8 Day European Christmas Markets

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart the USA
Depart USA for Germany. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Munich
Arrive in Munich and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Friday - City Tour, Alte Pinakotek, Christmas Markets
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Munich, where you will see the city's most significant sights, both old and new. View the incomparable Nymphenburg Palace as well as the Olympic Stadium, then continue through bohemian Schwabing to view the National Theater and the Marienplatz, famed for its enormous glockenspiel clock with dancing mechanical figures. Afterward, visit the Alte Pinakotek, which houses an exquisite collection of early Dutch and German paintings, including the works of the great masters. See the paintings of Albrecht Dürer, Michael Pacher, Albert Altdorfer, and Lucas Cranach, as well as Titian, Tintoretto, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velasquez. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Munich's Christmas Market
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Oberammergau, Linderhof Castle
Today, journey to the Bavarian Alps. Arriving in Oberammergau, world-famous for its Passion Plays that have been staged since 1664, enjoy a visit to the Christmas Shop, full of beautifully hand-carved wooden figurines. Following lunch in a local restaurant, visit the magnificent Linderhof Castle, built by "Mad" King Ludwig II, to admire the ornately decorated castle with its splendid gardens and fountains. Finally, pass the ski resort town of Garmish, and enjoy an exhilarating horse and carriage ride through the alpine countryside before returning to Munich for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Sunday - Salzburg, Christmas Markets
This morning, get an early start as you cross the border into Austria to visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of the Sound of Music. A guided walking tour takes you to the house where Mozart was born, the Cathedral, and Mirabell Gardens, among other scenes from the Sound of Music. Afterward, immerse yourself in the holiday charm of the city's Christmas Market, where you will find hand-crafted nutcrackers, incense burners, glass pieces, and Christmas tree ornaments, along with hot mulled wine and roasted nuts. Later, enjoy a recital of Mozart's music. In the evening, return to Munich
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday - Nuremberg
Set off on a full day excursion to Nuremberg to see Germany's most famous Christmas market. With nearly 180 wooden stalls richly decorated with traditional wares, the market has garnered the colorful title "Little Town from Wood and Cloth." Enjoy free time to browse the market stall for that special holiday gift, sample a mug of spiced wine, and try a bite of local sausage. Afterward, view some of the city's historical monuments, including the "Field of Mars," before returning to Munich
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Baking Class, Farewell Dinner
Today head for the city center to one of Munich's leading cooking schools, where you will have a special course in German Christmas baking. After the lesson and demonstration by the pastry chef, take part and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Then, catch up with your last minute Christmas shopping in the Kaufingerstrasse and Maximilian Strasse. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your companions in a local restaurant
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast