A Spring Time Adventure in Ireland with St. Patrick's in Killarney.
With Fishing Villages, Seaside Drives, Afternoon Tea, Cosy Pubs, Gardens, Castles, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Stone Circles, Portal Tombs and Dolmens and Megalithic Cemeteries.

Day 1 - December 4th - This morning we meet at our Frankfurt Airport Accommodation to start the tour which by days end will find us in the heart of the Alsace. Our first stop will the Heidelberg Christmas Market that is held in the historic streets and squares of the old town with traditional wooden stalls, a 'Fairytale Winter Wood' and an ice-skating rink. The main square for the market is Universitätsplatz between the buildings of the Old and New University and hosts a 100 year old carousel. The scintillating scent of candied nuts, hot mulled wine, and fresh cut pine, mix merrily with the sight of beautiful, handcrafted wooden stalls and the backdrop of a 17th-century German town. We then make our way across the border to Strasbourg where we will take in the Christmas Market that in 1570 was very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe, then called the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus). We will explore Strasbourg and admire the unique decorations and magical atmosphere of the Christmas capital. After exploring and finding some lunch we visit the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospices where the wines have a soul that symbolize ancestral tradition and know-how, the generosity, diversity and beauty of Alsace. Following a tour of the wine cellar we will have tasting of 3 wines paired with savoury kougelopfs and sweet brioche plaits, typical Alsatian pastries. Then on to Obernai to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Obernai. (B,D)

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Day 2 - December 5th - This morning we visit Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg for a look back at how decorations have changed over the centuries. Fir trees are decorated with apples and communion wafers, as in the Middle Ages, or with more modern blown glass balls. Wreaths and woodland creatures from the Celtic or Germanic traditions also take over the fortress. The pleasures of the table are not forgotten either, with an exhibition evoking festive tables from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Then we stop is Selestat, the home to the famous Maison du Pain Bakery and Bread Museum. We will have lunch here and then take a guided tour of the museum complete with tastings along the way. We then visit the wine-growing city of Dambach-la-Ville. It is as attractive for its picturesque and medieval charm as for the fame of the wines of its terroir, including the famous granite wines. It is said that the bear fountain, an emblematic animal of the city, evokes the history of the city and viticulture. In the past, driven by famine, a child ventures deep into the forest. There he discovers a bear feasting on large juicy berries. Conquered by the sweetness of the fruit, men hunt the animal and since then cultivate the vine of this beautiful sunny region.  Then we make our way to Obernai to get checked into our accommodation. After dinner you find dinner on your own you will want to take in the Christmas Market where a fairytale setting of almost forty chalets take up residence in front of the Belfry. Here, expect nothing but delicious treats while tasting the spice bread, foie gras, bredele and Christmas beer. You Whiffs of spice bread and wafts of mulled wine delicately fill the streets. And it has to be said, the real star of the Christmas market is that typical Obernai mulled wine - concocted with white wine and simmered to perfection in a huge cauldron. Its unique flavour is another essential element in the magic of a true Alsatian Christmas! Overnight Obernai. (B,L)

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Day 3 - December 6th- This morning we make our way to Gertwiller, home to the gourmet world of gingerbread. While here, we will explore the Gingerbread Palace and Workshop. Then we make our way to Maison Zeyssolff and Au Péché Vigneron for an amazing Festive Wine and Local Foods Experience. We will be welcomed to the cellar with a glass of wine to start the tasting. Then we visit the family cellar dating back to 1850, and discover the century-old oak barrels that they still use to make their wines. The tasting is then followed by a meal in the Tasting Room Restaurant. We will enjoy local delicacies with each course accompanied by a glass of wine from the estate. After our visit we will receive a bottle of mulled wine and a piece of Alsatian gingerbread. This afternoon we visit Rosheim Christmas Market where we will experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of this Romanesque town. It is easy to explore this lovely little town because you enter through one impressive medieval gateway and then further down the street you leave by another. In between these two gates you will find an authentic Christmas Market with its festive carols, the smell of mulled wine and a mini-farm. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage for an enchanting ride and explore the Cour des Artisans, a place where craftspeople and artisans will show you their treasures. A real journey to the heart of local traditions and crafts, with market stalls brimming with delicacies and unique gifts for young and old. Then we return to our accommodation in Obernai before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Obernai. (B,L,D)

