A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR TO BAVARIA WITH AN EXCURSION TO SALZBURG IN AUSTRIA AND TO ITS LOVELY „SOUND OF MUSIC COUNTRY“ Let us take you on a journey of discovery through the illuminated world of well-known Bavarian Christmas markets, of Salzburg and to its “Sound Of Music Country” in Austria and let us show you their specialities, regional distinctions of traditional history. - Year after year these Christmas Markets attract numerous guests from both home and abroad for a visit to experience an inimitable and nostalgic time. - When the first snowflakes swirl through the air at the end of November, when garlands of light illuminate the towns and villages, when the aroma of ginger bread and mulled wine wafts through the air, then the Christmas Markets cast a magic spell. – When large Christmas trees adorn the market squares and the sound of Christmas carols fill the air, this all captivate the hearts of visitors and locals alike. So, step on board and let us acquaint you with its customs during the Advent season, particular in Bavaria and Austria …..! Your day by day itinerary Day 01: Arrive at MUNICH Airport - transfer to your hotel - following sightseeing and a visit to its CHRISTMAS MARKET. A warm welcome awaits all group members upon arrival Munich Airport by your Tour Director who will be with you from now on throughout your stay in Bavaria. – Transfer to your hotel in Munich for check-in and freshen up, before an orientation drive will show you first the lively city center and its fascinating Baroque architecture. - You will enjoy the neo-Gothic City Hall and may listen to its chimes that sound several times a day. - Close by you will be visiting Munich´s landmark the Church Of Our Lady following the Olympic Park of 1972 that has become an attractive sports and leisure center. Then, it´s on to see Nymphenburg Palace to visit its famous Horse Carriage Museum. Here, you will enjoy the coronation coach of Emperor Karl VII and a collection of splendid coaches, incomparable carts and sedan-chairs used by the Royal Wittelsbach family during the 18th and 19th C and by King Ludwig II. - Back to the city center and to its lively square “Marienplatz”, you may immerse yourself in a sea of magic candlelights, enjoy its life Christmas music and tour the colourful “Christkindl” Market. – During the later afternoon your motor coach driver and Tour Director takes you back to your hotel for a welcome reception and for a special dinner this evening. (D) Day 02: Excursion to ALTOETTING, MARKTL and PASSAU including two Christmas Markets. During the morning we shall leave first for picturesque town of Altoetting, situated in the charming foothills of Bavaria. This town has been the spiritual center for over 1.000 years and became one of the most important pilgrimage sites dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A serene atmosphere defines the Christmas Market on the large square “Kapellplatz” and live nativity scene is part of this fair. Concerts with choirs presenting choral music, taking place every day. – Following this stop we continue with our excursion by way of small village Marktl, to view its house and birthplace of the present Pope Bededikt XVI before we arrive at Passau. - In early times a fortified settlement of the Celtic tribe, this beautiful city is crowned between three rivers of the Danube, Inn and Ilz and dominated by the former stronghold “Veste Oberhaus”. The city´s “Christkindlmarkt” is set against the glorious backdrop of St. Stephen´s Cathedral with its beginnings of the 15th C and offers a variety of festive-themed enjoyment. Cultural highlights include organ recitals during this time of the year which owns the largest church organ in the world and a trial of a “Krippenweg” is lined with beautiful nativity scenes. – Enjoy here the illuminated winter magic on your own before our route leads back to our hotel base in Munich for another delicious dinner. (B & D) Day 03: Excursion to REGENSBURG and to its Christmas Market. Today´s excursion takes you to the old Imperial city of Regensburg, beautifully preserved reflecting 2.000 years of history. You will admire numerous churches, illuminated towers and patrician houses, once belonging to great noble families. We cross its old 12th C Stone Bridge that spans the Danube river, a masterpiece of medieval engineering. Soon after we shall arrive at the city´s huge Cathedral, one of Bavaria´s finest Gothic buildings with two impressive spires of the 13th C. Following an inside tour your next stop will be at the picturesque square “Lucreziamarkt” where craftmen and artisans offer their goods. This traditional Christmas Market with its numerous booths is counted among the most attractive markets in Germany. Additional highlights will be choir concerts held during the season, at certain times presented by the world-famous “Regensburger Domspatzen”, a young boys choir with a special treat for the ears. – Later this afternoon and with impressions of a splendid Christmas atmosphere, we shall return to our hotel in Munich again for dinner and overnight. (B & D) Day 04: Excursion to NUREMBERG and to its CHRISTMAS MARKET. Todays´s morning drive takes us north through the winter wonderland of Bavaria to Nuremberg, dominated by the Castle Kaiserburg. The city tour will show us the mighty ramparts, St. Sebaldus´ Cathedral, a magnificent church of the 13th C and its restored 15th C Albrecht Duerer House. Further known for its annual international Toy Fair and famous ginger