German Fairytale Christmas

Day 1 Frankfurt

Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt: a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifullymaintained old buildings. There is so much to see and do in the city centre, including the Christmas markets on theRömerberg, which has traditionally been the centrepiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt. If you have time prior to the tourcommencing, we recommend you visit them! Dinner tonight is included in your hotel, but first, enjoy a welcome drink. This isan ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Würzburg Christmas Markets, ‘My Time’ in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

• Stay: Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: WürzburgChristmas Markets, ‘My Time’ in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

We soon reach the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the ‘Romantic Road’, where we explore the Altstadt (old town)with its Christmas markets scattered amongst the historic buildings. We then continue to nearby Rothenburg, possibly thefinest medieval city in all of Europe, where we stay two nights. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the delightful cobblestonedstreets, ramparts and turrets of picture perfect Rothenburg. A ‘must do’ is a visit to the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for itsstunning displays. The Christmas Markets, set in the narrow alleys, 50 yards from your hotel, are perhaps the quaintest youwill ever see. This evening, after dinner in your hotel, we have included a special treat – a torchlight tour with the NightWatchman through the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets.

• Stay: Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Bamberg and Nürnberg Christmas Markets

We have included a full day excursion. First stop is the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Bamberg, which boastshundreds of buildings, mansions and palaces displaying the various stages of architecture dating back 1,000 years. Famousfor its unique ‘smoked’ beer and antique shops – Bamberg is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. In the afternoon wecontinue to the massive stone towers and gates of medieval Nürnberg. Once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and theWar Crimes trials, Nürnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways and the most splendid Christmas Markets in Europe.

This huge market has a unique law that only traditional Christmas artefacts are allowed for sale. As dusk approaches, themusic and singing, Christmas lights and smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. We return to Rothenburg early evening.

• Stay: Hotel Tilman Riemenschneider
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Munich Christmas Markets and delightful Füssen

Travelling south we reach Munich, capital of Bavaria, late morning. Rebuilt since the war, the central walking precinct is a massof people and activity. The shopping is excellent. Perhaps take lunch in one of the numerous cafés or a giant Beer Hall? Aperfect place for some final Christmas shopping (and yes there are Christmas Markets all around the old Town Hall). Midafternoon we continue to the picturesque town of Fussen where we stay the next five nights. Füssen is delightful! Stretches ofthe original Roman defensive walls are still in place, and the town’s historic character is particularly evident along the cobbledReichenstrasse. High above, the old castle of the Prince-Bishops of Augsburg dominates the town. All dinners, includingtraditional Christmas Eve dinner, ‘Farewell to Bavaria’ dinner, and two lunches are included over the next five nights.

Please note:Hotel Hirsch does not offer porterage.

• Stay: Hotel Hirsch Füssen, Germany
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle visits

What better way to start the day than a visit to the ‘fairytale’ Neuschwanstein Castle! After a brisk walk uphill you will enjoy aguided tour inside the King’s apartments, staterooms, halls and throne room all reminiscent of a Wagner operatic saga. Lunchis included in a local restaurant. This afternoon we will also visit the neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau Castle. Rich in history, youwill find the interior typical of the Castles of the Knights of the Middle Ages, with its ‘Hall of Heroes’, paintings and suits ofarmour.

• Stay: Hotel Hirsch Füssen, Germany
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: ‘My Time’ in Füssen and Wieskirche

Your morning is at leisure in delightful Füssen. Take time to walk through the very picturesque and historic part of the townwith its Christmas decorations and shops. (Shops open until lunchtime). This afternoon we visit the richly decoratedWieskirche (Church in the Meadows) with its incredible painted ceilings. Tonight enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in alocal restaurant.

• Stay: Hotel Hirsch Füssen, Germany
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Christmas Day – Tegelberg cable car & horse drawn carriage

Christmas as it should be - relaxing, eating, drinking and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats, washing up and unwelcomelong-lost relatives! A highlight today will be a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the breathtaking views down onto themajestic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles far below. Time to take those ‘perfect’ photos. Enjoy a Christmas Daylunch at your hotel and this afternoon we relax and enjoy a ride in a horse drawn carriage through the local countryside.

• Stay: Hotel Hirsch Füssen, Germany
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Linderhof Palace, ‘My Time’ in Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Oberammergau

First stop of the day will be in the pretty ‘Passion Play’ village of Oberammergau, famous for its ornately painted houses andshops. Lunchtime is in Germany’s premiere ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Before ‘My Time’ in town, we will visit themesmerising, enormous ski-jump and stadium, made famous in the film ‘Eddie the Eagle’. In the afternoon we visit Linderhof,an extravagant French Rococo Palace – yet another of King Ludwig’s amazing creations.

• Stay: Hotel Hirsch Füssen, Germany
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Vaduz and ‘My Time’ in lakeside Luzern

Driving across the mountains and valleys of Western Austria we soon reach the city of Vaduz, capital of the Principality ofLiechtenstein, a tiny country on the border of Switzerland. Soon afterwards we head into Switzerland and spend theafternoon in the lovely lakeside town of Luzern with its covered wooden bridges. Your farewell dinner tonight is in your hotel.

• Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Luzern

Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and it is time to bid farewell.

• Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern
• Meals: Breakfast