Christmas Markets and Castles of Europe with Germany and France
2027-12-09 08:00 - 2027-12-17 21:00 UTC
About This Tour to Germany and France

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on a festive journey through Germany and France. Explore Heidelberg’s romantic castle perched above the Neckar River, wander Strasbourg’s charming “Petite France” district, and experience the glow of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets. Discover the Gothic grandeur of Ulm Minster, visit Ludwigsburg’s Baroque palace, and tour Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. Along the way, savor regional specialties, stroll historic old towns adorned with twinkling lights, and embrace centuries-old traditions. Blending grand architecture, cultural heritage, and joyful seasonal celebrations, this winter escape captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas in Europe.

View Our Christmas Markets & Castles – Germany and France Flyer

Get All the Tour Information

Everything to get started is just a click away

Get Your Flyer Now

Departs: December 9, 20279 Days, 8 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 – Overnight flight and arrival

Your journey begins as you step into the magic of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, where medieval castles, twinkling lights, and centuries-old traditions await.

Day 2 – Heidelberg, Germany

Arrive in Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most picturesque towns, set along the Neckar River and crowned by a hilltop castle. As arrival times will vary, there is no included sightseeing today. Spend your time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and cocktail reception before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 – Heidelberg

This morning, discover the storybook charm of Heidelberg on a guided walking tour. Visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle,* offering sweeping views of the river and red-roofed city below, and stroll through the Old Town to learn about local Christmas traditions. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps wander the Christmas markets, browse festive stalls, or enjoy lunch at a cozy café. If available, you may choose to explore the Christmas markets in Schwetzingen independently; they’re known for their intimate atmosphere and seasonal charm.

Day 4 – Heidelberg – Strasbourg, France – Heidelberg

Travel to Strasbourg, where French elegance meets German tradition. Enjoy a Tour Manager-led walk as you leisurely explore the historic Old Quarter, “Petite France,” and admire the magnificent cathedral that anchors the city, followed by free time to soak in the festive atmosphere of one of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas market cities. Later, return to Heidelberg for an evening at leisure.

Day 5 – Heidelberg – Ludwigsburg – Ulm

Depart Heidelberg and travel toward Ulm, with a stop along the way to experience the Baroque splendor of Ludwigsburg. Enjoy time exploring the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, where grand architecture provides a dramatic backdrop to festive stalls. Continue onward to Ulm, your home for the next two nights. This evening, join your Tour Manager for a leisurely-paced stroll in the historic center and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 – Ulm

This morning, with a local guide, discover Ulm, a city known for its impressive Gothic cathedral and medieval roots, and the birthplace of Albert Einstein. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Ulm at your own pace, perhaps enjoying seasonal treats at local markets and cafés or visiting “The Einsteins – Museum of an Ulm Family,” which tells the story of the 19th-century Jewish community into which Albert Einstein was born.

Day 7 – Ulm – Munich

Travel to Munich, Bavaria’s lively capital, with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. Explore its elegant halls with a local guide before continuing to Munich city center. After settling into your hotel, enjoy time on your own or join your Tour Manager to experience Munich’s festive atmosphere, including its Christmas markets.

Day 8 – Munich

Today, it’s your choice! You may step into royal history with a visit to the Treasury of the Munich Residence, where centuries of Bavarian splendor are displayed in dazzling crowns and priceless artifacts. Then, wander through the festive courtyards of the Munich Royal Palace Christmas markets, browsing handcrafted treasures and enjoying seasonal local specialties amid twinkling lights and holiday cheer -OR- savor Munich through its flavors on a guided food experience. Discover beloved Bavarian specialties while exploring local markets and traditional eateries. Continue to Marienplatz, the city’s vibrant central square, and witness the charming Rathaus-Glockenspiel performance as its colorful figures reenact historic Bavarian events. Enjoy lunch on your own and spend the afternoon discovering Munich at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy dinner featuring regional cuisine.

Day 9 – Tour Ends.

Tour Highlights

Christmas Markets

Heidelberg (UNESCO)

Heidelberg Castle

“Petite France” of Strasbourg

Ulm Minster

Ludwigsburg

Nymphenburg Palace

Munich

Tour Inclusions

3 Handpicked Accommodations

11 Meals

Must-See Inclusions:

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Heidelberg’s Old Town.