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Day 4 - December 7th - This morning we make our way to Colmar with a visit to Riquewihr, situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace. This medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname 'The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards'. It has managed to preserve its authentic character behind its city walls, which are now besieged only by the vines. After exploring Riquewihr we will settle in for Wine Tasting and Lunch at Maison Zimmer. Our visit will start in the 16th century cellar for wine tasting before we move on to the Winstub “Au Tire-Bouchon” for lunch. Next we discover the pretty imperial town of Kaysersberg, on the Alsace Wine Route, where you will be charmed by its authentic heritage! As Kaysersberg is as important as Requewihr for wine, we will first stop at Bernard HAAS & Fils for a visit to the cellar, followed by a tasting of 5 wines accompanied by Flambed Tarts, an unavoidable specialty of the region. Ideal for a real moment of conviviality with family or friends! Then you will have time to explore Kaysersberg which surprises by the charm of the medieval sites around the Ste Croix church (Romanesque portal, a carved altarpiece: a masterpiece rarely equalled) and the fortified bridge dominated by the castle (remains of the former free city of the Décapole). Its strategic position reawakens the memory of the old Roman road which linked the Alsace to the Lorraine. Kaysersberg is considered one of the most charming cities in Alsace, with its paved streets and half-timbered houses. We then get settled into our accommodation before meeting for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Colmar. (B,L,D)

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Day 5 - December 8th - This morning we visit Turckheim, a magic village built by elves on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. You can stroll among the decorated cabins and taste, smell and admire regional specialties. You will receive a special gift to commemorate your stay in as you wander this beautiful medieval city. Take a stroll through the stalls of local craftspeople, and you're sure to find something to put under the tree! Meet the animals at the Ferme de la Bassette, along the Sentier des Chèvres. Continue on to the enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Turckheim Christmas Market. Take your time and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the elves' Christmas market. The Alsace is well known for their sparkling wine called Crémant, and we must have a Crémant Experience, so we are off to the lovely wee village of Hunawihr to do just that. We will have a guided tour of this family-owned winery complete with tasting of 5 different sparkling wines! Next, combining tradition and creativity, the Bergheim Christmas market will delight you with its warm and authentic atmosphere in the heart of the walled city. The charm of the city of Bergheim lies in its beautiful setting arranged around its medieval fortification, its winding alleys, and its old houses (winegrowers’ houses dating from the 15th to the 17th century). It is in a festive setting, between decorated houses, windows and fountains that Bergheim is adorned with a thousand lights and invites you to discover its Christmas market. Overnight Colmar. (B,L)

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Day 6 - December 9th - Today will be spent entirely at your leisure in Colmar, the capital of the Alsacian wines, situated near Germany and Switzerland between the Vosges and the Rhine, Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Nestled among vineyards, its traditional houses, canals, floral displays, amazing cuisine, famous wines and charming accommodation make Colmar an outstanding microcosm of Alsace, and offers visitors an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history. Although it has a population of 67,000, Colmar retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. You will have the whole day free to experience the magic of Christmas in Colmar. First of all,  there is the ambiance of the Old Town, illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale: a historic setting made magical by the Christmas illuminations which, in this festive period, blend harmoniously with the wonderful lighting designed to enhance the town’s heritage, and lay a soothing aura of light over the centre of Colmar. The Colmar Christmas Market in the picturesque streets of Colmar with its succession of stalls, Christmas decorations and lights will sweep you up in the magic of the Christmas season. Wherever you look, you will be spellbound. Truly the place to be for a genuinely exceptional Christmas experience! Overnight Colmar. (B)

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Day 7 - December 10th - It is just a short hop across the border into Germany and Baden-Baden, so as we make our way to our accommodation we will stop in Freiburg im Breisgau, on the western edge of the Black Forest and situated close to the Rhine river in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany. It boasts one of Germany's most beautiful Old Towns, so while here we will embrace the magic of the Christmas at will permeate the town! Freiburg im Breisgau's  history, which dates back to the 11th century, is still apparent in the city’s historic buildings and picturesque narrow streets. The medieval Swabian Gate, the elaborate facades of the buildings and, of course, the Freiburg Cathedral strike an exciting contrast to the city’s modern, trail-blazing architecture. Our next stop is Gengenbach is located between woodland and vineyards at the entrance of the Kinzig Valley in the Ortenau region. you can find some lunch here before we explore. The town hall in Gengenbach which has been a magical attraction during the Advent season for many years: with its 24 windows, it becomes the world's largest Advent calendar house! Gengenbach’s historic town centre is the perfect setting for a magical Christmas Market with its narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and medieval structures. The Christmas Market on the town square has 58 stalls with specialties from the Black Forest, Christmas decorations and gifts, German and regional food specialties and of course glühwein! The we make our way to Baden-Baden to get checked into our accommodation before a Festive Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Baden-Baden. (B,D)

