Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Fly to Rome Arrive in Rome Rome Rome RomeCruise Starts Naples, Italy At Sea Crete (Chania), Greece At Sea Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) Mykonos, Greece Athens Cruise Ends… More
Belgium
Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent
| Sat | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
| Fly In | Arrive in Brussels | Brussels | Brussels | Ghent | Ghent | Bruges |
| Bruges | Bruges | Antwerp | Antwerp | Brussels | Fly Out |
Day 1-4: Brussels (4 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place
- Arrive in Brussels and check into a centrally located hotel.
- Stroll around Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and surrounding streets.
- Relaxed dinner at Chez Léon (classic Belgian food).
- Drinks at A La Mort Subite (historic beer café).
Day 2: Museums & Parks
- Visit Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Magritte Museum included).
- Lunch at Noordzee Mer du Nord (casual seafood).
- Stroll through Mont des Arts and Parc de Bruxelles.
- Optional: Visit the Royal Palace or Sablon district (chocolate shops).
- Dinner at La Roue d’Or (Belgian brasserie).
Day 3: Atomium & Beer Experience
- Morning visit to Atomium & Mini-Europe.
- Lunch at a café near the Atomium.
- Afternoon beer tasting at Cantillon Brewery (slow-paced lambic beer experience).
- Early dinner at Nüetnigenough (beer-focused cuisine).
Day 4: Leisure & Transfer to Antwerp
- Free morning to explore local markets or have a relaxed brunch.
- Afternoon train to Antwerp (~45 min).
- Check into a hotel in Antwerp’s historic center.
- Easy dinner at De Groote Witte Arend.
Day 5-8: Antwerp (4 Nights)
Day 5: Old Town & Cathedral
- Visit Cathedral of Our Lady & Grote Markt.
- Lunch at Den Engel (local favorite).
- Relaxing afternoon wandering the historic center.
- Dinner at The Jane (Michelin-starred, book in advance).
Day 6: Museum & Port Area
- Visit Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) for Antwerp’s history & great rooftop views.
- Lunch at Café Storm (next to MAS).
- Leisurely afternoon walk along the river.
- Dinner at Bourla (classic brasserie).
Day 7: Fashion & Shopping
- Visit the ModeMuseum (MoMu) and explore Antwerp’s designer district.
- Relaxed lunch at a terrace café.
- Optional: Visit Rubens House.
- Evening drinks at Den Uilenspiegel.
Day 8: Leisure & Transfer to Ghent
- Free morning in Antwerp.
- Afternoon train to Ghent (~1 hour).
- Check into a hotel near the Graslei.
- Relaxed dinner at De Graslei.
Day 9-12: Ghent (4 Nights)
Day 9: Historic Ghent
- Visit Gravensteen Castle & Patershol district.
- Lunch at De Rechters (near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral).
- Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
- Drinks at ’t Dreupelkot (jenever bar).
Day 10: Leisure & Canals
- Morning stroll through the Vrijdagmarkt and local shops.
- Lunch at Pakhuis.
- Afternoon canal boat tour.
- Relaxed dinner at De Abt.
Day 11: Museums & Brewery Visit
- Visit SMAK (modern art museum) or STAM (Ghent’s city museum).
- Lunch at Balls & Glory (famous meatballs).
- Afternoon beer tasting at Gruut Brewery.
- Evening at leisure with light dinner options.
Day 12: Transfer to Bruges & Relaxation
- Easy morning in Ghent.
- Afternoon train to Bruges (~30 min).
- Check into a hotel near Markt Square.
- Dinner at De Stove.
Day 13-16: Bruges (4 Nights)
Day 13: Exploring Bruges
- Visit Belfry of Bruges (optional climb).
- Walk through the Begijnhof & Minnewater Park.
- Lunch at Cambrinus.
- Afternoon free for chocolate shops & quiet canal walks.
- Dinner at Den Dyver.
Day 14: Day Trip to the Coast (Optional)
- Morning visit to Ostend for a seafood lunch.
- Relaxing beach walk or visit to the James Ensor Museum.
- Return to Bruges for the evening.
- Light dinner & drinks at Le Trappiste.
Day 15: Leisure Day in Bruges
- Optional museum visit (Groeningemuseum).
- Chocolate tasting at Choco-Story.
- Afternoon beer at De Halve Maan Brewery.
- Final dinner at Bistro Bruut.
Day 16: Departure
Return to Brussels for flights home.
Final morning walk in Bruges.