Discover Strasbourg’s “Petite France” district and cathedral.

Tour Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River.

Visit Ludwigsburg Baroque Palace.

Discover the Gothic splendor of Ulm Minster, home to the tallest church steeple in the world.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor a welcome dinner in Heidelberg.

Experience a traditional Swabian dinner in Ulm’s historic center.

Celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner featuring Bavarian regional specialties.

Tour Accommodations

NH Collection – Heidelberg – 3 nights

Maritim Hotel – Ulm – 2 nights

Eurostar Book Hotel – Munich – 2-nights

(Hotels are Subject to Change)

Tour Costs & Payments
Costs:

The regular rate starts at $4849** pp for double occupancy before early booking discount. Single and Triple Occupancy options are available.Book Now rates valid until June 10, 2027, valid on air inclusive packages only.

Optional trip extensions and upgraded airfare are available on a limited basis. These options will affect the final price.

Pricing includes Round Trip Airfare, Transfers, Surcharges and Air Taxes

Save $350 per person Book Before June 10, 2027.

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT

A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation. Deposits are refundable up until June 10, 2027Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations made after June 10, 2027 are based upon availability.

+ Final Payment is due September 10, 2027.** All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change, based on air inclusive package from Chicago O’Hare, (ORD).

Optional Trip Protection Plans are available and must be purchased at the time of deposit. The cost is $599 pp

How to Book Your Tour
Print out the Christmas Markets and Castles Flyer and fill in the Reservation form and return it to Latitudes Travel.ONLINE BOOKING OPTIONSave time, postage & secure your seat for this group departure. Click here to book online or use the link: https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1404144Contact an Agent TodayEmail: In**@*********WI.com Call: (414) 433-4873Visit our Office: 3830 S. Moorland Rd. STE C1 New Berlin WI. 53151

Tour Insurance – Travel Protection
Optional Trip Protection Plans are available and must be purchased at the time of deposit. Cost is $599

If you choose not to purchase Collette’s Waiver Insurance Plan, you will incur penalties for changes and cancellations. Travel Protection Payment is due with your deposit.Latitudes Travel Highly Suggests Purchasing the Trip Protection Plan. If you choose not to, Latitudes Travel Requires you to sign a waiver indicating this choice.

+ + MORE ABOUT COLLETTES TRIP PROTECTION + +

Make Your Travel Plans Confidently.

Go ahead and book that dream trip, because when you purchase our industry-leading Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and get your money back – all the way up to 24 hours before your trip departs. We’ve offered this plan for decades to give our travelers assurance every step of the way – with no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.

Every tour, every departure, every time. Collette has you covered.

In addition to covering you for pre-trip cancellation, our Travel Protection Plan also includes the following benefits:

Travel Delay Support (daily stipend)

Trip Interruption (if you need to end your trip early)

Baggage Loss or Delay

Missed Connections (if you purchased air)

Medical Expenses for Illness or Injury

Emergency Assistance

See full details of Collette’s Travel Protection Plan »

Please note as of January 1, 2023, the travel insurance provider for Part B of the Collette Travel Protection Plan has changed. See full details here »

** Cancellation Fees and Information Without Trip Protection **

Cancellation Charges for this tour: After September 10, 2027, The non-refundable deposit will be retained. For Cancellation between 90-16 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 40% of total price. For cancellation between 15-1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 75% of total price. For cancellation on the day of departure and after: 100% of total price.Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until the tour is paid in full.

If the Travel Protection Plan has not been purchased and a reservation is cancelled for any reason prior to departure – Air is 100% non-refundable once paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for “pre” and “post” night accommodations. Payment of a Per Person Travel Protection Plan Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Travel Protection Plan Fee itself, made to Collette for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Travel Protection Plan Fee withAir only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette. Exception: If you originally purchased nonrefundable airline tickets, Part B of the Travel Protection Plan may provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes, or fees in the event of a cancellation for a covered reason (see Part B for more details). The Travel Protection Plan Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. However, the Part B travel insurance includes a single supplement benefit of $1,500 for certain covered reasons as detailed in Part B. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement. Cancellation waiver protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive tour package up to the day prior to departure.Cancellation waiver does not indemnify you from penalties if you chose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you choose to partially cancel your vacation, you will be responsible for arevision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details.
