Austria | Christmas Markets & Bavarian Castles Tour
Marvel at the fascinating Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, do as much or as little Christmas shopping as you wish, and still see many of the features of the Bavarian Castles tour. Highlights include the Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee castles, Innsbruck, Fussen, Kempten, Oberammergau, Munich, Nymphenburg, Hofbrauhaus, and Wieskirche - the Church in the Meadow.
| Duration: | 8 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW443 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 09 Dec 2012 |
| Price: | $2,420 |
| Single Supplement: | $210 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: Max. 30
Day 1 - HOPFEN AM SEE
Arrival in Munich, Germany. When the group is complete we head south to your home away from home in HOPFEN AM SEE, on the lake near Fussen (Füssen or Fuessen in German). Our home base here at the southern end of Germany's famous Romantic Road is within hiking distance of Neuschwanstein in the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
You are staying at Landhaus Koessel in Hopfen am See, a typical local "landhaus", where you are a friend, not a tourist. Your rooms are very gemuetlich, decorated in Bavarian country style, all with cable TV, telephone, refrigerator, extra sitting area, balcony, and a great mountain view. Your local expert, Astrid Baur, will take you out for a Bavarian dinner on the Lake Promenade tonight. (D)
Day 2 - NEUSCHWANSTEIN, HOHENSCHWANGAU
Today we focus on NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE (Schloss Neuschwanstein in German), Germany's most famous castle. First we go to Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge) sitting high above the Poellat Gorge, where we can take the best pictures of the castle. From there we walk downhill for our inside tour of Neuschwanstein. Afterwards there's time for lunch and a stroll on Lake Alpsee, where young Ludwig learned to swim.
In the afternoon we visit SCHLOSS HOHENSCHWANGAU, the castle built by his father Maximilian, where Germany's fairy tale king spent much of his childhood, and where he dreamed about his future castles. Local guides in both castles. Tonight we will have a gourmet dinner in one of Bavaria's oldest restaurants. (B,D)
Day 3 - WIESKIRCHE, LINDERHOF, OBERAMMERGAU
Our first stop today is the famous WIESKIRCHE, or Church in the Meadow, one of the few buildings in Bavaria that are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. On to SCHLOSS LINDERHOF, Ludwig's beautiful hiding Castle deep in the forest where he spent more time than in his other Castles. There's time for lunch on the grounds before we visit the inside of the castle, and afterwards there's time to explore the beautiful gardens on your own, before we go on to ...
OBERAMMERGAU, a pretty village known for the Passion Play (every 10 years, next time in 2010!), a tradition which derives from a vow made by the inhabitants in 1633 that if God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague then sweeping the region they would perform a passion play every ten years. Oberammergau is also known for its Lueftlmalerei (painted houses) and woodcarving. Best Christmas shopping! (B,D)
Day 4 - HERRENCHIEMSEE, BAD TOLZ
Today we focus on King Ludwig II's largest castle, HERRENCHIEMSEE, which he built on an island in Lake Chiemsee after a visit to Versailles, and where he stayed only one week. Boat and horse carriage rides to the castle and local guide for inside tour. On the way back we stop in the beautiful town of BAD TOLZ (Bad Tölz or Bad Toelz in German). There's time to relax before we join the locals tonight for great atmosphere and food at a local brewery. (B,D)
Day 5 - MUNICH, including NYMPHENBURG and HOFBRAUHAUS
We go to MUNICH (München or Muenchen in German, sometimes Munchen on the net) and first visit SCHLOSS NYMPHENBURG (Nymphenburg Palace), the summer residence of the Wittelsbacher family, the place where Ludwig II was born, and the Martallmuseum, containing many of Ludwig's elaborate carriages. An orientation Tour of Germany's Secret Capital features the Olympic Stadium, Olympic Tower, Leopoldstrasse, Schwabing, Ludwigstrasse, Odeonsplatz, Koenigsplatz, Karlsplatz and ends by the Residenz and the Opera, where we get off and continue the last few metres on foot to Marienplatz, the very heart of Munich, known for the carillon in the Town Hall.
It is here where you find one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. Enjoy the atmosphere, find your Christmas gifts and ornaments and have some Gluehwein and Gingerbread. You have plenty of time on your own for shopping, more sightseeing (lots of suggestions) or enjoying the city from a rooftop cafe. In the evening we have tickets for dinner and a show at the HOFBRAUHAUS (Hofbräuhaus), Munich's most famous beer hall. You will see a traditional Bavarian dance show with alphorn blowing, yodelling and polka, while having dinner and a stein of beer. (B,D)
Day 6 - INNSBRUCK
Today were are heading towards INNSBRUCK, the Capital of Tyrol in Austria. First we visit the famous Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens, then we enjoy a walk through the quaint medieval lanes of Innsbruck, see the little Golden Roof in front of the Austrian Alps, the fine Baroque Church, and take a guided tour through the Hofburg, built by Empress Maria Theresia as a summer residence away from hot and stuffy Vienna. Enjoy Innsbruck's famous Christmas Market, admire the setting of this beautiful town, and get more Christmas shopping done. Dinner on your own tonight. How about wiener schnitzel in a typical Tyrolean Restaurant? (B)
Day 7 - FUSSEN, KEMPTEN
Today we focus on FUSSEN (Füssen), an old Roman Town on the Lech River. Walk its narrow streets and lanes and enjoy the details your local guide provides. Afterwards enjoy a hot Gluehwein and homemade applestrudel in one of Fussen's cosy cafes. This afternoon we take a short ride to KEMPTEN an old Roman City, about 20 miles away from Hopfen. Admire the baroque Residenz, free time for great shopping, and spend time on Kempten's gemuetliche Christmas Market followed by a great dinner in Kempten. (B,D)
Day 8 - DEPARTURE
Time to say "Auf wiedersehen". Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight home.
YOUR TOUR DIRECTOR
Astrid Baur is a German native who has successfully conducted over 200 tours throughout Europe and Germany for thousands of happy clients. Astrid organises the tour personally and will take you around Bavaria, which she knows by heart. The tour language is English only.
You will see not only the highlights but also the spots where only the locals go. The days are well planned to offer you many highlights, but you are not rushed. And there is no packing and unpacking, as we stay in the same place every night.
Inclusions
Terms & Conditions
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For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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