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Day 8 - December 11th - Today will be spent entirely in Baden-Baden, a historic spa town in located at the edge of the Black Forest. It was founded over 2,000 years ago by the Romans, who built thermal baths around the natural hot springs and now as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as one of the 'Great Spa Towns of Europe'. The traditional Christmas Market with its numerous atmospheric attractions will whisk you away to a winter fairytale of a special kind. The scent of mulled wine and gingerbread accompanies you as you stroll past Christmas decorated huts at the beginning of the famous Lichtentaler Allee Park and Gardens. The market stretches from the Kurhaus Colonnades past the exclusive boutiques towards Baden-Baden’s impressive Kurhaus building. The Trinkhalle is a spectacular colonnaded building that hosts a marvelous display of 28 Nativity scenes. Each Nativity scene, a small work of art, tells of Christmas traditions and craftsmanship. From classic to modern - this exhibition combines tradition with innovation and captivates visitors year after year. After you get your fill of the market we will gather again at our hotel for a Festive Sparkling Wine Afternoon Tea for which the hotel is well known. After tea, you may want to take a walk through town and take in all of the festive decorations. Or once again through Lichtentaler Allee, world-famous gardens that are overwhelming with its abundance. Even in the silent and mystic winter when hoarfrost lies over the monastery meadow and the roses in the are hibernating under fir branches it is beautiful. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Baden-Baden. (B,L)

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Day 9 - December 12th - This morning we start our journey to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a first stop at Stuttgart Christmas Market, not only one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole of Europe but also one of the oldest. It was officially mentioned for the first time in 1692 but its roots however stretch back further in time. Magnificently decorated stalls are the flagship of Stuttgart's Christmas Market with around 250 lovingly decorated stalls in the city center. Glittering fairy lights, exciting winter landscapes, sleigh rides or hand-carved nativity scenes - if you look up, you will experience your very own feast for the eyes. The roofs in particular are true works of art and great eye-catchers in the Christmas market town. Next we visit Ludwigsburg, Germany’s Baroque gem! We will stop for lunch and  then take a tour of Ludwigsburg Palace with its 452 rooms in 18 buildings. The lavish architecture, with arches and columns, frescoes and chandeliers, reflects the power and wealth of the dukes and kings, for whom this was home for 300 years. In banqueting halls and state apartments, stories bring the past to life. Imagine the rich and famous sweeping down the imposing staircases. Stand in the circular chapel, with its royal tomb and painted ceiling; learn why the second chapel is dedicated to the Order of the Golden Eagle. The palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg) is also home to the Ceramics Museum (Keramikmuseum), with rare porcelain, and the Fashion Museum (Modemuseum), with clothing from the 18th - 20th centuries. Admire the art in the Baroque Gallery (Barockgalerie) and tour the private apartments to see how the royal family lived. The opulence of the antiques and portraits, gilding and silk damask contrasts with the servant’s quarters, at the bottom of hidden staircases. After our tour we continue on our way to our accommodation in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Overnight Rothenburg ob der Tauber (B,L)

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Day 10 - December 13th - This morning we start our day with a visit to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in the world. In the wooden booths of 'the little city of wood and cloth' one finds traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies. With childlike joy the Christmas decorations, 'Rauschgold' angels, wooden nutcrackers, nativity scenes and colorful stars are all the more attractive as you stroll through the romantic illuminated lanes of the Christkindlesmarkt. After you’ve bought a souvenir for the folks back home, you shouldn’t miss the delicious treats at the market: Original Nuremberg gingerbread and Nuremberg bratwurst are a must. Then we are off to Bamberg with crooked half timber houses, picturesque canals, and an elegant palace, Bamberg is an underrated gem in northern Bavaria. Dubbed the “city of seven hills,” Bamberg brims with authentic charm, medieval architecture, and fairytale feel that dates from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Bamberg Christmas Market will take place on Maximiliansplatz, a large square in the heart of Bamberg old town. It’s a lively, pedestrian-only area that features traditional Christmas stalls selling toys, decorations, gifts and Christmas food like bratwurst, roasted nuts and gingerbread. The highlight is the nativity scene that changes from week to week throughout Advent. After exploring Bamberg thoroughly we make our back home to get ready for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B,D)

