Medieval Bohemian Christmas Tour
12 Inspiring Days
- Leisurely 2 and 3 night stays
- Stay in authentic, character style hotels
- Genuinely inclusive, no additional on tour costs
- Guaranteed 'My Time'
- Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
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Small group size - now capped at 28!
Tour Overview
Imagine a truly festive Christmas in the heart of medieval Cesky Krumlov, staying in a beautifully restored 500 year old hotel. Enjoy the romantic Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nurnberg, Prague and Vienna, explore the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace and dine in the Catacombs deep under a cobblestoned town square!
Highlights
- Celebrate Christmas over 3 nights in the Hotel Ruze – a beautifully restored romantic hotel in the heart of medieval Cesky Krumlov
- Savour the fabulous Christmas Markets in Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna and in the grounds of the delightful Schönbrunn Palace at dusk
- Enjoy a traditional Czech Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day Turkey lunch, plus feature dinners in the centuries old Griechenbeisl Inn, Vienna, and deep in the Catacombs under Cesky Krumlov’s historic town square
- Stay 2 nights in the cobble stoned streets of Rothenburg barely 100 metres from perhaps the most romantic of all Christmas Markets and enjoy a Nightwatchman walking tour
- Visit the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the ‘Romantic Road’
- Stay 2 nights in the city of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ Prague, and visit the massive castle
- Stay 2 nights in Vienna and be guided through the staterooms and ‘Hall of Mirrors’ in the Schönbrunn Palace
- Enjoy a private guided tour through the astonishing Melk Abbey and visit Cesky Budejovice
The Medieval Bohemian Christmas Tour is just one of many you can enjoy in Austria, Czech Republic or Germany. Visit each destination page for more information for our other amazing tours!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Frankfurt
Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt:a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifully maintained old buildings. There is so much to see and do in the city centre. Dinner tonight is included in your hotel but first, enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Meals:
D
Hotel:
Maritim Hotel Frankfurt
Day 2: Wurzburg Christmas Markets, ‘My Time’ in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
We arrive into the baroque city of Würzburg, starting point of the Romantic Road, mid morning. You will have plenty of free time in the Altstadt (old town) amongst the Christmas Market stalls before we continue to nearby Rothenburg… one of the finest medieval cities in all of Europe. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the delightful cobblestoned streets, ramparts and turrets of this picture perfect town. A ‘must do’ is a visit to the famous ‘Christmas Shop’ known for its stunning displays. The Christmas Markets set in narrow alleys nearby your hotel, are perhaps the quaintest you will ever see. This evening after dinner, we have included a special treat – a torchlight tour with the Night Watchman through the beautifully preserved ramparts and winding streets.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Tilman Riemenschneider
Day 3: Nürnberg ‘My Time’ and Christmas Markets
Today we visit medieval Nürnberg with its massive stone towers and gates, which was once the setting for enormous Nazi rallies and the War Crimes trials. Nürnberg now boasts extensive pedestrian walkways and the most splendid Christmas Markets in Europe. A truly magical European Christmas atmosphere where local choirs sing and the smell of mulled wine, roasting sausages, chestnuts and sweets fill the air. We return to Rothenburg mid afternoon and the rest of your day is free.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Tilman Riemenschneider
Day 4: ‘My Time’ in Prague
Crossing into the Czech Republic we arrive into Prague early afternoon. The central ‘old town’ is full of romantic, colourful shop fronts built into the historical buildings. Your hotel for the next two nights is excellently located near Wenceslas Square.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel
Day 5: Prague sightseeing, Christmas Markets and ‘My Time’
This morning we have included a local guide for a tour through this fascinating city to the Hradcany – Prague Castle to visit St Vitus Cathedral. Entrances are included. Prague Castle covers over 7 hectares and is the largest ancient castle in the world. We also visit Zlatá Ulièka (the Golden Lane) with its tiny colourful houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls and named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century. The whole afternoon and evening is free to explore the laneways, churches and bridges of this beautiful city. Prague is the city of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ so naturally the best Christmas markets are in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. Time to sip medovina – a warm honey liquor.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel
Day 6: Vienna sightseeing, Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Markets
Driving south we reach the imperial city of Vienna around lunchtime. This afternoon we enjoy a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse lined with the grand monuments and buildings of the once great Hapsburg Empire. We also take a guided tour through the State Apartments and ‘Hall of Mirrors’ in the magnificent Royal summer residence – Schönbrunn Palace. As a special treat, at dusk we enjoy a visit to the picturesque Christmas markets located in the Palace forecourt.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Stefanie
Day 7: ‘My Time’ in Vienna
A completely free day to relax and enjoy this enchanting city of museums and style which boasts so many grand sights from the State Opera House and Hofburg Palace to the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Christmas shopping? Try the excellent Christmas Market outside the Town Hall with its fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. Dinner tonight is a special treat as we have reserved tables at the nearby Griechenbeisl Inn. A ‘mere’ 500 years old this beautifully preserved Inn has been a social gathering point of so many famous historical figures from Beethoven and Schubert to Wagner and Mark Twain (who have autographed the walls!).
