"Ladies Only" Christmas Market Germany Trip
"Journey into the heart of Germany during the most magical time"
Trip Overview
- December 2-12, 2024
- 9-Nights/10 Days
Brief Itinerary
| Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| December 2 | Munich | Overnight flight, arrival into Munich December 03, 2024 |
| December 3 | Munich | Arrival into Munich and settle into your hotel Afternoon Walking Tour of Munich. Free time on our own to explore Munich and the Christmas markets. |
| December 4 | Salzburg(Wals) | Private Touring officially begins.
Meet your host and driver-guide. Lake Chiem and Herrenchiemsee Palace Welcome Dinner |
| December 5 | Salzburg(Wals) | AM: Königssee, Rossfeld Panoramic Road PM: Berchtesgaden & Christmas Market |
| December 6 | Salzburg(Wals) | AM: Salzburg Old Town PM: Lake Mondsee to see the famous wedding chapel of the Sound of Music, and visit the famous Gazebo |
| December 7 | Füssen | AM: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Gondola Ride into the Alps (weather permitting), Ettal Abbey (Monastery) PM: Oberammergau and Füssen, Free time in the evening for Christmas Market |
| December 8 | Rothenburg ob der Tauber | AM: St Coloman’s Church, Schwangau and photo stop for Neuschwanstein Castle PM: Rothenburg Walking Tour (famous Christmas town) with optional evening Night Watchman Tour Evening free to experience the Christmas Market |
| December 9 | Heidelberg / Wiesbaden | AM: Heidelberg with funicular ride to the castle ruins
Walking Tour of Heidelberg PM: Wiesbaden with free evening for the Christmas market |
| December 10 | Wiesbaden | AM: Wiesbaden Walking Tour and Trolley Ride PM: Thermal baths (optional) or free time |
| December 11 | Rhine Valley/ Wiesbaden | A day in the Rhine Valley, discovering Rüdesheim Farewell lunch Free time in the evening. |
| December 12 | Fly home from Frankfurt | (anytime) – Time to say “Auf Wiedersehen” |
Pricing: $4,492.00 per person (Single Occupancy)
Tour Includes
- Exclusive personal driver-guide for 6 days
- Transportation in a comfortable A/C 9 vehicle
- 9 nights hotel accommodations at beautiful local and 4**** hotels
- 8 x daily breakfast (except for Munich)
- Walking Tours of Munich, Salzburg, Garmisch, Heidelberg and Wiesbaden
- Welcome Dinner in Salzburg (Wals)
- Farewell Lunch in the Rhine Valley
- Entrance fees to Herrenchiemsee with boat ride
- Königssee boat ride tickets
- Gondola tickets
- Night Watchman Tour Rothenburg
- Heidelberg Funicular Tickets with Castle Admission
- Wiesbaden Trolley Ride
- Private transfers from Munich Airport to Munich Hotel, December 3, 2024
- Private transfer from Wiesbaden Hotel to Frankfurt Airport, December 12, 2024
Tour Excludes
- International Airfare (Please arrive in Munich on December 3, 2024), return anytime on December 12, 2024 from Frankfurt (FRA)
- Lunch/Dinner unless indicated above.
- Gratuity for driver-guide / tour guides
- Souvenirs
Payment Schedule : ( All payments are non-refundable)
| Deposit | $500.00 | Immediate to gurantee spot |
| 2nd payment | $2,000.00 | August 15, 2024* |
| Final Payment | $1,992.00 | October 15, 2024 |
*Will need flight information no later than August 15th, 2024
December 3 | Day 1: Arrival in Munich
Welcome to Germany!
We will be greeting you at the airport by a personal driver and transported to your hotel in Munich.
Get settled into your hotel and enjoy a little free time or take a quick nap.
This afternoon you will do a Walking Tours (approx. 2 hours) of Munich and discover the cities main attractions:
- Marienplatz: This is the city’s central square which boasts architecture from multiple eras. You can also see the Glockenspiel performance here.
- Munich Residenz: Once the royal residence of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria, boasts extravagant rooms and hosts a treasury displaying royal insignia, jewellery and precious household items of the Bavarian rulers.
- Viktualienmarkt: A daily food market and a square in the center of Munich. It has developed from a farmers’ market to a popular market for gourmets.
- Hofbräuhaus: Munich’s most famous beer hall. It dates back to the 16th century and is a major part of the city’s history and culture.
This evening, you will have free time to explore the Munich Christmas Market.
December 4 | Day 2: Lake Chiem, Herrenchiemsee Palace and Salzburg (Wals)
Touring will officially begin this morning. You will meet your host, Silke and driver-guide, Markus.
