European Christmas Markets
Germany, the Alsace Region of France and Switzerland
Overview
Join host Sven Schumacher, German native and the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for Indiana, to discover the magic of historical Christmas Markets in Germany, Alsatian villages in France and to Basel, Switzerland. Since the Middle Ages, these authentic holiday markets have been held outdoors in cities, towns and villages throughout Europe. Locals and travelers alike enjoy the jovial atmospheres of these markets, celebrating the holiday season with shopping, food and drink. Each town specializes in its own local delicacies and traditional products. You’ll start in Cologne, Germany—sister city to Indianapolis, and continue by motorcoach to Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its charm and character! Visit Strasbourg, Colmar and two smaller, storybook villages in the Alsace region of France. Top off the trip with Basel, Switzerland – one of Europe’s most beautiful markets.
In these towns and cities, walk the stalls of local merchants with all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, especially traditional figurines, toys, marionettes, wood carvings, holiday ornaments and decorations. And even more difficult to resist are the foods offered to help you keep warm during the crisp December days! The streets are full of the teasing aromas of delicious mulled wine, baked apples, strudels and pastries, hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty treats.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Experience traditional Christmas Markets in three countries
- Ample free time for strolling the markets, tasting the local delicacies and shopping hand-made crafts
- Lindt Chocolate Museum factory tour and tasting
- Guided Cologne city tour including cathedral – the tallest twin-spired church in the world
- Tour romantic Heidelberg Castle
- Walking food tour with a local through a Christmas Market
- City tour of Strasbourg by boat, meandering scenic canals and the Ill River
- Wine tasting in the Alsace Region
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Frankfurt, Germany and from Zurich, Switzerland
- Escorted from Indianapolis
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 4 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Hotel baggage handling
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.
Itinerary
Mon, Dec 1: Fly overnight from Indianapolis to Frankfurt, Germany.
Tue, Dec 2: Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to Cologne, Germany making a stop en route for lunch at a market. Tour the Lindt Chocolate Museum and learn about the cocoa bean by tasting all the stages of chocolate production, a delicious insight into the wonderful world of chocolate. Check into your centrally located hotel for the next two nights. This evening, join the group for a Welcome Dinner. (Meal: Dinner)
Wed, Dec 3: A local Cologne guide will join you for a tour of this metropolis on the Rhine and sister city to Indianapolis. The tour will include a visit to the Cologne Cathedral with the twin spires. The magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated streets. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the air as you pass by the market booths. Enjoy time to explore the markets at your leisure this afternoon. The larger Christmas markets are held downtown, where the booths near Cologne Cathedral are arranged around a huge Christmas tree, next to a stage for live music performances. Delight in maritime ambiance at the Harbour Christmas Market next to the Chocolate Museum, featuring over 70 stalls in snow-white tents, a Ferris wheel and a real three-masted ship serving Glühwein. And don’t miss the Christmas market in the Stadtgarten, where you will find the more unusual handicrafts. (B)
Thu, Dec 4: Depart for Heidelberg by motorcoach. Heidelberg’s Christmas market, a perfect blend of tradition and romance, is spread out across seven locations in the old quarter: in the pedestrian area and on Bismarckplatz, Anatomiegarten, Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz and Kornmarkt, the most beautiful square of all. The Winter Woods (Winterwäldchen) on the Kornmarkt are an oasis of peace and the romance of winter. The inner courtyard of Heidelberg’s famous castle provides a picturesque setting for a Christmas market with an eye-catching Advent calendar. Beneath the castle, on Karlsplatz square, you can hear lively music on the “Christmas on Ice” ice rink. Enjoy free time to explore. This evening, dinner is on your own. (B)
Fri, Dec 5: With deep green forests to the north and majestic Nektar River running in the valley, it’s no wonder the red sandstone walls of Heidelberg Castle creates a romantic and grand impression with its lofty position on the hill dominating the old town center. Learn about the architectural masterpiece and how the ravages of war and nature impacted this castle on a guided tour. Next, visit a winery and discover the aromatic, floral and spicy flavors the Alsatian wines are known for due to the unique grape varieties and cool climate of the region. This afternoon, arrive in Freiburg, your home for the next three nights. This vibrant university city is located in Germany’s Black Forest featuring bächle, picturesque brooks running along the sidewalks, a funicular taking travelers to Schlossberg hill and a gothic cathedral towering over the central square. (B,D)
Sat, Dec 6: Spend the day in Strasbourg, France a part of the Alsace region. This 2,000-year-old city boasts rich history, architecture, art and gastronomy. On arrival, have free time to stroll the markets or opt to visit one of the local museums such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Anatomical Clock. There are 300 chalets in Strasbourg city center making up ten different markets spread throughout the city. This afternoon, sit back, relax and take in an original Christmas story as you glide around Strasbourg by riverboat taking in all the sites. For dinner, taste Christmas specialties on an immersive walking tour with a local guide telling the story behind the oldest Christmas market in France (B,D)
Sun, Dec 7: Depart this morning to visit the Christmas markets in the nearby Alsace region of France. Visit the wonderful villages of Riquewihr and Kayserberg, ending in beautiful Colmar, where you will spend the balance of the day. The Christmas market in Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful in Alsace due to an admirable fairytale setting of half-timbered houses, courtyards and narrow streets with over a hundred huts you can stroll through. Kayserberg is known to offer the most traditional and authentic market in the region with craftsmen of all sorts—from glass blowers and potters, to classic wooden toy makers. Colmar shines the brightest of all, known as the Land of Christmas Stars! Savor some of the finest products the region has to offer. (B)
Mon, Dec 8: After a leisurely morning, travel a short distance to Basel, Switzerland. The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the city’s museums further enrich the cultural scene. Spend the afternoon exploring with plenty of free time to visit their many museums and the Swiss markets. Top off this trip with a traditional Swiss dinner. Overnight near Zurich airport. (B,D)
Tue, Dec 9: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before heading to the airport to fly home. (B)
Hotel
Hilton Cologne, Germany. Situated in the heart of downtown Cologne with top sights at your doorstep, walking distance to Cologne Central Station, Christmas Markets and to the famous Cologne Cathedral. Contemporary guest rooms offering a cozy stay. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • sauna • fitness center.
Hilton Heidelberg, Germany. Nestled in a prime location, near the riverfront and close to Old Town, this recently renovated hotel offers stylish and modern ambiance with comfortable and elegant guest rooms. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • fitness center.
Colombi Hotel Freiburg, Germany. This 110-room hotel offers luxury and comfort with individually furnished rooms with breathtaking views of the old town, Freiburg Minster and Schlossberg. All rooms feature high-quality parquet floors, Treca beds and Molton Brown bathroom accessories. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool • sauna • fitness center.
Hilton Zurich Airport, Switzerland. Located just five minutes from the Zurich International Airport with views of the runway and the Alps offering spacious modern rooms. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • fitness center.
Pricing
- Package with Air*
- Double P/P – $5,099
- Single – $6,199
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $4,299
- Single – $5,399
*Subject to change due to increase in exchange rate or fuel surcharge
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