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Winter Wonderland

Classic Group

Everyday Price From

$3,950

9 days

No Countries

Overview

Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before with stunning views of Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt Pilatus and all immersive tours of Munich, and Salzburg. An Insight Choice experience in Innsbruck lets you choose between a horse drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery or a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal. The Austrian adventure continues with an exclusive Salzburg market tasting experience, where a locals serve goblets of Glühwein and fresh from the oven Lebkuchen—fragrant with ginger and cocoa. Across the border in Germany, Rothenburg alongside the River Tauber serves up lashings of 16th century charm and in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city's famous beer halls.

Locations Visited

Frankfurt, Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Salzburg, Chiemsee, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Heidelberg

Countries Visited

Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland

Travel Style

Regional

Accommodations

8 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

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. Mainz has been a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a walk through the Cathedral Quarter to witness the magnificent architecture of the city’s Dom. At a local restaurant, enjoy an evening of good food and wine during your dinner.

  • Accommodation

    Hilton Mainz


  • Meals

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

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See the Dom Cathedral in Mainz

Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings surrounding the magnificent Dom Cathedral.

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Mainz Welcome Dinner

Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers as you savor a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

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.

  • Accommodation

    The Westin Grand Munich


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit the Fairytale Town of 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.

During your orientation you will see Victory Arch and the university, concluding in the Marienplatz with its soaring Gothic Town Hall and colorful Glockenspiel. Join a Local Expert on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try a foaming stein of beer at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus?

  • Accommodation

    The Westin Grand Munich


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Munich Orientation

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.

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Advent Traditions Tour

Stop to taste seasonal treats as you discover the lost and forgotten Advent traditions that play a significant role in regional cultural revitalisation. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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?

  • Accommodation

    Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Experience a Musical Demonstration at Mozart's Birthplace in 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.

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Salzburg City Tour

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.

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Salzburg Glühwein Tasting

At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Glühwein.

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 dinner. 

  • Accommodation

    AC Hotel Innsbruck


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

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Innsbruck Orientation

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.

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Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds Visit

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.

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Innsbruck Restaurant Dinner at Swarovski

Savor a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

Meet your coachman and take in the delightful scenery and pure fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Next, depart for Lucerne traveling 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.

  • Accommodation

    Astoria Lucerne


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Innsbruck Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.

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See Vaduz Castle

Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.

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Lucerne Orientation

See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.

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? 

  • Accommodation

    Astoria Lucerne


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

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Visit the Mount Pilatus Summit

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.

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, you'll toast to your penultimate day in the company of your newfound friends at dinner accompanied by wine.

  • Accommodation

    Atlantic Hotel Heidelberg


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner with Wine

Highlights

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Visit Rhine Falls

Visit these spectacular falls.

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Heidelberg Orientation

Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.

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Heidelberg Celebration Dinner

Toast the culmination of your travels at a rousing dinner with wine.

Your festive exploration comes to an end as you are transferred to Frankfurt airport.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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."

What's Included

Vox Headsets

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Gratuities

  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

Porterage

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Touchpoints

  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Wifi

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Transport

  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Dates & Prices

Results: 3 / 5

Definite Departures Only

Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request.
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Start Date Thu, Dec 19, 2024
End Date Fri, Dec 27, 2024
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$3,950
Start Date Tue, Dec 16, 2025
End Date Wed, Dec 24, 2025
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$4,509
Start Date Thu, Dec 18, 2025
End Date Fri, Dec 26, 2025
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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:
  • ​International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • ​Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.
Terms & Conditions:
 
  • ​Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy (twin room) in CAD. Single room supplements are available.
  • ​'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Last Minute Deals.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login. 
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page.