 

Day 11 - December 14th - Today will be spent completely at your leisure in Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Germany's best-preserved walled town. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the oldest and most historic of the medieval towns along the Romantic Road. Although there had been settlements in the area and in the neighbouring Tauber valley for many centuries before, the official history of Rothenburg is generally thought to date from the 10th century with the construction of a castle in an easily-defensible position above the River Tauber. Rothenburg has a unique reputation as being the world’s only city with “365 days a year Christmas” atmosphere. This is because the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store company whose unparalleled, global reputation as “The Mother of all Christmas Stores,” is headquartered here. It is directly adjacent Market Place in the Herrengasse, in the heart of Rothenburg. And of course there is a Christmas Market. Holding true to traditions the narrowly winding streets and picturesque squares around the town hall and its archways are lined with wooden booths, appropriately decorated for the Christmas season. Everything your heart desires can be found at this charming market, may it be the traditional Christmas pastries or the mulled wine. Gadgets and treasures as well as lovingly crafted Christmas decoration can be found in a variety of booths and are sure to serve as a token of appreciation for loved ones at home as well as a welcomed reminder of your time spent in Rothenburg. The Town Hall’s 160 foot high tower can be seen from all over town and, if you’re prepared to climb the 220 narrow steps to the top, it offers the most spectacular views over the red rooftops of Rothenburg. Rothenburg’s fortified 12th-century city walls stretch right around the historic town centre you can walk along almost the whole 1 1/2 mile length. Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B)

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Day 12 - December 15th - Today we make our way to the Moselle wine growing region and its lovely riverside villages, but we start our morning off with a journey to Würzburg, a 1300 year old city steeped in history and culture sitting on the banks of the Main River in northern Bavaria. The tradition of Würzburg's highly scenic Christmas Market dates back to the early 19th century. Here you can stroll through 100 wooden stalls, sampling delicious Christmas cookies and roasted almonds while sipping the traditional “Gluehwein”, a famous hot spiced red wine. Products for sale at the Christmas market include wooden toys, jewelry, teas and spices, traditional Christmas decorations, scented candles, pottery, embroideries, and hand-knit socks and gloves. The focus here is on handcrafted items that are hard to find elsewhere in this historical market square with its Gothic Chapel and abundance of baroque architecture provide a charming Christmas Card Scene. Our next stop is Limburg an der Lahn, perched on a limestone rock above the Lahn River with its medieval old town looking like a fairytale come to life. The heart of the city is the amazing St George's Cathedral, which is a rare example of late Romanesque architecture and has been here since 1235. We will explore the small charming, intimate Christmas Market experience set against a backdrop of picturesque medieval half-timbered houses and the striking Cathedral. We then continue on to Cochem to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Cochem. (B.D)

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Day 13 - December 16th - Today will be spent exploring the lovely villages alongside the Moselle River in this lovely wine growing region of Germany. We will start our with Bremm, romantic wine village located at one of the prettiest bends in the Moselle and at the foot of the steepest vineyard slopes in Europe, the Calmont. Although not known for a market it is well worth exploring and will make for a delightful morning. Our next stop is Zell an der Mosel featuring a charming historic center, vibrant river promenades, and surrounding rolling green vineyards where the east bank of the river is best known for its excellent wine, Schwarze Katze (Black Cat). A tasting of the excellent wines is, of course, reason enough to spend some time here so we will stop for a Wine Tasting Lunch before moving on to Beilstein, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle'. Beilstein is another tiny, postcard-perfect medieval wine village along the Moselle River. Its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and vine-covered hills make it a perfect spot for a slower paced exploration. With its half-timbered houses nestled against steep, vineyard-covered hillsides it is worth exploring. Then we make our way back to Cochem where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore. Picture-postcard Cochem has a fantastic collection of half-timbered houses, a fairy-tale castle, set on a vine-clad hill, and a pleasant riverside promenade. The Cochem Christmas Market is just as beautiful as the town itself. Festively decorated wooden stalls sell all the gifts and crafts you could wish for. The Glühwein is grown, brewed and produced locally for connoisseurs who only enjoy the best quality. Overnight Cochem. (B,L)

