Insights Winter Wonderland and the Christmas Markets

8 Nights, 8 Nights Frankfurt to Frankfurt $1235 US ppd

Included

Premium Highlights * Visit Rothenburg to see its animated town clock * Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus for stunning views over Lucerne * Enjoy views from Heidelberg including its magnificent castle Personal Insights * Learn about the poignant history of the Lion Monument in Lucerne Additional Excursions and Sights * Drive along part of Germany’s Romantic Road * Visit Munich’s Marienplatz and see the Olympic Stadium, Victory Arch and university * Visit Salzburg’s Old Town & see Mozart’s birthplace * Visit Innsbruck’s Wilten Basilica & see the Golden Roof * Drive through the Arlberg Tunnel and stop in Vaduz to see the Castle * View Jesuit Church & Chapel Bridge in Lucerne * Visit the Rhine Falls and enjoy a scenic Black Forest drive * Views over Heidelberg and River Neckar from the terrace of the castle

Dates

Various Nov -Dec

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 - ARRIVE FRANKFURT Welcome to Germany! From the Rhine Valley to the Alpine peaks of Austria and Switzerland, you will experience lively cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns, as well as breathtaking natural scenery. Your airport shuttle service from Frankfurt Airport to the tour hotel departs at 09:30 & 12:00. Later, your Frankfurt orientation tour shows you Romerberg Square, St Paul’s Church and Goethe’s birthplace. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Sheraton Offenbach (D)

Day 3 - FRANKFURT - MUNICH Head to Rothenburg where you are plunged back to the 16th century. Enter through medieval walls and follow the cobblestone streets to the Market Square with its Town Clock. Perhaps visit St Jakob’s Church to see the amazing 16th century masterpiece of Tilman Riemenschneider, a representation of the Last Supper set into the altar of the Holy Blood. Or pop into the Christmas Shop which brings the glitz and glamour of the festive season all year round. Now follow the Romantic Road to fun loving Munich. Hotel: Hilton Munich CIty (BB)

Day 4 - MUNICH SIGHTSEEING Your orientation tour shows you the Olympic Stadium, Victory Arch and university concluding in the heart of Munich at the Marienplatz with its Gothic Town Hall and Glockenspiel. For those arriving before Christmas there is time to shop in the festive Christmas market. Tonight, why not join the locals and enjoy a foaming stein of beer at the world famous Hofbrauhaus? (BB)

Day 5 - MUNICH - SALZBURG Drive past Lake Chiemsee and cross the Austrian border to Salzburg, “alive with the sound of music”. Here, your local guide walks you through the gardens of the Mirabell Palace where you have a great chance to photograph the city skyline crowned by the castle heights. Then cross the Salzach River to see Mozart’s birthplace on the Getreidegasse, a lively shopping street lined with attractive wrought iron signs. Now follow the narrow lanes to the Cathedral Square to view the ornate domed cathedral and the splendid Residenz Fountain. This afternoon is at leisure. Hotel: Renaissance Salzburg (BB)

Day 6 - SALZBURG - INNSBRUCK A scenic drive takes you through snow capped mountains to Innsbruck. Visit the Wilten Basilica, its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels and see the Imperial Palace and delightful Golden Roof. The rest of the afternoon you are at leisure to relax among the typical Austrian cafes of the Old Quarter, with its narrow arcades and gabled shop fronts. Tonight enjoy a Highlight Dinner of traditional Tyrolean cuisine! Hotel: Hilton Innsbruck (BB, HD)

Day 7 - INNSBRUCK - LUCERNE More delightful scenery abounds as you make your way to the Arlberg Tunnel. Stop in Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, at 16 square miles in area, one of Europe’s smallest countries. After a chance to explore the town, cross the Swiss border and continue to lakeside Lucerne. Your Tour Director will show you the covered, wooden Chapel Bridge and learn about the stirring and poignant history of the Lion Monument. Then you are at leisure to shop for Swiss watches and delicious chocolate. Hotel: Astoria (BB)

Day 8 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING This morning take the cable car to the summit of impressive Mount Pilatus, offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne, the countryside and hills around. Later, back in Lucerne you are at leisure in this beautiful city. Spend some time exploring the old walls and watch towers of the medieval fortifications, lake-side walks and excellent shops. (BB, D)

Day 9 - LUCERNE - FRANKFURT Today the first stop is at Schaffhausen to see the Rhine River thundering over the Rhine Falls, before crossing the border into Germany and driving deep into the Black Forest. Now follow the Rhine Valley north to the Student Prince’s town of Heidelberg, dominated by its magnificent red sandstone castle. From the castle terrace, there is a wonderful panoramic view over the old town and the Neckar River. Then return to your hotel in Frankfurt in time for dinner. Hotel: Sheraton Offenbach (BB, D)

Day 10 - RETURN TO USA. After breakfast, the Airport shuttle to Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 1 arrives at 09.00 and Terminal 2 at 09:15. (BB)