Collette > Europes Christmas Markets

Europes Christmas Markets
9 Days starting from $1,099

Countries Visited:
France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland

 

Length: 9 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Winter Vacation
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3332
   
 
 
 
About This Tour


This tour features the traditional Christmas markets, historic towns and spectacular scenery of Europe. Each stop will beckon you with unique handcrafted gifts like Hummels, Cuckoo clocks, and wood carvings. Highlights include a visit to the magical village of Oberammergau which owes its fame to the internationally known "Passion Play," as well as guided tours of Innsbruck, Austria; Munich, Germany; Strasbourg, France; and Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a traditional Black Forest dinner and a concert inside an 850-year-old church; enjoy a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed a World Heritage Site; view the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein; and traverse the vineyard fields of the Alsace. There will be plenty of time on this tour to explore the many specialty markets, enjoy the amenities offered at your hotel, or simply savor the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 5 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BAVARIAHotel Wittelsbach
BLACK FORESTHofgut Sternen or similar.
BERNHotel Bristol
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette''s holiday program featuring the traditional Christmas markets, historic towns and spectacular scenery of Europe.

Day 2
Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the charming town of Oberammergau. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local delicacies.

Day 3
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol. A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city’s rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market.

Day 4
Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
Begin your day with leisure time to explore Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years. Later, return to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Munich’s historic area.

Day 5
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today''s highlights include a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. You also view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein, with its beautiful turrets and pinnacles. Continuing along the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and proceed to the heart of the mysterious Black Forest region - the setting of legends and stories of yore! Don''t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Your evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner.

Day 6
Black Forest - Strasbourg, France - Black Forest
Travel the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and the vineyard fields of the Alsace to the provincial capital city of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique local character. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available for you to explore the wonderful Christmas market before dinner at the Gurtlerhoft Restaurant, one of Strasbourg''s finest.

Day 7
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland
Travel to Bern, one of Europe''s most beautiful capital cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and the impressive Cathedral. Afterwards you may explore more of the area or shop for handmade items at the local Christmas market.

Day 8
Bern - Lucerne - Bern
This morning you travel to Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Enjoy a scenic walking tour of picturesque Lucerne, highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. The balance of the day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping or simply enjoy the wonderful setting of this beautiful city on a lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This evening, after returning to Bern, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with dinner, complete with the region''s famous cheese fondue, at a popular local restaurant.

Day 9
Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette''s holiday program featuring the traditional Christmas markets, historic towns and spectacular scenery of Europe.

Day 2
Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the charming town of Oberammergau. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local delicacies.

Day 3
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol. A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city’s rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market.

Day 4
Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
Begin your day with leisure time to explore Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years. Later, return to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Munich’s historic area.

Day 5
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today''s highlights include a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. You also view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein, with its beautiful turrets and pinnacles. Continuing along the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and proceed to the heart of the mysterious Black Forest region - the setting of legends and stories of yore! Don''t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Your evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner.

Day 6
Black Forest - Strasbourg, France - Black Forest
Travel the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and the vineyard fields of the Alsace to the provincial capital city of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique local character. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available for you to explore the wonderful Christmas market before dinner at the Gurtlerhoft Restaurant, one of Strasbourg''s finest.

Day 7
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland
Travel to Bern, one of Europe''s most beautiful capital cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and the impressive Cathedral. Afterwards you may explore more of the area or shop for handmade items at the local Christmas market.

Day 8
Bern - Lucerne - Bern
This morning you travel to Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Enjoy a scenic walking tour of picturesque Lucerne, highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. The balance of the day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping or simply enjoy the wonderful setting of this beautiful city on a lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This evening, after returning to Bern, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with dinner, complete with the region''s famous cheese fondue, at a popular local restaurant.

Day 9
Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Collette''s holiday program featuring the traditional Christmas markets, historic towns and spectacular scenery of Europe.

Day 2
Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the charming town of Oberammergau. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner featuring local delicacies.

Day 3
Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol. A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city’s rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market.

Day 4
Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
Begin your day with leisure time to explore Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years. Later, return to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Munich’s historic area.

Day 5
Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today''s highlights include a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. You also view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein, with its beautiful turrets and pinnacles. Continuing along the scenic route, you traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and proceed to the heart of the mysterious Black Forest region - the setting of legends and stories of yore! Don''t forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Your evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner.

Day 6
Black Forest - Strasbourg, France - Black Forest
Travel the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and the vineyard fields of the Alsace to the provincial capital city of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique local character. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available for you to explore the wonderful Christmas market before dinner at the Gurtlerhoft Restaurant, one of Strasbourg''s finest.

Day 7
Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland
Travel to Bern, one of Europe''s most beautiful capital cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and the impressive Cathedral. Afterwards you may explore more of the area or shop for handmade items at the local Christmas market.

Day 8
Bern - Lucerne - Bern
This morning you travel to Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Enjoy a scenic walking tour of picturesque Lucerne, highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. The balance of the day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping or simply enjoy the wonderful setting of this beautiful city on a lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This evening, after returning to Bern, join your fellow travelers in celebrating the end of a marvelous trip with dinner, complete with the region''s famous cheese fondue, at a popular local restaurant.

Day 9
Bern - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Bern.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
11/28/2008 - 12/6/2008
$1,099
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11/30/2008 - 12/8/2008
$1,099
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12/2/2008 - 12/10/2008
$1,099
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12/5/2008 - 12/13/2008
$1,099
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12/7/2008 - 12/15/2008
$1,099
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11/27/2009 - 12/5/2009
$1,249
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12/1/2009 - 12/9/2009
$1,249
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Package Notes: Due to tour scheduling flights must arrive prior to 4:00 PM. You may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:30 AM.
Air passengers will arrive into the Munich, Germany airport and depart from the Zurich, Switzerland airport. All Collette transfers will depart from/return to these airports.
Due to annual fluctuations on the opening dates of some Christmas Markets and tour scheduling, if one is unavailable on a specific departure, other regional Christmas Markets may be substituted.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Enjoy one of Strasbourg's finest restaurants while visiting France.

Explore European Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Strasbourg and Bern.

Experience the holiday spirit in four different countries.

Shop for famous woodcarvings in Oberammergau.

Enjoy a traditional cheese fondue dinner while in Switzerland.

Language Discovery: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet.

A local guide provides a tour highlighting the city's rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the "Golden Roof," all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps.
An evening with a private choir concert performed in the 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner.
Enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture.
Panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parilment), the famous Bear Pit and the Impressive Cathedral.
Scenic walking tour of Lucerne

Package Notes: Due to tour scheduling flights must arrive prior to 4:00 PM. You may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:30 AM.
Air passengers will arrive into the Munich, Germany airport and depart from the Zurich, Switzerland airport. All Collette transfers will depart from/return to these airports.
Due to annual fluctuations on the opening dates of some Christmas Markets and tour scheduling, if one is unavailable on a specific departure, other regional Christmas Markets may be substituted.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
   
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