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Enchanting Germany -yours to discover
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond
“After all, you don’t travel to arrive, but to travel” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!
And prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats & temptations in Germany which has always marched to a different drummer - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, polka dancing, Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut & drinking beer like no others. Experience Deutschland's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic Palaces & half-timbered towns. It is Europe at its most exotic.
During the last months of the year, Germany is extra popular because of its Christmas Markets. The Christmas atmosphere here is different from most other countries in the world. The Germans simply love to celebrate Christmas & this is represented by all the decorations of all the streets, houses & shopping-centers. Come experience Christkindlmarkt in Munich & in Nuremberg …..
Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris & the multi-layered historical & cultural canvas of London.
Less obvious but no less impressive attractions include Moorish Palaces in Andalucía, the fascinating East-meets-West brew of İstanbul in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored imperial palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg and the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Europe has some of the best nightlife in the world. Globally famous DJs keep the party going in London, Berlin and Paris, all of which also offer top-class entertainment, especially theatre and live music. Other key locations for high-energy nightlife include Moscow, Belgrade, Budapest & Madrid, while those hankering for something cosier can add Dublin's pubs or Vienna's cafes to their itinerary. Continue to party on the Continent's streets at a multiplicity of Festivals, from city Parades attended by thousands to Concerts in an ancient Amphitheatre.
Talking abut Germany in Western Europe, with a terrain of vast forests, rivers & mountain ranges and 2 millennia of history. Berlin, its Capital, is home to thriving art & nightlife scenes, iconic Brandenburg Gate & many sites relating to WWII. Munich is known for its Oktoberfest & cavernous Beer Halls, including 16th century Hofbrauhaus. Frankfurt, with its Skyscrapers, houses the European Central Bank.
Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany, which has given us the Hanseatic League, the Reformation & yes, Hitler & the Holocaust, but also the Printing Press, the Automobile, Aspirin & MP3 technology. It is the birthplace of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein & Karl Marx. Goethe, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm & other heavyweights who, each in their own way, have left their mark on human history. You can stand in a Roman Amphitheatre, sleep in a medieval Castle & walk along remnants of the Berlin Wall - in Germany the past is very much present wherever you go.
You will encounter history in towns where streets were laid out long before Columbus set sail, & in castles that loom above prim, half-timbered villages where flower boxes billow with crimson geraniums. The great cities - Berlin, Munich & Hamburg among them - come in more flavours than a jar of jelly beans but will all wow you with a cultural kaleidoscope that spans the arc from Art Museums & high-brow Opera to naughty Cabaret & underground Clubs. And wherever you go, Romanesque, Gothic & baroque classics rub rafters with architectural creations from modern masters such as Daniel Libeskind, David Chipperfield & Frank Gehry.
Good for the kids, good for the grown-ups, good for the whole family. A journey through the amazing kaleidoscope that is Germany will allow you to enjoy this “Strong Man” of Europe, also famous for being the birthplace of world-famous Inventors, Scientists, Explorers & Composers.
Teutonic Treasure Trove | Gastro Delights | Bizarre Bavaria
Munich has long been known as the ‘city of art & beer’, so before you head off to the Pub, take some time to savour the local art scene at Kunstareal, the city’s art quarter, with 4 major venues displaying everything from Dutch masters to 1960s design. The city also boasts some world-class Museums focusing on topics as diverse as Oktoberfest, Porcelain & BMW cars. And if that weren't enough, there are still royal Palaces to explore - the legacy of 700 years of rule by a single family, the Wittelsbachs.
The locals have a favourite word - Gemutlichkeit - that untranslatable intermingling of cosiness, well-being & laid-back attitude. In Munich, you will sense it most under the fairy lights of a summer Beer Garden, people-watching in the English Garden & behind the wheel of a BMW heading south. It may be just the local character, but a large share of Gemutlichkeit must come from the fact that the Bavarian Capital is one of the most affluent cities on the planet, it’s economy larger than most small countries, its infrastructure well-tended.
The natural habitat of well-heeled power dressers & Lederhosen-clad thigh-slappers, Mediterranean-style street cafes & Mitteleuropa Beer Halls, highbrow art & high-tech industry, Germany’s unofficial southern Capital, Munich is famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture & the annual Oktoberfest Beer celebration.
Munich’s various quirks, the things that make the city the place it is, might be what stick in the memory most. Whether it be the inebriated oompah band, that special knife for eating monster radishes, the Bavarians outrageous dialect, the mad hat traditions of the Oktoberfest or the surfers on the Eisbach wave - you are sure to discover some freakish aspect of Munich life every day. And then there is the local garb - nowhere else in central Europe do the locals don their traditional costume - the famous Lederhosen & Dirndl - as readily as the Munchners, so why not join them?
