11-day Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany Tour
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you explore Austria and Germany's most charming holiday markets on an enchanting 11-day journey through the magical Christmas Markets of Salzburg, Innsbruck, Augsburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Rüdesheim. Embark on this adventure to marvel at the festive decorations, savor regional holiday treats, uncover timeless traditions, and hunt for unique Christmas treasures. Picture yourself browsing craft booths with the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress as your backdrop, indulging in gingerbread at Augsburg's historic market, and wandering through Nuremberg's medieval streets adorned with twinkling festive lights. Join us for an unforgettable holiday adventure! Highest Elevation: Hotels in Austria are located as high as 3,500 feet. Walking Expectations: “Active” - An average of 3 1/2 miles per day often encountering uneven surfaces, steps and inclines.
| 2025 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec-04-2025 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,440 pp |
Tour Year 2025
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.
Today begins your Christmas Markets adventure. The Image Tours "Departure Instructions" will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Munich Airport & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
Refer to the “Arrival instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. Settle into your comfortable motor coach, and soon you will be crossing the border from Germany into Austria. As you drive through the province of Salzburg, admire the mountain-fed rivers, charming villages and snow-capped peaks. Arrive in the village of Filzmoos to get settled in for a three-night stay. Tonight, enjoy Austrian hospitality during the "Welcome to Europe" dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Berchtesgaden & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
A leisurely morning provides a chance to get acclimated and take in the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps. Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike, or simply relax in your Austrian village amid the splendid vistas. Later this morning, take a 1-hour ride into Berchtesgaden in the southeast corner of Germany, for your first Christmas Market experience. During your visit, you may wish to visit the Grassl Taste of the Alps shop to get acquainted with the local Schnapps. Return to Filzmoos to warm up before venturing out for an independent dinner at one of the cozy local restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 4 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg – Filzmoos.
The entire day focuses on the province of Salzburg. A local guide will board the motor coach to share highlights of the surrounding area before familiarizing you with Salzburg’s Old Town on foot. With the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress in the background, spend the afternoon browsing the Christmas Market stalls in the charming pedestrian-only area. Shop for handmade crafts and Christmas decorations, including the traditional Austrian angels carved from wood. You may also choose to
visit Mozart’s Birthplace (admission fee) or explore “Sound of Music” movie sites. Return to your hotel in Filzmoos for a festive Austrian dinner and musical entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Kufstein – Tyrolean Village.
Admire the glorious scenery as you travel into the province of Tyrol. During a morning stop in Kufstein, enjoy views of the hilltop fortress. Continue your drive along the Inn River to your Tyrolean Village hotel. After dinner, the Gundolf Family welcomes you to their theater with an entertaining performance of traditional Tyrolean songs, unique dances, traditional instruments and expert yodeling. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
Start the morning in the capital of Tyrol with visits to the Olympic Ski Jump and Grassmayr Bell Museum. Proceed to Innbruck’s Old Town to admire the historical architecture and browse the extensive display of booths along the Maria Theresien Boulevard. The Golden Roof, a symbol of Innsbruck, is decorated with 2,657 shiny copper shingles. Completed in 1500, Maximillian I had this covered balcony built to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below. The famed Swarovski Crystal shop offers an indoor shopping option with sparkling displays. Warm up with glühwein (mulled wine) and fire roasted chestnuts. The excitement of the daytime shopping gives way to the festive glow of evening lights to accompany your independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - GERMANY . . Augsburg – Nuremberg.
Return to Germany for an extended lunch stop at one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets. Augsburg’s “Christkindlesmarkt” dates back to the 15th century and was initiated by local gingerbread makers. You will find many shapes and sizes of the delicious German gingerbread (Lebkuchen), along with an expansive selection of other treats, crafts, decorations and gift ideas. From Augsburg, follow the “Romantic Road” northward past the unspoiled countryside, ancient castles and storybook villages of Bavaria. End the day with an included dinner at your hotel in Nuremberg. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg.
As you transfer into the city center, view some of Nuremberg’s historic landmarks. Spend most of the day on the main Market Square, taking in the ambience of what many consider to be Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Market. All will delight in the Children’s Market, and you will find gifts from all over the world at the international Market of the Sister Cities on the neighboring square. The Toy Museum (admission fee), celebrating Nuremberg’s tradition as the “City of Toys,” is also within walking distance. Both lunch and dinner are independent, providing ample time for shopping and to try the famous Nuremberg sausages. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rothenburg – Nuremberg.
