Babes in Toyland
Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany
December 3 – 11, 2005
’TIS THE SEASON . . .
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at
your nose . . . .” These opening
lyrics to a popular Christmas carol perfectly set the scene for the
pervading atmosphere of European Christmas Markets. A feast for the
senses, Christmas Markets are an enduring and beloved tradition.
Christmas Markets were usually held around
the town’s principal church in order to attract churchgoers on
their way to and from services. In the midst of grim winters, the townspeople
loved the bright panoply of the market and spent happy hours looking
through the many wares and buying many a gift or sweet. Over time, each
Christmas Market developed its own distinctive character, not only reflecting
local traditions but also unique historic backdrops. And because only
local traders and merchants were allowed to sell products at the Christmas
Market, each town became known for its distinct specialties
The Christmas season is one of the most
picturesque times of the year in Germany and Austria, in towns small
and large. Many regions are snow covered and lit brightly for the holidays.
In Germany, the sweet aroma of “lebkuchen” (gingerbread)
and “stollen” breads wafts through town squares. Hand-carved
wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, festive wreaths, and aromatic
candles line the booths. Heavenly scents of fresh-baked goods, gingerbread,
cinnamon, Nuremberg sausages, and sweet roasted almonds, envelop you
with a sense of warm homey comforts as you stroll by cradling a cup
of hot, spiced wine. Winter festivals include horse and carriage racing,
hot air ballooning, ice-skating and more.
In recent years, the towns and cities
of Germany and Austria have vied with each other to distinguish their
markets from all others, so that many of the traditional Christmas Markets
today offer unique handicrafts and delicacies. Here one can recapture
the innocence and wonder of Christmas past, taking in the rich, consciously
traditional selection of Christmas decorations and gifts.
Escape the American hysteria surrounding
the Holidays—sappy TV Yuletide specials, department store gridlock,
and overpriced high-tech gadgets and war toys. Feel like a kid again
surrounding yourself with classic, old-world Christmas spirit. Be one
of Toto’s “Babes in Toyland!”
ITINERARY
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Depart From Home
Take an overnight flight from your home city departing this evening
and arriving in Munich, Germany, early tomorrow morning.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Arrival in Germany
Most international flights arrive into Munich early this morning. You
will be met at the airport at an agreed upon time (to be determined
later to coordinate with the greatest number of people arriving close
to the same time). If you cannot get here by about 9am, you will need
to arrive in Munich a day early, and we will arrange your hotel stay
and invoice you accordingly.
Our group meets for the first time on
our motorcoach during a 2½ hour journey to Salzburg, Austria.
Once we make brief introductions and discuss the adventure to come,
settle back and enjoy the gorgeous Alpine scenery. Upon arrival, the
remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own.
This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner
at a restaurant near our hotel in central Salzburg. Afterwards we may
sample the small gay scene on the city’s East Bank. (Dinner
included)
Monday, December 5, 2005
Salzburg / Obendorf
After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing
tour of Salzburg, including a visit to Mozart’s House. Take a
funicular up to the Fortress Hohensalzburg, overlooking the city from
its lofty promontory.
In the afternoon we travel a short distance
outside of Salzburg to the quaint country town of Obendorf, where in
1818 parish priest Joseph Moore composed the well-beloved Christmas
carol, “Silent Night.” Upon return to Salzburg, the evening
is free to enjoy the city’s many Christmas markets, perhaps at
the Residence Square, in front of the Palace Mirabell, or at Castle
Hellbrunn. Of course, you will want to sample some the most famous sweets
made in Salzburg, the Mozartkugeln. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Wies / Fussen / Kempten
After breakfast we depart Austria and head back into Germany. Our first
stop in German Bavaria is Wieskirch, a gorgeous baroque church in the
middle of an alpine meadow. Continue on to Fussen, location of two of
Mad King Ludwig’s castles, Hohenschwangau, and the grandly theatrical
Neuschwanstein, overlooking the valley from a mountainside perch. We
will have two hours free time here, so you may have the opportunity
to visit one of these famed sites (weather permitting, however, since
snow may be an impediment).
In late afternoon, arrive in the 2,000-year-old
town of Kempten, Bavaria, located on Iller river. Kempten was originally
a Celtic settlement and then later a thriving Roman colony. This evening,
enjoy the Kempten Christmas Market, in one of the oldest parts of the
city. This is the largest (70 stalls) and perhaps loveliest Christmas
market in all Bavaria. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Rothenberg / Heidelberg
After breakfast travel to Rothenburg, a well-polished gem from the
Middle Ages, and the main tourist destination along Bavaria’s
northern portion of the Romantic Road. It has cobbled lanes lined by
picturesque old houses and is enclosed by towered walls. You will have
free time to explore this charming location.
In late afternoon arrive in Heidelberg, home
to Germany’s oldest university (founded in the 14th Century),
quaint cobblestone streets, intricate Baroque architecture, market squares,
countless outdoor cafes, and picturesque castle ruins (considered to
be the most beautiful and romantic of all German ruins) overlooking
the town.
Tonight revel in the Heidelberg Christmas Market,
which spreads out across five squares in the Old Town center. Attractions
include a large variety of arts & crafts, light projections, nostalgic
merry-go-rounds, and several other highlights, not to mention the original
Heidelberg Christmas Market Glühwein (mulled wine) and regional
food. (Breakfast)
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Heidelberg / Nuremberg
After breakfast take a guided tour of the city, which includes a visit
to the Castle Ruins and the Grosses Fass (great vat), an enormous 18th-century
keg said to be the world’s largest wine barrel. This afternoon
sit back and relax during our 3-hour journey to Nuremberg, a modern
metropolis with many obvious charms, although most famous as the site
of the Nazi War Crimes trials held after World War II.
Upon arrival the remainder of the day is free.
This evening, stroll amidst the stalls and scents of one of Germany’s
loveliest and best-loved seasonal markets, dating back to the early
1600’s and famed for its delicious ginger bread. (Breakfast)
Friday, December 9, 2005
Nuremberg / Munich
This morning take a sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, a modern metropolis
with over a half million people but with the Old World charm of a medieval
city center. Afterwards, return to Munich, arriving in mid-afternoon.
Upon arrival the remainder of the day is free
to stroll through the city’s expansive Christmas markets. Munich
is an amazing place to experience this cultural phenomenon, with nearly
every neighborhood hosting its own market with its own unique traditions.
From exquisite handcrafted Christmas ornaments of wood, blown glass
and ceramics (crafted from traditional and modern designs) to kitchen
utensils, pottery and candles, it should be no problem to find something
unique for that hard-to-shop-for relative. Later (if you haven’t
eaten yourself into a coma), you may want to experience some of Munich’s
gay nightlife. (Breakfast)
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Munich / Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Munich this morning, featuring
the Marienplatz, the heart and soul of the old city, and a visit to
the old Rathaus (Town Hall). The afternoon is at your leisure. This
evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner where we “Babes
in Toyland” say “auf wiedersehn” to Germany in style.
Enjoy another opportunity to sample the city’s gay bars and dance
clubs. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your
return flight home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours provides
one group transfer to the airport, timed to accommodate the most departing
passengers. If you would like to stay a few additional days in Munich
we will be happy to arrange an extension at our group hotel. (Breakfast)
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