Morning: Meet at the Munich Airport at 9:00 am and board the coach with the group. Our local driver and guide will transport us to Nürnberg (Nuremberg), providing commentary along the way. Settle into the heart of the holiday magic as we arrive in Nürnberg and drop our luggage at the Le Méridien Hotel, your stylish and conveniently located home for the next two nights.

Afternoon:  Savor an authentic Franconian lunch at Bratwursthäusle, where traditional Nuremberg sausages and local beer set the perfect tone for our journey.

Next, explore the city’s rich history with a walking tour of the castle caves, uncovering centuries-old tunnels beneath the medieval streets.

Evening: After checking into the hotel, you will have free time to immerse yourself in the Nürnberg Christmas Market, one of Germany’s most iconic holiday experiences. Wander through rows of charming wooden stalls, sip mulled wine, and take in the festive sights and sounds of this magical winter wonderland. 

Hotel: Le Meridian Hotel, Nürnberg (2 nights)

Morning: We will begin with a delicious traditional breakfast before we board the bus to Bamberg. Upon arrival, we will walk through the beautifully preserved Altstadt, where medieval charm meets festive holiday spirit.

Afternoon: For lunch, we gather at Schlenkerla, the legendary brewery known for its unique smoked beer and hearty Franconian dishes. The afternoon is free to explore the Bamberg Christmas market, where twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts create a magical atmosphere.

Evening: In the early evening, we return to Nürnberg, where we can revisit the enchanting Christmas market at our own pace for the rest of the night.

Morning:  Morning begins with breakfast before we board the bus to Regensburg.

Upon arrival, we drop our luggage at the Goldenes Kreuz Hotel, a charming and centrally located stay in the heart of the Altstadt. We then set out on a guided tour through the historic old town, where medieval architecture and festive decorations bring the city’s rich history to life.

Afternoon:  For lunch, we gather at Regensburg Brauerei Spital to enjoy traditional Bavarian flavors paired with locally brewed beer. The afternoon is ours to explore the Regensburg Christmas market, where festive stalls, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer fill the charming streets.

Evening: The evening is free to relax or continue soaking in the holiday magic at our own pace.

Hotel: Goldenes Kreuz Hotel, Regensburg (1-night stay)  

Morning:  After breakfast, we depart for Munich and arrive at the hotel, where we drop our luggage before heading out to explore the city. We start with a visit to the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous open-air market, followed by a walking tour through the historic Old Town, taking in its stunning architecture and festive atmosphere.

Afternoon: We gather at the legendary Hofbräuhaus for lunch, enjoying hearty Bavarian dishes and world-famous beer in this iconic beer hall. In the afternoon, we visit the Tollwood Winter Festival, a vibrant holiday event held at the exact location as Oktoberfest. It features artisan markets, cultural performances, and seasonal treats.

Evening: For dinner, we will visit Augustiner Keller, one of Munich’s most beloved beer halls. Here, we will savor classic Bavarian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. In the evening, we are free to relax or explore Munich’s festive charm at our own pace.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, Munich (1-night stay)

Morning:  Morning begins with another great breakfast before we set off on a scenic drive to Garmisch. Upon arrival, we drop our luggage at Hotel Zugspitze, a charming stay in the heart of the Altstadt.

Afternoon: The afternoon offers us the chance to take a breathtaking cable car ride to the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, for stunning panoramic views. That vantage point will provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy hearty Bavarian cuisine and locally brewed beer.

Evening: The evening is free to explore downtown Garmisch, where the festive Christmas market and cozy alpine charm make for a perfect winter night.

Hotel: Hotel Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen 

Morning: The morning is ours to relax and sleep in before checking out and heading to Andechs. 

Afternoon: At Andechs Monastery, we tour this historic brewing site, followed by a leisurely lunch featuring traditional Bavarian specialties and their renowned monastic beers. In the afternoon, we continue to Freising and check into the hotel, our final stay of the trip. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the Freising Christmas market in the charming Altstadt at Christopher-Paudiß-Platz, where festive stalls and holiday cheer fill the historic town square.

Evening: In the evening, we gather for a memorable final group dinner at another monastery: Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, There is no better place for us to raise a glass to an unforgettable journey through Germany’s Christmas markets and brewing traditions.

Hotel: Munich Airport Marriott Hotel, Freising (1-night stay)

For many, this will be a travel day back to North America. 

Flights returning to the U.S. begin in the early morning. The hotel offers an airport shuttle starting at 5:00 a.m. for a nominal per-person fee.  

For others, this may be a chance to extend your trip and explore Munich and the surrounding area in more detail.