CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF EUROPE!

Frankfurt • Cologne • Bonn • Nuremberg • Salzburg • Vienna

Dashing through the gluhwein on super smooth German trains, oh what fun it will be to ride to the markets of Europe again! A great line-up of cities, holiday events, and of course markets throughout Germany and Austria! Glide from town to town by rail and get ready for some overdue holiday cheer as we prepare for a new year and the freedom to travel again! Please reserve early as we have limited space on this itinerary! (800) 576-4905 or Railandsail.com

Included in your escorted travels: 

· International air (SEA,PDX,SFO, LAX, MORE)

· 10 nights hotel on share basis 

· Daily breakfast, and lunch or dinner

· Guided tours of all historic villages

· Tourist class rail tickets for city transfers*

· Christmas market shuttles & admissions

· Vienna Boys Choir Performance

· Spanish Riding School Lippizaners

· Schönbrunn Palace and markets tour

· Time for personal discoveries

· Professional licensed, English-speaking guides

· Experienced USA Tour Manager

· Additional holiday concerts and events as announced

· Caring and professional travel arrangements

*Motorcoach substitutes for rail journeys when necessary

Day 1— Wednesday Nov 30 — Depart for Europe! Make your way to your gateway airport. Check-in for our departure to Frankfurt and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. (in flight services)

Day 2—Thursday Dec 1 — Willkommen to Germany! Arrive and glide straight to our doorstep on our first rail journey! Check into our hotel for a well deserved rest. Enjoy dinner together and our first market visit! (In flight service, welcome dinner).

Day 3 - Friday Dec 2 - C’est Bonn? - After breakfast we board our intercity train and whisk away to Cologne - “Koln” in German. Enjoy a panoramic city tour on arrival before checking in to our hotel in nearby charming Bonn. Enjoy Bonn, one of the oldest of German cities, filled museums, and of course Christmas Markets and cheer. This evening we are off to visit nearby villages for small intimate markets. (breakfast, dinner)

Day 4 — Saturday Dec 3 — Koln— A big day in the big town! Conveniently one rail stop from our Hotel is the immense Cathedral at Koln, surrounded by one of the oldest and biggest Christmas markets of Europe. Explore together, or enjoy the Christmas shuttle train travelling the city streets delivering us from one market to the next! (breakfast, dinner)

Day 5 — Sunday Dec 4 — Nurnberg (Nuremberg) or bust! - After breakfast we put Koln & Bonn in the rail-view mirror and head south by rail to Nurnberg. From our central location in the city we will preview the markets and enjoy dinner together. (breakfast, dinner) 

Day 6 — Monday Dec 5 — Enjoy Nurnberg— A big day and so much to do! Lets start with a city tour and spend the afternoon visiting some of the historic museums of the city. The choice is endless. An evening free for Bavarian cheer and more markets! (breakfast, lunch)

Day 7 — Tuesday Dec 6 — South to Salzburg! Arguably one of the most charming of Austrian villages, Salzburg is always a favorite. Arriving from Nurnberg, let’s tuck away our things and start with a walking tour of Mozart’s childhood city. After our tour we will enjoy a special lunch at Stiftskeller St. Peter, a restaurant within the walls of St Peter's Abbey. It is speculated to have been operating since before 803 AD, which would make it the oldest inn in Central Europe, Charming markets for dessert! (breakfast, lunch) 

Day 8 —Wednesday Dec 7 — Salzburg to Vienna Wake up to the smell of fresh bread and rolls just delivered to our hotel restaurant! After breakfast our last rail trip takes us into Vienna. Enjoy a panoramic tour on arrival followed by a walking tour of the heart of the city. Let’s then begin on the many markets of the city! This evening enjoy a performance of the Vienna Boys Choir Christmas Program. (breakfast, dinner)

Day 9 — Thursday Dec 8 — Vienna & Schonbrunn Palace A beautiful day to visit the famous Palace and it’s own Christmas market. Not made in China ornaments here—this just may be your favorite! Return to Vienna for free time to explore and enjoy. (breakfast, lunch) 

Day 10 — Friday Dec 9 — Vienna Today we enjoy a visit and performance of the famous Lipizzaners at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. A free afternoon for more markets, or just cake and coffee in one of the famous cafes of the city. Enjoy some “you” time before gathering for our farewell dinner. (breakfast, farewell dinner) 

Day 11 — Saturday Dec 10 — Farewell Vienna! Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we saddle up our Lippizzaners and head home! Merry Christmas! (breakfast, inflight service) 

++More holidays events and musical performances to be added as schedules are posted.