Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany
December 4, 2023 thru December 14, 2023
Pleasurebent Tours and our preferred partner, Image Tours, are proud to present this 11-day tour featuring the Christmas Markets of Salzburg, Innsbruck, Augsburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg and Rüdesheim. Usher in the holiday season with visits to the Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany. View festive decorations, taste regional holiday foods, discover local traditions, and hunt for Christmas treasures.Usher in the holiday season with visits to the Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany. View festive decorations, taste regional holiday foods, discover local traditions and hunt for special treasures.
Air
Roundtrip air included from TUS
Transportation
Motorcoach / transfers
Duration
11 days, 10 nights
Activity Level 3
Moderate
Meals
14 meals included
Availability
Available
Pickup/Dropoff
Livery service to/from your home included
Tour Highlights
- Browse craft booths with Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background
- Discover local traditions in your cozy Austrian mountain village
- Delight in a performance of Tyrolean instruments and yodeling
- Eat gingerbread in Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest Markets
- See Nuremberg’s medieval architecture adorned in festive lights
- View magical displays at the famous Christmas Shop in Rothenburg
- Ride a chair lift in Rüdesheim for stunning views of the Rhine River
- Bring home unique Christmas gifts for family and friends
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare from TUS to Frankfurt/Munich to TUS (not including airline baggage and in-flight charges)
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- Roundtrip door to door livery service
- 9 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
- Baggage handling at hotel (for one piece)
- 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Admission to all listed attractions
Day 1 – Depart the USA
Today we depart the USA for your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.
Day 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Munich Airport & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos
Upon arrival at Munich Airport, disembark, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach, and soon you will be crossing the border from Germany into Austria. As you drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers, pretty villages and snow-capped peaks. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos to get settled in for a three-night stay. Tonight, enjoy Austrian hospitality during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
Day 3 - GERMANY . . Berchtesgaden & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
A leisurely morning provides a chance to get acclimated and take in the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike, or simply relax in your Austrian village amid the the splendid vistas. Later this morning, take a 1-hour ride into Berchtesgaden, a southern pocket of Germany, for your first Christmas Market experience. During your visit, you may wish to join the tour manager for an explanation and tasting of the local Schnapps. Return to Filzmoos to warm up before venturing out to one of the local restaurants for an independent dinner. Another option is to take a horse drawn wagon (approximately €35 per person) up to the cozy alpine hut of the Unterhofalm Restaurant. (Breakfast)
Day 4 – AUSTRIA . . Salzburg – Filzmoos.
The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg. A local guide will board the motor coach to share highlights of the surrounding area before familiarizing you with Salzburg’s Old Town on foot. With the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, spend the afternoon browsing the Christmas Market stalls in the charming pedestrian-only area. Shop for handmade crafts and Christmas decorations, including the traditional Austrian angels carved from wood. Other options include visiting Mozart’s Birthplace (approximately €12 admission fee) or exploring “Sound of Music” movie sites. Return to your hotel in Filzmoos for a festive Austrian dinner buffet and musical entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 – VAUSTRIA . . Kufstein – Tyrolean Village.
Admire the glorious scenery as you travel into the province of Tyrol. As you walk through the town of Kufstein, enjoy views of the hilltop fortress and consider restaurants offering regional specialties for your independent lunch. Continue your drive along the Inn River to your Tyrolean Village hotel. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you to their theater with an entertaining performance of traditional Tyrolean songs, unique dances, amusing instruments and expert yodeling. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 – AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
Start the morning with a visit to one of the more intimate Christmas Markets offering amazing views over Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Descend into the Old Town to admire the historical architecture and browse the extensive display of booths along the Maria Theresien Boulevard. The Golden Roof, a symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 shiny copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I had this covered balcony built to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. The famed Swarovski Crystal shop offers an indoor shopping option with sparkling displays. Warm up with glühwein (mulled wine) and fire roasted chestnuts. The excitement of the daytime shopping gives way to the festive glow of evening lights to accompany your independent dinner. (Breakfast)
Day 7 – GERMANY . . Augsburg – Nuremberg.