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Stefanie
Day 8: Melk Abbey and Cesky Krumlov sightseeing
Joining the Danube at Melk, we take a privately guided tour through the astonishing monastery – an enormous baroque creation with an old library of antique books and a beautifully painted cathedral ceiling. Your lunchtime will be free in the charming village of Melk. Near Linz we turn north over the Danube and soon enter the Czech Republic to reach the perfectly preserved 13th century town of Cesky Krumlov. Originally built as a hamlet around the impressive castle, the wealth from the silver and gold mining, plus a population of Catholic aristocrats seeking refuge during the Reformation, made Cesky Krumlov the most important city in southern Bohemia. This city is an extraordinary time capsule and a fantastic place to spend your Christmas. UNESCO World Heritage listed, we will stay the next three nights in the very heart of the delightful old town. On arrival we have included the services of a local guide to bring to life the history and background of this extraordinary town and castle. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ruze
Day 9: ‘My Time’ in Cesky Krumlov and Cesky Budejovice sightseeing
Your morning is at leisure in Cesky Krumlov. We spend this afternoon with a local guide in nearby Ceske Budejovice (often known as Budweis and famous for Budweiser beer) with its large, ornate town square and old town hall with murals and bronze gargoyles. Traditions are important in the Czech Republic and Christmas Eve is the most important time of Christmas. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink before a five course typical Czech Christmas Dinner. Those interested can attend midnight mass in the massive cathedral right next to the hotel.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ruze
Day 10: Christmas Day – ‘My Time’ in Cesky Krumlov
Your day is free amongst the narrow cobblestoned alleys, winding streets, wooden bridges and quaint lanes. We have included a Turkey lunch and your afternoon is free to relax in the spectacular setting of your hotel, before dinner.
Meals:
B
L
D
Hotel:
Hotel Ruze
Day 11: Salzburg sightseeing and ‘My Time’
We arrive into Salzburg around lunch time, the baroque city of Mozart sitting beneath its enormous Festung (Fortress). After time at leisure for lunch, you will meet your expert local guide for an afternoon walking city tour who will introduce this enchanting city, including several locations used in the film ‘The Sound of Music’. This evening we have included a farewell dinner in your hotel.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Imlauer Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Day 12: To Munich
This morning your tour ends with a transfer to Munich, to arrive around midday. We will make stops at the central railway station, Maritim Hotel and Munich Airport. We recommend that you book flights or trains that depart Munich after 3pm today. For those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours that begin in Luzern or Milan, the good news is, we have arranged complimentary Group transfers on 28 December.
Meals:
B
Incredible Value Inclusions
- All excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Travel in a first class air conditioned touring coach
- 11 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage (1 suitcase pp)
- Welcome drink in Frankfurt
- 21 Meals – Buffet breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L) and 9 evening dinners (D)
- A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
- Tea and coffee with all included dinners
- Local guides as described
- Personal audio system whilst on tour
- Free WiFi at hotels
- End of tour tips to Tour Manager and Driver, tips for local guides
Your Hotels
Maritim Hotel, Frankfurt - 1 Night
This first class hotel is in a superb location near the city centre.
Tilman Riemenschneider, Rothenburg - 2 Nights
This splendid old half timbered hotel is superbly located inside the old medieval walls barely 50 metres from the central market square. The hotel offers restaurants traditionally decorated with original paintings and wooden carvings and rooms with individually painted alpine-inspired furniture, private facilities, cable TV and hair dryers.
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, Prague - 2 Nights
This stylish 4 star hotel is perfectly located in the city centre on the border of the New and Old towns.
Hotel Stefanie, Vienna – 2 Nights
This traditional 4 star hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Vienna near the Danube Canal and within easy reach of the Opera, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the pedestrian mall.
Hotel Ruze, Cesky Krumlov - 3 Nights
In 1584 Vilhelm of RoÏmberk, master of the house of RoÏmberks, knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece – highest order of Prague, invited the Order of Jesuits to Cesky Krumlov. He built a university monastery for them. This has recently been extensively reconstructed preserving the beautiful Renaissance architecture and creating your 70 room hotel – The Ruze. The furniture, rooms and public areas are a delight. Set in the absolute centre of town, the terrace has beautiful views of the Vltava River. Your stay here will be an unforgettable experience.
Imlauer Hotel Pitter, Salzburg - 1 Night
First opened in 1864, this family run, 4 star superior hotel enjoys a central location close to many of the famous landmarks and sights of Salzburg.
Tour Reviews
I enjoyed staying more than one night in each place. Hotels were all very good, nice and central so that when I had 'freetime' I could walk to places. I don't use public transport when away as I don't feel confident using it and some other tours have a high class hotel, but it is miles away from things. Really liked this fact with my Medieval Bohemian Christmas.
Enjoyed everything about my tour!
Denise
Wealth of knowledge of my tour director was excellent! I was most impressed with the driver's knowledge of so many city road - and skilful driving in tight situations.
A most enjoyable and comfortable tour!
Peter
The tour was absolutely fabulous.
Victor, our tour guide was extremely professional, very well organized and dealt with individuals needs accordingly . Nothing was a bother to him. He went out of his way to ensure that everyone on the trip had a very memorable time. A big Thank You goes to Victor.
Judith
