Christmas Markets: Tour of Germany and Austria

Begin your travels by meeting the group at the Salt Lake International Airport for your flight to Munich, Germany. The trip, which will include layovers, will begin day 1 and arrive in Munich day 2 after traveling overnight. Travel will be in Economy Basic unless traveler upgrades to different class.

Arrive at the Munich airport and after depositing bags at airport, tour downtown Munich. Visit the Munich Rathaus, ascending its elevator to view the city and festive market below from the top of the clock tower. Stroll through the market lined with stalls selling Christmas wares, warm up with hot apple cider, and sample traditional German fare at the Marienplatz Christmas market.

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This will be a long travel day but staying awake is the most effective way of overcoming jetlag.

Take a tour of Munich’s opulent Residenz, a former royal palace of the monarchs of Bavaria. It is the largest city palace in Germany and is enjoyed by visitors for its stunning architecture and decor.

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Visit the beautiful Frauenkirche, whose twin towers have been one of Munich's major landmarks since they were added in 1525. The church's tower provides a wonderful aerial view of the city for those willing to climb its steps.

Journey from Munich to Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest and best-preserved medieval towns. Explore the town, stopping in at the Cathedral, Old Stone Bridge, Porta Praetoria, Wurstkuch, Old Corn Market and Old Town Hall.

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Tour St. Emmeram’s Abbey to see the recently renovated Palais Thurn and Taxis and visit its beloved Christmas market before returning to Munich for the night.

Travel from Munich to Salzburg, Austria, birthplace of famed composer Wolfgang Mozart and film setting for many scenes in The Sound of Music.

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Ride a funicular from the city center thru the castle walls to one of the largest intact castles in Central Europe. In addition to providing an immersive look at the history of the castle, a visit to Hohensalzburg also provides a wonderful viewpoint from which to observe the city below.

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Marvel at the Salzburg cathedral, a magnificent structure dominating the main square. In the square, you’ll also have the opportunity to browse Christmas market stalls, hear local musicians and eat well.

Take a day trip from Salzburg to the delightful Alpine town of Berchtesgaden. There will be plenty of festive shops to visit and warm fires to cozy up next to as you eat and drink German holiday specialties.

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Tour the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines, the oldest active salt mine in Germany. Dress in the attire of a miner, enjoy a train ride into the mountain, sail down a smooth wooden slide and cross an underground lake on this mine adventure.

Head into the Alps to see Innsbruck, Austria, with its colorful painted buildings and splendid mountain backdrop. Visit the Golden Roof in the central square, the Hofkirche, with its remarkable collection of German Renaissance sculptures of royalty, and the shops and markets offering everything from strudels to traditional Austrian dirndls.

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Wander through Lumagica at Hofgarten Imperial Gardens for a magical evening of lights and storytelling.

Return to Munich and choose your activities for the day. Spend the day at the acclaimed Deutsche Museum, the world’s largest museum of science and technology, or travel to nearby Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, for a sobering reminder of the atrocities of war. Instead, choose to visit some of Munich’s themed Christmas markets, spread across the city. This day is yours to choose your own adventure.

Travel to Neuschwanstein to see one of the most iconic castles in the world. Made famous as the inspiration for the Disney castle, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honor of Richard Wagner. Reach the castle via shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriage or on a steeply ascending footpath.

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Spend the final evening of the tour enjoying a traditional German meal and strolling Munich’s markets and shops for any final souvenirs.

Travel back by international flight to Salt Lake City from Munich. Return trip will include layovers and will be in Economy Basic class. Travelers may choose to upgrade to another class for an additional fee.

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Because of the difference in time zones when traveling from Europe to the United States, you will leave Europe in the morning and return to the Salt Lake International airport the evening of the same day.