Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to the city of Regensburg in the heart of Bavaria, buzzing with yuletide celebration. This charming old city transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmastime.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and enjoy the holiday spirit all around. (D) Stay: Novotel Regensburg Zentrum (2 Nights)
With a local guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. See the Old Stone Bridge, the first stone bridge built over the Danube, and the Porta Praetoria, a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through the Old Town amid the bustling holiday scene and stop for a tasting of Bavarian staples!
The afternoon is yours to explore the Old Town's Christmas markets and let the friendly feeling of gemütlichkeit surround you. Or perhaps you'll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. (B)
This morning, come along on a journey into the past in the heart of Franconia, in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Step by step, let the magic of Christmases past enchant you while visiting the German Christmas Museum. It's a feast for the eyes and ears among the exhibitions dedicated to Christmas traditions with glittering glass balls, Santas, nutcrackers, and Christmas pyramids.
Later this afternoon, settle into your hotel in Freiburg, a town situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a cozy dinner at the hotel restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Elements Pure (3 Nights)
This morning, hop on a streetcar to Freiburg's Old Town, where it's your choice of locally guided tours! Delve into stories of Freiburg's past on a historic city tour through medieval streets, from iconic sites to hidden corners -OR- discover Freiburg's heritage of Christmas celebrations on a tour through the historic center. Spend the rest day of the day as you please, experiencing the city's Christmas markets and getting to know the unique blend of culture influenced by neighboring France and Switzerland. (B)
This morning, travel to Strasbourg where centuries of Roman, French and German influences blend. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, “Petite France,” featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the magical atmosphere of the “Capital of Christmas.” And later, indulge in famous Alsace cuisine during an early dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Today, experience the festive fairytale atmosphere of Colmar with dazzling lights, decorations, and jolly markets. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, charming cafés and shops, Colmar is one of those places you'll remember and long to return, so make the most of this chance! This afternoon, the “City of Lights” waits for you. Nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, Lucerne is yours to explore. (B) Stay: Hotel Astoria (2 Nights)
Winter's chill mixes with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine as you walk and discover the stories of Lucerne's Old Town with a local guide. This afternoon, enjoy time on your own to discover the Christmas glow in this romantic city, considered a top destination in Switzerland.
Later, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne surrounded by the winter landscape. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss cuisine. (B/D)
Your festive journey ends today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the 600-year-old tradition of Christmas markets across Germany, France and Switzerland.
- Be immersed in traditions with a visit to the German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Hear stories about Lucerne's Christmas traditions as you explore the Old Town.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg (UNESCO), one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities.
- Experience the magical atmosphere in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas.”
- Soak in enchanting winter landscapes during a Lake Lucerne scenic cruise.
- Enjoy a tasting of the staples of Bavarian cuisine in Regensburg.
- Indulge in Alsace cuisine in Strasbourg.
- Celebrate your trip with Swiss delicacies at farewell dinner.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Freiburg. Cost: $68.
- Experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle in Regensburg. Begin with the guided tour of St. Emmeram Palace for insight into 500 years in the history of the House of Thurn and Taxis, taking in the medieval atmosphere in the cloister and the Rococo splendor of the palace. Then, take in the festive atmosphere of the enchanting Christmas market in the palace courtyard, gently lit by torches, lanterns and candles. Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you make your way through the stalls of festive wooden huts and explore artisan crafts and traditional Bavarian specialties. Experience one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $191.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
