Classic Christmas Markets featuring markets in Innsbruck, Munich, Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Würzburg

Embark on a glorious holiday adventure through the traditional Christmas markets and historic towns of Central Europe. On this journey, sip mulled wine and shop for handicrafts in some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe.

Step back in time and stroll the streets past old-world cottages and shops covered in colorful frescos as your journey begins in Oberammergau, the perfect example of a Bavarian Alpine village. It is the ideal place to shop for cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers and Hummel figurines. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner in your traditional village inn.

Traverse the Bavarian landscapeInnsbruck to the Tyrolean town of Innsbruck nestled in the heart of the mountains. Then, it’s your choice! Walk through the charming streets of Innsbruck on a locally guided tour and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof -OR- visit the Museum of Tyrolean Regional Heritage for a glimpse into this historic region through traditional costumes and handicrafts. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the cozy Christmas market.

This morning, travel to Munich and be introduced to this exciting city with a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel* and Olympic Park. Enjoy leisure time to independently explore Munich’s historic area and the Christmas market. Later, return to Oberammergau and stroll about the village, perhaps shopping for the intricate woodcrafts the town is known for, followed by a dinner featuring Bavarian cuisine.

Travel through the scenic countryside of Germany to the heart of the Black Forest. Here, relish the peacefulness of the surrounding forested mountains.

Traverse the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and country roads of Alsace to the provincial capital of Strasbourg, France, where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique character. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Mingle with the locals as you explore the Christmas market featuring local crafts and traditional food and drink before returning to Germany.

Depart the Black Forest for the Franconia region of Germany. Venture to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany. Continue to Würzburg and enjoy a free evening to shop in the lively Christmas market.

Stroll through Würzburg with a local guide to discover the city’s history. This ancient wine town is rich in historic sites, including the magnificent 18th-century residence of the prince-bishops, boasting the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. This afternoon, drive to historic Nuremberg for a city tour. Learn about old town’s 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city; the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, site of the War Crimes Tribunal in 1946. Your city tour concludes with a visit to the historic Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in Germany dating back to 1628. Here you can spend time sipping Gluhwein and sampling roast sausages. Over 200 wooden stalls have given the Christmas market its name – “Little Town from Wood.” You can find items like Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods, sweets, Christmas tree angels and toys. Tonight, say goodbye to your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner.

Your tour ends today.