DAY 1 - Monday, December 7: Overnight flight to Europe

• Depart from Benedict's Terminal for the Airport.  ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT is included to EUROPE. Today begins your CHRISTMAS MARKETS ADVENTURE. Image Tours will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours and Benedict's have taken care of all the details. 

DAY 2 - Tuesday, December 8: GERMANY.. Arrival at Munich Airport & AUSTRIA .. Alvine Village

• This morning, you will meet your TOUR MANAGER.  Settle into your comfortable motorcoach, and soon you will be crossing the border from Germany into Austria.  As you drive through the province of SALZBURG, admire the mountain-fed rivers, charming villages and snow-capped peaks.  Arrive in your ALPINE VILLAGE to get settled in for a THREE-NIGHT STAY.  Tonight, enjoy Austrian hospitality during the "WELCOME TO EUROPE" DINNER at the hotel.

DAY 3 - Wednesday, December 9: GERMANY .. Berchtesgaden & AUSTRIA .. Alpine Village

• Following an included BREAKFAST, a leisurely morning is your chance to get acclimated and take in the natural beauty of the ALPINE ALPS.  Choose from an abundance of mountain paths for an exhilarating hike, or simple relax in your Alpine village amid the splendid vistas.  Later this morning, take a ONE-HOUR RIDE into BERCHTESGADEN in the southeast corner of Germany for your first CHRISTMAS MARKET experience.  During your visit, you may wish to stop at the GRASSI TASTE OF THE ALPS SHOP to sample some local Schnapps liquor.  Return to your Alpine Village to warm up before venturing out for an independent dinner at one of the cozy local restaurants.   

DAY 4 - Thursday, December 10: AUSTRIA .. Salzburg - Alpine Village

• Following BREAKFAST, the entire day will focus on the province of SALZBURG.  A LOCAL GUIDE will board the motorcoach to share highlights of the surrounding area before introducing you to Salzburg's OLD TOWN on foot.  With the impressive HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS in the background, spend the afternoon browsing the CHRISTMAS MARKET stalls in the charming pedestrian-only area.  Shop for handmade cracts and Christmas decorations, including the traditional Austrian angels carved from wood.  You may also choose to visit Mozart's Birthplace (additional fee) or explore "Sound of Music" movie sites.  On the way back to your hotel, a stop will be made for an AUSTRIAN DINNER at a family-owned restaurant.

DAY 5 - Friday, December 11: AUSTRIA .. Kufstein - Tyrolean Village

• Admire the glorious scenery as you travel into the province of TYROL. During a morning stop in KUFSTEIN, enjoy views of the hilltop fortress.  Continue your drive along the INN RIVER to your TYROLEAN VILLAGE HOTEL.  After DINNER, the Gundolf Family welcomes you to their theater with an entertaining performance of traditional TYROLEAN SONGS, unique DANCES, traditional INSTRUMENTS and expert YODELING.

DAY 6 - Saturday, December 12: AUSTRIA .. Innsbruck - Tyrolean Village

• After BREAKFAST, you will start the morning in the CAPITAL OF TYROL with visits to the OLYMPIC SKI JUMP and GRASSMAYR BELL MUSEUM. Proceed to INNSBRUCK to admire the historical architecture and browse the extensive display of booths along the Maria Theresien Boulevard.  THE GOLDEN ROOM, a symbol of Innsbruck,is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.  Completed in 1500, Maximilian I had this covered balcony built to celebrate his wedding and used it as a royal box to view the entertainment in the square below.  The famed SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL STORE offers an indoor shopping option with sparkling displays.  Warm with some GLUHWEIN (mulled wine) and FIRE-ROASTED CHESTNUTS.  The excitement of daytime shopping gives way to the festive glow of evening lights to enjoy during your independent dinner.  
  

Day 7 - Friday, December 13: GERMANY ... Augsburg - Nuremberg

• Following BREAKFAST, return to Germany for an extended lunch stop at one of Germany's oldest Christmas Markets. AUGSBURG'S "CHRISTKINDLESMARKT" dates back to the 15th century and was initiated by local gingerbread makers.  You will find many shapes and sizes of the delicious LEBKUCHEN (German gingerbread) along with an expansive selection of treats, crafts, decorations, and gifts.  From Augsburg, travel northward past unspoiled countryside, ancient castles, and the storybook villages of BAVARIA.  End the day with an included DINNER at your HOTEL IN NUREMBURG.

Day 8 - Saturday, December 14: GERMANY ... Nuremberg

• After BREAKFAST, you will transfer into the CITY CENTER, view some of Nuremberg's historic landmarks.  Spend most of the day on the main MARKET SQUARE, taking in the ambience of what many consider to be Germany's most beautiful CHRISTMAS MARKET.  All will delight in the CHILDREN'S MARKET, and you will find gifts from all over the world at the international MARKET OF THE SISTER CITIES on the neighboring square.  The Toy Museum (admission fee not included), celebrating Nuremberg's tradition as the "City of Toys," is also within walking distance.  Botu lunch and dinner are on your own, providing ample time for shopping and to try the famous Nuremberg sausages.

Day 9 - Sunday, December 15: GERMANY ... Rothenburg - Nuremberg

• After BREAKFAST, you will transfer to the enchantinc medieval village of ROTHENBURG-OB-DER-TAUBER.  When you see the well-preserved wall, cobblestone streets and distinctive inns, you will feel as if you are walking into a fairy tale.  KATHE WOHLFAHRT'S WEIHNACHTSDORF is a Christmas shop offering beautiful decorations and gifts as well as whimsical holiday displays.  During tonight's "FAREWELL DINNER" at the NUREMBERG HOTEL, share your favorite memories of the tour with fellow travelers.

Day 10 - Monday, December 16: GERMANY ... Frankfurt

• Following BREAKFAST, travel through the MAIN RIVER VALLEY to arrive in FRANKFURT by mid-day.  Walk the CHRISTMAS MARKET stalls of ROMERBURG SQUARE in the heart of the ALTSTADT (Old Town) and try local holiday specialties such as Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and Bethmannchen (marzipan biscuits). A 30-meter-high Christmas tree decorates the center of the square.  You may also like to pay a visit to the rustic wooden huts serving cocktails and homemade soup at the Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, properly nicknamed the "Pink Christmas" for its predominantly pink-tinted decorations and lights.  Enjoy dinner on your own, for some flexibility to spend your last evening as you wish.

Day 11 - Tuesday, December 17: Daytime Flight back to the U.S.

• BREAKFAST is included at the hotel this morning, before departing for the Airport for your RETURN FLIGHT HOME.