Christmas Markets - Germany, Austria & Czech Republic
7th-14th December 2010
£995.00 per person based on two people sharing room
£200.00 per person single room supplementBooking Code CM10
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Day 1
Arrive in Munich, where your private coach and German guide await you in front of the terminal building. Transfer to downtown Munich. A local guide takes you to the sights of Bavaria’s capital, the Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Olympic Stadium. The afternoon offers free time to visit the Munich Christmas Market and to explore Munich on your own. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Overnight in Munich.
Day 2
In the morning we will drive along through the German Alps and cross the border to Austria. A Christmas highlight will be our visit to the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf. We continue to Salzburg and the beautiful alpine hotel located at the foot of Mount Untersberg.
Day 3
This is a day we will remember as we mix the charms of Salzburg’s Christmas preparations with memories of the ‘Sound of Music’ on our walking tour. Known as the ‘Rome of the North’, Salzburg has many magnificent monuments from both the Baroque and Renaissance eras. Now designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site, Salzburg was ruled for centuries by Prince Archbishops. We will see many impressive and historical sites – the Fortress of Hohensalzburg (an impressive 12th century castle overlooking the town), the cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace, the ancient cemetery and other magnificent palaces. After our walk, we will travel by coach to the Salzkammergut, the region surrounding Salzburg made famous by the ‘Sound of Music’ In the evening, we will enjoy a Mozart Dinner and Concert – complete with minstrels in period costumes at the ancient St. Peter’s Cellar.
Day 4
In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the Austrian Lake District with the Alps in the background. Cross the Austrian-Czech border and continue through the Czech countryside to the beautifully preserved medieval centre of Cesky Krumlov, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient town centre and Renaissance Castle. After an orientation tour and some time on your own, continue to Prague and check in at the hotel for the next two nights.
Day 5
Our local guide will join us this morning for a walking visit to the Old Town with its very beautiful Christmas Market. On our walking tour, our guide will show us the Teyn Church, Wenceslas Square, the Astronomical clock, as well as the famous Charles Bridge with its statues and wonderful views of the Castle. After lunch on our own, we will continue our Prague sightseeing tour with the huge Prague Castle Hradschin. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure, with ample time to explore the Christmas Market and all that the Czech capital of Prague has to offer. Overnight in Prague.
Day 6
leaving Prague this morning, we cross back into Germany, entering the Ore Mountains, one of Germany’s best kept secrets and home to all that we hold sacred in traditional Christmas lore and decorations. Here, we will find anything and everything we might imagine to decorate our Christmas tree or our home. We will visit factories and outlets, as well as one of the famous Advent concerts at the local church, beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments. This region is most popular with German visitors during the Advent celebrations. Later we continue to historic Dresden, home to the oldest Christmas Market in Germany. Our hotel is located in the Old Town, on the banks of the River Elbe.
Day 7
A short drive this morning takes us to Meissen, where we will have a private visit of the world famous porcelain works. Of course, an opportunity to visit the showroom will not be missed. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, Dresden has now been fully restored to its Baroque splendour. Our afternoon tour will introduce us to the magnificent architecture of the Semper Opera, the Church of our Lady and the Zwinger Palace, as well as provide us with a better understanding of the works of Friedrich Schiller and Richard Wagner. Later this afternoon we have free time to visit the Striezelmarket, the oldest Christmas Market in the world, dating from 1434 where we will have the opportunity to taste the biggest Christmas stolen (4 tons) This evening, we will celebrate the past week, sharing our stories and memories at our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8
Our fascinating journey draws to a close this morning, as we drive to Dresden airport to catch our flights back home.
Before booking flights, please await exact timings of departure from Munch airport on 7th December and arrival at Dresden airport on 14th December.
Included:
·First class hotel accommodation
·13 meals – 7 buffet breakfasts and 6 dinners (drinks during dinner are not included)
·Transportation in a 4 star coach with air conditioning, reclining seats, toilet facilities and coffee machine
·Local guides in Munich, Salzburg, Prague & Dresden
·Admission and local tours
·All tips for hotel staff and restaurants
Not included:
All items of a personal nature ie bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, insurance, meals (other than those stated in the itinerary) and any gratuities other than those stated above are not included. Airfares, expenses for passports, visas are not included.