Winter Wonderland
Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before, beginning in Mainz, where Christmas markets and medieval streets open the festive season in style. Rothenburg ob der Tauber follows with an abundance of 16th-century charm, while in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city’s famous beer halls. Your journey continues in Salzburg with an exclusive market tasting, where locals serve mugs of Glühwein and freshly baked Lebkuchen, fragrant with ginger and spice. In Innsbruck, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery and a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal reveal another side of Austria, before stunning views over Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt. Pilatus bring the journey to its close.
- 14 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026
from $4,135.50 pp twin share * - 15 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026
from $4,950 pp twin share * - 17 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026
from $4,387.50 pp twin share * - 26 Dec 2026 – 03 Jan 2027
from $4,875 pp twin share * - 13 Nov 2027 – 21 Nov 2027
from $4,575 pp twin share * - 20 Nov 2027 – 28 Nov 2027
from $4,575 pp twin share * - 14 Dec 2027 – 22 Dec 2027
from $4,650 pp twin share * - 16 Dec 2027 – 24 Dec 2027
from $4,775 pp twin share * - 22 Dec 2027 – 30 Dec 2027
from $4,795 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Frankfurt and on to Mainz:
Welcome to Germany. From the Rhine Valley to the Alps, experience lively cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns and breathtaking natural scenery. Transfers are available from Frankfurt airport to your Mainz hotel. Mainz has been a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a walk through the Cathedral Quarter to witness the magnificent architecture of the city’s Dom. At a local restaurant, enjoy an evening of good food and wine during your dinner. - Day 2 – Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road to Munich:
Head to fortified Rothenburg ob der Tauber, overlooking the winding Tauber River. Once through the medieval walls, you are immediately transported back into the 16th century, as cobblestone streets lead you to the medieval market square with its Town Hall. Perhaps visit Tilman Riemenschneider’s ‘Holy Blood’ altarpiece in St. Jakob’s Church or pop into the Christmas shop where you’ll find the festive spirit all year round? Follow parts of the Romantic Road to fun-loving Munich. - Day 3 – The Bavarian Capital of Munich:
During your orientation you will see Victory Arch and the university, concluding in the Marienplatz with its soaring Gothic Town Hall and colourful Glockenspiel. Join a Local Expert on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try a foaming stein of beer at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus? - Day 4 – Lake Chiemsee to Salzburg:
Travel alongside the beautiful Lake Chiemsee and cross the Austrian border to Salzburg, ‘alive with the Sound of Music’. Walk with your Local Expert through the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and admire the city skyline, crowned by the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress. Cross the Salzach River to see Mozart’s birthplace on the Getreidegasse, a lively shopping street lined with charming wrought-iron signs. Visit Mozart’s birthplace to learn more about his life, and enjoy a musical interlude performed on his original pianoforte. For those arriving before Christmas, visit the festive Christmas market and meet a local stallholder for a taste of traditional Lebkuchen and a fragrant cup of Glühwein. Follow the narrow lanes of the Old Town to the domed cathedral and the splendid Residenz Fountain, before having time at leisure to enjoy as you please. In the evening, perhaps visit an Austrian chalet for dinner, drinks and the opportunity to learn about life in the countryside. - Day 5 – Innsbruck:
In the morning, a scenic journey takes you through snow-capped mountains to Innsbruck. See the magnificent Golden Roof in the Old Town, then loose yourself in the festive atmosphere as you spend some time exploring Innsbruck’s magical Christmas markets. The giant Christmas tree dominates the square and is adorned in lights and decorations. Browse the market stalls, selling handmade trinkets that make perfect gifts for friends and family, along with delicious local treats of home-made biscuits, jams and delicious, soul-warming Glühwein. Next, delight in a visit to the magical world of Swarovski Crystal, followed by a dinner. - Day 6 – Liechtenstein and Lucerne by the Lake:
Meet your coachman and take in the delightful scenery and pure fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Next, depart for Lucerne travelling through delightful scenery abounds as you make your way to the Arlberg Tunnel. Stop in Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries. Cross the Swiss border and continue to lakeside Lucerne. Your Travel Director will show you the covered wooden Chapel Bridge and you’ll learn about the poignant history of the Lion Monument. Then you are at leisure to shop for Swiss watches or delicious chocolate. - Day 7 – Lovely Lucerne:
Start the day with a spectacular cable car ride with incredible views up Mount Pilatus. Back in Lucerne, you are free to admire the superb baroque Jesuit Church, stroll along lakeside promenades, or explore the old walls and watch towers of the medieval fortifications. Perhaps join a cruise along Lake Lucerne. - Day 8 – Heidelberg:
Stop at Schaffhausen to see the Rhine River thundering over the Rhine Falls. Cross the German border and venture deep into the Black Forest. Following the Rhine Valley north, head for the town of Heidelberg, set on the banks of the River Neckar and dominated by its magnificent red sandstone castle. Stroll through the old town with your Travel Director. Perhaps see the old Student Prison. In the evening, you will toast to your penultimate day in the company of your newfound friends at dinner accompanied by wine. - Day 9 – Depart Frankfurt Airport:
Your festive exploration comes to an end as you are transferred to Frankfurt airport.
Highlights
- Explore charming medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Savor Glühwein and Lebkuchen in Salzburg’s Christmas markets.
- Marvel at the Alpine scenery on a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck.
Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before, beginning in Mainz, where Christmas markets and medieval streets open the festive season in style. Rothenburg ob der Tauber follows with an abundance of 16th-century charm, while in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city’s famous beer halls. Your journey continues in Salzburg with an exclusive market tasting, where locals serve mugs of Glühwein and freshly baked Lebkuchen, fragrant with ginger and spice. In Innsbruck, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery and a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal reveal another side of Austria, before stunning views over Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt. Pilatus bring the journey to its close.
Inclusions
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards.
- Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.
FAQs
- AC, Innsbruck
- ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg
- ATLANTIC Heidelberg
- Astoria Lucerne
- Hilton Mainz
- The Westin Grand, Munich
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 14 Nov 2026 and 30 Dec 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Insight VacationsFine Print
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