Day 1:December 17, 2005: Flight to Germany
Depart from USA for flight to Munich, Germany

Day 2: December 18, 2005: Rupholding ( D)
Upon our early morning arrival in Munich we begin our winter wonderland sightseeing including a visit to a unique Christmas Market, in a local Tirolian Mountain village. Later this afternoon we will arrive at our hotel in Rupholding; met with a warm welcome and greeted by the owner and our host for the next nine nights, Helmut Fuchs of the Hotel Pension Zum Fuchs.

Day 3: December 19, 2005: Berchtesgaden National Park (B, D)
After breakfast this morning, we’re off for a scenic drive through the Lake District of Austria, via Berchtesgaden National Park before arriving at our final destination, the city of Salzburg. The Berchtesgaden National Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the Alps. It is part of the alpine territory near the Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden in the southeast of Germany. Its amazing natural environment shows little human intervention. In this fascinating alpine landscape you will not only get to see wild alpine species such as the mountain goat, marmot, eagle, blue hare and the alpine salamander but also, with a little bit of luck, the rare golden eagle. The flora is equally beautiful and diverse. The Eagle’s Nest, formerly Hitler’s diplomatic center, offers a spectacular view from 1834 m (6017 ft). We’ll return back to our hotel with time to freshen up before our special event dinner this evening, a Bavarian dinner and Folk Dancing performance.

Day 4: December 20, 2005: Munich (B, D)
Early morning bus departure for Munich, the fun filled capital of Bavaria. We begin with an orientation sightseeing drive of this lively city, where you’ll see the Old Pinakothek Museum, Olympia Tower and Stadium, BMW Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, Deutsches Museum the Marienplatz, the Rathaus and its Glockenspiel. This afternoon we’ll have time for some shopping at the Christmas Market before returning back to Ruhpolding. Dinner this evening at Fuchs.

Day 5: December 21, 2005: Rupholding (B)
After breakfast we have time today to discover Ruhpolding. Browse the quaint shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the famous café “Windbeutel” established 1765, an old Bavarian farmhouse. Free time to enjoy dinner this evening on own.

Day 6: December 22, 2005: Salzburg (B)
Today our journey takes us on an excursion to the wonderful medieval city of Salzburg. While on our sightseeing tour we’ll view the Mirabell Palace and Wolfgang Amadeus birth-house (see right), now a museum, we’ll visit the Christmas Market at Helbrunn Castle. This evening we’ll return to Ruhpolding.

Day 7: December 23, 2005: Lake Chiemsee (B, D)
Our sightseeing continues today as we travel to Lake Chiemsee, Lady Eiland and King Ludwig’s Castle. There will be time to view and take photos of this beautiful castle. We return to Rupholding this evening for a country Christmas dinner and music including hot wine and homemade Christmas cookies.

Day 8: December 24, 2005: Rupholding (B, L, D)
This morning is free for another visit to Rupholding and some last minute shopping. While in town we’ll enjoy a bratwuerst lunch at a beautiful mountain hut. This afternoon we’ll have Christmas worship service before our special Christmas dinner this evening of stuffed goose and lebkuchen ice dessert around the decorated Christmas tree.

Day 9: December 25, 2005: Rupholding (B, D)
Relax and enjoy Christmas morning. This afternoon we’ll visit the Biathlon Center (famous winter sports resort) in Rupholding. Free time to take a leisurely walk through the snow and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this winter wonderland. This evening we will have dinner and share in some Bavarian folklore at the Kurhaus or Raffner Alm.

Day 10: December 26, 2005: Rupholding (B, D)
Free day to relax before flight home.

Day 11: December 27, 2005:Departure (B)
Transfer to Munich, Germany airport for your return flight to the USA.