A CHRISTMAS MARKET ADVENTURE
IN THE HEART OF THE ALPS
THE TYROLIAN TREASURES
AUSTRIA, GERMANY, AND ITALY
With an Optional Liechtenstein and Zurich, Switzerland Extension
Air and Land 9 Days, 8 Nights Including Hotels, Meals, Day Trips, and Airfare From New York
Imagine yourself embarking on an enchanting Christmas Market journey, where each day is filled with the timeless beauty and
rich culture of the heart of Europe. Begin with an extended 7-night stay in Seefeld, nestled in the breathtaking Tyrolean mountains, and immerse yourself in the charm of fairytale castles and the magical Christmas markets of Austria, Italy, and Germany. Discover Munich and marvel at Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Wander through Innsbruck, the proud host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and explore scenic Merano. Savor the unique atmosphere of Austrian coffee houses and lose yourself in the “Sound of Music” countryside. Journey through the Austrian and Italian Alps, visit the imperial city of Salzburg, and relax in sleepy Tyrolean villages. Experience a traditional Tyrolean dinner and folklore show and meet the legendary Iceman Ötzi. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while tracing the musical history of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Extend your journey with an additional two nights as you travel through the stunning landscapes of Liechtenstein & along the shores of Lake Zurich, Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the alpine beauty of this region, see the charming streets of Vaduz, and enjoy the serene Swiss vistas surrounding Zurich. This unforgettable adventure perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, & European delight.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Extended stay in one location—Seefeld • Breathtaking Tyrolian mountain scenery • Fairytale castles • Wonderful Christmas Markets of Austria, Italy, and Germany • Munich • Neuschwanstein Castle – the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom • Innsbruck, home of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics • Merano • Austrian Coffee Houses • The “Sound of Music” countryside • The Austrian and Italian Alps • Imperial Salzburg • Sleepy Tyrolian Villages • Tyrolian Dinner and folklore show • The Iceman Ortz • Fresh mountain air • The musical history of Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss • Swiss Alps • Liechtenstein • Zurich • Lake Zurich Cruise • and more…
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
-
AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from New York
-
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 7 nights in first-class hotels in Seefeld
-
MEALS 14 meals consisting of 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners (including a Tyrolean dinner show)
-
THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: a full day tour to Munich, a Tyrolian Cultural Show, tour of Neuschwanstein Castle, and a half-day tour of Innsbruck. Optional tours available
-
JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals, such as Christmas Markets, a Tyrolean folk dancing performance with dinner
-
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Munich
-
FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
-
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LIECHTENSTEIN
AND ZURICH, SWITZERLAND INCLUDED
FEATURES
-
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 2 nights in first class hotels in Zurich
-
MEALS 2 included meals consisting of 2 breakfasts
-
SIGHTSEEING TOUR PROGRAMS Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: a tour of Liechtenstein, and a city tour of Zurich and a Lake Zurich cruise
-
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR Assistance of a professional tour director for the entire length of the tour
-
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
Day 1 Depart from the USA Set off on your overnight international flight to Munich. Meals and beverages are served on board.
Day 2 Arrival in Munich - Seefeld Upon arrival in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, your Quest Voyager tour director will be waiting to welcome you. A scenic drive along the autobahn and through rolling countryside will take you to Seefeld in the Austrian Alps. This town, which welcomes you with historic charm, is set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and imperial architecture. After settling into your hotel tonight, you can take a walk to the Old Town to immediately enjoy the charming setting of the Seefeld Christmas market, which offers traditional Tyrolean crafts and plenty of festive cheer. Tonight, dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Seefeld - Innsbruck - City Tour After breakfast, your tour of Innsbruck begins. See the Golden Roof, glittering in the heart of the old town, and see the majestic Triumphal Arch and the Hofburg, a palace that once housed Habsburg royalty. Sports enthusiasts will love visiting the Olympic ski jump and marveling at the steep slope. The afternoon is yours to relax, shop for cuckoo clocks, or explore independently. Cap off the day with an evening of Tyrolean folklore, enjoying Austrian dishes as dancers and musicians bring traditions to life. (B,D)
Day 4 Seefeld Relax in Seefeld or take an optional tour to Salzburg. In this storybook city of Salzburg, baroque towers rise against the backdrop of the Alps. Walk with your guide through the historic streets where Mozart once roamed and see the stunning Salzburg Cathedral, a gem of sacred architecture. The hills will come alive with the “Sound of Music,” as you visit many sites from the movie with Julie Andrews. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore, perhaps visiting the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress to experience the world’s oldest Christmas market, famous for its traditional atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 Seefeld - Munich Dive into Bavarian life with a trip to Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, storied beer halls, and is the home of BMW. Here, you’ll see the Neo-Gothic town hall, with its engaging Glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century. See the Marienplatz, Munich Cathedral, and the vast expanse of the Olympic Park. Then, enjoy some free time to taste hearty beer, clink beer steins, and soak in the joyful atmosphere of the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. Alternatively, you could stay in the Marienplatz and experience its Christmas market, featuring a gigantic Christmas tree and a wide range of Bavarian crafts and foods. Enjoy dinner at the hotel (B,D)
Day 6 Seefeld Today, enjoy Seefeld’s charm, stroll through the old town with its medieval architecture, relax in a coffee shop, or head into Italy on an optional tour to Merano and Bolzano. As you leave Innsbruck, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Austrian, Italian, and Swiss Alps. Then, head to Resia Lake for a photo stop. Merano, a spa town renowned for its sunny climate and thermal baths, is where you have a walking tour. Then, visit Bolzano, a crossroads of Italian and Austrian cultures, and meet Ötzi, the intriguing 5,300-year-old mummy, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Enjoy time afterward visiting Italy’s largest Christmas market, in the scenic Piazza Walther. It generally blends Italian and Austrian traditions with local crafts, local food, and a festive atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 7 Seefeld - Neuschwanstein Castle Embark on a fairytale tour to experience the enchanting allure of Neuschwanstein Castle, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Commissioned by Ludwig II as a retreat and homage to Richard Wagner, this fairytale palace captivates with its majestic towers, opulent interiors, and stunning views. Neuschwanstein offers a glimpse into a world of royal fantasy and remarkable beauty. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 Seefeld Relax in Seefeld or venture to the Alpine towns of Mittenwald and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Mittenwald, a picturesque village in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, is renowned for its rich history of violin-making. It enchants visitors with its colorful, frescoed buildings, Bavarian culture, and stunning alpine scenery. Onward to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the town offers a glimpse into its Olympic past, and its bustling center showcases the region’s culture. Return to Seefeld for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 9 Seefeld to the USA or Optional Lichtenstein and Zurich, Switzerland Extension Goodbye to Seefeld as you head to the airport for your flight back home. Or extend your stay with an optional extension to Lichtenstein and Zurich, Switzerland. (B)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO LICHTENSTEIN AND ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Day 9 Seefeld - Liechtenstein - Zürich From Seefeld, your journey continues to Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest yet most picturesque countries. Stop in its capital, Vaduz, where you’ll see the stunning Vaduz Castle, perched high above the city, and explore quaint streets filled with cultural landmarks and unique shopping opportunities. Then onward to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the night is yours. (B)
Day 10 Zurich - City Tour After breakfast, you head out on a city tour of Zurich. See the Zürich Opera House, an architectural
masterpiece admired from the outside, before heading into the city’s historic Old Town for a walking tour. Wander its cobblestone streets, where medieval buildings blend seamlessly with modern flair, and uncover hidden gems. Next, enjoy a tranquil ferry ride across shimmering Lake Zurich, taking in the city’s skyline and the surrounding alpine scenery. From there, ascend to a nearby vantage point within the Alps, offering panoramic views of Zurich and the surrounding snow-dusted peaks—a moment perfect for photographs and quiet reflection. Return to the city to enjoy free time to explore Zurich. (B)
Day 11 Zurich to the USA Wave goodbye to Zurich as you head to the airport for your flight back to the USA. (B)
(B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.