A week in Rome
Coming Soon…
Hotel: Hotel Mancino 12
Champagne Birthday Trip
Someday, for one of Kris’ major birthdays, we are going to France to the Champagne Region visiting Reims and Epernay
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 9/21 | 9/22 | 9/23 | 9/24 | 9/25 | 9/26 – Kris’ Birthday | 9/27 |
| Paris | Reims | Reims | Reims | Reims | ||
| Take Off | Arrive in CDG. Drive to Reims | Champagne Houses in Reims | Notre Dam Town of Reims | Visit Epernay Champagne Houses | Visit Vineyards | Fly Home |
Fly into Paris CDG Airport, rent a car and drive 1 1/2 hours to Reims. Stay at Best Western Premier Hotel De La Paix
I think we’d want to get a guide for at least for 2 or 3 of the days.
TOURS IN CHAMPAGNE – Stéphane Demissy has great reviews.
Champagne Houses in Reims
- Veuve Cliquot
- G.H. Mumm
- Champagne GH Martel & Co
- Champagne Pommery (has a restaurant and would be a good one to visit for a lunch)
Champagne Houses in Epernay
- Perrier-Jouet’s Cellier (has a place for lunch – Belle Epoque)
- Moet & Chandon
- Alfred Gratien – Cheese & Champagne Pairing – https://www.alfredgratien.com/en/tastings-and-food-wine-pairings/
Northern Italy
Just Notes for now….
- Verona
- Things to do
- Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
- Verona Arena – Events
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Piazza Brà
- Porta Borsari.
- Piazza dei Signori (Piazza Dante)
- Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere)
- Basilica di Sant’Anastasia.
- Hotel
- Things to do
Emilia-Romagna
- Bologna
- Parma
- Parmesan Cheese
- Ham
- Modeno
- Balsamic Vinegar
Liguria
- Genova
- Portofino
Tuscany
Possible places to stay –
1. Tuscan Fizz Airbnb $580/night 5 bedrooms 7 beds 4 baths
2. Villa Chianti $309/night 4 bedrooms 5 beds 3 baths
3. In Florence Terrace on Ponte Vecchio $565/night 3 bedrooms 3 beds 3 baths
- Florence
- Siena
- Asisi
Rome
- Necropolis della Banditaccia, Cerveteri instagram
- Galleria Sciarra, Via Marco Minghetti 10, Rome, Italy instagram
- Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven, Scala dell’Arce Capitolina, 12, Rome, Italy instagram
- Stadium of Domitian instagram
- 6 hidden gems near the Pantheon
- Rome: Pasta and Tiramisu Italian Cooking Class instagram
- Restaurants
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C4MYOkjIV4Y/
- Pasticceria Regoli
- Vecchia Roma
- Dar Poeta, Trastevere
- Pastasciutta
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C4MYOkjIV4Y/
San Marino ??
This is the suggestion from ChatGPT
Day 1-3: Rome, Lazio
- Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona
- Day 2: Rome
- Tour Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums
- Explore the Sistine Chapel
- Day 3: Rome
- Wander through the Trastevere neighborhood
- Visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Day 4-6: Florence, Tuscany
- Day 4: Travel from Rome to Florence
- Explore the historic center of Florence
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David)
- Day 5: Florence
- Climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views
- Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
- Day 6: Day Trip to Tuscan Countryside
- Visit the vineyards of Chianti for wine tasting
- Explore the medieval town of San Gimignano
Day 7-8: Bologna, Emilia Romagna
- Day 7: Travel from Florence to Bologna
- Explore the historic center of Bologna
- Climb the Asinelli Tower for city views
- Day 8: Bologna
- Visit the University of Bologna, one of the oldest in the world
- Try authentic Bolognese cuisine, such as tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù
Day 9-10: Verona, Veneto
- Day 9: Travel from Bologna to Verona
- Explore the historic center of Verona, including Juliet’s House and Arena di Verona
- Day 10: Verona
- Visit Castelvecchio Museum and Bridge
- Explore the Giardino Giusti and enjoy views of the city from the hilltop
Day 11-13: Portofino, Liguria
- Day 11: Travel from Verona to Portofino
- Explore the picturesque harbor and colorful buildings of Portofino
- Hike or take a boat tour around the Portofino Natural Park
- Day 12: Portofino
- Relax on the beaches or enjoy water activities like snorkeling or kayaking
- Visit the Church of San Giorgio and the Castello Brown for panoramic views
- Day 13: Portofino
- Explore nearby Santa Margherita Ligure
- Take a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast
Day 14: Departure from Rome
- Travel back to Rome for your departure home
Lake Constance
In the southwest corner of Germany where it meets up with Switzerland and Austria is a beautiful lake called Lake Constance. Every time I do any research about it, I think about planning a week-long visit to the area. Its finally time to do that and then maybe we can go for my 50th birthday
ITINERARY IN PROGRESS…
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrive in Zurich Drive to Lake | Konstanz | Stein am Rhein St Gallen | Meersburg | Lichtenstein | Lindau Tettnang | Zurich |
| Fly Home |
Sunday
Arrive in Zurich and rent a car for the week. The drive from Zurich to Lake Konstanz is about an hour. Since we want to visit some areas around the Lake, I’m leaning towards a Southern lake hotel location. Right now I’m thinking about the Best Western Rebstock in Rorschacherberg. Pretty views, AAA rates and reliability. It also has a restaurant with great views and outdoor seating.
