Day 1: Munich – The Gateway to Christmas
Highlights:
Arrival: Meet your bilingual tour director at Munich Airport and board a deluxe motor coach.
Orientation Tour: Visit Marienplatz, where the glimmering Christmas Market awaits. Watch the famous Glockenspiel chime and take in the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Market: Indulge in seasonal treats like roasted almonds, bratwurst, and your first glass of Glühwein.
Evening: Travel to a charming countryside hotel for a warm, hearty dinner and a restful night to recover from your journey.
Night: Munich Vicinity
Day 2: Silent-Night-Chapel & Salzburg – The Song That Changed the World
Highlights:
Oberndorf: Travel to Oberndorf to visit the iconic Silent Night Chapel, where the beloved carol was sung for the first time in 1818. Reflect on its message of peace and hope.
Christmas Market: Enjoy leisure time at the quaint market surrounding the chapel. Pick up unique ornaments or locally crafted gifts.
Salzburg City Tour: A local guide leads you through Salzburg, highlighting Mozart’s birthplace, Mirabell Gardens, and the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening Event: End the day with the unforgettable Salzburg Advent Singing, a moving celebration of Alpine music and Christmas traditions in the grand festival hall.
Night: Salzburg
Day 3: Nuremberg & Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Medieval Magic
Highlights:
Nuremberg: Begin with a visit to the imposing Nuremberg Castle, offering panoramic views of the city. Wander the Christkindlmarkt, renowned for its handmade ornaments, gingerbread, and festive performances.
Leisure Time: Explore the cobblestone streets, shop for traditional crafts, or sip on Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a fiery twist).
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Travel to the fairy-tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you’ll stay in a historic hotel within the medieval town walls. The illuminated market square is the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll.
Night: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Option: Add another night in Munich, Salzburg and/or Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Day 4: Bamberg & Erfurt – A Pilgrim’s Heart
Highlights:
Bamberg: Visit this charming UNESCO-listed city, known for its half-timbered houses and riverside scenery. Explore the world’s largest Nativity Scene exhibition displayed in local churches and markets.
Thuringian Forest: Travel through this scenic region, crossing breathtaking bridges and tunnels, including Germany’s longest road tunnel.
Erfurt: Arrive in Erfurt, where you’ll explore the Dom Cathedral and the historic Merchant’s Bridge, lined with quaint shops and homes. Visit the Augustinian Monastery, where Martin Luther found his spiritual calling before the Reformation.
Night: Erfurt
Day 5: Ore Mountains – The Heart of Christmas Traditions
Highlights:
Annaberg-Buchholz: Dive into the enchanting world of German Christmas traditions. Visit the Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas Market, known for its candle arches, nutcrackers, and wooden pyramids.
Craft Workshop: Tour a local artisan workshop to see how these handcrafted treasures are made, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
Scenic Exploration: Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Ore Mountains, a region deeply tied to the spirit of Christmas.
Night: Ore Mountains
Day 6: Crossing the Ore Mountains to Prague – A Snowy Adventure
Highlights:
Journey: Travel along winding roads through the snow-dusted Ore Mountains, passing idyllic villages that evoke the magic of the season.
Prague Arrival: Arrive in the "Golden City," where the old town’s Christmas Market stretches across the historic square, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
Evening Leisure: Enjoy free time to explore Prague’s festive atmosphere, sample Trdelník (sweet chimney cakes), or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Night: Prague
Day 7: Prague – The Golden City of Light
Highlights:
Guided Tour: Begin with a tour of Prague’s Hradschin Castle District, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Gardens. Walk across Charles Bridge, adorned with statues and lined by street performers.
Astronomical Clock: End your morning at the Old Town Square, where the iconic astronomical clock tells its ancient story every hour.
Afternoon Free Time: Enjoy last-minute shopping, savor Czech Christmas treats like vánočka bread, or simply soak in the festive energy of the markets.
Farewell Dinner: Conclude your journey with a celebratory meal in a historic restaurant, toasting to the adventures and connections made along the way.
Night: Prague
Day 8: Departure – Homeward Bound with the Spirit of Christmas
Transfer to Prague Airport, carrying memories of a pilgrimage filled with faith, adventure, and the enduring magic of Christmas.
Tour Notes
Adventurous Spirit: Explore snow-covered landscapes, medieval castles, and bustling Christmas Markets, all while embracing the joy of the season.
Pilgrimage Elements: Reflect on faith, history, and tradition with stops at sacred sites like the Silent Night Chapel and Martin Luther’s monastery.
Cultural Immersion: Enjoy local cuisines, traditional crafts, and festive performances that bring the Christmas spirit to life.
This Silent Night Pilgrimage weaves together the thrill of exploration, the warmth of tradition, and the spiritual significance of the season. Every moment, from the snow-capped Ore Mountains to the illuminated streets of Prague, is designed to inspire joy and wonder.
Embark on a journey like no other—reserve your place today!