Enchanting Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland and France
Enchanting Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland and France
9 Days Starting in Munich, Germany and ending in Lucerne, Switzerland
Visiting: Munich, Regensburg, Freiburg, Strasbourg, Lucerne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16560
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland, and France. This festive tour invites you to explore the medieval charm of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in Bavarian cuisine. Discover the rich traditions at the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and wander through the historic streets of Freiburg. Experience the captivating atmosphere of Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas," and savor Alsace cuisine. Delight in the fairytale ambiance of Colmar and the scenic beauty of Lucerne, where a winter cruise on Lake Lucerne awaits. Conclude your festive adventure with a farewell dinner featuring Swiss delicacies, creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Munich
Accommodation Name: Novotel Regensburg Zentrum
You’re on your way to step into a wonderful world of holiday cheer and experience the incredible Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland, and France.
Day 2 : Regensburg, Germany
Location: Regensburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the city of Regensburg in the heart of Bavaria, buzzing with yuletide celebration. This charming old city transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmastime. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and enjoy the holiday spirit all around.
Day 3 : Regensburg
Location: Regensburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel Elements Pure
With a local guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. See the Old Stone Bridge, the first stone bridge built over the Danube, and the Porta Praetoria, a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through the Old Town amid the bustling holiday scene and stop for a tasting of Bavarian staples! The afternoon is yours to explore the Old Town’s Christmas markets* and let the friendly feeling of gemütlichkeit surround you. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace.
Day 4 : Regensburg - Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Freiburg
Location: Freiburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, come along on a journey into the past in the heart of Franconia, in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Step by step, let the magic of Christmases past enchant you while visiting the German Christmas Museum.** It’s a feast for the eyes and ears among the exhibitions dedicated to Christmas traditions with glittering glass balls, Santas, nutcrackers, and Christmas pyramids. Later this afternoon, settle into your hotel in Freiburg, a town situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a cozy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 5 : Freiburg
Location: Freiburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
This morning, hop on a streetcar*** to Freiburg’s Old Town, where it’s your choice of locally guided tours! Delve into stories of Freiburg’s past on a historic city tour through medieval streets, from iconic sites to hidden corners -OR- discover Freiburg’s heritage of Christmas celebrations on a tour through the historic center. Spend the rest day of the day as you please, experiencing the city’s Christmas markets and getting to know the unique blend of culture influenced by neighboring France and Switzerland.
Day 6 : Freiburg - Strasbourg, France - Freiburg
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, travel to Strasbourg where centuries of Roman, French and German influences blend. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, “Petite France,” featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the magical atmosphere of the “Capital of Christmas.” And later, indulge in famous Alsace cuisine during an early dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Freiburg - Colmar - Lucerne, Switzerland
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today, experience the festive fairytale atmosphere of Colmar with dazzling lights, decorations, and jolly markets. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, charming cafés and shops, Colmar is one of those places you’ll remember and long to return, so make the most of this chance! This afternoon, the “City of Lights” waits for you. Nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, Lucerne is yours to explore.
Day 8 : Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Winter’s chill mixes with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine as you walk and discover the stories of Lucerne’s Old Town with a local guide. This afternoon, enjoy time on your own to discover the Christmas glow in this romantic city, considered a top destination in Switzerland. Later, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne surrounded by the winter landscape. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss cuisine.
Day 9 : Lucerne - Tour Ends
Location: Lucerne
Your festive journey ends today.
What's Included
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Walking Tour of Regensburg
Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities.
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Magical Atmosphere in Strasbourg
Experience the magical atmosphere in Strasbourg, the 'Capital of Christmas.'
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Lake Lucerne Scenic Cruise
Soak in enchanting winter landscapes during a Lake Lucerne scenic cruise.
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Visit to German Christmas Museum
Be immersed in traditions with a visit to the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
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Tasting of Bavarian Cuisine
Enjoy a tasting of the staples of Bavarian cuisine in Regensburg.
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Alsace Cuisine in Strasbourg
Indulge in Alsace cuisine in Strasbourg.
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Farewell Dinner with Swiss Delicacies
Celebrate your trip with Swiss delicacies at a farewell dinner.
What's Not Included
Optional Excursion to Thurn and Taxis PalaceThe optional excursion to experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace is not included.
Experiences
Experience the 600-year-old tradition of Christmas markets across Germany, France and Switzerland.Be immersed in traditions with a visit to the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.Hear stories about Lucerne’s Christmas traditions as you explore the Old Town.
Options
Freiburg: Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace Experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle in Regensburg. Begin with the guided tour of St. Emmeram Palace for insight into 500 years in the history of the House of Thurn and Taxis, taking in the medieval atmosphere in the cloister and the Rococo splendor of the palace. Then, take in the festive atmosphere of the enchanting Christmas market in the palace courtyard, gently lit by torches, lanterns and candles. Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you make your way through the stalls of festive wooden huts and explore artisan crafts and traditional Bavarian specialties. Experience one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Enjoy a tasting of the staples of Bavarian cuisine in Regensburg.Indulge in Alsace cuisine in Strasbourg.Celebrate your trip with Swiss delicacies at farewell dinner.
Must See
Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg (UNESCO), one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities.Experience the magical atmosphere in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas.”Soak in enchanting winter landscapes during a Lake Lucerne scenic cruise.
Choice Highlights
Christmas Markets of Six European Cities and Towns
Regensburg This is a city at the confluence of the Danube and Regen Rivers in Bavaria, and its medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It dates from the Stone Age, and the Romans were here in the 1st century. Its 12th-century Stone Bridge over the Danube opened up important trade routes between medieval Europe and Venice, and helped it become an economic center. Other attractions are St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Old Town Hall.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber & German Christmas Museum
Freiburg
Strasbourg This is the capital of the region of Alsace in eastern France, also the seat of the European Parliament, and is located just west of the Rhine River and the German border, near the Black Forest. The region has been passed back and forth between France and Germany many times over the centuries, and has remained French since the end of WWII. The whole city center was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. It is famous for its 12th century cathedral (tallest in the world after the Giza Pyramids in 1439 when completed), and was the place where Johannes Gutenberg introduced the first moveable type printing press.
Colmar
Lake Lucerne Scenic Cruise
Mode of Transport
Travel through the enchanting landscapes of Germany, Switzerland, and France, with transportation including streetcars in Freiburg and a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Accommodation
Stay at the Novotel Regensburg Zentrum, Hotel Elements Pure, and Hotel Astoria, offering comfortable accommodations throughout your journey in Germany, Switzerland, and France.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect to experience the 600-year-old tradition of Christmas markets across Germany, France, and Switzerland. Additionally, you will visit the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and hear stories about Lucerne's Christmas traditions as you explore the Old Town.
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What kind of culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a tasting of Bavarian cuisine staples in Regensburg, indulging in Alsace cuisine in Strasbourg, and celebrating your trip with Swiss delicacies at a farewell dinner.
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What are some of the highlights of the walking tours included in the itinerary?
Highlights of the walking tours include exploring Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, and experiencing the magical atmosphere in Strasbourg, known as the 'Capital of Christmas.'
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What can I expect from the Lake Lucerne scenic cruise?
During the Lake Lucerne scenic cruise, you will soak in enchanting winter landscapes, providing a picturesque and serene experience.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional excursion to experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our 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. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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