After breakfast, we will head to Lake Chiemsee, also affectionately known as the ‘Bavarian Sea’, is the largest lake in Bavaria to visit Herrenchiemsee Palace. Located on Herreninsel, the largest island on Chiemsee, Herrenchiemsee Castle is an opulent palace built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1878 as a tribute to Louis XIV, the French ‘Sun King’. Herrenchiemsee Palace was King Ludwig II’s last and most expensive palace, however, it was left uncompleted due to his early death in 1886. Ludwig II planned to replicate the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, with the palace’s stunning Hall of Mirrors and the State Staircase being among the main tributes.
In the afternoon, we head towards Salzburg and settle into our hotel in Wals, Austria. We will have our official “Welcome Dinner” at a local restaurant enjoying authentic Austrian and German cuisine.
December 5 | Day 3: Lake Königssee, Berchtesgaden & Rossfeld Panoramic Road
Nestled within Berchtesgaden National Park in the southeastern corner of Germany, Lake Königssee is located close to the Austrian border in the Bavarian Alps.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Lake Königssee is its astounding depth. It spans over 1.8 miles in width and 4.3 miles in length and boasts a profound depth of around 625 feet, making it Germany’s third deepest lake. The lake is known for its stunning fjord-like scenery and its church of St. Bartholomä, a 17th-century red-domed chapel accessible only by boat. This eye-catching landmark has stunning murals and a legendary golden deer antler.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Lake Königssee is its astounding depth. It spans over 1.8 miles in width and 4.3 miles in length and boasts a profound depth of around 625 feet, making it Germany’s third deepest lake. The lake is known for its stunning fjord-like scenery and its church of St. Bartholomä, a 17th-century red-domed chapel accessible only by boat. This eye-catching landmark has stunning murals and a legendary golden deer antler.
We will drive the famous Rossfeld Panoramic Road and will head to Berchtesgaden for some shopping and enjoying the Christmas Market in Berchtesgaden.
December 6 | Day 4: Salzburg, Lake Mondsee & Sound of Music
Salzburg Old Town is a picturesque area filled with dreamy spires, charming alleys, and music wafting from Mozart’s birthplace. It’s baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status offers a quaint yet vibrant atmosphere to visitors. Here are the top 5 attractions in Salzburg Old Town:
- Hohensalzburg Fortress: This 11th-century fortress perched on a hilltop offers a spectacular view of the city.
- Mozart’s Birthplace: The birthplace of the legendary composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now turned into a fascinating museum.
- Salzburg Cathedral: A magnificent Baroque cathedral with impressive interiors.
- Getreidegasse: A bustling shopping street famous for its high, narrow houses and charming old-world harmony.
- St. Peter’s Abbey: One of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area with a stunning cemetery and catacombs.
We will visit Lake Mondsee, situated in the beautiful Salzkammergut region of Austria, is an alpine delight with its clear turquoise waters and a panorama of majestic mountains. It holds cultural significance as the idyllic filming location for the wedding scenes in The Sound of Music. The gazebo from The Sound of Music, famously known as the “Sound of Music Pavilion,” is a small, charming white structure with elegant scrollwork featuring in two of the film’s most iconic songs – “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Something Good”. It emanates a certain romantic nostalgia, nestled against the lush green backdrop of Hellbrunn Palace’s gardens in Salzburg, Austria.
December 7 | Day 5: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ettal Abbey, Oberammergau & Füssen
Today, will head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is a scenic mountain resort town in Bavaria, Germany, known for its spectacular Alpine setting at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
If weather permits, we will ride up to the mountains via one of the local gondolas for a breathtaking view of the Alps.
We will continue on to Oberammergau is a quaint alpine village in southern Germany, known for its rich tradition in woodcarving, picturesque, frescoed houses, and significant religious history, most notably hosting the renowned Passion Play every 10 years.
After lunch we will visit Ettal Abbey, a stunning Benedictine monastery nestled in the Bavarian Alps, featuring a magnificently ornate basilica highlighted by a dome depicting vivid frescoes of the life and teachings of St. Benedict. Apart from its architectural elegance, the Abbey is also renowned for its traditional home-brewed beer, artisanal cheese, and the herbal Ettal Kloster Liqueur, all produced by the resident monks.
December 8 | Day 6: Neuschwanstein, St. Coloman’s Church & Rothenburg ob der Tauber
After breakfast, we will take the opportunity to get some amazing pictures of Neuschwanstein.
