We soon reach the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the ‘Romantic Road’, where we explore the Altstadt (old town) with its Christmas markets scattered amongst the historic buildings. We then continue to nearby Rothenburg, possibly the finest medieval city in all of Europe, where we stay two nights. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the delightful cobblestoned streets, ramparts and turrets of picture perfect Rothenburg. A ‘must do’ is a visit to the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets, set in the narrow alleys, 50 yards from your hotel, 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.

We have included a full day excursion. First stop is the  nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Bamberg, which boasts hundreds of buildings, mansions and palaces displaying the various stages of architecture dating back 1,000 years. Famous for its unique ‘smoked’ beer and  antique shops – Bamberg is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. In the afternoon we continue to the massive stone towers and gates of medieval Nürnberg. 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.

This huge market has a unique law that only traditional Christmas artefacts are allowed for sale. As dusk approaches, the music and singing, Christmas lights and smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. We return to Rothenburg early evening.

Travelling south we reach Munich, capital of Bavaria, late morning. 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 final Christmas shopping (and yes there are Christmas Markets all around the old Town Hall). Mid afternoon we continue to the picturesque town of Fussen where we stay the next five nights. Füssen is delightful! Stretches of the original Roman defensive walls are still in place, and the town’s historic character is particularly evident along the cobbled Reichenstrasse. High above, the old castle  of the Prince-Bishops of Augsburg dominates the town.  All dinners, including traditional Christmas Eve dinner, ‘Farewell to Bavaria’ dinner, and two lunches are included  over the next five nights.

Your morning is at leisure in delightful Füssen. Take time to walk through the very picturesque and historic part of the town with its Christmas decorations and shops. (Shops open until lunchtime). This afternoon we visit the richly decorated Wieskirche (Church in the Meadows) with its incredible painted ceilings. Tonight enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in a local restaurant.

Christmas as it should be - relaxing, eating, drinking and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats, washing up and unwelcome long-lost relatives! A highlight today will be a cable car ride up to Tegelberg to take in the breathtaking views down onto the majestic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles far below. Time to take those ‘perfect’ photos. Enjoy a Christmas Day lunch at your hotel and this afternoon we relax and enjoy a ride in a horse drawn carriage through the local countryside.

Sadly your Christmas tour is now complete, and it is time to bid farewell.

 

For those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours that begin in Munich or Milan, the good news is, we have arranged complimentary group transfers.

 

Please note: Complimentary group transfers subject to minimum numbers – see booking conditions).