Return to Germany for an extended lunch stop at one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets. Augsburg’s “Christkindlesmarkt” dates back to the 15th century and was initiated by the gingerbread makers. You will find many shapes and sizes of the delicious German gingerbread (Lebkuchen), along with an expansive selection of other treats, crafts, decorations and gift ideas. From Augsburg, follow the “Romantic Road” northward past the unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages of Bavaria. End the day with an included dinner at your hotel in Nuremberg. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg.
As you transfer into the city center, view some of Nuremberg’s historic landmarks. Spend most of the day on the main Market Square, taking in the ambience of what many consider to be Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Market. All will delight in the Children’s Market, and you will find gifts from all over the world at the international Market of the Sister Cities on the neighboring square. The Toy Museum (approximately €6 admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys,” is also within walking distance. Both lunch and dinner are independent, providing ample time for shopping and to try the famous Nuremberg sausages. (Breakfast)
Day 9 - GERMANY . . Rothenburg – Rüdesheim.
Transfer to the enchanting, medieval village of Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets and distinctive inns, you will feel as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf is a Christmas shop offering beautiful decorations and gifts as well as whimsical holiday displays. Your final tour destination is Rüdesheim, a small village located among the vineyards of the Rhine wine region and known for its festive atmosphere. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel, share your favorite moments of the tour with fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 - GERMANY . . Rüdesheim.
A full day of exploration will allow you to become well-acquainted with Rüdesheim. Tour the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum; take a ride on the chair lift (approximately €9 round trip) for magnificent views of the Rhine Valley; and walk along the Drosselgasse, the lovely main shopping street. Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market is the smallest market you will visit on your tour, exemplifying an authentic local atmosphere as you shop and enjoy the seasonal entertainment. An independent dinner allows the option to participate in the holiday atmosphere well into the evening. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
Itinerary subject to change.
Hotel Information
Alpenhotel Wurzer
Filzmoos, Austria
Q! Hotel Maria Theresia
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Hotel Gasthof Pumer
Thaur, Austria
NH Collection Nurnberg City
Nurnberg, Germany
Package Pricing
$4,740 per person
Double occupancy
Deposit: $250
$6,035 per person
Single occupancy
Deposit: $250
Price Includes
Roundtrip airfare from TUS to Frankfurt/Munich to TUS (not including airline baggage and in-flight charges)
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Pickup/livery service
9 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
Baggage handling at hotel (for one piece)
9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Admission to all listed attractions
All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
1) More than 80 days prior to scheduled departure date,
a. Prior to final payment, $250 per person.
b. After final payment, $250 per person plus all costs associated with the air transportation.
2) From 79 days to 1 day prior to participant’s scheduled departure date,
a. Without a medical statement, 50% of the tour price plus all costs associated with the air transportation.
b. With a valid medical statement (see “Medical Statement Requirements”), 30% of the tour price plus all costs associated with the air transportation.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (520) 325-8839, or visit our Booking Policies page. Click here for more information on our booking policies.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer the following Travelex Insurance Services protection plan for this tour:
360° GROUP CHOICE
360° Adult Group Choice Flyer – Provides an overview of benefits and coverage limits
360° Adult Group Choice Policy – Provides the full coverage term details, including exclusions and limitations
$313 –covers trip costs up to $5,000 or $373 covers trip costs up to $6,000. Cost may be more or less depending on your total trip cost. If you do not wish to purchase at booking, the plan can be purchased any time prior to final payment. Contact us to purchase. For questions regarding benefits or coverages, please contact Travelex Insurance Services at 888-574-7026 and reference plan number GCB-0521.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. X41
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Tucson International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation. If you are joining the tour from locations other than Tucson, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A passport is required for travel to Europe. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. Attached find a list regarding commonly asked about items as well as an update. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers may be assessed a $TBD fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Maid tips are not included.
LIVERY
For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Please be sure to bring a warm clothing, a winter jacket, sweater along with good walking shoes and a hat. There are no dress codes for the areas we take you on this tour, but we recommend dressing nicely for dining.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 520.325.8839 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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