Winter Wonderland - Classic Group
Winter Wonderland - Classic Group
$2950
Winter Wonderland - Classic Group
9 Days Starting and ending in Frankfurt
Visiting: Frankfurt, Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Salzburg, Chiemsee, Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Heidelberg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W600N20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before with stunning views of Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt Pilatus and all immersive tours of Munich, and Salzburg. An Insight Choice experience in Innsbruck lets you choose between a horse drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery or a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal. The Austrian adventure continues with an exclusive Salzburg market tasting experience, where a locals serve goblets of Gluhwein and fresh from the oven Lebkuchen—fragrant with ginger and cocoa. Across the border in Germany, Rothenburg alongside the River Tauber serves up lashings of 16th century charm and in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city's famous beer halls.
Top Rated Highlights
- Mainz: Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings surrounding the magnificent Dom Cathedral.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Fortified by ancient walls, picturesque and unspoiled, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairytale come true at any time of year. It dazzles in December, with its 500-year-old Reiterlesmarkt lending a festive air to the cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
- Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
- Salzburg: With a Local Expert, see Mozart's family home and the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. You'll also view the Hohensalzburg fortress and see Residenz Fountain when you spend some time in the Old Town.
- Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
- Innsbruck: Visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds. This attraction features installations by international artists, designers and architects who have interpreted the crystals in their own ways.
- Innsbruck: Meet your coachman and enjoy a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride, surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.
- Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Mount Pilatus: Enjoy a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus to witness a panorama of snow-capped peaks as you take in the pristine mountain air.
- Rhine Falls: Visit these spectacular falls.
- Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during your orientation with your Travel Director.
Make Travel Matter
Munich: Stop to taste seasonal treats as you discover the lost and forgotten Advent traditions that play a significant role in regional cultural revitalisation. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Authentic Dining
Mainz: Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers as you savor a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Salzburg: At the Christmas Market, meet a local stallholder and taste the delicious gingerbread with a fragrant cup of Gluhwein.
Innsbruck: Savor a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Heidelberg: Toast the culmination of your travels at a rousing dinner with wine.
Itinerary
Day 1: Frankfurt And On To Mainz
Location: Frankfurt, Mainz
Accommodation: Hilton Mainz.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Mainz
Welcome to Germany. From the Rhine Valley to the Alps, experience lively cosmopolitan cities, historic old towns and breathtaking natural scenery. Transfers from Frankfurt airport to your Mainz hotel. Mainz has been a bustling and important town since the time of the Romans. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a walk through the Cathedral Quarter to witness the magnificent architecture of the city’s Dom. At a local restaurant, enjoy an evening of good food and wine during your dinner.
Day 2: Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber And The Romantic Road To Munich
Location: Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich
Accommodation: The Westin Grand Munich.
Accommodation Name: The Westin Grand, Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to fortified Rothenburg ob der Tauber, overlooking the winding Tauber River. Once through the medieval walls, you are immediately transported back into the 16th century, as cobblestone streets lead you to the medieval Market Square with its Town Hall. Perhaps visit Tilman Riemenschneider’s ‘Holy Blood’ altarpiece in St Jakob’s Church or pop into the Christmas shop where you’ll find the festive spirit all year round? Follow parts of the Romantic Road to fun-loving Munich.
Day 3: The Bavarian Capital Of Munich Relaxed Start
Location: Munich
Accommodation: The Westin Grand Munich.
Accommodation Name: The Westin Grand, Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast
During your orientation you will see Victory Arch and the university, concluding in the Marienplatz with its soaring Gothic Town Hall and colorful Glockenspiel. Join a Local Expert on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try a foaming stein of beer at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus?
Day 4: Lake Chiemsee To Salzburg Relaxed Start
Location: Munich, Salzburg, Chiemsee
Accommodation: ARCOTEL Castellani, Salzburg.
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel alongside the beautiful Lake Chiemsee and cross the Austrian border to Salzburg, ‘alive with the Sound of Music.’ Walk with your Local Expert through the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and admire the city skyline, crowned by the majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress. Cross the Salzach River to see Mozart’s birthplace on the Getreidegasse, a lively shopping street lined with charming wrought-iron signs. Visit Mozart's birthplace to learn more about his life, and enjoy a musical interlude performed on his original pianoforte. For those arriving before Christmas, visit the festive Christmas Market and meet a local stallholder for a taste of traditional Lebkuchen and a fragrant cup of Glühwein. Follow the narrow lanes of the Old Town to the domed cathedral and the splendid Residenz Fountain, before having time at leisure to enjoy as you please. In the evening, perhaps visit an Austrian chalet for dinner, drinks and the opportunity to learn about life in the countryside?
