Christmas Tours of Germany & Austria
Freshly baked treats scenting the air and historic cities decorated with holiday lights and sparkling snow are at the heart of Germany and Austria's fun and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. In those European countries, temperatures generally range between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit during winter, so if you are planning to visit you should pack layers of warm clothing, an all-weather jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Many tour companies offer comprehensive sightseeing packages over the winter holidays that include airfare, ground transfers, accommodations, entrance fees to attractions and some meals. A Christmas tour of Germany and Austria also may include exploring holiday markets in scenic towns, visits to historic sites or a river cruise along the Danube.
Other People Are Reading
-
Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria
-
This eight-day escorted tour includes an English-speaking guide, all transfers, accommodations, some meals, a flight from New York City to Munich and a return flight from Vienna to NYC. Tour participants will stay two nights in Munich, one night in Nuremberg, one night in Salzburg and two nights in Vienna. The first and last days of the tour are dedicated to air travel, so the sightseeing excursions begin in Munich on the second day, with some free time and a welcome reception at the hotel.
The sightseeing tour of Munich includes visits to the Nymphenburg Palace, the Olympic Stadium, the Glockenspiel clock in Marienplatz and optional excursions to Linderhof and Oberammergau. The fourth day starts with travel to Nuremberg, followed by a visit the renowned German Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt. Known as the "Little Town from Wood and Cloth," the market features approximately 180 wooden stalls, offering traditional wares such as spicy gingerbread, bakery goods, ornaments, candles, toys and crafts. Day five includes a walking tour of Salzburg, with stops at the cathedral, St. Peter's monastery, the 11th-century Hohensalzburg fortress and the Salzburg Christmas Market. The last two days of the tour are spent in Vienna, including stops at the Ringstrasse, the opera house and the local Christmas Market.
Gate 1 Travel
455 Maryland Dr.
Ft. Washington, PA 19034
800-682-3333
gate1travel.com
Christmastime In Germany and Austria
-
Affordable Tour's 11-night cruise from Frankfurt to Vienna includes guided sightseeing excursions, accommodations in an outside stateroom, all on-board meals, a welcome reception, captain's receptions, a farewell dinner, complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with on-board dinners and complimentary coffee and tea, available throughout the day.
The sightseeing cruise departs from Frankfurt and includes stops in Linz, Melk, Munich, Nuremberg, Passau, Regensburg, Vienna and Wurzburg. After traveling to Miltenberg, guests will take a morning guided walk in the village, taking in views of Medieval and Renaissance homes, the Gothic Merchant Hall and the Christmas market. The afternoon includes a cooking lesson on how to make a local cookie specialty, followed by some free time in Wertheim, known for producing traditional glass Christmas decorations.
The tour continues with excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bishop's Residenz in Wurzburg and the Medieval city of Bamberg. Nuremberg features a visit to the Christkindl Market and a beer tasting session after dinner. Munich highlights include a tour of the historic city, a stop at the traditional Christmas market on the Marienplatz, a visit to the Rindermarkt market, specializing in Nativity mangers and accessories, and some time in the Hofbrauhaus beer hall. The last stop in Germany is in Regensburg, with a visit to the historic Historische Wurstkuche restaurant, which dates back to the 12th century. The last three days of the sightseeing cruise take place in Austria, and feature stops in Passau, Salzburg, Linz and Melk, before ending with visits to the many Christmas markets of Vienna.
AffordableTours.com
11150 Cash Road
Stafford, TX 77477
800-935-2620
affordabletours.com -
Christmas on the Danube
-
Spend your Christmas holiday on an eight-day tour down the Danube River. The tour begins in the ancient wine town of Wurzburg, including visits to the Residential Palace and the Alte Mainbrucke, before traveling to Rothenburg to embark on a six-night cruise.
The first port-of-call is the toy-making village of Nuremberg and a visit to the renowned Christmas market that dates back to 1628. The trip includes a walking tour of Regensburg, featuring the old Town Hall, the Christmas Market and a stop at the 12th century, 1,400-foot medieval bridge with panoramic views of the city.
An early morning cruise transports passengers to Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. The day includes a leisurely tour of the historic city, walking along the cobblestone streets and exploring the Christmas market. An on-board music concert is performed for the passengers after dinner.
The last few days of the cruise are spent in Austria, visiting the picturesque town of Emmersdorf, with an optional trip to the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey in the nearby town of Durnstein. One afternoon features a cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley, passing castles and quaint riverside towns before arriving in Vienna. The cruise ends with a visit to the Christmas market and a gala dinner, followed by a musical performance.
Atlas Cruises & Tours
9091 North Military Trail, Suite 14
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
800-942-3301
christmasmarkettours.com
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Weihnachtsmarkt image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
