A Festive Vacation in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland with Visits to Christmas Markets, 7 nights

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A 8 day trip to Austria Germany Switzerland provided by Archer Travel Service, Inc.

Visit 5 Christmas Markets in the German and Austrian Alpine region. Drive along Danube Valley, through the Tyrol region, over the Austrian Alps. Time for optional cruise on Lake Lucerne. Walk into a Winter Wonderland at the Magic of Advent in Vienna. Become enchanted by the breathtaking view of the soft glow of the lanterns from the trees decorated with red hearts and angels in the park leading up to the Vienna City Hall. Visit Salzburg - the backdrop in the famous movie, "The Sound of Music," and the home of Mozart.

Photos

Details

Departures: 

December 2, 2008
December 10, 2008
December 12, 2008
December 14, 2008

From any US airport, overnight to Vienna.

Places Visited: 

Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Oberammergau, Munich, Lucerne, and Zurich.

Activities: 
Cultural Activities
Gourmet & Dining
History & Archaeology
Spectacular Scenery
Walking Tours
Price: 

$1499

Detailed Description

Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2
Arrive in Vienna, Austria
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow traveling compnanions for a Welcome Drink.

Day 3
Vienna
Enjoy a sightseeing tour that shows you the highlights of Vienna. Christmas markets can be found across the city, offering every gift imaginable. From the Magic of Advent, to the Christmas decorations, to the activities at City Hall, Christmas in Vienna is arguably one of the greatest destinations during this special time of the year.

Every year, starting in mid-November, visitors and locals alike gather in the heart of Vienna to partake in the festivities and become drawn to the aromas of Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts. Both children and adults will enjoy this special winter attraction with over a hundred booths displaying Christmas decorations and gifts, Christmas play performances, figures on display, and many other wonderful things that await at the park in front of the Vienna City Hall. In the late afternoon, while enjoying yourself at City Hall, you might see the Vienna Christ Child unless he is busy bringing holiday joy to those unable to attend the festivities. For those seeking a bit of romance, couples can also stroll beneath the decorated trees, ending at the "Heart Tree."

From the Magic of Advent, to the Christmas decorations, to the activities at City Hall, Christmas in Vienna is arguably one of the greatest destinations during this special time of the year.

Day 4
Vienna/Salzburg/Innsbruck
A scenic drive along the Danube Valley will bring you to Salzburg, where the Christmas markets are set at the Cathedral and the surrounding squares. Take a guided walk through the pedestrian-only center. Next drive though the fairy-tale landscapes of the Tyrol region. On arrival in Innsbruck, a tour shows off the Wilten Basilica, the Olympic ski-jump, Hofburg Palace, and the Golden Roof. There's time to shop in Innsbruck's bustling Christmas market.

As the backdrop in the famous movie, "The Sound of Music," the hills of Salzburg during Christmas is just as beautiful today, if not livelier. Salzburg is the perfect destination and has much to offer visitors from all walks of life. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg has preserved its cultural and architectural history and signifies the European ecclesiastical city- state. For visitors hoping to see more designs of historic architectural influence, the Old City is home to buildings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Classical music enthusiasts will be able to take a glimpse into the life of Mozart and walk around Mozart Square. And for those seeking a gastronomic adventure, head to one of Salzburg's many markets where you can join in on the festivities and feast on roasted chestnuts and local delicacies, such as ""Bauernkrapfen,"" ""Buchteln," ""gebackene Mäuse,"" or Pofese. What are you waiting for? Come and experience the "Rome of the North!"

Day 5
Innsbruck/Munich, Germany
Drive past picture-perfect scenery to one of Europe's most famous castles, King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein. Take a horse and carriage ride up the hill, then walk to the castle for a guided tour of the extravagant apartments. next is Oberammergau, famous for its Passion play and beautifully frescoed houses. From here it's not far to Bavaria's capital - Munich.

Day 6
Munich
A tour shows off Marienplatz and the Hofbrauhaus. this afternoon explore the city's Christmas market. Look for fine handcrafted items while warming yourself with roasted chestnuts. Tonight, maybe visit a festive Beer Hall! Munich's traditional Christmas market - whose roots go back to the 14th century - is held on Marienplatz in the heart of the city centre. The justly popular Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest in Germany to specialise in cribs and other Nativity accessories, is a short walk away on nearby Rindermarkt. There is alpine Christmas music live from the town hall balcony every day. The "heaven workshop" offers creative activities for children free of charge.

Day 7
Munich/Zurich, Switzerland/Lucerne
Travel through the pretty countryside to cross the Swiss border to Zurich. Stop at the spirited indoor Christmas market, one of Europe's largest. Then, continue on to beautiful, lakeside Lucerne.

Day 8
Lucerne
On a tour, see the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. Then there is time to explore on your own or shop. Tonigh savor a festive Farewell Dinner.

Day 9
Lucerne/Depart Zurich
Travel by coach to Zurich's airport in time for your homebound flight leaving no earlier than 10 am.