Munich's cultural scene is second to none in Germany, with the Museums even considered by some to outrank Berlin in quality & many travelers to Munich are absolutely stunned by the quality of the architecture. If you are looking for Alpine cliches, they are all here, but the Bavarian Metropolis has many an unexpected card down its Dirndl.
Beer has been part of Munich life for at least 7 centuries & the brewing tradition is very much alive & kicking today. Nowhere else in Europe has a beer tradition quite like the Bavarian Capital with 6 mammoth Breweries pumping out world-class suds to hundreds of Beer Gardens & Beer Halls. The city has several of the largest Breweries in Germany. And the climax to the Munich beer year is, of course, the famous Oktoberfest, attended by over 6 million people. Germany’s ‘purity law’ guarantees there is nothing in your Mass (1L tankard) that shouldn’t be, so if you can lift the thing - ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!)
Munich’s walkable centre retains a small-town air but holds some world-class sights, especially Art Galleries & Museums. Throw in royal Bavarian heritage, an entire suburb of Olympic legacy & a kitbag of dark tourism & it is clear why southern Germany’s Metropolis is such a favourite among those who seek out the past but like to hit the town once they are done.
Munich gets cosy when autumn arrives: people get together in traditional Taverns to enjoy a hearty meal, or for a walk in the Park. A few even cycle to work in traditional dress. Before there is time to start missing summer, people are already making plans to go mushroom picking together, hit the Museums on a Sunday, or spend all day in a snug cafe. Autumn is also the perfect time to organise a city trip: it is sunny but no longer hot, the city is lively but not packed - & if you head into the mountains, with a bit of luck you might even find some solitude.
You would also be visiting Nuremberg, the 2nd largest city in Bavaria after its Capital Munich, is a place where there is plenty to experience & even more to see. The location of the city made it an important commercial hub from the Middle Ages onwards & this rich heritage can still be seen & felt today.
An energetic place where the nightlife is intense & the Beer is as dark as coffee, it is Bavaria’s biggest draw, alive with visitors year-round, but especially during the spectacular Christmas Market.
For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared Capital of the Holy Roman Empire & the preferred residence of most German Kings. Rich & stuffed with architectural wonders, it was also a magnet for famous Artists, though the most famous of all, Albrecht Durer, was actually born here. ‘Nuremberg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon & stars,’ gushed Martin Luther. By the 19th century, the city had become a powerhouse in Germany’s Industrial Revolution.
The Nazis saw a perfect stage for their activities in working class Nuremberg. It was here that the fanatical party rallies were held, the boycott of Jewish businesses began & the infamous Nuremberg Laws outlawing German citizenship for Jewish people were enacted. On 2 January 1945, Allied bombers reduced the city to rubble, killing 6000 people in the process.
After WWII the city was chosen as the site of the War Crimes Tribunal, now known as the Nuremberg Trials. Later, the painstaking reconstruction - using the original stone - of almost all the city’s main buildings, including the Castle & ancient Churches in the Altstadt, returned the city to some of its former grandeur. Nuremberg's historical center quickly with its quaint character & picture postcard worthy scenery, enthralls visitors.
During the last months of the year, Germany is extra popular because of its Christkindlmarkt. Christmas atmosphere here is different from most other countries in the world. The Germans simply love to celebrate Christmas & this is represented by all the decorations of all the streets, houses & shopping-centers.
Across the western world, dozens of German-themed Markets open in late November, ready to kick-start the holiday season. But just as a British Pub cannot be replicated abroad, so is the others’ version of the German Christmas Markets rather ersatz. Nothing beats the real thing, & happily, a dose of Gemutlichkeit (winter cheer) is only a flight away. Whether you are looking for a romantic Christmas Market Getaway in a village or a vibrant full-blown festivity across a city, Deutschland has it all.
There are hundreds of Christmas Markets all over Germany but 3 of the biggest are located in Berlin, Cologne & Munich. Guests can, of course, pay a visit to more than one & double the amount of festivities, mulled wine & unique Christmas gifts.
You will be spoilt for choice, but one thing you can be certain of, on this journey, is an unforgettable experience when visiting some of the best Christmas Markets on offer. The towns & cities along the Rhine & Moselle Valleys provide an idyllic setting for a romantic Christmas Market break. Beautifully decorated stalls offer handicrafts & gifts, festive baked treats, gluhwein & delicious regional specialities. All the while, Choirs & Brass Bands provide festive musical accompaniment, celebrating seasonal customs & traditions in delightful historical settings.
Every stall on a Christmas Market here is brimming with traditional & handmade goods for sale. However, these European Christmas Markets aren't just about unique gifts. In Berlin, you can ride on one of the longest toboggan runs in Europe while in Munich you can enjoy a Christmas Concert given from the Town Hall's balcony. Cologne's main Min arkets are themed & visitors are enticed across the city by stilted street performers.