 

Day 14 - December 17th - Christmas Eve Day - This morning we make our way to our Christmas Castle with a few stops along the way. The first stop is Klotten, famous for 'Moselle slate' which was loaded onto barges and shipped all over the world. The village is full of narrow streets, steps and passageways that lead past stone buildings and half-timbered houses, many of which date from the 16th century. The ruins of the medieval Coraidelstein castle preside over the village. While the village of Klotten itself is known for a small, charming Christmas Market atmosphere, the theme park's major winter transformation—called Winterzauber (Winter Magic)—has is the star of the show. Then we make our way to Koblenz where every year during Advent, the Roman city is transformed into a festive Christmas paradise. The scent of freshly roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the streets. At the artisans' market, numerous stalls with handmade individual items invite visitors to a cozy gift hunt. You can stroll through the festively decorated city center from one favorite spot to the next. A particularly contemplative sight awaits you at Jesuitenplatz. There you will find the city's largest Advent calendar, composed of the colorfully lit dormer windows of the baroque town hall. The we make our way to Schönburg Castle to get checked into our accommodation and settling into our rooms before we gather for a Festive Christmas Eve Dinner. We will make merry until we retire with visions of sugar plums in our heads. Christmas Eve Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,D)

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Day 15 - December 18th - This morning you will wake up in our dream castle with a spectacular view over the River Rhine. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley extends 65 kilometers in length from Bingen to Koblenz and has more castles than any other river in the world. Its landscape and riverfront villages have inspired fairy tails, music, poetry, and paintings for centuries. The Castle sits high above the town of Oberwesel, set amid the half-timbered houses and terraced green vineyards along the Rhine Valley and was first mentioned in history between the years 911 and 1166. Until the 17th century the castle had a very changeable and martial history with many tribe and family fights. There could not be a more magical place to wake up on Christmas morning! You will want to see if your Stocking has Been Filled before we gather for breakfast. The day is then to enjoy at your leisure in the castle that is lovingly decorated and waiting to be explored. The fireplace room, the prison tower and the library will help you get into a relaxing mood. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine valley from the terraces or spend some wonderful hours in the cozy castle courtyard. A special treat for our use is the exclusive access to the enchanted castle garden. The garden is full of wonderful views and mysterious places. As the castle sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley all around there are vineyards, hiking paths through forests and meadows with beautiful. In the evening we will enjoy a Gourmet Candlelight Dinner including corresponding wines in the castle restaurant within medieval walls full of atmosphere. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

 

Day 16 - December 19th - Sometimes the very best is unintentionally saved for the very last. Mario and had driven past the town of Bacharach a few times and knew that we would eventually explore it. We wanted to find a really lovely town for the last day and had a few places to explore. I told him that there was something about Bacharach that was speaking to me, but it was hard to get a feel for it as most of the town is hidden away. We parked across the road and then walked through one of the Stone archways that lead into town and we were immediately transported back in time. It is absolutely enchanting! So many of the towns and villages along the Rhine River here are written about, but we had never heard of Bacharach even though it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a medieval village of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, most of which were built before the sixteenth century. The name Bacharach came from Bacchus, the god of wine which is fitting, as the town sits in the valley of hills lined with Riesling and served as a major wine trading and shipping station in the Middle Ages. You can do some exploring and then find some lunch on your own before we return home where a wine grower from Oberwesel will pick us up at the castle to take us on a 2 hour sightseeing tour through the town of Oberwesel and the surrounding vineyards with an introduction to the viticulture on the Middle Rhine and a welcome Riesling Sparkling Wine. We will visit the vineyard and wine-cellar and then have a tasting of four typical Riesling wines before we return to Schönburg Castle. This evening we will enjoy the Schönburg 4 Course Candlelight Dinner with corresponding wines. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,D)

 

Day 17 - December 20th - This morning we make our way to Frankfurt International Airport for the journey home.

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Day 16 - December 27th - This morning we make our way to our overnight accommodation at Frankfurt International Airport as the distance to the airport from Baden-Baden is about 2 hours. We will stop in Darmstadt for one last lunch together before making our way to our hotel. Our accommodation is within walking distance of terminal 1, so you can take a flight from the airport at the best time suited for you. (B,L)

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Day 17 - December 28th - Make your way to the airport for your flight home.

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