bread, Nuremberg claims to be Germany´s number one Christmas city. The main market place is defined by a historical ambience and a special flair that unfolds a brilliance of a thousand lights. The aroma of “Lebkuchen”, mulled wine, cinnamon and its famous “Nuernberger Bratwurst” wafts through the air. - Ample time is yours now to shop or browse around to enjoy its Christmas tradition and celebration of this ancient town before we motor back to Munich in time for dinner. (B & D) Day 05: Excursion to CASTLE NEUSCHWANSTEIN, to OBERAMMERGAU and its Christmas Market. Another great day will lead you right into the Bavarian Alps to the quaint village of Hohenschwangau to visit its white towered and fairy-tale like Castle Neuschwanstein, built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria from 1869 to 1886. Your inside tour will include apartments showing heavy tapestries in Romanesque and Byzantine design, the huge Singers Hall with a display of splendid candelabra and chandeliers and an outstanding bed room presenting artistic woodcrafts. Moreover, you will experience an artificial grotto recalls opera themes of the German composer Richard Wagner. – Following this impressive visit, next stop will be at Oberammergau, home of the worldfamous Passion Play that takes place every ten years, carry out the tradition of a medieval mystery. Enjoy here some local Christmas specialities like a spicy “Gluehwein”, a hot punch or visit one of the inviting and beautiful illuminated Christmas stores. – Then, it´s time to return to your hotel for dinner. (B & D) Day 06: Excursion to SALZBURG, to its CHRISTMAS MARKET and to the "SOUND OF MUSIC COUNTRY" in AUSTRIA. A most scenic excursion is waiting today when your motor coach takes you east this morning, past lake Herrenchiemsee and arriving at Salzburg in Austria, a most picturesque city nestled between the river Salzach and its towering fortress Hohensalzburg. You will agree, the city´s skyline is a symphony of Baroque churches, cupolas and steeples. - An easy walking tour includes a visit to the birthplace of Mozart, the city´s mostfamous son. - At the dome square you won´t resist to give yourself a treat at the city´s Christmas Market stalls, providing you with spicy printen, home made gingerbread, crispy cookies, cinnamon stars and above all a smell of mulled wine in the air to take your chill off. - Following a leisurely break, you will enjoy a breathtaking winter land scenery on your drive through the lovely district of “Salzkammergut” with a stop at lake “Mondsee” to visit its 15th C Abbey, - site of the wonderful film “The Sound Of Music”. – Later, and with fond memories we motor back to Munich in time for freshen up and for another tasty dinner this evening. (B & D) Day 07: A day at leisure - CHURCH SERVICE and a FESTIVE EVENING. An almost full day at your leisure and why not enjoy on an easy walk the magic Advent decoration in Munich. - During the later afternoon you are invited out to participate in an Advent high mass and listen to a private organ concert. – Dinner tonight is a festive occasion with wine and local entertainment when Santa Claus presents a valuable gift to each member of tour. - We wish this last evening to be one of the most enjoyable of your special Christmas Market Tour Bavaria and Austria. (B & D) Day 08: Last day of tour After a good and last breakfast at the hotel this morning, it´s time to bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to Munich while your motor coach transfer takes you back to the Airport for your check-in. - Say goodbye now to your Tour Director and driver and depart on your return flight …..! (B) (copyright by Heinz Ackermann and Bauer Reisen; except using our services) What your land tour cost all includes * 7 accommodations at a first-class Hotel in Munich. * 7 full buffet style breakfasts. * 7 four-courses dinners with a choice of main course. - Last evening festive dinner with a glass of wine. * Total 14 meals ! * Bag service at the hotel in/ out. * Welcome reception day of arrival. * Touring by a private and late-model motor coach including washroom/ toilet, air-conditioned, reclining seats, panoramic windows, kitchen & bar, etc. * Airport transfers MUC/MUC, all excursions and side trips, sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary. * Highlights: ° City sightseeing of Munich, including entrance to the Horse Carriage Museum and a visit to the city´s Christmas Market ° excursion to Altoetting, Marktl and Passau, including sightseeing and a visit of two Christmas Markets – ° excursion to Regensburg, including sightseeing and its Christmas Market ° excursion to Nuremberg, including sightseeing and its Christmas Market – ° excursion to Castle Neuschwanstein, including entrance and to Oberammergau and its Christmas Market – ° excursion to Salzburg, including sightseeing, its Christmas Market and a side trip to Austria´s “Sound Of Music Country” – ° church service, including organ concert – ° a visit of “Santa Claus” last evening presenting a valuable gift to each member of tour. * An experienced and well-trained motor coach driver and a professional English-speaking Tour Director throughout land. Land tour cost per person sharing double room 30 – 35 paying persons = EURO 985.- p.p. 36 – 40 paying persons = EURO 935.- p.p. 41 – up paying persons = EURO 885.- p.p. Single supplement EURO 175.- * All rates net in Euro and not commissionable. * From 30 paying persons on – plus 1 person free of charge/ land. * Set your own arvl/ dep dates in accordance with us.