The region’s beautiful cities captivate visitors with their rich history, labyrinthine old quarters, medieval Market Squares & striking Cathedrals. Buildings steeped in history are illuminated by thousands upon thousands of fairy lights, while the aromas of mulled wine out of the local Vineyards & cinnamon permeate the air at traditional Christmas Markets.
In any German Christmas Market, it is impossible to resist the sweet smell of gingerbread & the smoke from grilled sausages. So, on this journey, make sure to sample as many of the local delicacies as possible. If you are looking for some unique Christmas gifts to take home, take a look at the traditional authentic souvenirs.
On this Break, you will get to brief glimpse of a few famous Christkindlmarkt. in Munich & Nuremberg. These cities can be especially appealing as the festive season approaches, as both cities hold a month-long Christmas Fair where unique gifts of traditional local arts & crafts are on sale & delightful local delicacies can be sampled.
Germans don't do anything by half, so expect an incredible atmosphere mixed with more unique & authentic stalls than you could ever hope to see in just one visit. Spectacular & surreal. A unique experience is just the beginning. Take the plunge now & yep….Germany is waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.
Come…be inspired & discover the World with us
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond |
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Day | Date |
City |
Transfers | Sightseeing |
27 November – 22 December |
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01 | 00 | 0 |
Munich |
✈ 🚗 Arrive | Free (balance of the day) |
02 | 00 | 0 |
Munich |
AM | PM v Hop On Hop Off Munich + Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz | Free |
03 | 00 | 0 |
Munich |
AM 🚅 Transfer + Christkindlmarkt at Nuremberg |
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|
PM 🚅 Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
04 | 00 | 0 |
Munich |
Depart 🚗 ✈ |
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||
|
|
|
*This City Break can be offered at any time of the year, minus the Christmas Markets, of course.
Enchanting Deutschland…yours to discover
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond
Munich * Nuremberg * Munich
Day 01 - | Arrive ✈ Munich at????
There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!
And prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats & temptations in Germany which has always marched to a different drummer - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, polka dancing, Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut & drinking beer like no others. Experience Deutschland's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic Palaces & half-timbered towns. It is Europe at its most exotic.
‘Why visit Munich as a tourist?’. But it is also home to the most impressive skyline in Germany as well as world-renowned Museums & Galleries, historical Cathedrals & stunning views. So, come……experience Munich with us…
Willkommen to Deutschland. Arrive in Munich, the Capital of Bavaria, a city with its tall Tankards, high-tech cars, edgy art, Lederhosen & where traditional & modern sit side by side like few places on earth.
After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel.
If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer. Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.
Reach the hotel & Check-in.
*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.
Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Teutonic Treasure Trove | Gastro Delights | Bizarre Bavaria
Munich has long been known as the ‘city of art & beer’, so before you head off to the Pub, take some time to savour the local art scene at Kunstareal, the city’s art quarter, with 4 major venues displaying everything from Dutch masters to 1960s design. The city also boasts some world-class Museums focusing on topics as diverse as Oktoberfest, Porcelain & BMW cars. And if that weren't enough, there are still royal Palaces to explore - the legacy of 700 years of rule by a single family, the Wittelsbachs.
The locals have a favourite word - Gemutlichkeit - that untranslatable intermingling of cosiness, well-being & laid-back attitude. In Munich, you will sense it most under the fairy lights of a summer Beer Garden, people-watching in the English Garden & behind the wheel of a BMW heading south. It may be just the local character, but a large share of Gemutlichkeit must come from the fact that the Bavarian Capital is one of the most affluent cities on the planet, it’s economy larger than most small countries, its infrastructure well-tended.
The natural habitat of well-heeled power dressers & Lederhosen-clad thigh-slappers, Mediterranean-style street cafes & Mitteleuropa Beer Halls, highbrow art & high-tech industry, Germany’s unofficial southern Capital, Munich is famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture & the annual Oktoberfest Beer celebration.
Munich’s various quirks, the things that make the city the place it is, might be what stick in the memory most. Whether it be the inebriated oompah band, that special knife for eating monster radishes, the Bavarians outrageous dialect, the mad hat traditions of the Oktoberfest or the surfers on the Eisbach wave - you are sure to discover some freakish aspect of Munich life every day. And then there is the local garb - nowhere else in central Europe do the locals don their traditional costume - the famous Lederhosen & Dirndl - as readily as the Munchners, so why not join them?
Munich's cultural scene is second to none in Germany, with the Museums even considered by some to outrank Berlin in quality & many travelers to Munich are absolutely stunned by the quality of the architecture. If you are looking for Alpine cliches, they are all here, but the Bavarian Metropolis has many an unexpected card down its Dirndl.
