German Castles and Christmas Markets

You will arrive in Germany today at the Frankfurt airport and take a private transfer to your luxury hotel in the charming city of Heidelberg.

Hotel: Hotel Europäische Hof Heidelberg

With its picturesque riverside, beautiful antiquated bridges, and castle ruins, Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Germany. It is also one of the warmest, as evidenced by sightings of almond, fig, and olive trees, and wild African parakeets. The city is chocked-full of historic sites and attractions. Today, you will visit the famous Heidelberg Castle, the showpiece of German Romanticism, a complex of partially destroyed buildings in Gothic and Renaissance styles surrounded by beautiful gardens. See the medieval town center with its iconic Old Bridge, Germany’s oldest university, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Knight's House with its precious Renaissance façade. In the evening, the scent of roasted almonds, cinnamon, and chestnuts waft through the winding streets of the Old Town. The Christmas Market atmosphere here is unique – the stalls nestle idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town, offering a warming glow of light along one of the most extended pedestrian zones in Europe.

Hotel: Hotel Europäische Hof Heidelberg

Today, you leave Heidelberg for a visit to the restored 19th-century Hohenzollern Castle, situated within a storied mountain range south of the city of Stuttgart. Take in its private art collection, including a significant picture gallery, silver, china, and royal jewelry. Continuing on to Freiberg, you will check into the Colombi Hotel, the perfect starting point for a stroll around the city. The Christmas Market here offers unique handicrafts, culinary delicacies, the scent of fir trees, candlelight, numerous market stalls, and marvelous music.

Hotel: Colombi Hotel

Today, a private guide and driver will whisk you off to the storied Black Forest for a tour designed to suit both the weather and your personal interests. Trails weave through the trees, charming townhouses stand on quiet roads, and soothing views extend from ridge-top vistas. Nestled between the evergreen canopies of the forest, the quaint town of Baiersbronn embodies the tranquility of the region. This area is also internationally renowned for its long tradition of Michelin-starred restaurants. You will also visit the town of Freudenstadt, famous for its market square, one of the largest in Germany. Scenic stops at the peaks and valleys of the region also include the beautiful Titisee Lake.

Hotel: Colombi Hote

A drive eastward today lands you in the Murnauer Moos on the northern edge of the Bavarian Alps, a place where nature can still be experienced in its original form. After a sublime chocolate tasting, you will check into your luxury boutique hotel.

Hotel: Alpenhof Murnau

Today, we enjoy a hiking tour in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a Bavarian alpine ski town. The snow-capped treetops glisten in the sunshine as you make your way through the snowy hillside, a beautiful winter wonderland. Bavaria offers wildly romantic winter hiking trails and challenging tours for every taste. Mountain guides will take you on a journey through the snow-covered landscape of the Bavarian Alps, relating interesting historic facts and sharing information about the local wildlife. A tasty treat at one of the area’s mountain huts is also on the menu.

Hotel: Alpenhof Murnau

Heading north today, we reach Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third-largest city. The first order of duty is a cooking workshop at a traditional bakery, where you will learn how to make the famous Black Forest Cake, apple strudel, chocolate mousse, and the renowned Kaiserschmarrn – a caramelized, shredded pancake confection typical of the region. Later, you will check into the Platzl Hotel in the center of town, the perfect pivot point for exploring the city.

Hotel: Platzl Hotel Munich

Munich is one of Germany’s most elegant cities – laid-back, friendly, charming, and still very traditional. A world-famous opera company, royal palaces, stunning churches, and modern architecture make it an engaging metropolis. The immense English garden at Nymphenburg Palace typifies the many more green spaces tucked away throughout the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, each offering green space to relax and recharge. Munich’s beer gardens offer an equally relaxing environment for recreation.

Hotel: Platzl Hotel Munich

More of the city awaits you today, including The Munich Christmas Tree – literally the biggest attraction of the Christkindlmarkt is every year, towering over the New Town Hall. Countless candles give the whole square a wonderful Advent atmosphere.

Hotel: Platzl Hotel Munich

Today, we bid goodbye to Germany from Munich Airport with your return flight home.