Day 5: Innsbruck
Location: Salzburg, Innsbruck
Accommodation: AC Hotel Innsbruck.
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck, Hotel Grauer Bär, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, a scenic journey takes you through snow-capped mountains to Innsbruck. See the magnificent Golden Roof in the Old Town, then loose yourself in the festive atmosphere as you spend some time exploring Innsbruck's magical Christmas Markets. The giant Christmas tree dominates the square and is adorned in lights and decorations. Browse the market stalls, selling handmade trinkets that make perfect gifts for friends and family, along with delicious local treats of home-made biscuits, jams and delicious, soul-warming Glühwein. Next, delight in a visit to the magical world of Swarovski Crystal, followed by a dinner.
Day 6: Liechtenstein And Lucerne By The Lake Relaxed Start
Location: Innsbruck, Vaduz, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your coachman and take in the delightful scenery and pure fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Next, depart for Lucerne traveling through delightful scenery abounds as you make your way to the Arlberg Tunnel. Stop in Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries. Cross the Swiss border and continue to lakeside Lucerne. Your Travel Director will show you the covered wooden Chapel Bridge and you’ll learn about the poignant history of the Lion Monument. Then you are at leisure to shop for Swiss watches or delicious chocolate.
Day 7: Lovely Lucerne
Location: Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a spectacular cable car ride with incredible views up Mount Pilatus. Back in Lucerne, you are free to admire the superb baroque Jesuit Church, stroll along lakeside promenades, or explore the old walls and watch towers of the medieval fortifications. Perhaps join a cruise along Lake Lucerne?
Day 8: Heidelberg
Location: Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Heidelberg
Accommodation Name: Atlantic, Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop at Schaffhausen to see the Rhine River thundering over the Rhine Falls. Cross the German border and venture deep into the Black Forest. Following the Rhine Valley north, head for the town of Heidelberg, set on the banks of the river Neckar and dominated by its magnificent red sandstone castle. Stroll through the old town with your Travel Director. Perhaps see the old Student Prison? In the evening, you'll toast to your penultimate day in the company of your newfound friends at dinner accompanied by wine.
Day 9: Depart Frankfurt Airport
Location: Heidelberg, Frankfurt
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your festive exploration comes to an end as you are transferred to Frankfurt airport.
What's Included
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Meals
4 dinners with wine and 8 breakfasts are included.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's commentary.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags will be carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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Local Experiences
Various local experiences such as a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck, a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and a taste of traditional Lebkuchen and Gluhwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cruise along Lake Lucerne or a visit to an Austrian chalet for dinner are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not matching the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Hilton Mainz, The Westin Grand Munich, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center, AC Hotel Innsbruck, and Astoria Lucerne, offering luxurious amenities and prime locations.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Salzburg: Visit the house where Mozart was born in 1756. Enjoy a pianoforte demonstration and examine letters, memorabilia, and musical instruments of the great composer, plus a fascinating collection of portraits.
Travel Director
- "Guests are always amazed and intrigued by the vast amount of beautifully decorated sweet treats on offer in Germany during the festive period."
- "Munich is the capital of beer, so taking guests into the famous Hofbräuhaus, at any time of year, gives them a small idea of what it’s like to attend Oktoberfest."
- "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of special experiences can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect a variety of special experiences such as a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck, a visit to the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds, and a musical interlude performed on Mozart's original pianoforte in Salzburg. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste traditional Lebkuchen and Glühwein at the Christmas Market in Salzburg.
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Are there any unique dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several unique dining experiences. You will enjoy a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Innsbruck, a rousing dinner with wine in Heidelberg, and a delicious dinner in a local restaurant in Mainz. Additionally, you will have the chance to savor traditional gingerbread and Glühwein at the Christmas Market in Salzburg.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented, and hand sanitizer is freely available on board.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions. In Munich, you will discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions with a Local Expert. In Salzburg, you will visit Mozart's birthplace and learn about his life and music. Additionally, you will have the chance to explore the Christmas Markets in Innsbruck and Salzburg, where you can experience local festive traditions.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various high-quality hotels such as the Hilton in Mainz, The Westin Grand in Munich, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center, AC Hotel Innsbruck, and Hotel Astoria in Lucerne. These accommodations are selected to provide comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. Transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or if you have booked additional nights' accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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What kind of activities are available during leisure time on the tour?
During leisure time, you can explore various attractions and activities. In Lucerne, you can admire the baroque Jesuit Church, stroll along lakeside promenades, or explore the old walls and watch towers of the medieval fortifications. You may also join a cruise along Lake Lucerne. In Munich, you can visit the world-famous Hofbräuhaus for a foaming stein of beer.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners with wine. These meals are designed to provide a taste of local cuisine and enhance your overall travel experience.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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