Transfer to the enchanting, medieval village of Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber. When you see the well-preserved walls, cobblestone streets and distinctive inns, you will feel as if you are walking into a fairy tale. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Weihnachtsdorf is a Christmas shop offering beautiful decorations and gifts as well as whimsical holiday displays. During tonight’s “Farewell Dinner” at the Nuremberg hotel, share your favorite moments of the tour with your fellow travelers. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - GERMANY . . Frankfurt.
Travel through the Main River Valley to arrive in Frankfurt by mid-day. Walk the Christmas Market stalls of Römerberg Square in the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt) and try local holiday specialties such as Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and Bethmännchen (marzipan biscuits). A 30-meter-high Christmas tree decorates the center of the square. You may also like to pay a visit to the rustic wooden huts serving cocktails and homemade soup at the Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, properly nicknamed the “Pink Christmas” for its predominantly pink-tinted decorations and lights. Independent dinner allows you the flexibility to spend this last evening as you wish. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Europe.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A to Europe.
DAY 2 - GERMANY . . Arrival at Munich Airport & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
Arrive at Munich Airport in Germany. Board your motor coach to drive (1½ hrs) to the German/Austrian border. Travel (1½ hrs) through the scenic mountains to your hotel in Filzmoos for a three-night stay. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - GERMANY . . Berchtesgaden & AUSTRIA . . Filzmoos.
The day is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful alpine backdrop. In the later hours of the morning, transfer (1¼ hrs) to Berchtesgaden for exploration of your first Christmas Market experience. Return (1¼ hrs) to your Filzmoos hotel to experience the local restaurants and village scene during an independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 4 - AUSTRIA . . Salzburg – Filzmoos.
The entire day focuses on the province and city of Salzburg. Tour the surroundings by motor coach during the ride (2 hrs including stops) into the city. Continue with a panoramic motor coach tour of the city (1½ hrs including stops). An introductory walking tour into Salzburg’s Old Town provides orientation for your free time amidst the Christmas Market. Transfer (1 hr) to your Filzmoos hotel for a festive dinner with music. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - AUSTRIA . . Kufstein – Tyrolean Village.
Admire the scenery as you drive through the province of Salzburg and into Tyrol (2½ hrs), stopping for an independent lunch in Kufstein. Continue (2 hrs) to your Tyrolean Village hotel. After dinner, you will be entertained by traditional songs, yodeling, unique instruments and lively dancing during the Tyrolean Folklore Show (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 - AUSTRIA . . Innsbruck – Tyrolean Village.
Start the morning at a Christmas Market (½ hr) overlooking the town of Innsbruck. Transfer (½ hr) into the center of Innsbruck to focus on the Christmas Markets and other wonderful sights of the Old Town throughout the afternoon and into the evening. After an independent dinner, transfer (½ hr) to your Tyrolean Village hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - GERMANY . . Augsburg – Nuremberg.
After crossing the border (1½ hrs) from Austria back into Germany, stop (1½ hrs) at one of the oldest Christmas Markets, in Augsburg. After an independent lunch, follow the Romantic Road north (1½ hrs), stopping at one of the medieval villages along the way. Continue (1½ hrs) to your hotel in Nuremberg. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8 - GERMANY . . Nuremberg.
Start the day with a panoramic tour (1½ hrs) of Nuremberg followed by independent sightseeing with ample time to browse what many consider to be Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Market. Return (½ hr) to your hotel in Nuremberg after an independent dinner of local specialties. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - GERMANY . . Rothenburg – Frankfurt.
Transfer (1½ hrs) to the beautifully-preserved, medieval village of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber for a leisurely visit. Be sure to spend some of your time browsing the enchanting displays inside Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Shop. Your afternoon drive (1½ hrs) takes you north and, after a brief stop, you will be following the Rhine River (1 hr) to Frankfurt. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 - GERMANY . . Frankfurt.
Transfer (1½ hrs) through the Franconian Wine Region this morning. After a morning stop, continue (1½ hrs) to Frankfurt. An independent lunch and dinner in Frankfurt allows the option to explore the city Christmas Markets and participate in the holiday atmosphere as long as you like. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to Frankfurt Airport (1½ hrs) for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
- Browse craft booths in the shadow of the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Discover local traditions in your cozy Austrian mountain village
- Delight in a performance of Tyrolean instruments and yodeling
- Eat gingerbread in Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest Markets
- See Nuremberg’s medieval architecture adorned in festive lights
- View magical displays at the famous Christmas Shop in Rothenburg
- Sample local holiday favorites at the Frankfurt Christmas Markets
- Bring home unique Christmas gifts for family and friends
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 9 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full duration of the tour within Europe
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, heated motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with final details and travel guidance
Paul & Florence F.
December 4, 2023The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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