Beer has been part of Munich life for at least 7 centuries & the brewing tradition is very much alive & kicking today. Nowhere else in Europe has a beer tradition quite like the Bavarian Capital with 6 mammoth Breweries pumping out world-class suds to hundreds of Beer Gardens & Beer Halls. The city has several of the largest Breweries in Germany. And the climax to the Munich beer year is, of course, the famous Oktoberfest, attended by over 6 million people. Germany’s ‘purity law’ guarantees there is nothing in your Mass (1L tankard) that shouldn’t be, so if you can lift the thing - ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!)
Munich’s walkable centre retains a small-town air but holds some world-class sights, especially Art Galleries & Museums. Throw in royal Bavarian heritage, an entire suburb of Olympic legacy & a kitbag of dark tourism & it is clear why southern Germany’s Metropolis is such a favourite among those who seek out the past but like to hit the town once they are done
Overnight.
Day 02 - | Munich
Morning, proceed to the Pick-up Point on your own to board the Hop On, Hop Off Bus tour. With 16 stops around the whole city, the tour gives you the perfect overview of Munich.
Climb aboard to the upper deck of one of the comfortable open-top double decker buses for a panoramic tour through the fantastic city. Just sit back & enjoy the 1 hour drive from the comfort of your bus (with an audio-guide explaining about the places you pass by). Although the loop takes just about an hour, feel free to disembark & get back on at any of the Stops as your Ticket is valid for the whole day. With buses departing every 20 - 30 minutes all day long, you will have the freedom to experience self-guided sightseeing of Munich on your schedule without worrying about bus availability!
There is plenty to see & do in Germany’s 3rd biggest city, known for its beautiful Parks, many Museums & beautiful centuries-old Palaces. Bavaria’s Capital is especially known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration & its numerous Beer Halls, including the famed Hofbrauhaus, founded in 1589.
The drive will take you around some of the famous landmarks like Marienplatz Square, Viktualienmarkt, National Theatre, Frauenkirche Church & a lot more. *Strictly, suggestions only as you are on your own & free to visit as per preference.
In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz Square in the centre of Munich, contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (Town Hall). It was originally called Schrannenplatz (or Grain Market Square) as it was the main market place in the Middle Ages. The 500 year old building has conserved a medieval look despite several reconstructions over the years. Picturesque Marienplatz has been the city's main Square since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was the centre of Munich's life, used for Markets & Events.
There is always something going on in this world-famous Square – whether it is the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) the city’s Anniversary celebrations, Championship celebrations for FC Bayern or public gatherings for a variety of occasions.
Marienplatz is dominated by Neues (designed by Georg Hauberrisser, who won a competition to design the city’s new Town Hall) & Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) the Neues (new) Rathaus, which covers 9,159 m² (3.5 sq miles) & has over 400 rooms. The façade features grotesque gargoyles, a turret-climbing dragon & the famous elaborate Glockenspiel (cuckoo clock), one of the largest in Europe, in the Tower of the New Town Hall with its 43 bells that chime & a carousel of 32 figures re-enacting stories from the 16th century & the Schafflertanz (or Cooper's dance). at 11.00 am & noon. Between March & October the carillon also takes place at 05.00 pm
At the centre of Marienplatz, there is the 11metre tall Mariensaule (column) of Tegernsee marble, erected by Elector Maximilian I in 1638, on top of which a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Patrona Bavariae, watches over the city & state of Bavaria. The Column was meant to symbolise his gratitude for keeping Munich safe & in celebration of the end of the 30 Years Swedish occupation. It is also a central point for Catholics as a total of 3 Popes have visited the Column: Pius VI in 1782, Johannes Paul II in 1980 & Benedict XVI in 2006. It is a popular meeting place, the start of the pedestrian zone & the starting point from which distances from other locations in the city are measured.
A short walk away, stands another architectural icon - the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) biggest Church in the city with its distinctive twin green-domed Towers, considered a symbol of the Bavarian Capital city.
Built on top of a Romanesque Church that dated back to the 12th century, the enormous Gothic-style Cathedral was completed in 1488, with the Domes crowning its Towers, in 1525. Badly damaged by airstrikes in World War II, it has been gradually restored with several original stained-glass windows, a collection of 14th & 18th century artwork & now serves the seat of Archdiocese of Munich & Freising.
Just around the corner is the colorful, historical farmer’s market – Viktualienmarkt. located in the heart of the historic Altstadt. It is an enormous food market where more than 140 vendors sell all sorts of culinary products from their sprawling stalls, from fresh ingredients to hot snacks like the famous wurst, or sausages, homemade soup, pretzel, fresh falafel to fresh fruit & vegetables, colourful flowers, artisan cheese, meat, fish, spices & much more.