Monday – Konstanz
Konstanz is a 50 min drive around the lake. Once we arrive in Konstanz there is a nice 1/2 mile walk from Schnetztor, Emperor’s Fountain, Münster Unserer Lieben Frau to Rheintorturm and then a walk down the promenade back to Schnetztor is about a mile. Somewhere in between we can find a nice place for lunch and maybe a drink after.
After a fun day in Konstanz there are
Tuesday – Friedrichshafen & Meersburg
Perhaps a stop at the Zeppelin Hangar Restaurant to watch the Zeppelins take off and land (a ride is 300-500E so we probably won’t be coughing up the cash for that!)
Spend the afternoon touring Meersburg
Just Beyond Meersburg is the Prähistorische Pfahlbauten um die Alpen (UNESCO-Welterbestätte) that look to be completely worth the visit before looping back to Meersburg to spend the rest of the day.
Tour the town of Meersburg with its old and new Castles.
Have an afternoon snack or dinner at Gutsschänke with a beautiful view of the town and lake.
Here are some local winery recommendations:
- Winzerverein Hagnau eG:
- Location: Weinstraße 3, 88709 Hagnau am Bodensee (around 10 minutes by car from Meersburg)
- About: This cooperative winery in Hagnau, a nearby village, offers a wide selection of wines produced by local growers. They often host tastings where you can sample different varietals, including Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
- Weingut Haltnau:
- Location: Seestraße 9, 88079 Kressbronn (about 30 minutes by car from Meersburg)
- About: Situated in Kressbronn, along the northern shore of Lake Constance, Weingut Haltnau is a family-owned winery known for its high-quality wines. They offer guided tours of the vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their award-winning wines, including Riesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and more.
- Weingut Graf von Kesselstatt:
- Location: Hauptstraße 37, 78465 Dettingen-Wallhausen (about 20 minutes by car from Meersburg)
- About: This historic winery, located near the town of Wallhausen, has been producing wine for over 650 years. They specialize in traditional grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, and Kerner. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room and learn about the winemaking process.
- Weingut Hirschhof:
- Location: Rosenstraße 12, 88709 Meersburg
- About: Located right in Meersburg, Weingut Hirschhof is a small family winery producing a range of wines, including Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, and Spätburgunder. They offer tastings in their cozy courtyard or wine cellar, providing a convenient option for visitors staying in Meersburg.
Wednesday – Stein am Rhein & St. Gallen
Stein am Rhein is a hour drive from Hotel Rebstock. About 20 min into the drive stop in St. Gallen and visit the Abbey and its library…
Once you arrive in Stein am Rhein walk around town. The town’s medieval centre retains the ancient street plan. The site of the city wall, and the city gates are preserved, though the former city wall now consists of houses. The medieval part of the town has been pedestrianised and many of the medieval buildings are painted with frescoes.
- Old Town (Altstadt):
- Wander through the picturesque Old Town of Stein am Rhein, characterized by its beautifully painted medieval buildings adorned with intricate frescoes. The main street, Rathausplatz, is particularly scenic, lined with historic houses and quaint shops.
- Rathaus (Town Hall):
- Admire the stunning façade of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, which dates back to the 16th century. The building features ornate frescoes depicting scenes from local history and legends, making it a highlight of the Old Town.
- St. George’s Abbey (Kloster St. Georgen):
- Visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. George, located just outside the Old Town. Dating back to the 11th century, the abbey boasts Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as well as a beautiful cloister. Guided tours are available to explore the abbey’s history and architecture.
- Museum Lindwurm:
- Discover the history of Stein am Rhein and the surrounding region at the Museum Lindwurm. Housed in a historic building near the town center, the museum features exhibits on local art, culture, and archaeology, including artifacts dating back to Roman times.
- Schloss Hohenklingen:
- Take a short hike or drive to Schloss Hohenklingen, a medieval castle perched on a hill overlooking Stein am Rhein and the Rhine River. Explore the castle grounds, enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, and visit the castle museum to learn about its history.
