Join us on our 39th annual Christmas trip as we return to many of our all-time favorite markets. The German Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) dates back hundreds of years and the markets still work their magic today, turning town squares and narrow lanes into a wonderland for all. Brightening the short winter days, the markets are an enchanting blend of the season’s edible and decorative symbols. Join the carolers at the giant lighted tree in front of the town hall. Savor traditional delicacies of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and fruitcake, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and grilled sausage. Marvel at the various special Christmas exhibitions and nativity scenes in the museums, galleries, and shops. Take home gifts of beautifully hand-crafted treasures, ornaments, wooden nutcrackers, tinsel angels, and brightly painted boxes.
Our hotels have been chosen for their individual character, central location, ambiance, hospitality, service, and value. We know that the ideal hotel can make you feel comfortable, cheerful, and at home. All hotels will be within short walking distance of the Christmas Markets, shops, museums, and other local attractions. Dinners are assured to be fresh and savory, reflective of the region, and served in a comfortable setting that allows you to share the day's events with your fellow travelers.
I will share with you the places I have been to many times and have grown to love – quaint villages, ancient castles and fortresses, beautiful countryside, and interesting museums. We'll forget the hurried, worried world and set our own pace as we learn the culture and meet the people. The tour's focus will be on quality and service, and I will be there to take care of every detail.
Sunday, November 29th – Munich
Welcome to Germany. Upon arrival at Munich Airport (MUC), you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time for rest or independent exploration as desired. In the evening, guests are invited to a hosted beverage reception in the hotel to meet fellow participants.
Munich Marriott Hotel
Monday, November 30th – Vipiteno (Italy)
A morning stop at
Swarovski Kristallwelten. After taking in the breathtaking crystal artistry and design, you will have a chance to browse souvenirs in the outlet store or enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing our trip to Italy. Crossing the Brenner Pass takes us into the dramatic
Dolomites, South Tyrol's most stunning and unique mountains in the European Alps. This region stands out for its scenery, acclaimed cuisine, and distinct cultural mix—mainly German-speaking, with Alpine, Italian, and Ladin influences. With its jagged snow covered peaks the region has been designated as a UNESCO site for its unique geology.
Posthotel Lamm
Tuesday, December 1st – Vipiteno
Our local guide presents the main attractions of Vipiteno, a town whose origins date back to 14 B.C., when the Romans established a military camp along the route connecting what is now modern-day Italy and Germany. This small alpine town is rich in ancient art and features numerous wonderful bay windows and elegant boutiques. Overlooking the main square, the imposing Torre delle Dodici tower, is a splendid background for the unique Christmas market and the Nativity scene, whose figures are entirely handmade. The stands await you with handmade creations, and with local delicacies, such as homemade breads, speck, mulled wine, or warm apple juice.
Posthotel Lamm
Wednesday, December 2nd – Vipiteno
We travel through the mountains to Bolzano, known as the Italian Capital of Christmas. A walking tour covers the main piazzas, museums, and the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral. We'll visit the archaeological museum, where Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old alpine iceman, is housed. Leisure time for lunch and to discover the Christmas Market filled with delightfully decorated huts selling local handmade crafts and seasonal treats. On the way back to Vipiteno, we stop at Florian's favorite wine cellar for regional tastings and an overview of local winemaking traditions. This memorable stop provides a perfect way to experience the flavors and hospitality of South Tyrol.
Posthotel Lamm
Thursday, December 3rd – Vipiteno
We visit the Brixen Christmas Market with products that have been produced or refined locally. Then we continue on to the picturesque Val Gardena surrounded by more remarkable mountain scenery. Ortisei features a unique Christmas Market consisting of small huts spread throughout the town, christening it the "Christmas Town." Set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Dolomites, Ortisei's market delivers a truly festive atmosphere. Known for its woodcarving tradition, which takes center stage at Christmas markets across the Dolomites, visitors can browse the huts displaying exquisitely crafted wooden ornaments, toys, and sculptures, many of which reflect the region's deep connection to alpine culture.
Posthotel Lamm
Friday, December 4th – Tegernsee
On our morning stop, a local guide will introduce us to
Innsbruck's most important sights, including the well-known
Goldenes Dachl and
Hofburg with fine Rococo decoration. The Christmas Market is surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval facades. We continue our journey back into Germany, with breathtaking panoramic views of the alpine landscapes and a pause at one of the charming villages along the way for a traditional Bavarian snack. The road offers countless photo opportunities, with lush meadows and dramatic peaks providing a vivid backdrop to our travels. Tegernsee is a stunning Bavarian lake with crystal clear water situated at the edge of the mountains, including the 6,030 ft. Wendelstein, the tallest summit in the vicinity.