When Marienplatz, the city's former Grain Market, became too small to act as Munich's main marketplace, King Maximilian I ordered it to be moved to a new & bigger location in the Square between Heiliggeist-Kirche & Frauenstrasse. The traditional maypole, a historic way to inform illiterate visitors of the city's trades & crafts, is a popular meeting place, here.
Another iconic landmark synonymous with Munich is the legendary Hofbrauhaus Brewery which features one of the most famous & popular Beer Hall in the world. According to legend, Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria & a member of the Wittelsbach ruling family, found the beer in Munich so bad that he commissioned his own state Brewery & Staatliches Hofbrauhaus was thus born. In 1589, it evolved in the Hofbrauhaus that we know & love today. And, after centuries of producing beer for the Royals, in 1828, the Hofbrauhaus was opened to the public by King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
The Brewery's immense Beer Halls quickly became the centre of public & political life in Munich, counting famous names such as Mozart & Lenin amongst its regular customers. The Brewery's significant role as a meeting place for political figures led to it witnessing a number of important historic events. In 1919 the Munich Communist Government established their headquarters in the Hofbrauhaus & in 1920 the Festsaal saw the first meeting of Hitler & the National Socialist Party.
Having been almost completely destroyed by World War II bombings in 1945, it underwent over a decade of restoration work, finally reopening in 1958. Today, more than 35,000 people visit Hofbrauhaus, making it one of Munich's main tourist attractions, especially during the annual celebration of Oktoberfest. Its fascinating history, elaborate traditional decor & of course - diverse & delicious beers still brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law make it a must-do experience during your visit.
For automobile aficionados, visiting the BMW Group Plant offers an interactive experience in all areas of automotive production of the brand's vehicles, from design to assembly. The 2 hour ‘guided’ tour of different sections of the factory, shows how different BMW Group vehicles are made throughout their engineering production processes.
Then, there is Schloss Nymphenburg, in the center of the city, the baroque summer Palace of the Bavarian monarchs of the House of Wittelsbach, sprawling over large 200 hectares of elegant Gardens, with long green lawns, water features, a Lake, a Canal & home to a number of Pavilions (or mini Palaces). It used to be outside the city limits but now the Palace is in the northwestern part of the city. Germany’s largest city Palace contains 10 courtyards & offers 130 rooms for display. The Munich Residence served as the seat of government & residence of the Bavarian Dukes, Electors & Kings from 1508 to 1918. “Mad” King Ludwig II (who built the Neuschwanstein Castle, most famous icon of Germany) was born there.
Inside the Palace, the exquisite decoration & furnishings of the era have been well preserved & visitors can admire a Rococo-style Ballroom, the Queen's Bedroom complete with original sleigh bed on which Ludwig II was born & the Schonheitengalerie, home to a collection of portraits of beautiful women admired by Ludwig I. The Palace also has Marstallmuseum (or "Museum in the former Royal Stables"), home to an extensive exhibition of extravagant royal coaches, one of the world's most extensive Collection. Upstairs on the 1st floor, there is also one of the world's largest Collection of Porcelain.
And now, on to the Christkindlmarkt in Muenchen..
Ever since the 15th century, the festive time prior to Christmas - December - has been accompanied by a delightful Christmas Market. For visitors, it is the perfect month to experience centuries-old Christmas traditions that are still alive today.
Historically, Advent is meant to be a period of time for preparing for the Christmas religious holiday that runs from the start of December until Christmas Eve. Nowadays, it is a time to get together with friends & family - Deutsche Gemutlichkeit (German coziness or hygge). Candles are lit, Christmas decorations set up & homes fill with the smell of cinnamon & freshly baked cookies.
You can start feeling the Advent atmosphere in mid-November; people start spending more time inside, slowly enveloping themselves & their homes in wintery magic. Families & friends get together to sing Christmas songs, for baking sessions, for dinner or just simply spend time with each other - things there was not enough time for throughout the busy year. Life slows down & the whole country dives into the holiday anticipation mood. Travelling to Germany in December is a great way to see the country in a festive mood & experience a fairy-tale like atmosphere.
At the end of November, weekly Farmers Markets in most German cities, start selling “Adventskranz” - a wreath traditionally made of evergreens & topped with 4 candles. Lots of families create the wreath themselves. More modern wreaths bought at department stores or small design shops are designed to last years.
The culinary offerings of the Middle Ages are not neglected either. Every Bakery decorates & sells Christmas cookies - Gingerbread, Lebkuchen & Weihnachstgeback & a great gift to bring home. Another great sweet treat is a Weihnachtsstollen - a cake-like sweet bread with raisins, dried apricots, marzipan & nuts covered in a cloud of sugar powder. Hot drinks like Drachenglut (dragon's embers) & spiced wine are prepared according to traditional recipes.