- Rhine River Promenade:
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River promenade, which offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Relax on one of the benches or grab a drink at a riverside café while taking in the tranquil atmosphere.
GPSmycity has a walking tour – https://www.gpsmycity.com/blog/stein-am-rhein-a-perfect-day-trip-from-zurich-5891.html
Travel a little farther up the Rhein to Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland and have dinner overlooking the falls.
on the way back travel along the river and lake with a hour+ drive. Take a quick stop to watch the sunset (around 8-8:30pm) at Werd island with the beautiful Wallfahrtskapelle St. Otmar.
Thursday – Lichtenstein & Heidi House
- Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz):
- Perched on a hill overlooking the capital city of Vaduz, Vaduz Castle is a symbol of Liechtenstein and one of its most recognizable landmarks. While the castle itself is not open to the public as it serves as the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, visitors can admire its exterior and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Vaduz:
- Explore the charming capital city of Vaduz, which offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein Art Museum), the Postage Stamp Museum, and the pedestrianized Städtle area with its shops and cafes.
- Gutenberg Castle (Schloss Gutenberg):
- Located in the town of Balzers, Gutenberg Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Liechtenstein. Visitors can tour the castle grounds, explore the museum inside the castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley from the tower.
- Red House (Rotes Haus):
- The Red House, located in Vaduz, is a historic building dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in Liechtenstein and is now home to the Liechtenstein National Museum. The museum showcases the history and culture of the principality through exhibits on archaeology, art, and folklore.
- Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum:
- The Liechtenstein National Museum, housed in the Red House, offers a comprehensive look at the history and heritage of Liechtenstein. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics such as archaeology, natural history, and the princely family’s art collection.
- Alpine Scenery:
- Liechtenstein’s picturesque Alpine scenery provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing (in winter). The country’s mountainous terrain offers stunning vistas, peaceful trails, and the chance to connect with nature.
First Stop in Vaduz, the capital of Lichtenstein. Make sure to stop at the Post Office to get our passports stamped!
Just south of Lichtenstein is Heidi’s House a must visit when someone in the group is named Heidi.
Friday – Lindau & Tettnang
In Lindau, the city has created a great walking tour of the best sites to see. Spend the morning walking around this charming island on the lake.
Next drive up into the Northern hills to visit Hopfengut N° 20. HOPFENGUT No20 in Tettnang combines hop production, a brewery, a museum, a shop and a restaurant; Here, the fourth generation of the Locher family produces the finest aroma hops for breweries around the world and transforms them into high-quality beer specialities. Whether you are tasting the beer, visiting the museum, checking out the shop making the most of a convivial end to the day in our restaurant, enjoy a fascinating journey into the world of hops.
This is a beer making region and the town is picturesque. Its worth a short visit. Tettnang
Day 7 – Zurich
Take the long way back to Zurich. Stop at the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a tour and a bite.
Day 8 – Fly Home
Pacific coast cruise
Looking for a quick getaway full of relaxation, food and music. We are! So we’ve decided on a October getaway on a Pacific Coastal Cruise. Here are the details.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| PDX to San Diego | San Diego | Catalina Island | ||||
| At Sea | San Francisco | San Francisco | At Sea | Ensenada | San Diego | San Diego to PDX |
Day 1 – Friday
Alaska Flight XXX
PDX to San Diego, BC
6:59pm – 9:47pm
Staying at Manchester Hyatt Grand (Costco deal)
Day 2 – Saturday
Breakfast in San Diego at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern.
Boarded Ship by 1:30pm.
A little about the ship… Holland America Koningsdam
Dinning
- Pinnacle Grill $54.28 menu
- Canaletto Italian $54.28 menu
- Tamarind Asian $41.30 menu
- Rudi’s Sel de Mar $54.28 menu
- Nami Sushi alacart menu
- Main Dining Room $54.28 menu
lunch breakfast - Dutch Café menu
- Dive In Grill menu
- New York Pizza menu
breakfast menu - Gelato
Day 3 – Sunday
Catalina Island – 7am – 5pm
Day 4 – Monday
Day at Sea
Day 5 – Tuesday
San Francisco Arrive 9am
Day 6 – Wednesday
San Francisco Depart at 10 pm
Day 7 – Thursday
Day at Sea
Day 8 – Friday
Ensenda
Taco Trail Tour
Day 9 – Saturday
Return to San Diego
California Wine country & More
Coming Soon
Alsace & Black Forest
Since we visited Strasbourg and Breitnau during our Rhine cruise in 2007, we’ve always wanted to go back and tour the region in greater detail. This plan does that in a week and a half.
| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| Fly to FRA | Arrive in FRA Freiberg | Freiberg | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Freiberg | Freiberg | Freiberg | Freiberg to Strasbourg | Strasbourg | Strasbourg to Mainz | Mainz |
| 11 | ||||||
| Fly home from FRA |
Day 1
Lufthansa has a non-stop flight to Frankfurt.
