Winter Wonderland - Small Group, Winter

Winter Wonderland - Small Group, Winter

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Winter Wonderland - Small Group, Winter

9 Days Starting and ending in Frankfurt, Germany

Visiting: Mainz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lucerne, Heidelberg, Frankfurt

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SW600N20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a magical journey through the heart of Europe with the "Winter Wonderland - Small Group, Winter" tour. This enchanting adventure takes you through Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, offering a blend of historical charm and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the half-timbered houses of Mainz, the medieval allure of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the vibrant city life of Munich. Discover Salzburg's musical heritage and Innsbruck's stunning mountain vistas. Experience the regal atmosphere of Vaduz and the serene landscapes of Lucerne. Delight in authentic dining experiences, from savoring gingerbread in Salzburg to a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, ensuring a relaxed and memorable journey. With highlights like a horse-drawn carriage ride in Innsbruck and a cable car ascent of Mount Pilatus, this tour promises a winter escape filled with wonder and joy.

Highlights

  • Mainz: Witness half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings surrounding the magnificent Dom Cathedral.

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Experience the fairytale charm of this picturesque town, especially during its 500-year-old Reiterlesmarkt in December.

  • Munich: Explore the city's highlights including the English Garden, Hofbräuhaus, and Marienplatz with your Travel Director.

  • Salzburg: Visit Mozart's family home and enjoy the 500-year-old Christmas Market in front of the cathedral.

  • Innsbruck: Discover the city's Baroque and Gothic architecture and visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

  • Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

  • Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and Chapel Bridge.

  • Mount Pilatus: Enjoy a spectacular journey to the summit for panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Frankfurt And On To Mainz

Location: Mainz

Accommodation: Hilton Mainz.

Accommodation Name: Hilton, Mainz

Meals Included: Dinner

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: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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

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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: Salzburg

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: 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

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Location: 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

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Location: 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: 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

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Location: Frankfurt

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your festive exploration comes to an end as you are transferred to Frankfurt airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfort at the Hilton Mainz, The Westin Grand Munich, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center, AC Hotel Innsbruck, and Astoria Lucerne, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey.

  • Meals

    The tour includes 4 dinners with wine and 8 breakfasts.

  • 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 fascinating commentary.

  • Tips and Taxes

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxed journey with physical distancing measures in place.

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

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Munich where you discover lost and forgotten Advent traditions. In Salzburg, you visit Mozart's birthplace and enjoy a musical interlude performed on his original pianoforte. Additionally, in Innsbruck, you visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride surrounded by the mountains and valleys of Tyrol.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a dinner in a local restaurant in Mainz, tasting gingerbread and Gluhwein at the Salzburg Christmas Market, a special dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Innsbruck, and a rousing dinner with wine in Heidelberg.

  • Are there any special accommodations provided during the tour?

    Yes, you will stay in comfort at hotels such as the Hilton Mainz, The Westin Grand Munich, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Center, AC Hotel Innsbruck, and Astoria Lucerne, which offer a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey.

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxed journey with physical distancing measures in place.

  • What is the policy on luggage handling during the tour?

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

  • Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

    Yes, flights to and from the tour start and end locations, optional activities and excursions, travel insurance, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • 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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