We arrive into the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the ‘Romantic Road’, mid morning. You will have plenty of free time to explore the enchanting Christmas Markets in the Altstadt (old town). We arrive mid afternoon in nearby Rothenburg, the finest medieval city in all of Europe.

 

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the delightful cobblestoned streets, ramparts and turrets of picturepostcard Rothenburg. Make a point of walking through the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets, set in the narrow alleys are perhaps the quaintest you will ever see. This evening, after dinner in your hotel, we have included a special treat – a torchlight tour with the Night Watchman through the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets.

Today we visit medieval Nürnberg with its massive stone towers and gates, which was once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and the War Crimes trials. Nürnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways and the most splendid Christmas Markets in Europe. A truly magical European Christmas atmosphere where local choirs sing and the smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. This huge market has a unique law that only traditional Christmas artifacts are allowed for sale. We return to Rothenburg mid afternoon and the rest of your day is free.

Travelling south we reach Bavaria late morning and spend lunchtime at the end of the ‘Romantic Road’– in the town of Füssen. Take time to walk through the very picturesque and historic town. Our afternoon visit is to the nearby village of Hohenschwangau. After a brisk walk uphill you will enjoy a  visit to one of the most inspiring and famous castles in the  world – ‘Mad’ King Ludwig’s romantic Neuschwanstein Castle.

 

At the Castle you will enjoy a guided tour inside the King’s apartments, staterooms, halls and throne room all reminiscent  of a Wagner operatic saga. Later we continue to the historic village of Oberammergau – famed for its ‘Passion Play’ performances which have been staged every 10 years  since the 1600’s. Oberammergau is set in the picturesque  Ammer Valley beneath snow capped mountains. The town  itself is also famous for its beautifully painted houses and chalets.

Driving to nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen we board a funicular train which takes us across snow laden fields to the base of the mighty Zugspitze. At this point the train enters the mountain and tunnels its way up to Zugspitzeplatt station at an altitude of 2,600 metres. Here you can be entertained by the alpine hustle and bustle and marvel at the acrobatic stunts of the free skiers and snowboarders in Terrain Park Zugspitze. There is also a marvellous SonnAlpin Glacier Restaurant to enjoy a relaxing brunch.

 

Later we will catch the cable car to the summit of the Zugspitze mountain, Germany’s highest peak. At an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres the views are quite stupendous. Take in the unmatched 360° panorama with a view of more than 400 peaks in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany, or enjoy lunch in the Gipfelalm rustic summit lodge. We then catch the Eibsee cable car all the way down to the lakeside where our coach meets us and takes us back to our hotel.

This morning we visit nearby Linderhof for a guided tour of the extravagant French Rococo Palace – yet another of King Ludwig’s amazing creations. Later we stop at Kloster Ettal. This monastery in a lovely shaded valley dates back over 700 years and is one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in existence. Following a guided visit to the Passion Play Theatre, the rest of your afternoon is free in Oberammergau to wander through the streets of beautifully painted houses and chalets.

Travelling north we cross into Germany and arrive into Munich for our last night together. Rebuilt since the war the central walking precinct is a mass of people and activity. The shopping is excellent. Perhaps take lunch in one of the numerous cafés or a giant Beer Hall? A perfect place for some Christmas shopping (and yes there are Christmas Markets all around the old Town Hall). Your farewell dinner tonight will be enjoyed in a local restaurant.