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Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe with Germany and France
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Length
9 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Frankfurt
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Ends in
Munich (Germany)
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Available Tour Start Dates
NOV 27, 2027 to DEC 15, 2027
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,499.00
Overview
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on a festive journey through Germany and France. Explore Heidelberg’s romantic castle perched above the Neckar River, wander Strasbourg’s charming "Petite France" district, and experience the glow of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets. Discover the Gothic grandeur of Ulm Minster, visit Ludwigsburg’s Baroque palace, and tour Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. Along the way, savor regional specialties, stroll historic old towns adorned with twinkling lights, and embrace centuries-old traditions. Blending grand architecture, cultural heritage, and joyful seasonal celebrations, this winter escape captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas in Europe.
Visited During Tour
Frankfurt | Heidelberg | Munich (Germany) | Ulm
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Weather
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe with Germany and France tour dates available from Collette. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Collette Tour Code 749-1
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Day
1Overnight Flight
Your journey begins as you step into the magic of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, where medieval castles, twinkling lights, and centuries-old traditions await.
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Day
2Heidelberg, Germany
Arrive in Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most picturesque towns, set along the Neckar River and crowned by a hilltop castle. As arrival times will vary, there is no included sightseeing today. Spend your time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and cocktail reception before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: NH Collection Heidelberg -
Day
3Heidelberg
This morning, discover the storybook charm of Heidelberg on a guided walking tour. Visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle,* offering sweeping views of the river and red-roofed city below, and stroll through the Old Town to learn about local Christmas traditions. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps wander the Christmas markets, browse festive stalls, or enjoy lunch at a cozy café. If available, you may choose to explore the Christmas markets in Schwetzingen independently; they’re known for their intimate atmosphere and seasonal charm.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: NH Collection Heidelberg -
Day
4Heidelberg - Strasbourg, France - Heidelberg
Travel to Strasbourg, where French elegance meets German tradition. Enjoy a Tour Manager-led walk as you leisurely explore the historic Old Quarter, “Petite France,” and admire the magnificent cathedral that anchors the city, followed by free time to soak in the festive atmosphere of one of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas market cities. Later, return to Heidelberg for an evening at leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Maritim Hotel -
Day
5Heidelberg - Ludwigsburg - Ulm
Depart Heidelberg and travel toward Ulm, with a stop along the way to experience the Baroque splendor of Ludwigsburg. Enjoy time exploring the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, where grand architecture provides a dramatic backdrop to festive stalls. Continue onward to Ulm, your home for the next two nights. This evening, join your Tour Manager for a leisurely-paced stroll in the historic center and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Maritim Hotel -
Day
6Ulm
This morning, with a local guide, discover Ulm, a city known for its impressive Gothic cathedral and medieval roots, and the birthplace of Albert Einstein. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Ulm at your own pace, perhaps enjoying seasonal treats at local markets and cafés or visiting “The Einsteins – Museum of an Ulm Family,” which tells the story of the 19th-century Jewish community into which Albert Einstein was born.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel -
Day
7Ulm - Munich
Travel to Munich, Bavaria’s lively capital, with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. Explore its elegant halls with a local guide before continuing to Munich city center. After settling into your hotel, enjoy time on your own or join your Tour Manager to experience Munich’s festive atmosphere, including its Christmas markets.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Eurostars Grand Central Hotel -
Day
8Munich
Today, it’s your choice! You may step into royal history with a visit to the Treasury of the Munich Residence, where centuries of Bavarian splendor are displayed in dazzling crowns and priceless artifacts. Then, wander through the festive courtyards of the Munich Royal Palace Christmas markets, browsing handcrafted treasures and enjoying seasonal local specialties amid twinkling lights and holiday cheer -OR- savor Munich through its flavors on a guided food experience. Discover beloved Bavarian specialties while exploring local markets and traditional eateries. Continue to Marienplatz, the city's vibrant central square, and witness the charming Rathaus-Glockenspiel performance as its colorful figures reenact historic Bavarian events. Enjoy lunch on your own and spend the afternoon discovering Munich at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy dinner featuring regional cuisine.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
9Munich - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by Collette in their Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe with Germany and France tour:
NH Collection Heidelberg
NH Collection Heidelberg
Day 2 to 4
Location: Bergheimer Strasse 91, Heidelberg, Germany
Maritim Hotel
Maritim Hotel
Day 4 to 5
Location: Basteistraße 40, Ulm, 89073, Germany
Eurostars Grand Central Hotel
Eurostars Grand Central Hotel
Day 6 to 7
Location: Arnulf Strasse 35, Munich, 80636, Germany
More Details
Collette is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe with Germany and France tour:
Highlights
- Christmas Markets
- Heidelberg (UNESCO)
- Heidelberg Castle
- “Petite France” of Strasbourg
- Ulm Minster
- Ludwigsburg
- Nymphenburg Palace
- Munich
Must Sees
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
- Discover Strasbourg’s "Petite France" district and cathedral.
- Tour Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty.
Cultural Experiences
- Explore Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River.
- Visit Ludwigsburg Baroque Palace.
- Discover the Gothic splendor of Ulm Minster, home to the tallest church steeple in the world.
Culinary Experiences
- Savor a welcome dinner in Heidelberg.
- Experience a traditional Swabian dinner in Ulm's historic center.
- Celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner featuring Bavarian regional specialties.
Average Monthly Weather
Select a destination related to this tour to view its average monthly temperature and precipitation:
Selected destination:
Temperature
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Precipitation
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The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by Collette and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Collette. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Collette (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.