Munich features a whole series of lovingly designed Christkindlmarkt all over the city with beautiful decorations.
They even organise a Christmas Market at Munich Airport. Amidst a Christmas-decorated fir forest around a large ice rink, visitors from near & far can enjoy a wide range of culinary delights & lots of good vibes every day from 11.00 am to 09.00 pm, accompanied by great musical entertainment - the right music style for every taste. On the covered outdoor area, passengers & visitors can enjoy the Christmas Market extensively - even in bad weather.
The original & biggest Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz (main Square) in the Altstadt, with its roots in the 14th century is considered the original among Munich's multiple Markets. Against the romantic backdrop of the neo-Gothic Town Hall, dozens of lovingly designed wooden huts bring the Middle Age back to life as Merchants in historical garb offer their goods for sale, enchanting guests with old Bavarian charm.
This is not only the home of living customs & old crafts but also of what is probably Germany's largest Nativity scene market. Vendors with goods from all over the world offer everything needed for real Nativity scenes from Tyrol & Peru, extravagant Christmas tree baubles, hand-drawn candles, scented oils, ceramics, jewellery, Indian handicrafts, wooden toys, lantern for the stable to the gifts of the Magi & much more. The first independent Nativity market was held in Munich as early as 1757.
The heavenly workshop Himmelwerkstatt for children aged 6 - 12 is a little paradise for young craftspeople - crafting fun for free is the name of the game here. Every day, live Bavarian Stubenmusik (traditional folk music), Brass Bands & Choirs set the mood for the Advent season from the Town Hall balcony. And as befits a Bavarian village, the Handicraft workshops play a distinctive role. Artisans demonstrate ancient crafts & Goldsmiths, Fur Tanners & Glassblowers allow you a glimpse over their shoulders while they work.
The Viktualienmarkt in Marienplatz stands for a fresh variety & a close-up experience of the Munich way of life. During the Christmas season, the popular Market exudes a special charm - many tasty treats invite you to nibble. In addition, guests are welcomed with Christmas lights, Advent magic & mulled wine. A must-see is the Nativity scene in the Beer Garden, which beautifully mirrors the Market activities.
Spend the time exploring, combining first-class shopping, traditional Bavarian food & stop-overs for a cup of mulled wine & sweet treats. Visitors who are interested in more in-depth history of this Christkindlmarkt, can book a guided tour.
Return to the hotel (on your own) whenever you want.
Overnight. B
Day 03 - | Munich 🚅 Nuremberg 🚅 Munich DB ICE 882 07.17 am - 08.28 am
Morning, proceed to Munchen Hauptbahnhof & proceed (on your own) to board the train for Nuremberg. *Transfer not included. Optional. Supplement, if required.
Arrive at Nurnberg Hauptbahnhof (main Station) & proceed to explore the city & its famous Christmas Market. *Transfer not included. Optional. Supplement, if required
Nuremberg, the 2nd largest city in Bavaria after its Capital Munich, is a place where there is plenty to experience & even more to see. The location of the city made it an important commercial hub from the Middle Ages onwards & this rich heritage can still be seen & felt today.
An energetic place where the nightlife is intense & the Beer is as dark as coffee, it is Bavaria’s biggest draw, alive with visitors year-round, but especially during the spectacular Christmas Market.
For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared Capital of the Holy Roman Empire & the preferred residence of most German Kings. Rich & stuffed with architectural wonders, it was also a magnet for famous Artists, though the most famous of all, Albrecht Durer, was actually born here. ‘Nuremberg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon & stars,’ gushed Martin Luther. By the 19th century, the city had become a powerhouse in Germany’s Industrial Revolution.
The Nazis saw a perfect stage for their activities in working class Nuremberg. It was here that the fanatical party rallies were held, the boycott of Jewish businesses began & the infamous Nuremberg Laws outlawing German citizenship for Jewish people were enacted. On 2 January 1945, Allied bombers reduced the city to rubble, killing 6000 people in the process.
After WWII the city was chosen as the site of the War Crimes Tribunal, now known as the Nuremberg Trials. Later, the painstaking reconstruction - using the original stone - of almost all the city’s main buildings, including the Castle & ancient Churches in the Altstadt, returned the city to some of its former grandeur.
Nuremberg's historical center quickly with its quaint character & picture postcard worthy scenery, enthralls visitors.
Some of the landmarks are as follows. *Strictly, suggestions only as you are on your own & free to visit as per preference.
Dominating the city skyline, is the Kaiserburg. During the time of the Holy Roman Empire, the Castle was occasionally home to each of the Emperor & in the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important royal Palaces. The sights here include the new Castle Museum, the Palace with the Emperor’s living quarters, the Romanesque Double Chapel, the Deep Well & the Sinwell Tower. The neighbouring small Garden is a must-see too, a welcome contrast to the hustle & bustle of the city & very popular with residents too.
