One of the best reasons to travel to well-known and popular destinations in the off-season is to avoid the summer crowds. Globus' European Winter Vacations give you fourteen possibilities - trips to start you dreaming and planning now. 

For all Globus Winter Tours click here

Trip Highlights: This is one of our most popular 8-day Christmas vacations in Germany’s winter wonderland. Enjoy 2-night stays in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. Sightseeing with Local Guides includes Marienplatz in Munich, Mirabell Gardens and Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. A scenic drive through the Bavarian and the Tyrolean Alps takes you to Innsbruck, a quaint medieval city famous for its crystal. In Salzburg, consider an optional excursion to the house of Gruber, the composer of Silent Night, Holy Night. Your hotels are centrally located, with ample time to explore the Christmas markets in all cities.

• MUNICH: Welcome dinner; Christmas market; guided sightseeing, visit Marienplatz

• INNSBRUCK: Christmas market; orientation including the Golden Roof

• SALZBURG: Christmas market; guided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Churchyard, Mozart’s birthplace

• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; one full day at leisure to explore the Christmas markets; farewell dinner

Trip Highlights:  A wonderful 9-day vacation in two famous regions: Bavaria and Alsace. Begin with two nights in Munich, where guided sightseeing includes famous Marienplatz. Next, enjoy two nights in Strasbourg, where a Local Guide takes you through the lovely La Petite France district, and delight in two nights in Nuremberg, well known for children’s toys and gingerbread, and home to Germany’s finest Christmas market. Stops will be made in Ulm to admire the cathedral with the tallest spire in the world (528 ft.), and in Heidelberg to take pictures of the red-walled castle. A highlight is a visit to Rothenburg, hometown of Christmas decorations and world-famous Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village.

Departures & Prices: 2007/2008 Winter Tour Season

• US$ Price Details

• Applicable air fare taxes and fees

• Single room supplement: $499

• Triple room reduction per person: $51

• Extra nights per person in Munich: in single room $156; in twin room $105; in triple room $98

All This Is Included:
MEALS: 7 buffet breakfast (BB); 3 three-course dinners (D), including a Welcome Dinner in Munich

SUPERIOR HOTELS: MUNICH Holiday Inn City Centre (F), STRASBOURG Holiday Inn City Centre (F), NUREMBERG Hilton (SF)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

Call 1-800-942-3301 for Availability, Pricing & Reservations
Just a run down of where the tour will take you - Itinerary
Day 1 Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2Arrival in Munich, Germany
Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 Munich
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Germany’s “secret capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, MARIENPLATZ with the Old and New Town Hall, and the Gothic Frauenkirche. Afternoon to explore the town’s well-known Christmas market at your own pace and try the famous Lebkuchen and Glühwein. Tonight why not sample hearty Bavarian fare in one of Munich’s typical restaurants? (BB)

Day 4 Munich–Strasbourg, France
This morning visit Ulm, which is noted for its CATHEDRAL featuring the tallest spire in the world (528 ft.). Proceed to Strasbourg, seat of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament, and renowned for its Christmas markets. (BB,D)

Day 5 Strasbourg
Sightseeing of Alsace's capital with a Local Guide includes Place Gutenberg, with the statue of the inventor of the printing press; the main square, Place Kléber; the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district; and the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL. Afternoon at leisure. Time to explore the lively Christmas market at your own pace. The most magical time to visit is in the evening when twinkling lights reflecting on handmade glass ornaments beckon you to check out the booths. (BB)

Day 6 Strasbourg–Heidelberg, Germany–Rothenburg–Nuremberg
A short drive takes you to Heidelberg to take pictures of the red-walled castle. Continue to Rothenburg to admire its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes, and 16th-century houses. Childhood memories come to life as you see the countless figurines and Christmas crafts in world-famous KÄTHE WOHLFAHRT’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. Then on to Nuremberg, where you will stay for the next two nights. (BB,D)

Day 7 Nuremberg
This morning enjoy an orientation tour of the “town of children’s toys and gingerbread.” Balance of the day is at leisure to wander around and to enjoy the delightful festive Christmas atmosphere. (BB)

Day 8 Nuremberg–Munich
Travel south to Munich, with time for some last-minute shopping. Tonight is your chance to try out one of the city’s fine restaurants serving holiday specialties. (BB)

Day 9 Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Trip Highlights: Visit Berlin as well as the popular cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. Enjoy 2-night stays in each city, where sightseeing with a Local Guide is included. In Berlin, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church with its bomb-damaged tower and drive by Checkpoint Charlie. Also visit Prague’s Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Budapest’s Matthias Coronation Church, and Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Stop along the way in Dresden, once belonging to the “other part” of Germany, and Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. There’s time to enjoy the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere in each city.

