Bavarian Christmas Wonderland Tour

Tour Highlights

Innsbruck and its Christmas Market
Christmas Eve in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Seven-course Christmas Eve gala dinner
Horse-drawn carriage ride on Christmas Day
Traditional Bavarian roast duck Christmas dinner
Journey on the Zugspitze Railway
Hohenschwangau Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Travel by rail along the scenic Rhine Gorge

What’s Included (Full details)

1st & Standard Class Rail
Eurostar Standard Premier
Eurostar Meals
Heritage Rail Excursion
4-5* Accommodation
Breakfast Every Day
Selected Evening Meals
Optional Bag Concierge

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Itinerary
Hotels & Trains
Optional Extras

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Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Day 1

London to Cologne by First Class rail

Our holiday begins at St Pancras International, where we board the Eurostar to Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class. We enjoy a light meal and drinks served on board. In the Belgian capital we change trains and continue in First Class on the high-speed service to Cologne. Here we spend a night in the heart of the city, close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral.

Includes:

Dinner
Eurostar Meal

Day 2

By rail to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

We travel by rail through the Rhine Gorge (First Class) to Munich, then continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Standard Class), set in an idyllic location amongst the snow-capped mountains of southern Bavaria. The two towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were joined together for the 1936 Winter Olympic Games and the area remains a world-class ski resort. The spectacular journey takes us past the sprawling vineyards and brooding fairytale castles of the stunning Rhine Gorge and through the scenic Bavarian countryside, all the more magical in winter. We spend six nights in Garmisch at the welcoming 5-star Reindl's Partenkirchner Hof Hotel.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Innsbruck

We travel south by train on a scenic journey through Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol to Innsbruck (Standard Class). Nestling amongst the towering mountains, the imperial city of Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol, and is a historic city of elegant streets lined with fine buildings. Your time here is free to explore. Be sure to take in the highlights of this striking Alpine city, such as the Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box from where he could observe the tournaments below. The roof consists of nearly 3,000 gold-plated copper tiles, and sits within Innsbruck's beautiful Old Town, close to Maximilian's Imperial Palace and the impressive 15th century City Tower. However, at this time of year, one of the city's main attractions is its lively Christmas Market. Here there is a life-sized nativity scene, and a number of festively decorated stalls are brimming with a tempting array of gifts and culinary treats.

Includes:

Breakfast
Free day in Innsbruck

Day 4

A day at leisure in Garmisch & Partenkirchen

On Christmas Eve we enjoy a day at leisure to get to know the twin villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen. You can spend the day relaxing in the hotel while making use of the excellent facilities. Alternatively, visit the city of Munich and admire the amazing architectural treasures around the Marienplatz. Along with the neo-Gothic Town Hall, the main square is also the site of Munich's imposing cathedral, the Church of Our Lady. Here you can take the lift up one of the copper-domed towers to take in the great views over the city. Another popular option is the Hofbräuhaus, a famous beer hall. Here you can discover Bavarian music and hospitality and absorb Munich's wonderful festive atmosphere. Back in Garmisch this evening, we enjoy our seven-course Christmas Eve gala dinner in the hotel.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner
Free Day

Day 5

Horse-drawn carriage ride on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day we take a horse-drawn carriage ride through wintry Garmisch, followed by a cup of warming mulled wine and tasty Bavarian pastries. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, and enjoy the festivities at your own pace. Our day concludes with a traditional Bavarian roast duck Christmas dinner.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner
Horse-drawn carriage ride

Day 6

The Zugspitze Railway

Our journey on the Zugspitze Railway today takes us towards the summit of the highest mountain in Germany. Departing from Garmisch-Partenkirchen's railway station, we travel as far as Zugspitzplatt at 8,528 ft (2,600m). From here our journey continues by cable car (subject to weather conditions) high above the forests to the summit of Zugspitze. At 9,718 ft (2,962m), it is the highest point in Germany, and from here we can admire the stunning panoramic views over Bavaria, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. You are free to descend in your own time, either returning the way ascended, or alternatively taking the cable car down to Eibsee, a beautiful lake at the base of the mountain.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner
Journey on Zugspitze Railway

Day 7

Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein

Today's excursion takes us close to the Austrian border, as we travel by coach to King Ludwig's Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles, two of Bavaria's most spectacular attractions. We learn about their fascinating history on a guided tour. The smaller castle (Hohenschwangau) was built on the original Schwanstein castle site, which dated back to the 12th century. Ludwig's father Maximilian loved the residence, and as such it was Ludwig's primary childhood home. It was from here that he then planned his own more impressive castle, a stone's throw away. We continue to this spectacular fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein, bristling with turrets and pinnacles, yet only occupied for 170 days before the King was deposed. The iconic castle is one of the most photographed attractions in Germany. During the tour, we have a chance to marvel at the opulence of the era, including the intricately detailed paintings and wood carvings that adorn the walls.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner
Bavarian Castles Excursion

Day 8

Garmisch to Cologne by rail

We depart Garmisch for the short journey to Munich (Standard Class). Here we connect with the onward service, in Standard Class, to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Includes:

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Cologne to Brussels to London

Our journey continues today as we leave Cologne and travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels. Here we join the Eurostar service back to London. Travelling in Standard Premier Class, we enjoy a light meal and drinks served on board, before our arrival at St Pancras International.

Includes:

Breakfast
Eurostar Meal

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

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Bavarian Christmas Wonderland

Itinerary

Hotels & Trains

Optional Extras

Itinerary & Map

London to Cologne by First Class rail

By rail to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Innsbruck

A day at leisure in Garmisch & Partenkirchen

Horse-drawn carriage ride on Christmas Day

The Zugspitze Railway

Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein

Garmisch to Cologne by rail

Cologne to Brussels to London

Please note

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