The Albrecht-Durer Haus is one of the most famous Museum & Exhibition in Nuremberg. Between 1509 - 1528, it was Albrecht Durer’s home & workplace. Today, the building is both a Memorial & a Museum. The rooms feature period furnishings & visitors can see a demonstration of the printing procedure used in Durer’s lifetime in one of the bedrooms. The top floor meanwhile, showcases copies of the Artist’s works & also a variety of temporary Exhibitions featuring original works from others.
Even today, the former Reichsparteitagsgelande (Nazi Party Rally Grounds) in the south of the city is still home to gigantic ruins representing the Nazi regime’s deluded notion of grandeur. The 11 km² Complex was where the Nazi Party orchestrated its propaganda campaign. The Documentation Centre is located in the north wing of the Kongresshalle, which was designed by the Nazis to hold 50 000 people & was never completed. The permanent “Faszination und Gewalt” (“Fascination & Terror”) Exhibition housed in the 1300 m² venue, chronicles the causes, relationships & consequences of the Nazi dictatorship.
The Friedhof St. Johannis is one of Europe’s most important Cemeteries, as a number of famous personalities, such as Albrecht Durer & Veith Stoss, are buried here. A very beautiful place, it is also known as the “Cemetery of Roses” as a result of the many roses that grow on the site. The Cemetery was commissioned as a result of the advanced Council order that no longer permitted burials to be performed within the city walls. A new Cemetery therefore had to be built in the surrounding area for the northern part of the city.
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is one of the largest Museums of German Art & Culture in the world. The Exhibitions take you on an exciting journey through time, showcasing hand axes from the Stone Age, the Ezelsdorf Golden Cone, medieval sculptures, the oldest Globe in the world, Paintings by Albrecht Durer, baroque masterpieces & contemporary Art. Other rooms feature Textiles, Clothes, Jewellery, stained Glass, Handicraft, Furniture & much more. The GNM is also home to the largest Library of German culture, with more than 650,000 books.
Nuremberg’s oldest town Church St. Sebald located underneath the Imperial Castle, dates back to approx. the year 1215. Destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed in 1957. The Church contains important works of Art such as the imposing 4.17 meter high Tomb of Nuremberg's patron saint Sebaldus whose bones are presumed to rest here, built by the artist Peter Vischer. The famous Nuremberg Painter Albrecht Durer was baptized & got married there.
So many more places worth a visit but let us talk about Christkindlesmarkt, the most famous Christmas Market in Germany with its history of almost 400 years, that attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.
Truly, one of the most unique things that sets the Nuremberg Christmas Market, with its wooden stalls adorned with red & white striped cloths, apart from others in the country is the Nuremberg Christkind - a symbol of the Market & Christmas itself. Whereas in North America, we tell kids that a fat, jolly red man is bringing the gifts, here – the kids are told the gifts are brought by a pretty little, blonde Angel with ringlet curls.
The Market is opened each year by the Christmas Angel or "Christkind," & young Nuremberg women apply to be considered for this voluntary 2 year post. Not to be missed is the famous Nuremberg Christmas Angel’s famous opening prologue at 5.30 pm on the Friday before the first advent! that essentially kicks off the Christmas season. Throngs of visitors & locals gather in Hauptmarkt (main market Square) beneath the Frauenkirche, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the Christkind. A playful Children’s Christmas Market on the Hans-Sachs-Platz further lightens proceedings. There is trumpets, a little children’s Choir & everything.
Christmas Angel isn’t just some mythical Angel that exists in literature - she is a Real Person elected every 2 years to basically be the Ambassador of Christmas.
Applicants must be young women aged 16-19 who are above 160cm tall & must either be Nuremberg born or have been living there for a long time. The official site even stipulates she shouldn’t be afraid of heights (no idea why, which is… interesting). Of all the girls who apply, 12 are shortlisted & their photos are published in the newspaper & online. The top 6 who get the most votes are then interviewed by a Jury on things like their knowledge of Nuremberg & then 1 Christkind is selected for the next 2 years.
Although there are several contenders for the title of Germany’s most famous Christmas Market, the Christkindlesmarkt in the medieval city of Nuremberg can stake a pretty strong claim.
Dating back to 1628, it epitomises all we have come to associate with the more tasteful Teutonic take on the festive season. The main Market, held in Hauptmarkt (the city’s largest Square), positively hums with visitors enjoying the colours, sounds & quality of the handcrafted goods - toys, treats, ornaments, gifts & more on sale (mass-produced goods are strictly verboten), while beating off the cold with glasses (or small boots) filled with Gluhwein & munching on spicy grilled sausages & Nuremberg gingerbread. Another speciality is the little men made out of dried prunes.
