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Winter Wonderland

Operated by: Insight Vacations

9 Days from $2,450 per person
NOV - DEC 2023
Winter tours of Salzburg, Austria

Countries Visited

Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland ...more Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland

Locations Visited

Frankfurt, Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Salzburg, Chiemsee, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Heidelberg ...more Frankfurt, Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Salzburg, Chiemsee, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Heidelberg
  1. 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 from Frankfurt airport to your Mainz hotel depart at 09:30 and 12:30. Mainz has been a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00, for a walk through the Cathedral Quarter to witness the magnificent architecture of the city’s Dom. At a local restaurant, enjoy a pleasant evening of good food and wine during your Welcome Dinner.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hilton Mainz.
  2. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel The Westin Grand Munich.
  3. Day 3 The Bavarian Capital of Munich Relaxed Start

    During your orientation you will see Victory Arch and the university, concluding in the Marienplatz with its soaring Gothic Town Hall and colourful Glockenspiel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try a foaming stein of beer at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel The Westin Grand Munich.
  4. Day 4 Lake Chiemsee to Salzburg Relaxed Start

    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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
  5. 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 Highlight Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel AC Hotel Innsbruck.
  6. Day 6 Liechtenstein and Lucerne by the Lake Relaxed Start

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
  7. 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?

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
  8. 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, enjoy good food, wine and company at your Celebration Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Marriott Hotel Heidelberg.
  9. Day 9 Depart Frankfurt Airport

    A transfer to Frankfurt airport’s Terminal 1 arrives at 09:00 and Terminal 2 at 09:15.

    meals Breakfast
Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Authentic Dining

  • Mainz: Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers as you savour a delicious Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.
  • Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Glühwein.
  • Innsbruck: Savour a special Highlight Dinner at Swarovski Crystal World.
  • Heidelberg: Toast the culmination of your travels at a rousing Celebration Dinner with wine.

Insight Experiences

  • Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Mainz: Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings surrounding the magnificent Dom Cathedral.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Fortified by ancient walls, picturesque and unspoiled, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairytale come true at any time of year. It dazzles in December, with its 500-year-old Reiterlesmarkt lending a festive air to the cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
  • Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
  • Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
  • Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
  • Innsbruck: Visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This attraction features installations by international artists, designers and architects who have interpreted the crystals in their own ways.
  • Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
  • Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
  • Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
  • Mount Pilatus: Enjoy a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus to witness a panorama of snow-capped peaks as you take in the pristine mountain air.
  • Rhine Falls: Visit these spectacular falls.
  • Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.

Travel Director

  • : "Guests are always amazed and intrigued by the vast amount of beautifully decorated sweet treats on offer in Germany during the festive period."
  • : "Munich is the capital of beer, so taking guests into the famous Hofbräuhaus, at any time of year, gives them a small idea of what it’s like to attend Oktoberfest."
  • : "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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November 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Nov 18 Sat
Nov 26 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,450
December 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 19 Tue
Dec 27 Wed
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,725
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 19 Tue
Dec 27 Wed
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,725
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 21 Thu
Dec 29 Fri
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,750
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 21 Thu
Dec 29 Fri
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,750
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 30 Sat
Jan 7 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,650
AARP Members Save up to $100
Dec 30 Sat
Jan 7 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,650
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Munich

Available on Day 2

Bavarian Dinner

Tonight we'll soak up the lively atmosphere of a popular traditional restaurant. We'll enjoy traditional Bavarian hospitality and sample delicious regional specialties and local beer.
Adult Price: € 69

Available on Day 3

Linderhof and Oberammergau

South of Munich, we'll venture from the magnificence of the Bavarian Alps to the world-renowned passion-play village of Oberammergau. Admire the artistically-decorated architecture of local homes, churches and of Ettal Monastery. Then, we're on to mad King Ludwig's baroque fantasy - the rococo splendour of Linderhof Castle, set in beautiful gardens.
Adult Price: € 47

Available on Day 3

The Dachau Memorial

After Hitler's rise to power in 1933, the first concentration camp for political prisoners was opened outside the town of Dachau and it became a blueprint for others to follow. Now maintained as a memorial, spend some reflective moments with our Local Expert amid the remains of the camp prisons, reconstructed barracks, kitchens, workshops and baths which serves as the museum. A chilling and emotional reminder of the horrors of war.
Adult Price: € 35

Salzburg

Available on Day 4

Evening In The Austrian Countryside

Drive into the pretty Austrian countryside for a special evening. Learn about rural life over a homemade dinner in this cosy corner of Salzburg. In a totally unique experience, sip home-made beverages, feast on home-baked bread, succulent meat and oven baked vegetables.
Adult Price: € 62

Innsbruck

Available on Day 5

Nordkette Alps & Heritage

A visit to the Nordkette is an unforgettable experience - a unique combination of relaxation, natural wonder and modern architecture. Space-age stations designed by star architect, Zaha Hadid herald your journey up to Hungerburg. From here the panoramic gondola continues up to the 1,905-metre-high Seegrube, where (weather permitting) you can enjoy tremendous views of the entire Central Inn Valley and across to the Italian border. Back down in the Old Town, join your local expert to explore the heritage of the Golden Roof and the "Black Men" of Emperor Maximilian.
Adult Price: € 63

Lucerne

Available on Day 6 & 7

Lake Lucerne Cruise

A chance to take in the wonderful mountain scenery from a different perspective. Enjoy a leisurely lake cruise, for fine views of the town and it's surroundings. The serene beauty of Lake Lucerne on a summer's day is a joy to behold, made even more enjoyable by the encompassing snow-capped mountains, green pastures and dense forests.
Adult Price: 40 CHF

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Julia Skiba
Monday, December 18, 2017
Service
We were rushed to see to many things instead of being able to enjoy the beauty in front of us.
Vacation
Our tour director tried so hard to please everyone
Michael Kononchik
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Service
Nov 24Overall, excellent, outstanding & first-rate. Sara Tattersell, our tour director did an excellent job in keeping us all informed of the attractions. Our driver unquestionably did an excellent job taking us through the narrow streets in Austria and Switzerland. Hotel service was great. I would take this tour again.
Vacation
Our Winter Wonderland tour was very reasonable. We also had GET arrange air travel.
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Terms & Conditions
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