visit the Munich Residence Palace. The Residenz in central Munich is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is today open to visitors for its architecture, room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections. - Xmas Market Delights: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Xmas Market, where over 180 wooden stalls offer a wide array of traditional crafts and seasonal treats. Tuesday, December 8. Strasbourg Depart for Strasbourg City, France. - Visit Place d’Armes - Explore the Place d’Armes, a vibrant square adorned with festive decorations, lively music, and a magnificent Christmas tree. The city’s culinary scene is renowned for its delectable offerings. Public transportation is complimentary, providing convenient access to various attractions. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the city. Accommodation at the Best Western Plus Metropole**** Wednesday, December 9 Strasbourg - Strasbourg City Christmas Markets Visit the four primary Christmas markets located within the Old Town of Strasbourg, which are part of the Winter lights Festival. - Cathedral Notre Dame. Admire the stunning architecture of Cathedral Notre Dame. Thursday, December 10 Colmar Colmar Day Trip - Embark on a day trip to Colmar, another picturesque town known for its gingerbread architecture. - Place des Dominicains: Explore the Place des Dominicains, a charming square featuring timbered stands adorned with religious paintings at their summits. - Canal Cruises of Little Venice. Wander the canals of Little Venice, where each glance reveals a new detail that captivates the eye. Friday, December 11 Back Home - Return Home and Departure Return home with cherished memories of your Christmas travels. Take a train from Strasbourg to Zurich and board a flight back to your destination. |
Going AbroadExperience the magic of Europe’s Christmas season with a journey through Vienna, Munich, and Strasbourg.
Begin in Austria’s capital, where you’ll explore grand landmarks like Parliament, Schonbrun Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral while indulging in festive treats at the city’s enchanting Christmas markets. Savor Vienna’s rich pastry culture and glide across the stunning Vienna Ice World rink before traveling by train to Munich, Germany. Discover this beautiful Bavarian city widely regarded as one of Germany's most livable cities, a magical winter destination, primarily renowned for hosting over 20 traditional, historic Christmas markets, including the famous Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, which offers a festive atmosphere, hot mulled wine (Glühwein), and Bavarian treats. The city becomes a sparkling, romantic wonderland, perfect for seasonal shopping and experiencing authentic German holiday traditions. Then, cross into France to discover Strasbourg’s vibrant holiday spirit, where illuminated squares, bustling markets, and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral create a winter wonderland. A day trip to the picturesque town of Colmar adds even more magic with its storybook canals and timbered houses. Conclude your festive adventure in Paris before heading home with memories of twinkling lights, warm pastries, and the joy of the holiday season. Activity Level 2: The activity level for this trip is moderate to active. Expect a mix of walking tours, sightseeing, and exploring large Christmas markets, historic landmarks, and scenic towns. You'll be walking on cobblestone streets, through medieval towns, and occasionally uphill. There are also activities like ice skating in Vienna and possible boat rides in Colmar’s Little Venice. Additionally, train travel between cities requires some luggage handling and transitions. While the trip is not overly strenuous, a good level of mobility and stamina is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. 
Food & DiningExperience a rich culinary journey through Austria, Germany, and France, filled with festive holiday flavors. In Vienna, indulge in Sachertorte, apple strudel, and wiener schnitzel, along with seasonal treats like glühwein and kaiserschmarrn at Christmas markets. Munich's Christkindlesmarkt offers bratwurst, lebkuchen, and hearty Bavarian dishes like pork knuckle and spätzle. In Strasbourg and Colmar, savor Alsatian specialties such as flammkuchen, choucroute garnie, and bredele cookies, paired with vin chaud. From elegant cafés to bustling market stalls, each stop is a feast for the senses.
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