European Christmas Market
Extravaganza!
November 28-December 9, 2011
Space is limited to 25, register early to avoid disappointment.
Join Deb Roberts for a 12 day, Christmastime tour that will provide a lifetime of holiday memories. With many requests for a repeat of a Christmas Market tour, Deb thought it would be special to include a variety of cities and a host of markets so that your experience would be second to none. She has personally selected an itinerary that includes the best and brightest of Europe's traditional Christmas Festivities in Germany, France, and Switzerland. We will enjoy the markets of Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenberg, Stuttgart, Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse and Zurich. Along our way we will also be making stops of interest to quilt and fabric enthusiasts. It is the perfect time of year to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy the spirit of the holidays as Europeans have done for generations.
Itinerary
Day 1 - November 27, 2011: Depart from USA on an overnight flight to Munich, Germany at your leisure, using any airline and departure city of your choice. Using Deb's "Free to Fly" plan, you may use your airline miles or combine any discounts while avoiding the hassles of meeting up with a group at a designated US departure airport. You have the freedom to leave when you want and from where you want. D, B.
Day 2 -
November 28, 2011: After arrival and check into our hotel you will
have the remainder of the day free to rest or explore the city of Munich.
In the evening we will gather for a welcome dinner together. Overnight Munich,
B, D.
Day 3 - November 29, 2011: After breakfast we will enjoy a free day to explore Munich, one of Germany's most exciting cities. You may wish to visit the 1972 Olympic site, THE OLYMPIC PARK, St. Peters Church, or explore many of the city's fine Christmas Markets. There are several markets to choose from in Munich, so the day is yours to become immersed in the European holiday tradition of the Christmas Markets. Overnight Munich, B.
Day
4 -
November 30, 2011: Following breakfast, we depart Munich and head for
Nuremberg. This amazing city comes alive during the holidays and is known as
the "Christmas City". With it's historic past, the old-town of Nuremberg
includes half-timbered houses and an incredible medieval castle, the Kaiserburg.
We will arrive early enough so that you may spend the remainder of the day
exploring this historic city. Nuremberg is FAMOUS for its gingerbread and you
will find this along with plenty of tempting treats and local fares at one of
the many Nuremberg Markets. Overnight Nuremberg, B.
Day 5 - December 1, 2011: Leaving after breakfast, we enjoy the German countryside as we head to Stuttgart, home to one of the earliest and largest Christmas Markets in Europe. The Stuttgart market was first mentioned in a document in 1692, and offers everything from Christmas decorations, toys and woodcuts, to jewelry, and of course mulled wine, waffles, and sausages to sustain you as you shop. Overnight Stuttgart, B.
Day 6 - December 2, 2011: Today we will enjoy a quick ride over to Rothenberg, which is Germany's best preserved medieval city. Here, surrounded by massive towers and historic walls, the town has the reputation of being the city of "eternal Christmas", as it is known for year round holiday festivities. Many say that Rothenberg is the quintessential picture of Christmas. The market here is very old and dates back to the 15th century. Once we arrive and check in to our hotel, we will have the remainder of the day free to enjoy Rothenberg's many holiday celebrations. Overnight Rothenberg, B.
Day 7 - December 3, 2011: After breakfast, a quiet morning drive is planned as we head for France. Once we arrive, we will be spending the better part of our day in Strasbourg, which is home to over five distinct Christmas Market areas and claims to have the best Christmas shopping in all of Europe. Strasbourg is known for its incredibly romantic, half-timbered buildings along the square which house one of France's most beautiful cathedrals. Once we have checked into our hotel, travel throughout the city is easy on their tram system that lets you off nearby all of the market areas. Overnight Strasbourg, B.
Day 8 - December 4, 2011: Now in the Alsace region of France, today we will head south toward Mulhouse stopping in the quaint village of Colmar and at a surprise fabric company outlet along the way. Here you will be amazed at the fabrics and textile treasures printed by this well known firm and available here at their shop. The Colmar area is another delightful village of half-timbered buildings, cathedrals, and market activities. Once we arrive in Mulhouse and have checked in to our hotel, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy this incredible textile city. Overnight Mulhouse, B.
Day
9- December 5, 2011: This morning after a hearty breakfast, (weather
permitting) we will have a
walking tour of the town and allow ample time to explore this city’s Christmas
Markets and themes which are dedicated to the centuries old textile manufacturers
from this area.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of the Museum of Printed Textiles. Overnight Mulhouse,
B.
Day 10 - December 6, 2011: Today is a free day. However, we have arranged some optional activities for those who have interest. There are a limited number of spaces to take a hands-on textile printing class at the museum where you will have the opportunity to print on fabric using some of the museum's ancient wood blocks, learning the technique used by age-old printers in the area. OR, if you are interested in historic textiles, you may sign up to participate in study time in the SUD, the document room of the museum. Here you will be able to view textile samples from some of the museum's hundreds of sample books dating back to the 1700s. Both activities have limited space available, so sign up early. For those not participating in museum activities, there are nearby areas to visit, including the textile museum at Wesserling, the wallpaper museum, and the nearby town of Basil, Switzerland. All of these are easily accessible and our guide will be able to give you exact directions. Overnight Mulhouse, B.
Day
11 - December 7, 2011:
Following breakfast today, we will head to Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich is
wonderful for exploring and their Christmas market, located in the main train
station, is noted for having the largest Christmas tree decorated exclusively
with with Swarovski Crystal snowflakes. After
our arrival you will be free to wander and shop throughout the streets of this
historic, yet vibrant city. This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner.
Overnight Zurich, B, D.
Day 12 - December 8, 2011: Today, we will depart Zurich for our flights back home. With the free to fly program you will be able to fly directly to your home town with you hand picked gifts and memories from our Christmas Market Journey.
Tour Price -
$2299, per person double occupancy.
Single
Supplement - an addition of $889 per person will be added to the above for those wishing
their own room - limited single rooms available.
Optional Insurance Coverage
Double Occupancy - $ 130
Single supplement - $ 175
TOUR INCLUDES
All transfers between designated cities and venues by deluxe motor coach unless otherwise indicated.
Full time (24/7) services of multi-lingual tour director
Deluxe First Class - 4 star hotels
Museum entrances and tours per scheduled itinerary
Full buffet breakfast daily, welcome and farewell dinners
Porterage of one bag per person (hotels and coach)
All non-optional gratuities
Tour Tote-bag and surprise gifts.
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
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Personal Insurance
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Public transportation for free time activities
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Optional excursions
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Optional gratuities
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Passport fees
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Airfare *Deb's "free to fly" program allows you to choose your airport, your schedule your dates without the hassle of a fixed group departure point.
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Airport Transfers
Download Registration Materials Here
apply when registration is receivedDue to circumstances out of our control, itinerary is subject to change without notice. To keep our group small so we may provide a personalized experience for each guest, this tour is limited to 25, do register early to avoid disappointment