Caro und Selig Hotel
Saturday, December 5th – Tegernsee
Three Christmas markets—Tegernsee Castle, Rottacher Advent, and Seeadvent Bad Wiessee—circle the lake and are all connected by boat. Enjoy a cold beer and Bratwurst at one of Germany's oldest breweries, the Herzoglich Bayerische Brauhaus, allegedly founded around 1050 – a short walk from our hotel. Smell the punch, hot roasted chestnuts, and toasted almonds, and enjoy listening to the Alphorn players. For those interested in shopping, you'll find plenty of choices, from hat makers and traditional costumes to decorative items, perfumeries, and unique fashion boutiques. Saturday evening you'll see the annual Perchtenlauf aimed at banishing winter and evil winter spirits (similar to the Krampus).
Caro und Selig Hotel
Sunday, December 6th – Beilingries
This morning, we'll visit
Ingolstadt's Christmas Market to view artistic nativity scenes and explore a fairytale-themed path inspired by the Brothers Grimm. In Beilingries, our hotel's proximity makes it easy to enjoy the local Christmas Market—open only this one weekend—in a park along the former moat and promenade. The market features traditional crafts, local food, and a welcoming community spirit in a festive setting. Known for its cozy, almost family-like atmosphere, the market is enhanced by the lovingly designed booths. If time allows, walk along the 15
th century old town walls, with nine of the original defensive towers still visible, each named after the profession or function associated with its history.
Hotel Gams
Monday, December 7th – Beilingries
After breakfast we travel to Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Germany. Our local guide will take us on a tour through the narrow-cobbled streets with the town hall tower, high gabled houses, old churches, ramparts, and town gates. The remainder of the time is free to visit the museums and explore the many shops and boutiques, and the popular Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shops. The historic market square provides a scenic backdrop for the Christmas Market. Choose from handmade holiday decorations ranging from hand-painted glass balls, straw, pewter, and pottery to wooden toys. Taste the delicious Franconian Christmas cookies.
Hotel Gams
Tuesday, December 8th – Beilingries
We drive to Nürnberg for a sightseeing tour of the city's historic old center with innumerable architectural treasures such as the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city and the Imperial Castle. Discover why this city is the world's toy capital. You will have time to explore Nürnberg's "Christkindlesmarkt" – the largest and grandest of them all! Be sure to sample the special holiday Gingerbread, as this is where it originated. Lebkuchen date all the way back to 14th century Germany where they were created by Catholic monks and prepared with honey, and a variety of spices and nuts in monastery bakeries. The city is also famous for the unique and flavorful sizzling Nürnberger Bratwurst, which impart an aroma that pervades the entire area.
Hotel Gams
Wednesday, December 9th – Munich
We'll reach Munich by mid-morning with plenty of time to explore independently. The compact downtown area is just a mile square and easy to walk. Most of the major attractions are conveniently located within the city center, connected by a network of pedestrian streets. The site of Germany's oldest Christmas Market is on the
Marienplatz. Hear the town hall's clock chime the "Glockenspiel" daily at 11 a.m. with the Cathedral and the neo-gothic town hall serving as a backdrop. Lunch at the market offers a wonderful opportunity to savor traditional Bavarian dishes. Popular choices include Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup), Weisswurst (white sausage), or Schweinshaxn (pork knuckle), each providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Munich Airport Hilton
Thursday, December 10th – return home
Depart from Munich airport. Farewell to Europe and jet back to North America or other parts of the world.
If you have time you may wish to stay in Munich an extra night or two.
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 24 GUESTS MAXIMUM
RESERVATIONS: Let us know if you'd like to join the tour. We'll reserve your place and send a sign-up packet with registration and deposit details. Once we receive your deposit, you'll get an information packet and confirmation. Final payment is due 95 days before departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfare is not included in the tour price. We recommend a minimum of at least 1.5 hours for flight connections and avoid short layovers. Contact us for more information.
EXTRA NIGHTS: Special rates are available at our hotel, prior to the tour's start and at the end of the tour – $310 per double room ($260 single), including breakfast, taxes, and service charges. Airport transfer is included for November 28th and 29th. Transfers are not included for additional days after December 10th. We can arrange for a limo service to pick you up at an extra cost, or you can take a taxi. All additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis. Munich features many Christmas markets, with the main Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz and several others across the city's districts. The Schwabing Christmas Market, closest to our hotel in the artists' district, offers handmade goods straight from creators, along with free music, kids' activities, and festive food. Its unique artwork, cultural events, and decorations create a special atmosphere.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Traveling in December means there is a possibility of encountering ice and snow. Some tour stops involve walking over uneven cobblestones and stairs, and you'll need to walk two or three city blocks from the coach to the town center at a typical group pace—or arrange your own taxi. Our coach cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
View the Tourist Office Web sites for some of the destinations we visit. Travel Resources