Neuschwanstein Castle is an enchanting fairytale palace perched high in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, known for its romantic architecture and breathtaking mountainous backdrop. Built by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century, the castle features opulent interiors, stunning vistas and is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. We will also see the famous St. Coloman’s Church at the foot of the castle before heading to Rothenburg ob the Tauber in the afternoon.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not just studded with storybook charm but is also known as Germany’s “Christmas Town”. The city transforms into a winter wonderland around the holidays. The city is home to the world-renowned Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, a year-round Christmas store and museum. This festive enclave offers a collection of traditional German Christmas decorations, handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and incense smokers. One can spend hours marveling at the plethora of wooden ornaments and unique holiday souvenirs. Another Christmas standout is the Nutcracker Museum, with its fascinating collection of nearly 10,000 nutcrackers from various time periods and cultures.
Experience the Night Watchman Tour, a captivating stroll back in time, where visitors can experience the medieval town after sunset, led by a guide dressed as a historic night watchman. Engaging and full of intriguing tales about Rothenburg’s history, dark secrets, and life in the Middle Ages.
December 9 | Day 7: Heidelberg & Wiesbaden
Today, we are heading to the jewel of southwest Germany, Heidelberg! Heidelberg enchants with its baroque old town, a charming riverside setting, and gentle hills adorned with vinotheques. All of this is overlooked by a picturesque castle from the Renaissance period that just adds a sprinkle of magic dust over the city. We will explore a couple of this cities must see attractions:
- The majestic Heidelberg Castle, a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance.
- The historic Old Town packed with narrow lanes, churches, and half-timbered houses.
- The Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) offering sweeping views of the city.
- The Philosopher’s Walk, a path with panoramic views across Heidelberg and the Neckar River.
- The University of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university boasting a rich history.
We will take the famous funicular up to the Heidelberg Castle Ruins.
After lunch and some free time, we will head towards Wiesbaden. We will enjoy free time this evening to experience the Christmas Market of Wiesbaden, named “Sternschnuppenmarkt” (Market of the Falling Stars), a quaint and popular market among the locals.
December 10 | Day 8: Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden, my favorite town of the itinerary. Well, I am a little biased, since it is my hometown.
The capital city of the German state of Hesse, Wiesbaden is a sophisticated spa town known for its classic architecture and the warm, salt-laden waters that bubble underneath the city. It features a charismatic blend of rich history with tranquil green spaces, especially the Kurpark, and luxury shopping streets like Wilhelmstraße. With fine dining and wine experiences, it’s a city that encapsulates relaxation and refinement. We will experience the town by taking a ride on the famous old time trolley called “Thermine”.
Lunch will be at the Maldaner Coffee Roasters, situated in Wiesbaden, is the city’s first specialty coffee shop that pays homage to traditional coffee culture while also setting new trends. Preserving the original charm since its establishment in the 19th century, it offers a unique coffee experience with its in-house roastery and vegan-friendly fare, noted for their direct, fair-trade sourced coffees and barista courses.
This afternoon you can either choose to stroll the famous pedestrian zone and the Christmas Market or join me for some much needed R&R and a dip into the thermal spa. “Aukammtal” is a world-class thermal spa that utilizes the city’s naturally heated saltwater to provide a haven of relaxation and wellness. This spacious facility offers various indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna area, spa treatments and wellness programs, all enhanced by the healing qualities of Wiesbaden’s thermal water, offering us an unrivalled retreat for rest and rejuvenation.
December 11 | Rüdesheim & Rhine Valley
Riesling anyone? Let’s go!
Rüdesheim is a picturesque winemaking town in the Rhine Valley, Germany’s prime wine-growing region. Surrounded by vine-covered hills, it’s famous for the Drosselgasse, a lively alley lined with traditional taverns and music venues, set within its charming half-timbered Old Town. The Rhine Valley itself is a stunning area famed for its idyllic river landscapes and historic castles. With lush vineyards, quaint villages, and UNESCO World Heritage status, it offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history, perfect for river cruises, wine tastings, and exploration of its romantic medieval past. If weather permits, we will take the 2-seater gondola up the vineyards and visit the “Niederwalddenkmal”, a monumental statue symbolizing the re-establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War, it’s a fascinating piece of history with an observation deck offering sweeping views over the picturesque Rhine Valley.
We will enjoy a Farewell Lunch in the Rhine Valley before heading back to Wiesbaden for our last evening.
December 12 | Fly home from Frankfurt
We hope that you will have truly enjoyed your time in Germany & Austria. Today, it is time to return to the US. But we don’t say “Goodbye”, we like to say “Auf Wiedersehen” or “See you later”.
We wish you a safe flight home and Merry Christmas.
