Christmas in Germany: Picturesque Villages and Enchanting Castles

Perched on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is an outstanding day trip from Frankfurt. Today, Heidelberg will be your playground to explore the abundant history on display throughout central Germany. Complete with a Baroque caste, Heidelberg will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to witness the rural side to Germany. Upon your arrival in Heidelberg, a guide will lead you on a tour through Germany's oldest university town. Upon your return to Frankfurt, the promise of mulled wine and bright lights may draw you in to the city's charming Christmas market.

Today, you will turn your back on the German state of Hesse when making your way into Bavaria. The hotel staff in Frankfurt will happily provide you with a delicious breakfast before a transfer carries you smoothly to the nearby train station for your train ride. Your destination will be the medieval city of Nuremberg, which was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and home to a vast array of iconic neighborhoods and charming festivals. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided excursion of the city that will allow you to visit the famous Christmas festival.

In the winter, Nuremberg cannot help but charm those intrepid travelers who make their way to this fortress-capped city. The candles in the windows, shops that sell warm sweets, and the smell of mulled wine as it mixes with pine creates a sense of timelessness. Today, you will be able to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path take on a Christmas festival on a day trip from Nuremberg to the nearby town of Rothenburg. Here, a remarkably intact city wall still defends a charming medieval city center.

Today, you can enjoy a leisurely day in this captivating Bavarian city. A stroll from your conveniently located hotel will be an excellent way to experience the day-to-day life of the locals as they walk, ride, or otherwise make their way about the charming town. Towering over the city, the Nuremberg Castle is considered one of the best medieval fortresses in Bavaria and provides visitors excellent views of the city. If you are inclined to good food, the hotel staff will happily offer you great dining recommendations.

Today, a scenic transfer will carry you from the medieval origins of Nuremberg into the heart of Bavaria. This romantic drive will introduce you to the rolling hills and charming villages that punctuate the landscape of this breathtaking German state. During the way, you will be encouraged to stop and explore some of the places you pass. The town of Nordlingen presents an excellent example of an intact medieval town, and the architecture of Harburg cannot help but inspire your imagination. By the time you arrive in Munich, the remainder of the day will be yours.

Despite not utilizing as much olive oil as some of its European neighbors, German food is a delicious blend of local ingredients and time-honored traditions. Today you will explore the gastronomic side of Munich during a culinary tour of the famous Viktualienmarket or outdoor market, which is nestled in the heart of the city center. Here, your guide will introduce you to the secrets of Schmalznudel, white sausage, while you sample the products of the numerous stalls and vendors.

Bavaria enjoys a privileged position at the southernmost boundary of Germany and Austria, acting as a gateway to the staggering beauty of the Alps. Today, you will venture into this world during a guided visit to the nearby castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, which are tucked at the foot of some of Germany's most beautiful mountains. As the rural beauty of Bavaria extends out before you like a green quilt, you will have an entirely new appreciation for the raw natural beauty that can be found in abundance in this breathtaking corner of Europe.

For your final full day in Munich, the hop-on-hop-off bus is an excellent way to ensure your access to all the city's major sites, including the Olympic Stadium, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Schwabing district. The lush Englischer Gardens is also a delightful place to stroll and find tranquility among sycamore groves, manicured lawns, and hidden beer gardens. Munich is also well within driving distance of the Austrian town of Salzburg, which you could explore during a day trip. No matter what option you choose, there is no such thing as a wrong choice in this vibrant regional capital.

For your final morning in Munich, you will have just enough time to stop by a bakery whose aromatic efforts caught your eye earlier. You will also have time to return to the Viktualienmarkt Market to snag some final souvenirs before you return home. A delicious breakfast will be your final scheduled event for this tour before a comfortable transfer drives you to Munich's main airport for your departing flight.