The picturesque surroundings, the variety of culinary delights & the traditional programme of events make the Christkindlesmarkt a very special attraction. In any German Christkindlesmarkt, it is impossible to resist the sweet smell of gingerbread & the smoke from grilled sausages. Wherever you are in the country, make sure to sample as many of the local delicacies as possible.
And finally, it is time to go home, to Munich.
In time, proceed (on your own) to Nurnberg Hauptbahnhof to board the Train for Munich. *Transfer not included. Optional. Supplement, if required.
Arrive at Munchen Hauptbahnhof & proceed (on your own) to the hotel. *Transfer not included. Optional. Supplement, if required.
Overnight. B
Day 04 - | Depart ✈ Munich at????
Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out).
Germany is full of wonderful culture that just wants to be discovered. There is something for everyone in this ancient country’s most diverse selection of towns & cities and its top Museums & other cultural institutions. Munich is the cultural, economic & political Capital of Bavaria. Best known for Oktoberfest, Munich is much more than that.
You will encounter history in towns where streets were laid out long before Columbus set sail & in Castles that loom above prim, half-timbered villages where flower boxes billow with crimson geraniums. The great cities – Berlin, Munich & Hamburg among them - come in more flavours than a jar of jelly beans but will all wow you with a cultural kaleidoscope that spans the arc from Art Museums & high-brow Opera to naughty Cabaret & underground Clubs. And wherever you go, Romanesque, Gothic & Baroque classics rub rafters with architectural creations from modern masters such as Daniel Libeskind, David Chipperfield & Frank Gehry.
With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste in Munich & beyond, spending 3 days here is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.
So, you see, you have much more to discover if you come to enchanting Germany ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list” – Susan Sontag
In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, for your onward journey. B
*** End of Services ***
Enchanting Germany… prepare to be charmed
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond
- Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport by private A/c vehicle *
- Services of an English speaking Journeys Rep for assistance on Arrival / Departure Transfers
- Accommodation for a total of 3 nights in the selected Hotels
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
Services of English speaking local Guides for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*Entrance Fees at the Monuments, wherever applicable- Day Ticket for Hop Off, Hop On Bus tour (with audio guide) in Munich *
- Train Tickets in 2nd Class Munich 🚅 Nuremberg 🚅 Munich, with Reservation
- All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
- City Tax to be paid at the Hotel
- 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
- International Airfare
- Visa or Visa Fee for Germany (Canadian & US Citizens do not require a Visa)
- Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
- Transfers from / to Hotels to / from Train Stations
- Entrance Fees, wherever applicable
- Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
- Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax, Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
- Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Any optional Programs / Services
- Any items not specified under Inclusions
*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 people, arriving Any Day between 27 November – 22 December 2024. There may be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private Tours & Transfers with English speaking Guide can be arranged with a supplement cost.
** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some places you will see from inside, some from outside only. Some Monuments / places may require additional Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.
*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary or sightseeing if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.
****Special Conditions, if any, related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.
Enchanting Germany-prepare to be charmed
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond
Where you will stay:
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond |
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City |
Nights |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
Munich |
3 |
N A |
Maritim Munich |
N A |
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3 |
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The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service & cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with 2 Beds & private facilities, unless you have specifically requested & paid for an Upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.
Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 11:00 am or before. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the Hotel can check you in earlier or let you stay later.
Simply discover Germany & be back again
Christkindlmarkt - Munich & Beyond
And last but not least:
Departures:
Arrival in Munich on Any Day (minimum 2 guests)
Validity:
27 November to 22 December 2024
*This City Break can be offered at any time of the year, minus the Christmas Markets, of course.
Prices:
We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.
Exchange rates fluctuate with great frequency. As Rates are very fluid currently due to a host of reasons, there may be a slight change in the Pricing. Your personalised Proposal will depict the applicable Price.
Christmas Markets - Munich & Beyond |
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Price Per Person - C $ |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
Occupancy |
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Double |
Not Applicable |
1397.00 |
On Request |
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Supplements |
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Single Occupancy |
Not Applicable |
371.00 |
On Request |
Transfers |
Not Applicable |
On Request |
On Request |
Airfare – International* |
Not Applicable |
1200 - 1800.00 |
1200 - 1800.00 |
Miscellaneous |
Not Applicable |
T B A, if required |
T B A, if required |
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*Airfare fluctuates by the minute & the approximate range listed is for illustration only. Actual fare to be advised at the time of Booking.
** Supplements, if applicable, are to be advised at the time of Proposal / Booking.
Some important notes
- Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations. In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
- Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
- The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
- Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
- All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
- Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
- Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices
The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.