Enchanting Christmas Markets

9-night tour - Germany, Switzerland and France, December 10 - December 18, 2026
Hosted by Shelley Perry

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Thursday, December 10, 2026 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to step into a wonderful world of holiday cheer and experience the incredible Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Day 2: Friday, December 11, 2026 Regensburg, Germany
Welcome to the city of Regensburg in the heart of Bavaria, buzzing with yuletide celebration. This charming old city transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmastime. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and enjoy the holiday spirit all around. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, December 12, 2026 Regensburg
With a local guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. See the Old Stone Bridge, the first stone bridge built over the Danube, and the Porta Praetoria, a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through the Old Town amid the bustling holiday scene
and stop for a tasting of Bavarian staples! The afternoon is yours to explore the Old Town’s Christmas markets* and let the friendly feeling of gemütlichkeit surround you. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. (B)

Day 4: Sunday, December 13, 2026 Regensburg -
Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Freiburg This morning, come along on a journey into the past in the heart of Franconia, in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Step by step, let the magic of Christmases past enchant you while visiting the German Christmas Museum.** It’s a feast for the eyes and ears among the exhibitions dedicated to Christmas traditions with glittering glass balls, Santas, nutcrackers, and Christmas pyramids. Later this afternoon, settle into your hotel in Freiburg, a town situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and your home for the next three nights. Enjoy a cozy dinner at the hotel restaurant. (B, D)

Day 5: Monday, December 14, 2026 Freiburg
This morning, hop on a streetcar*** to Freiburg’s Old Town, where it’s your choice of locally guided tours! Delve into stories of Freiburg’s past on a historic city tour through medieval streets, from iconic sites to hidden corners -OR- discover Freiburg’s heritage of Christmas celebrations on a tour through the historic center. Spend the rest of the day as you please, experiencing the city’s Christmas markets and getting to know the unique blend of culture influenced by neighboring France and Switzerland. (B)

Day 6: Tuesday, December 15, 2026 Freiburg -
Strasbourg, France - Freiburg This morning, travel to Strasbourg where centuries of Roman, French and German influences blend. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Quarter, “Petite France,” featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the magical atmosphere of the “Capital of Christmas.” And later, indulge in famous Alsace cuisine during dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7: Wednesday, December 16, 2026 Freiburg - Colmar - Lucerne, Switzerland
Today, experience the festive fairytale atmosphere of Colmar with dazzling lights, decorations, and jolly markets. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, charming cafés and shops, Colmar is one of those places you’ll remember and long to return, so make the most of this chance! This afternoon, the “City of Lights” waits for you. Nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, Lucerne is yours to explore. (B)

Day 8: Thursday, December 17, 2026 Lucerne
Winter’s chill mixes with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine as you walk and discover the stories of Lucerne’s Old Town with a local guide. This afternoon, enjoy time on your own to discover the Christmas glow in this romantic city, considered a top destination in Switzerland. Later, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne surrounded by the winter landscape. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss cuisine. (B, D)

Day 9: Friday, December 18, 2026 Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your festive journey ends today. (B)

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.

Important Tour Information:

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

Travel with an average of 37 people (maximum of 44).

*Regensburg Old Town will typically have several Christmas markets within
a 30-minute walking distance radius.

**German Christmas Museum is in a historic building, and the rooms and corridors are small and narrow. There are 50 steps to enter the museum with no handrails available. The museum is not suitable for mobility assistance device use.

***The Freiburg streetcar stop is approximately 4 minutes walking distance from your hotel.

Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially when visiting Strasbourg. Your coach will be parked in a designated area requiring a walk on cobblestones while exploring Strasbourg Old Town.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

While on tour, even if there is little or no snow, frost and ice are to be expected. Please make sure you wear suitable footwear.

The journey from Regensburg to Freiburg covers 200 miles/322 kilometers and takes approximately 6.5 hours via coach. This travel time includes a couple of hours spent in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

During the festive season, Colmar town center is closed to cars and coaches so that you can stroll around the town in complete peace and safety. Colmar transport authorities provide shuttle buses to facilitate access to shops and Christmas markets.

Due to annual fluctuations on the opening dates of some Christmas Markets and tour scheduling, if one is unavailable on a specific departure, other regional Christmas Markets may be substituted.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability. Triple rooms are not available.

To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

Our transfers will depart from Munich airport for Regensburg; approximate travel time is 1.5 hours (64 miles/103 kilometers) depending on traffic.

Our transfers will depart Lucerne for Zürich airport; approximate travel time is 1 hour (36 miles/58 kilometers) depending on traffic.

Our air travelers will arrive into Munich, Germany airport and depart from Zürich, Switzerland airport.

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.