9 DAYS • 10 MEALS Let the magic of European Christmas markets enchant you with hand-crafted gifts from toys, wood carvings, candles to lambskin shoes and luscious delicacies. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, delicious gingerbread houses and baked apples. Shop to your heart's delight and bring back one-of-a-kind gifts to share with your loved ones, recalling beloved memories of your own childhood celebrations.

Innsbruck – Home of Two Winter Olympics
This exquisite city in the mountains was home of the Winter Olympics in both 1964 and 1976 and remains the center of tourism in Austria. Wonderful Alpine scenery and the new Bergisel Ski Jump are just the beginning of the magic that will embrace you. This Tyrolean capital, an 800-year-old university town, has buildings dating from Austria’s cultural Renaissance in the 16th to 18th centuries as well as a 12th-century castle.
Join us on an optional excursion to nearby Stubai Valley, an Alpine wonderland 25 miles long and surrounded by the majestic mountain scenery of the Stubai Alps.

Visit small villages such as Telfes and Neustift in the heart of the valley. Neustift is an old village whose name means “new monastery” or “new church.” In fact the village dates back to 1505 when Emperor Maximilian I built a chapel there.

Salzburg - The "Sound of Music" Comes Alive!
Will you start singing the moment you set eyes on this UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes, the hills of Salzburg are alive with the “Sound of Music” as well as the aroma of hot chestnuts, and local delicacies. Come to the Old City, an architectural delight, with buildings from the Middle Ages, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance periods. Follow in the footsteps of Mozart, one of the world's greatest composers at Mozart Square and walk through the narrow, cobbled streets. Enjoy the festive atmosphere filled with people dressing in their colorful, native clothing and bring home a few special gifts from the ”Rome of the North.”

Kempten – the Biggest Christmas Market in Germany
The highlight of your scenic drive into Germany is a view of Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for Cinderella's Castle at Disney World. The traditional German “Christkindlmarkt” (Christmas Market) dates back centuries and today, continues to turn town squares into a bright, winter wonderland for all. The Christmas market in Kempten's historical old quarter is the biggest in the Alpine Allgäu region. Shop in more than 70 stalls displaying Christmas crafts and gift ideas galore along with sweet delicacies and more hearty fare. Daily musical interludes create a wonderful atmosphere you'll remember forever.

Three French Christmas Markets in the Alsace Region
Ever wondered how the famous Cuckoo clocks are made? Get a firsthand look with a private demonstration and perhaps bring home your own treasure. In Alsace, Christmas comes alive with enchanted villages, glittering with Christmas lights, all decked out for the season. The air is crisp with just a perfect dusting of snow. Your toughest decision will be which hand-crafted ornaments to bring home! The Alsatian Villages of Ribeauville, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg offer a fascinating blend of German and French culture as well as their fine wines. You'll fall in love with these quaint markets. Dinner provides a real treat with a tour of a German winery and sumptuous dinner in a 200-year-old wine cellar.

Optional excursion to Hohenzollern Castle, Mercedes-Benz Museum and Medieval Christmas market
Castle Hohenzollern is the ancestral seat of the Prussian monarchy, ranked among Europe's most beautiful and popular castles. The stunning panorama of the countryside is equal to the priceless works of art and royal garments, including the crown. The ultra-modern Mercedes Benz Museum spans the history of the automobile and showcases cars of famous people including the Pope and Princess Diana. Then visit a medieval Christmas market which takes you back in time with performers in historical costumes. Jugglers, comedians and traveling musicians will delight you as you stroll through the market, one of the largest Christmas markets in southern Germany.

Explore the magical Black Forest region
Well-known for its rich, mythological landscape, the Black Forest is also recognized for its wooded highlands, tasty, cherry schnapps and clock making talents. You'll also delight in their traditional, enormous pompon hats as you shop for straw shoes, brightly colored wooden toys and delectable Christmas cookies. Freiburg, Germany is the capital of the Black Forest. Their Christmas market is well known for its lovely glass blowing demonstrations, puppets, pottery, candles, and life-size nativity scene. Our special farewell event features a sleigh ride around the lake, followed by dinner in a 250-year-old wine cellar and Christmas choir concert.

Discover all the joys of the season in the European Christmas markets as you bring back holiday memories and gifts to last a lifetime.