Imagine yourself embarking on an enchanting Christmas Market journey, where each day is filled with the timeless beauty & rich culture of the heart of Europe. Begin with an extended 7-night stay in Innsbruck, nestled in the breathtaking Tyrolean mountains, & immerse yourself in the charm of fairytale castles & the magical Christmas markets of Austria, Italy, & Germany. Discover Munich & marvel at Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. Wander through Innsbruck, the proud host of the 1964 & 1976 Winter Olympics, & explore scenic Merano. Savor the unique atmosphere of Austrian coffee houses & lose yourself in the "Sound of Music" countryside. Journey through the Austrian & Italian Alps, visit the imperial city of Salzburg & relax in sleepy Tyrolean villages. Experience a traditional Tyrolean dinner & folklore show, & meet the legendary Iceman Ötzi. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while tracing the musical history of Mozart, Beethoven, & Strauss. This unforgettable adventure perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, & festive delight. 

Extended stay in one location—Innsbruck • Breathtaking Tyrolian mountain scenery • Fairytale castles • Wonderful Christmas Markets of Austria, Italy, Germany & Slovakia • Munich • Neuschwanstein Castle – the inspiration for Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom • Innsbruck, home of the 1964 & 1976 Winter Olympics • Merano • Austrian Coffee Houses • The “Sound of Music” countryside • The Austrian & Italian Alps • Imperial Salzburg • Sleepy Tyrolian Villages • Tyrolian Dinner & folklore show • The Iceman Ortz • Fresh mountain air • The musical history of Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss • & much, much more…

About the Christmas markets are a festive wonderland filled with enchanting activities & delightful goods. Stroll through charming stalls adorned with twinkling lights, where you can buy handmade ornaments, unique gifts, & traditional crafts. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, & indulge in seasonal treats like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, & bratwurst. Enjoy live music, ice skating, & carousels that create a magical atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings & soak up the joyful holiday spirit.

For more information, contact: 

Terry Macary at the Waterbury Regional Chamber 

E-mail: tmacary@waterburychamber.com

Phone: (203) 757-0701 ext. 325 

Please note: Travel insurance can be purchased immediately after you have reserved your trip! Quest Voyager Highly recommends travel insurance, either standard or Cancel For Any Reason. 

Set off on your overnight international flight to Munich. Meals & beverages are served on board.

Upon arrival in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, your Quest Voyager tour director will be waiting to welcome you. A scenic drive along the autobahn & through rolling countryside will take you to Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps. This city, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, welcomes you with historic charm, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains & imperial architecture. After settling into your hotel tonight, you can take a walk to the Old Town to immediately enjoy the charming setting of the Innsbruck Christmas market, which offers traditional Tyrolean crafts and plenty of festive cheer.

After breakfast, your tour of Innsbruck begins. See the Golden Roof, glittering in the heart of the old town, & see the majestic Triumphal Arch & the Hofburg, a palace that once housed Habsburg royalty. Sports enthusiasts will love visiting the Olympic ski jump & marveling at the steep slope. The afternoon is yours to relax, shop for cuckoo clocks, or explore independently. Cap off the day with an evening of Tyrolean folklore, enjoying Austrian dishes as dancers & musicians bring traditions to life. (B,D)

Relax in Innsbruck shopping for Swarovski Crystal or ornate beer steins or take an optional tour to Salzburg. In this storybook city of Salzburg, baroque towers rise against the backdrop of the Alps. Walk with your guide through the historic streets where Mozart once roamed & see the stunning Salzburg Cathedral, a gem of sacred architecture. The hills will come alive with the “Sound of Music,” as you visit many sites from the movie with Julie Andrews. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore, perhaps visiting the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress to experience the world's oldest Christmas market, famous for its traditional atmosphere. (B)

Dive into Bavarian life with a trip to Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, storied beer halls, & the home of BMW. Here, you'll see the Neo-Gothic town hall, with its engaging Glockenspiel show that chimes & reenacts stories from the 16th century. See the Marienplatz, Munich Cathedral, & the vast expanse of the Olympic Park. Then, enjoy some free time to taste hearty beer, clink beer steins, & soak in the joyful atmosphere of the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. Alternatively, you could stay in the Marienplatz & experience its Christmas market, featuring a gigantic Christmas tree, & a wide range of Bavarian crafts & foods. Enjoy dinner at the hotel (B,D)

Today, enjoy Innsbruck's charm, stroll through the old town with its medieval architecture, relax in a Viennese coffee shop, or head into Italy on an optional tour to Merano & Bolzano. As you leave Innsbruck, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Austrian, Italian, & Swiss Alps. Then, head to Resia Lake for a photo stop. Merano, a spa town renowned for its sunny climate & thermal baths, where you have a walking tour. Then, visit Bolzano, a crossroads of Italian & Austrian cultures, & meet Ötzi, the intriguing 5,300-year-old mummy, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Enjoy some free time afterward visiting Italy's largest Christmas market, in the scenic Piazza Walther. It generally blends Italian & Austrian traditions with local crafts, local food, & a festive atmosphere. (B)

Embark on a fairytale tour to experience the enchanting allure of Neuschwanstein Castle, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Commissioned by Ludwig II as a retreat & homage to Richard Wagner, this fairytale palace captivates with its majestic towers, opulent interiors, & stunning views. Neuschwanstein offers a glimpse into a world of royal fantasy & remarkable beauty. This evening, dine in Innsbruck at local a restaurant. (B,D)

Relax in Innsbruck or venture to the Alpine towns of Mittenwald & Garmisch Partenkirchen. Mittenwald, a picturesque village in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, is renowned for its rich violin-making history. It enchants visitors with its colorful, frescoed buildings, Bavarian culture, & stunning alpine scenery. Onward to Garmisch Partenkirchen, the town offers a glimpse into its Olympic past, & its bustling center showcases the region's culture. Return to Innsbruck for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Wave goodbye to Innsbruck as you head to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Please note: Hotels (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change.   

This program is classified as a level 2 program - A light activity tour. There is easy walking throughout the day. Plan to get on & off the coach/boat, with light walking tours, some stairs & uneven surfaces, through cities & sights such as museums.. All optional Day tours and extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers.