Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two night stays in Munich and
Lucerne, allowing plenty of time to explore the Christmas MarketsCH
in each of these towns. The driving distances between the other cities are
relatively short.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE FRANKFURT
Welcome to Germany! Transfers
from Frankfurt Airport to the tour hotel depart at 09:30 & 12:00. Later our
orientation tour shows us Romerberg Square, St Paul’s Church and Goethe’s
birthplace. Tonight, we join our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a
Welcome Drink. Hotel: Courtyard Marriott. (Dinner)
DAY 2 – FRANKFURT –
MUNICH
We head to Würzburg and drive
past the magnificent Residence Palace before taking a stroll through the Old
Town. From the statue lined bridge we get a good view of the Marienberg
Fortress. Now we drive to Rothenburg. We are plunged back in to the 16th
century as we enter through medieval walls and follow the narrow cobblestone
streets to the Market Square with its Town Clock. Perhaps pop into the
Christmas Shop which brings the glitz and glamour of the festive season all
year round. Now we follow the Romantic Road to fun loving Munich. Hotel:
Hilton Park/Arabella Sheraton Grand. (Buffet Breakfast)
DAY 3 – MUNICH
SIGHTSEEING
Our orientation tour shows us
the Olympic Stadium, Victory Arch and university. Our tour concludes in the
heart of Munich - the Marienplatz with its Gothic Town Hall and
Glockenspiel. For those arriving before Christmas there is time to shop in
the festive Xmas market. Tonight, why not join the locals at the world
famous Hofbrauhaus? (Buffet Breakfast)
DAY 4 – MUNICH –
SALZBURG
We pass Lake Chiemsee and cross
the Austrian border to Salzburg, "alive with the sound of music". Here, our
local guide walks us through the gardens of the Mirabell Palace where we
have a great chance to photograph the city skyline crowned by the castle
heights. Then we cross the Salzach River to see Mozart’s birthplace on the
Getreidegasse, a lively shopping street lined with attractive wrought iron
signs. Now we follow the narrow lanes to the Cathedral Square to view the
ornate domed cathedral and the splendid Residenz Fountain. This afternoon is
at leisure. Hotel: Castellani Parkhotel. (Buffet Breakfast)
DAY 5 – SALZBURG –
INNSBRUCK
Our drive takes us through snow
capped mountains to Innsbruck. We visit the Wilten Basilica, decorated with
cherubs and angels and see the Imperial Palace and Golden Roof. The rest of
the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight we enjoy our Highlight Dinner of
traditional Tyrolean cuisine! Hotel: Hilton. (Buffet Breakfast, Specialty
Highlight Dinner)
DAY 6 – INNSBRUCK –
LUCERNE
Delightful scenery surrounds us
as we make our way to the Arlberg Tunnel. We stop at Vaduz, capital of the
Principality of Liechtenstein, at 16 square miles in area, one of Europe's
smallest countries. After a chance to explore the town we enter Switzerland
and continue to lakeside Lucerne. Our sightseeing will show us the covered
Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards
that died defending the French King. Then we are at leisure to shop for
watches and chocolate. Tonight why not join your Tour Director for a Swiss
fondue? Hotel: Astoria. (Buffet Breakfast)
DAY 7 – LUCERNE
This morning we take the cable
car to the summit of impressive Mount Pilatus, offering stunning views of
Lake Lucerne, the countryside and hills around. Later, back in Lucerne we
are at leisure in this beautiful city. Spend some time exploring the old
walls and watch towers of the medieval fortifications, lake-side walks and
excellent shops. (Buffet Breakfast, dinner)
DAY 8 – LUCERNE –
FRANKFURT
We visit the Rhine Falls before
driving into the Black Forest. We follow the Rhine Valley north to
Heidelberg where we climb up to the Castle for views of the old town and the
Neckar River. Then on to our hotel in Frankfurt.
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott. (Buffet Breakfast, dinner)
DAY 9 – FRANKFURT
After breakfast, our transfer
to Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 1 arrives at 09.00 and Terminal 2 at 09:15.
(Buffet Breakfast) |