• BERLIN: Welcome dinner; Christmas markets; guided sightseeing including a picture stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

• DRESDEN: Orientation

• PRAGUE: Christmas market; guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

• BRATISLAVA: Lunchtime stop

• BUDAPEST: Christmas market; guided sightseeing, picture stop at Fishermen’s Bastion, visit St. Matthias Coronation Church

• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; one full day at leisure to explore the Christmas markets; farewell dinner

INSIDE VISITS: Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable.

Departures & Prices: 2007/2008 Winter Tour Season

• US$ Price Details

• Applicable air fare taxes and fees

• Single room supplement: $399

• Triple room reduction per person: $29

• Extra nights per person in Berlin:
  in single room $190; in twin room $115; in triple room $105

• Extra nights per person in Vienna:
  in single room $154; in twin room $95; in triple room $90

All This Is Included:
MEALS: 8 buffet breakfasts (BB); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a Welcome Dinner in Berlin and a Farewell Dinner in Vienna

SUPERIOR HOTELS: BERLIN Jolly Vivaldi (SF), PRAGUE Mercure Prague Old Town (F), BUDAPEST Corinthia Aquincum (SF), VIENNA De France (SF)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

Call 1-800-942-3301 for Availability, Pricing & Reservations
Just a run down of where the tour will take you - Itinerary
Day 1  Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Berlin, Germany
Time to rest or to start exploring the capital decked out in traditional German Adventszeit (Advent season) decorations! At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 Berlin
Guided sightseeing in the once-divided metropolis features the elegant Ku-Damm, the restored Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, monumental Brandenburg Gate, and the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park. Admire Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church with its bomb-damaged tower, and drive past the State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. The afternoon is free to explore the Christmas markets, and an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. (BB)

Day 4 Berlin–Dresden–Prague, Czech Republic
South through the area that used to belong to the “other part” of Germany. Stop in Dresden and admire the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera. Be sure to sample some Stollen, the traditional Christmas cake that originated here, and perhaps buy some festive decorations handmade in the nearby Erzgebirge Mountains. Then head for Bohemia and the Czech capital of Prague. (BB,D)

Day 5 Prague
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features 1,000-yearold HRADCANY CASTLE , ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, and stroll through the Christmas market. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)

Day 6Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary
Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the “Battle of Austerlitz.” Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political center of the Slovak Republic. Later, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (BB,D)

Day 7 Budapest
Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See the elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century ST. MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes' Square. Afternoon at leisure. Christmas preparations in Hungary begin on the first Sunday of Advent, when candles are lit and wreaths appear in offices, schools, and homes. See the Christmas market and try the beiglie, a Christmas cookie made of walnuts and regional spices. Tonight why not enjoy a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner? (BB)

Day 8 Budapest–Vienna, Austria
This morning drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along the Ringstrasse, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish Quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. (BB)

Day 9 At Leisure in Vienna
A whole day at leisure gives you an opportunity to discover the various Christmas markets located throughout the city. Hear well-loved Christmas carols and marvel at the local festive decorations! Then join the Viennese in one of their famous coffee houses—don’t forget to savor Sachertorte and watch the jolly crowd. Tonight enjoy an included Farewell Dinner with your traveling companions. (BB,D)

Day 10  Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
 

Trip Highlights: This 10-day air-inclusive Christmas vacation is a bestseller among our Christmas vacations. Enjoy 2-night stays in Munich, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna in centrally located hotels. Sightseeing with Local Guides includes all highlights: visits to Munich’s Marienplatz, Prague’s Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, Budapest’s 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, and Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A stop is made in Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas markets in all cities, and an entire day is at leisure in Vienna at the end of your vacation.

• MUNICH: Welcome dinner; Christmas market; guided sightseeing, visit Marienplatz

• PRAGUE: Christmas market; guided sightseeing, Astronomical clock; visit Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

• BRATISLAVA: Lunch stop

• BUDAPEST: Christmas market; guided sightseeing, picture stop at Fishermen’s Bastion; visit St. Matthias Coronation Church

• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; one full day at leisure to explore the Christmas markets; farewell dinner

INSIDE VISITS: Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable.

Departures & Prices: 2007/2008 Winter Tour Season

• US$ Price Details

• Applicable air fare taxes and fees

• Single room supplement: $349

• Triple room reduction per person: $19

• Extra nights per person in Munich:
  in single room $156; in twin room $105; in triple room $98

• Extra nights per person in Vienna:
  in single room $154; in twin room $95; in triple room $90

* To Be Determined: Air price based on departure city.
Check for tour availability online click here

All This Is Included:
MEALS:  8 buffet breakfasts (BB); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Munich and a farewell dinner in Vienna
QUALITY HOTELS: MUNICH Holiday Inn City Centre (F), PRAGUE Dorint Novotel Don Giovanni (F), BUDAPEST Radisson SAS Beke (SF), VIENNA Hilton Vienna (D)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:  Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements with tour operator.

