Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport 
• Roundtrip airfare from a local international airport to Vienna, return from Zurich
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• 7 night hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Transportation by luxury coach with WIFI
• Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
• Welcome Reception
• Services of a Professional Trafalgar Travel Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the Trafalgar Travel Director, Driver and local guides
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager
   

Highlights

• Sightseeing tour of the Austrian capital
• Christkindlmarkt in Austria
• Mirabell Gardens
• Munich city tour
• Munich's Christmas Market
• Oberammergau, Germany
• Innsbruck Christmas Market
• Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
• Lucerne
• Lucerne's Christmas at Franziskanerplatz

Itinerary

Wednesday, November 29: Depart for Vienna, Austria

Motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Vienna.

Thursday, November 30: Arrive in Vienna

Welcome to Vienna! Write your very own Christmas story on a festive foray to some of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. Our journey begins in Vienna, where you will have an opportunity to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an orientation drive followed by a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal. Hotel: Hilton Danube Waterfront  (Welcome Reception)

Friday, December 1: Vienna's Spectacular Christmas Markets

Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the Austrian capital, from it's Parliament and City Hall to the grand State Opera House and Hofburg Palace, once the winter palace of the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful royal houses of Europe. We'll feed our Christmas spirit with a visit to the enchanting Christkindlmarkt this afternoon and feast on delicious gingerbread and Gluhwein, wandering past wooden stalls piled high with handcrafted toys, seasonal gifts and tasty festive fare. (Breakfast)

Saturday, December 2: Journey to Munich

Venture along the scenic Danube Valley to Mozart's beloved Salzburg, where we'll dive into culture with a Local Specialist on a walking tour to see the Mirabell Gardens and other sights that were featured in the filming of the 'Sound of Music'. Later travel past beautiful alpine landscapes to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. This evening, we dine at our hotel. Hotel: Holiday Inn Westpark  (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, December 3: Munich's Magical Christmas Markets

Bundle up warmly and join your Travel Director on an orientation tour of one of Germany's liveliest cities. Embrace the festive cheer in Marienplatz with it's impressive Town Hall and the ornate Glockenspiel. Then, spend the rest of your day savoring the sights, sounds and smells of Munich's Christmas Market - a dazzling display of twinkling lights, carols and a magnificent Christmas tree. Continue your feast and indulge in Munich's unrivaled hospitality with an optional visit to enjoy the Gemutlichkeit atmosphere at one of Munich's most traditional restaurants (Breakfast)

Monday, December 4: Travel to Innsbruck

Today, we leave Munich behind and travel through the romantic Bavarian countryside en-route to Oberammergau, which hosts the poignant Passion Play every ten years. Admire the villages intricate woodcarvings and elaborate frescoes depicting Bavarian themes before continuing on to Innsbruck. Indulge in delicious Kiachl doughnuts at the bustling Christmas market before returning to your hotel for dinner. Hotel: Rumer Hof  (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, December 5: Venture to Lucerne

 A winter wonderland beckons as we see the ski jump that towers over Innsbruck before continuing to Vaduz to view it's turreted castle, perched perfectly above the Liechtenstein capital. Our final stop today is Lucerne, where we'll spend the next two nights. Our orientation tour of the city takes us past the sad Lion of Lucerne and the famous wooden Chapel Bridge. Hotel: Astoria  (Breakfast)

Wednesday, December 6: Lucerne's Christmas Markets

Embrace the Yuletide cheer in true Swiss-style during a visit to Lucerne's Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz, in the heart of the city's Old Town. Ramble past traditional wooden stalls, a warm mug of Gluhwine in hand, and admire the swirling Christmas carousel, filled with the joyful sounds of happy children. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or to join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to the peak of a nearby mountain top. Tonight, we celebrate our magical journey together during an exclusive Be My Guest experience and Farewell Dinner filled with Christmas cheer as you connect with locals in their home. (Breakfast, Be My Guest Dinner)

Thursday, December 7: Journey Home

This morning we bid a festive farewell to Europe with fond memories of the enchanting Christmas Markets. Transfer to the Zurich airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA.   (Breakfast)

**Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. 

Tour Activity Level: 3

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.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip.

As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your travel professional for additional information. 

Additional vaccinations and travel requirements may be required. As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of covid-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

Payment

Deposit of $200 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by  September 14, 2023.

Cancellation Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure         $25 per person, plus...

From deposit date -Sept 30, 2023       $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
October 1, 2023 - Nov 13, 2023           30% per person plus any additional suppliers' fees
Nov 14, 2023 - Nov 21, 2023               50% per person plus any additional suppliers' fees 
Nov 22, 2023 - Nov 28, 2023               90% per person plus any additional suppliers' fees
After November 28, 2023                     NON-REFUNDABLE 

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz. 

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Europe in December average in the high 20's to the high 30's with cooler mornings and evenings. Casual winter clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport. 

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance. 

GRP10923

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