.... Festive lights, music in old churches, cuisine, and international shopping ...as we meander the quaint and picturesque streets of Old Europe decorated in their finest glory. Treat yourself to a trip back in time, as we browse the famous holiday Christmas Markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. The Bavarian Alps revel in a true Old World setting with sleigh bells ringing, picturesque chalets warmly twinkling, and tables laden with holiday foods and a vast array of hand make treasures and decorations.

The European Christmas Markets -- outdoor paths in fairytale towns and villages lined with stalls filled with Christmas trinkets, hand-crafted gifts, home-cooked foods, festive lights, and lots of cheer, folly and music !! Our tour takes you to four, fairytale, Old World Europe countries where Christmas is celebrated as the highpoint of the year.

Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland - The traditions of the Christmas markets date back to the middle ages and turn German, Swiss, Austrian, and French towns and cities into festive fairy tale type scenes. Christmas markets are held during the four weeks of Advent and include booths and stalls set up in town centers with plenty of great Christmas decorations and entertainment. Huge Christmas trees are erected and the shops sell Christmas decorations, ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, figurines, gifts, clothing, candles, foods, local arts and crafts and a lot more. Bands and choral groups entertain shoppers with favorite Christmas carols and hymns. You can buy fresh gingerbread, or a whole gingerbread house, delight in the smells of mulled wine, spices and roasted chestnuts and almonds and sausages as well as a wide array of other foods and drinks. Each German Christmas Market has its own personality and you are sure to find plenty of Christmas treasures to bring home as well as be able to revel in the Christmas atmosphere that Germany offers. Somewhere in the center of town, often around an old church, little wooden booths are set up and vendors sell all kinds of good things: Christmas decorations, candles, and handmade crafts. You'll also find yummy food...like chocolate or wurst with bread or warm drinks like Glühwein (a warm red wine with spices). Often, markets also have music performers or ice skating. The market is typically open daily through December and it is especially lovely in the evenings

Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France... This is one of the largest Christmas markets in France, and the setting in front of Strasbourg Cathedral is breathtaking. In its 431st year, this market in Alsace is the oldest Christmas market in France. Be sure to visit La Petite France, a cozy neighborhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery. is knows for having the finest Marche de Noel in France for good reason. It's so large that it takes up blocks of the city and seems to spout new roots in some of the most beautiful locations in the center of the Strasbourg - which is so lovely that the entire city has been deemed a World Heritage Site.

HIGHLIGHTS
* Enjoy one of Strasbourg's finest restaurants while visiting France.
* Explore European Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Strasbourg and Bern.
* Experience the holiday spirit in four different countries.
* Shop for the famous woodcarvings in Oberammergau.
* Enjoy a traditional cheese fondue dinner while in Switzerland.

OUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Overnight Flight
We board our overnight, international flight from the Washington, D.C. area to Munich...

Day 2: Oberammergau, Germany - Tour Begins
Our tour begins in the charming town of Oberammergau. This evening we join up for dinner featuring local delicacies. Hotel Wittelsbach (D)

Day 3: Oberammergau - Innsbruck, Austria - Oberammergau
We travel through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Alps in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Our local guide provides a tour highlighting the city's rich history, culture, and popular attractions including Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the "Golden Roof," all set against the backdrop of the majestic Austrian Alps.H The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop in the many specialty stores and the Christmas market. (B, D)

Day 4: Oberammergau - Munich - Oberammergau
We begin our day with leisure time to explore Oberammergau. This small town of craftsmen owes its fame to the internationally-known Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years. Later, return to Munich and enjoy a panoramic tour featuring the Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel and Olympic Park. The remainder of our day is at leisure to explore Munich's historic area. (B)

Day 5: Oberammergau - Black Forest
Today's highlights include a picture stop at Wies Church, proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. We will also view perhaps the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein, with its beautiful turrets and pinnacles. This castle was the model for Florida, Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle and home of crazy Prince Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Bavaria. Continuing along the scenic route, we traverse southern Germany, skirting the northern shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest, and proceed to the heart of the mysterious Black Forest region - the setting of legends and stories of yore! Don't forget to shop for authentic cuckoo clocks, Hummels and wood carvings. Our evening begins with a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and ends with a traditional Black Forest dinner. Hofgut Sternen or similar (B, D)

Day 6: Black Forest - Strasbourg, France - Black Forest
Travel the picturesque valleys of the Black Forest and the vineyard fields of the Alsace to the provincial capital city of Strasbourg, France where centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences blend together to lend this city its unique local character. We enjoy a guided tour of the charming old quarter, "Petite France," featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame, considered to be one of the noblest achievements of Western architecture. Time is available for us to explore the wonderful Christmas market before dinner at the Gurtlerhoft Restaurant, one of Strasbourg's finest. (B, D)

Day 7: Black Forest - Bern, Switzerland
We travel to Bern, one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities. Upon arrival, we enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and the impressive Cathedral. Afterwards you may explore more of the area or shop for handmade items at the local Christmas market. Hotel Bristol (B)

Day 8: Bern - Lucerne - Bern
This morning we travel to Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Enjoy a scenic walking tour of picturesque Lucerne, highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. The balance of the day is at leisure to do some last minute shopping or simply enjoy the wonderful setting of this beautiful city on a lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This evening, after returning to Bern, we celebrate the end of a marvelous trip with dinner, complete with the region's famous cheese fondue, at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9: We board our international flight home...(B)

Please Note: Due to tour scheduling... flights must arrive in Munich prior to 4:00 PM. You may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:30 AM.

LAND ONLY COST for this 9 Day holiday tour is: $1728 * **

LAND & AIR COST for this 9 Day holiday tour is: $2778 * **

* double room accommodations

** plus 4% processing fee

MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE

Deadline to register for guaranteed space is: June 25.

Register and hold your space with just a $250 deposit... balance due October 1.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
- R/T airfare from Washington, D.C. to Munich, Germany and return from Zurich, Switzerland with Land & Air Package only
- R/T airport to hotel transfers included with Land & Air Package only (r/t transfers may be purchased separately with Land Package)
- All air surcharges and taxes
- Services of our international Tour Manager
- Lodging in 3 and 4* hotels
- 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in Itinerary
- Learning Escapes Tour Escort for groups of 10 or more

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Some meals, items of a personal nature, anything not specifically mentioned under "What's Included".

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: The U.S. Government requires all guests (including U.S. citizens) to be in possession of a valid passport (expiration date at least 6 months past ending trip date) when traveling on any Carnival cruise. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details.

ROOMMATES: Learning Escapes will assign roommates on a first come.....first serve basis. If you are interested in a cabin for 3 or a private cabin please email david@learningescapes.com for pricing. You must be prepared to pay the single supplement for a private cabin should we not have a roommate to share the cabin with you. Roommates are matched according to gender and general age range. We cannot be responsible for roommate compatibility.

PLEASE NOTE: Learning Escapes reserves the right to increase published trip, cruise rates and air fare supplements without prior notice when necessary because of vendor increases.

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