Fri Dec 01
Depart US for Germany on overnight flight
Sat Dec 02 – Arrive Stuttgart / Augsburg
Welcome to Stuttgart! After clearing arrival formalities, you will be met upon arrival at Stuttgart Airport and transfer to our hotel in Augsburg via tour bus. Check into the hotel and walk to the Christkindlmarkt for food or nearby restaurants. The hotel is located within walking distance to the town square. In the evening, view the Angel performance “Christkindlmarkt” at the City Hall. This performance is a one-of-a-kind experience where girls from Augsburg dress up as Angels and perform against the backdrop of the Rathaus facade in what is known as the “Engelsspiel.” Afterwards, you are free to explore one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas Markets in Germany.
Overnight at Das Hotel am Alten Park
Sun Dec 03 – Augsburg – Full Day Castle Excursion
Breakfast included at the hotel.
First, we will visit and tour Neuschwanstein Castle. Construction on this iconic castle began in 1868 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was halted at his death. To get to this hilltop landmark, we will take a carriage ride from the village of Schwangau. While in Schwangau, we will visit the 19th century palace of Hohenschwangau Castle. This was the childhood home of King Ludwig II and was built by his father King Maximillian II. Return to Augsburg. Dinner at a nearby restaurant of your choice.
Overnight at Das Hotel am Alten Park
Mon Dec 04 – Augsburg – Day at Leisure
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today you have a free day at leisure in Augsburg. Use this time to check out the Fuggerei, St Anna Kirche, the Augsburg Cathedral, and the Rathaus. Optional 2-hour photography session included at the hotel in the morning. Lunch and Dinner on your own in Augsburg.
Overnight at Das Hotel am Alten Park
Tue Dec 05 – Augsburg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen –Augsburg
Breakfast included at the hotel. Today, we will take a tour bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and take a cable car to the top of Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. From the summit, you can see 4 countries – Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Free time for lunch in one of the restaurants on the mountain before heading down. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the picturesque Bavarian towns of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau. Return to Augsburg in the evening for dinner on your own.
Overnight at Das Hotel am Alten Park
Wed Dec 06 – Augsburg – Nurnberg
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today, we head to Nurnberg and check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure with lunch at the Bratwursthaus for the famous Nurnberger Brats included. This evening, visit the most famous of the Christmas Markets.
Overnight at Hotel Karl August
Thu Dec 07 – Nurnberg – Excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Breakfast included at the hotel. Half-day sightseeing tour with touring coach and local guide. Transfer to Rothenburg ob der Tauber where we will have the opportunity to view the main sights of the old Renaissance town including the Spitalbastei Gate, Ploenlien Square and entrance to St James Church.
Overnight at Hotel Karl August
Fri Dec 08 – Nurnberg – Day at Leisure
Breakfast included at the hotel. A free day at leisure in Nurnberg.
Optional Photography Class in the morning at the hotel included. This class will include post-processing and photo critique as desired.
Overnight at Hotel Karl August
Sat Dec 09 – Nurnberg – Tubingen
Breakfast included at the hotel. Today we explore the Medieval university town of Tubingen. In the afternoon, we have a guided walking tour of the town. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at Domizil Tubingen
Sun Dec 10 – Depart Tubingen – Stuttgart – Return USA
Breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Stuttgart airport to return home.
