Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, storybook German villages and the Alps.   A fantastic way to experience some of the best scenery in Europe. Christmastime is “off-peak”, which means we can offer you a premium tour at a better-than-usual rate.  Enjoy live Classical music in Prague and Salzburg. Savor hearty local winter cuisine. Taste the sights and sounds of this magical time of the year in some of Europe’s prettiest towns and villages. This is an unforgettable tour!

Day 1 -  Sunday,  December 1st - Overnight flight to Vienna, Austria

Day 2 – Monday, December 2nd – Vienna, Austria

Today we arrive in Austria’s majestic capital city: Vienna - one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Vienna was the heart of a vast Empire for centuries and has an abundance of beautiful architecture to prove it! You’ll 

be met by Philippe, your tour manager, at Vienna airport - and transfer directly to your centrally located hotel where a light meal awaits. An early night to bed and tomorrow, you’ll be in fine shape for a full day of sightseeing! (Light Meal upon arrival).

Vienna has so much to offer: today you will join a city tour of this fascinating city - stopping to visit interesting highlights along the way. Later today after some free time for lunch, you may wish to take in some shopping in the heart of the city. Alternately, visits to Austria’s national gallery or to the Schoenbrunn Palace are possible. While you are at it, why not visit one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses? Tonight enjoy a fine welcome dinner in the heart of the city followed by a stroll through one of Vienna’s Christmas Markets. (B, D)

Today we travel west through picturesque Austria to the town of Salzburg. Salzburg is one of the prettiest towns in Austria. Nestled in the Alps, protected by an ancient castle, it is an incredibly charming town. It is perhaps best known for two reasons: it is the birthplace of Mozart and it was also a setting for many parts of The Sound of Music. Today Salzburg has retained much of it’s charm. It’s historic district is also one of the best shopping areas in Austria – and is a great place to find unique stocking stuffers for loved ones back home!  Tonight, experience Salzburg’s Christmas Market followed by dinner. (B, D)

Another fine day of sightseeing begins as we head towards Bavaria in Germany. We will visit one of the most famous castles in all of Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle which was built by a reputedly “mad” Bavarian king, Ludwig II. You will surely marvel at the picture-postcard beauty of the setting. The castle was built by Ludwig as a tribute to the famous German composer, Richard Wagner. It is a truly enchanting site.. We will overnight

in one of Germany’s most famous market towns, Oberammergau where a hearty German dinner awaits! (B, D)

Today, we continue our scenic touring, traveling north along the legendary Romantic Road, an historic trade route that dates from the Middle Ages. Today, Germany's Romantic Road still retains much of its medieval character. The Road winds through forgotten sections of countryside, connecting walled towns and picturesque villages. Travelers may enter a town through an arched gateway complete with guard towers. Inside the town, you might typically find Gothic cathedrals, half-timbered fachwerk houses, and often a medieval festival or, at Christmastime, a special Market. Fairy tale castles and the Alps complete the charm. The Romantic Road will lead us to the Danube River and town of Ulm where we will overnight. (B)

Day 7– Saturday, December 7th – Rothenburg, Germany

Rise and Shine! Today, an exciting day of travel begins as we continue our route along Germany’s Romantic Road. This afternoon we will arrive in one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval villages – Rothenburg. This charming town, replete with it’s own castle, is over 1000 years old. You’ll enjoy an informal walk followed by free time to shop in the heart of the old city. Many members of our tours enjoy spending a bit of shopping time at the legendary Kaethe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop. Tonight you’ll enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner! (B, D)

Day 8 – Sunday, December 8th – Prague, Czech Republic

This morning we drive east to the old East German border and into Bohemia in the Czech Republic. We’ll arrive in the Czech capital, Prague – an enchanting, storybook city - late this afternoon. This evening, you will experience the magic of one of Prague’s Christmas markets which light up the city centre at this time of year, bringing tourists and locals together to enjoy the holiday spirit, in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The Prague

Christmas markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech handicrafts, hot food (corn on the cob, sausages and local specialties) and warm drinks. A good selection of Christmas stocking fillers can be found in the markets. Products include Czech glass, wooden toys, scented candles, handmade jewelry ceramic mugs, hats and scarves, puppets and Christmas tree ornaments. You can also see traditional foods made fresh right in front of you. Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much easier with a cup of hot wine (svařené víno or svařák) in your hand! (B, D)

This morning, our sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year old Hradcany Castle, the former residence of Bohemian kings; St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town, 

the Jewish ghetto and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax or shop for hand-cut crystal or art books. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a leisurely farewell dinner together, reminiscing already on the time we have spent together visiting the fairy tale towns and regions of central Europe. (B, D)

This morning, after a hearty breakfast in the heart of the Czech capital, we will travel to Prague’s airport where we will say goodbye to Winter and to Europe - and board our return flights home. (B)

Please note that this itinerary may vary depending on the flights that you chose.  Please call us for details.

 

- all your hotel accommodations (in 3 & 4*)

- all overland transportation in Europe 

- 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners

- entrance fees to all of the activities in the itinerary / and much more, call us for details!

- kindly note that these rates are “land- only” and do not include airfare.