Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1 - Departure from the USA . . Overnight Flight to Europe
The day of departure has arrived! Keep your airline ticket, passport, and 'Departure Instructions' handy, and proceed to
the check-in counter of your designated airline.
DAY 2 - Frankfurt . . Würzburg
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport, one of the most modern airports in Europe. Meet your tour manager and settle back in your
comfortable motor coach for a two-hour ride to the charming city of Würzburg, situated in the heart of the Franconian wine
region and known as the gateway to the 'Romantic Road'. After check-in, freshen up, take a walk, visit the Würzburg
Christmas Market, or just relax a bit before the welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3 - Würzburg
You may spend this day on your own and at your own pace, exploring, walking, and relaxing in and around the city of
Würzburg, or you may join the full-day optional 'Nuremberg-Würzburg Circle Tour & Dinner' excursion which includes a guided
tour of the historic city of Nuremberg and its famous Christmas Market, as well as the medieval walled city of Rothenburg.
DAY 4 - Würzburg . . Straubing . . Burghausen . . St. Leonhard
A morning departure from Würzburg will allow for a leisurely day of travel to Austria with charming stops along the way.
The lunch stop today will be in the lower Bavarian town of Straubing, which lies on the banks of the Danube River and at
the foot of the Bavarian Forest. Enjoy some free time to explore this historic city with an 8000 year history. This
afternoon there will be a stop at Burghausen, located near the German-Austrian border. Burghausen is the longest castle
that exists in Europe, over one kilometer long (six-tenths of a mile), with six unique courtyards. Each courtyard has its
own fortified gate, moat, and wooden drawbridge. Following a walking tour, continue south along the Salzach River. Your
hotel for the next two nights will be in St. Leonhard, a small village just south of Salzburg at the foot of Untersberg
Mountain. Take a short walk to a village restaurant for dinner.
DAY 5 - Oberndorf . . Salzburg . . St. Leonhard
Visit the small village of nearby Oberndorf today, where 'Silent Night, Holy Night' was composed by Joseph Mohr and Franz
Xaver Gruber. This famous Christmas song was first performed at St. Nikolas Church in Oberndorf on December 24, 1818, and
it has since been translated into 30 languages and dialects. Although the original church was destroyed in 1899 by a flood,
St. Nikolas Memorial Chapel was built on this site and will be visited, along with a museum next door. Continue to baroque
Salzburg for a walk through the city center with your tour manager, followed by time for independent sightseeing. Besides
the Christmas Market, you may use this time to visit Mozart's birthplace, stop into one of the numerous cafés for a pastry,
or take the funicular up to the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. Salzburg offers a friendly atmosphere for independent
dining, or you may choose to join the optional 'Salzburg Dinner' excursion.
DAY 6 - Innsbruck . . Rum
It's on to Innsbruck this morning, the capital city of the Tyrol Province. Highlights of Innsbruck include the Hofkirche
(Imperial Church), the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), and the Roman style Triumphal Arch. During your free time, you might
visit the Tyrolean Folk Museum (entrance fee, 5), offering insight into the areas traditional way of life. In the late
afternoon, transfer to your chalet-style hotel in the nearby village of Rum. An independent dinner tonight allows you to
relax in the hotel, return to Innsbruck to see the beautifully lit Christmas market at night, or participate in an
optional 'Tyrolean Dinner' excursion enhanced by Christmas music and local holiday treats.
DAY 7 - Mittenwald . . Oberammergau . . Ettal Monastery . . Munich
Return to Germany for a visit to the charming town of Mittenwald, well-known for its violin makers. Then continue to the
picturesque village of Oberammergau, where the famous Passion Play is performed every ten years. Admire the beautifully
decorated houses and shop for wood carvings. Just outside of Oberammergau lies Ettal, where you'll visit the impressive
Benedictine Monastery. In the late afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Sauerlach near Munich. Relax over dinner at the
hotel.
DAY 8 - Munich
With your tour manager, take a walk through Munich's downtown area, ending at City Hall on the Marien-platz in time for the
11:00am viewing of its famed Glockenspiel. You'll also find the city's Christmas Market on the Marienplatz. The remainder
of the day is at leisure for shopping, sightseeing, and individual pursuits in Munich. Your tour manager may offer an
optional 'Munich Residenz' excursion this afternoon. Dinner will be independent, or you may join the optional 'Bavarian
Dinner' excursion.
DAY 9 - Daytime Flight back to the USA
Your tour of Europe's enticing Christmas markets has come to a close, but you'll return to the U.S. with many wonderful
memories, unique gifts and personal mementos. Transfer to Munich Airport to check in for your flight home.
