1130LH5 - Germany & Austria’s Cathedral & Christmas Markets Pilgrimage 10 days from Buffalo

Today we depart Buffalo International Airport for our overnight flights to Cologne. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft.

Upon arrival in Cologne, we visit one of the best Christmas markets in Germany in the shadow of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. It is just one of the many markets in the city. Stroll the stalls serving up traditional delicacies like mulled wine, reibekuchen (potato fritters) and waffles. Later in the afternoon, we check into our hotel and the evening is free to explore another market, such as the Market of Hearts, the Market of Angels, the Harbor Market at the city’s chocolate museum, or possibly attend an Advent concert. Dinner will be on our own. Overnight at our hotel in Cologne. Meals: B

Today, after breakfast at our hotel, we visit the Cologne Cathedral which dominates the city’s skyline. We celebrate Mass and have time to explore the interior of the cathedral. After our time at the cathedral, we depart for Wiesbaden whose Christmas market is a true German hidden gem. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's elegant architecture, including the Kurhaus and the stunning St. Bonifatius Church. The Christmas market features beautifully adorned stalls offering handmade gifts, warm mulled wine, and an enchanting atmosphere. Late in the afternoon we travel to Frankfurt to arrive at our hotel where we enjoy dinner together. Overnight at our hotel in Frankfurt. Meals: B, D

This morning after breakfast, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town of Frankfurt, highlights being The Karmeliter Cloister, Roemerberg, and Frankfurt Cathedral. Afterward, the day if free to independently explore the city or Christmas market centered at the Roemerberg. Explore more of the charming old town and admire the impressive Christmas tree. Frankfurt is also known for its apple wine (Apfelwein), the regional specialty, to enjoy while enjoying the market's cheerful ambiance. Also, you may choose to visit the Städel Museum, housing a world-class art collection. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight at our hotel in Frankfurt. Meals: B

After breakfast we depart our hotel and attend Mass at the Frankfurt Cathedral before departing for Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairy tale town all year round, but at Christmas, it's especially magical. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of this medieval gem. The market square transforms into a festive spectacle thanks to its Christmas market and its beautifully adorned stalls, and the town's half-timbered houses create a picture-perfect holiday backdrop. Try the local Schneeballen (snowball pastries) and enjoy the festive music and decorations. Late in the afternoon we depart for Nuremburg with an evening free to explore the oldest Christmas market in Germany: the Christkindlesmarkt. Don’t miss the famous Nuremberg gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen) and maybe attend an evening concert or Christmas exhibition. Dinner tonight is on your own. Overnight at our hotel in Nuremberg. Meals: B

This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we celebrate Mass at the Frauenkirche – the Nuremberg Cathedral and then we enjoy a guided tour of city attractions like Nuremburg Castle and the medieval old town, exterior of the Congress Hall and Documentation Center and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials. Soak up German history, sample local delicacies, and snap photos of the medieval and gothic accents that decorate this modern city. After our tour and independent lunch, we depart for Munich, the capital of Bavaria, where we check-in at our hotel and enjoy an included meal together. Overnight at our hotel in Munich. Meals: B, D

Today, after breakfast, the day is yours to explore the multitude of Christmas activities Munich offers: begin at the Münchner Christkindlmarkt, where you can explore and find the charming nativity scene, exquisite Bavarian crafts, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air. Explore the historic Marienplatz and its iconic Glockenspiel. Dinner will be on our own. Overnight at our hotel in Munich. Meals: B

After breakfast at our hotel, we celebrate Sunday Mass then we depart for Salzburg’s (Austria) Christmas market where you will find local folk customs and traditional decorations for the Christmas tree, gifts for big and small, incense to help conjure up a festive atmosphere in your own home, all kinds of delectable treats in the form of Austrian specialties, mulled wine and hot punch. At the Christmas market on Salzburg’s Cathedral Square, you will discover practically every possible Christmas wish. This famous Advent market draws countless visitors every Christmas season and is also very popular with the locals too. The traditional huts and unique atmosphere, along with specially designed lighting that stretches above the market stands create a romantic scene of stars across the night sky. If timing allows, be at Cathedral Square at 4pm for the special welcoming of the Christ Child and the angels. We then check into our hotel to prepare for a very special evening dinner and Advent/Christmas Mozart concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg. Overnight at our hotel in Salzburg. Meals: B, D with Concert.

Today, after breakfast at our hotel, we celebrate Mass of Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception before departing for Vienna, the capital of Austria. Upon arrival, we enjoy a panoramic driving tour of the city before checking into our hotel. After check-in, start exploring the city’s Christmas markets, which truly are an age-old tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages, when in 1296 Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt". Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed considerably. Nowadays, over 20 official Advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Dinner is on our own. Overnight at our hotel in Vienna. Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before departing by bus for the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace where approximately 60 exhibitors present handicrafts and original gifts such as hand-made Christmas decorations and nativity sets for visitors to admire and purchase right in front of the famous Schönbrunn Palace. The fragrance of freshly baked Vanillekipferl and hot punch fills the air and creates a wonderful atmosphere. Our bus then transports us back to central Vienna where you can independently explore some of the 20 official Advent/Christmas markets in Vienna: Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of City Hall, Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz, Winter Market on Piesenradplatz, or Christmas Market on Stephansplatz, to name a few. After exploring the city’s markets, we re-group at our hotel to depart for our farewell dinner in one of Vienna’s oldest wine cellar vaults. Overnight at our hotel in Vienna. Meals: B, D

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flights home with unforgettable memories and being rejuvenated by the joy and spirit of the Advent/Christmas markets. Meals: B