Call 1-800-942-3301 for Availability, Pricing & Reservations
Just a run down of where the tour will take you - Itinerary
Day 1  Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Munich, Germany
Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 Munich
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in Germany’s “secret capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, MARIENPLATZ with the Old and New Town Hall, and the Gothic Frauenkirche. Afternoon to explore the town’s well-known Christmas market at your own pace and try the famous Lebkuchen and Glühwein. Tonight is your chance to sample hearty Bavarian fare in one of Munich’s lively restaurants; later you may want to tackle a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus. (BB)

Day 4 Munich–Prague, Czech Republic
Today head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” (BB,D)

Day 5 Prague
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards, stroll through the Christmas market. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)

Day 6Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia– Budapest, Hungary
Into Moravia where Napoleon established his headquarters during the “Battle of Austerlitz.” Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. Afterwards follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (BB,D)

Day 7 Budapest
Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century ST. MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Christmas preparations in Hungary begin on the first Sunday of Advent, when candles are lit and wreaths appear in offices, schools, and homes. See the Christmas market and try the beiglie, a Christmas cookie made of walnuts and regional spices. Tonight why not enjoy a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner? (BB)

Day 8 Budapest–Vienna, Austria
Morning drive to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Start your afternoon sightseeing with a Local Guide with vistas of the Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along the Ringtrasse, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish Quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to the wine village of Grinzing is a possibility tonight. (BB)

Day 9 At Leisure in Vienna
A whole day at leisure gives you an opportunity to discover the various Christmas markets located throughout the city. Hear well-loved Christmas carols and marvel at the local festive decorations! Then join the Viennese in one of their famous coffee houses—don’t forget to savor Sachertorte and watch the jolly crowd. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the companions of a week well spent. (BB,D)

Day 10  Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
 

Christmastime Cruise:   Tour WNV -- 10 days incl.air, or 9 days Prague/Vienna

Trip Highlights: On this 10-day cruise, enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere as you spend two nights in Prague before driving to Nuremberg. There you board your luxurious river cruise vessel to sail gently down the Danube to Vienna. Delight in the Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna as Local Guides show you their cities. At the markets, sample Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other regional specialties. PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing; Visit Hradcany Castle NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; Guided sightseeing REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing MELK: Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey VIENNA: Guided sightseeing INSIDE VISITS: Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges when applicable. Departures & Prices: 2007/2008 Winter Tour Season US$ Price Details Applicable air fare taxes and fees Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking. Port charges: $72 ($84 departure 1224) per person. Please call for single accommodation price. Triples are not available. Extra nights per person in Prague: in single room $195, in twin room $110 Extra nights per person in Vienna: in single room $220, in twin room $133 Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside cabin on Indigo Deck. Departure Date Tour Start Return Date Land/Cruise Price 11/29/2007 11/30/2007 12/8/2007 $1,499.00 12/11/2007 12/12/2007 12/20/2007 $1,399.00 11/30/2008 12/1/2008 12/9/2008 $1,699.00 12/12/2008 12/13/2008 12/21/2008 $1,499.00 12/24/2008 12/25/2008 1/2/2009 $1,699.00 * To Be Determined: Air price based on departure city. To upgrade to a higher category (all cabins Twin/Double), add per person: Category Decks Price Price 1224 Departure B Sapphire $385 $449 A Sapphire $428 $499 P Royal Deck $471 $549 Jr. Suite Royal Deck $856 $999 All This Is Included: MEALS: Buffet breakfast (BB) in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board including cocktail reception, welcome dinner, Captain’s dinner, one sitting with open seating arrangements, quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner on board. SUPERIOR HOTELS: PRAGUE Hilton (SF) AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements. Click Here for more information. NOTE Departure WNV(M) 1224 has one extra night in Vienna on board and features a special New Year’s Eve Dinner Six nights deluxe cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna in outside cabin with hotel-style beds Nightly piano music on board Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25 (in Prague markets are open from early December until January 6) In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler Avalon Tranquility is operated by Avalon Waterways Call 1-800-942-3301 for Availability, Pricing & Reservations Just a run down of where the tour will take you - Itinerary Day 1  Board your overnight transatlantic flight. Days 2-3 Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB) Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation) After lunch drive to Nuremberg where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (BB,D) Day 5 Nuremberg Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB,L,D) Day 6 Regensburg Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen) dating back to the 12th century. (FB,L,D) Day 7 Passau-Linz, Austria Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades, and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (FB,L,D) Day 8 Melk-Vienna Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D) Day 9 Vienna Once the center of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and aweinspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (FB,L,D) Day 10 Vienna (Disembarkation) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)    *This tour is also available starting in Vienna and ending in Prague.