Day 2 – Arriving in the morning we’d pick up a rental car and drive approx 3 hours south to the Black Forest border town of Freiburg. We’ll be making 1 stop on the way for lunch at Speyer.
We can’t miss a visit to the Speyer Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Stephen, is the world’s largest surviving Romanesque church. Its huge triple-naved vaulted basilica is the central element in a design that greatly influenced Romanesque architecture in the 11th and 12th centuries. Its fully-preserved crypt is also the largest Romanesque columned hall in Europe. Size really does matter in Speyer Cathedral. Apart from the largest body-count of Holy Roman Emperors and kings under the high altar, it boasts the monster Cathedral Bowl outside the main door. With a capacity of 1,560 litres, every new bishop has had to fill it with wine as a gift to the people. After our visit to the Cathedral we can walk around or have a seat a a local cafe for lunch.
After our stop in Speyer we head the rest of the way to our southern basecamp in Freiburg im Breisgau, a vibrant university city in southwest Germany’s Black Forest, is known for its temperate climate and reconstructed medieval old town, crisscrossed by picturesque brooks (bächle). In the surrounding highlands, hiking destination Schlossberg hill is linked to Freiburg by a funicular. With a dramatic 116m spire, the Gothic cathedral Freiburg Minster towers over the central square Münsterplatz.
We’ll be staying at the Courtyard Marriott a modern hotel just a few min walk to the Münsterplatz.
Day 3 – Freiburg
+ Titisee – Ravenna Bridge
Day 4 – A drive north
3.5 hrs driving
Mummelsee – Allerheiligen
Last stop as we head out of the Black Forest is an amazing Winery called Weingut Markgraf von Baden at Schloss Staufenberg. A beautiful winery in the foothills of the Black Forest at the site of the ruins of a Castle just seems like a moment not to be missed. A glass of wine sitting out on the patio with views for miles.
Day 5 – Drive to Colmar
Day 6 – Colmar
Eguisheim – Settled by the Senones tribe, and made a center for wine-cultivation by the Romans, the village of today didn’t develop until the 11th century when the Dukes of Alsace built here a castle here. The village hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages, with its well-preserved half-timbered houses dating back to the town’s foundation. The brightly-colored houses are complemented by bursts of blooming flower, which has earned the village the France’s highest award for town garden planting. The Rue du Rempart Sud, which follows the town’s old moat, now circles the entire medieval center and is a great way to experience the town’s charm. In the Place du Chateau, along with with the colorful chateau, church, houses, and fountain visitors will find a family of nesting storks.
Day 7 – Freiburg to Strasbourg
Neuf-Brisach
Kaysersberg – In the 13th century, the fortified settlement of Castrum Keisersberg was established along the route that connected the Rhine plain and Lorraine. By the 14th century, Kaysersberg had become a free imperial city, though gradually fell into obscurity after passing to the French in the 17th century. Today, traditional half-timbered houses still line the river that runs through the town. Much of the town dates from the 16th century, including the fortified stone bridge spanning the Weiss river. The Church Sainte-Croix was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and has retained its Romanesque facade. After enjoying the historic towers, ramparts, and mansions, visitors can sit down at a cafe to enjoy the town’s signature wine: Tokay, which is believed to have been brought from Hungary in the 16th century.
Riquewihr – Dating back to the ancient Romans, Riquewihr flourished as a fortified village in the Middle Ages, and miraculously escaped World War II unscathed. Now listed as one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’, the village looks much as it did in the 17th century, complete with fortified walls, colorful half timbered houses, and lots of flowers. On Rue du General de Gaulle, the main street, visitors can stop at the Tourist Office for a map. However many of the most interesting buildings are on the same street. Attractions not on the main street include the 13th century Dolder tower, part of the town’s original fortifications. In front of the Dolder is ‘the fountain of gauging’, which was used to check the capacity of wine barrels. The Thieves Tower is pentagonal on the outside and square on the inside, and still has a torture chamber inside.
Finally we arrive in Strasbourg France. We’ll be staying in the old town on the island at the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, just a 1/3 mi from the famous Strasbourg Notre Dam Cathedral. I’m always going to pick the hotel with a purple theme. That this one also has underground parking for our car is a bonus.
Day 8 – Strasbourg
Cathedral, Canal Cruise
Dinner – La Cloche à Fromage
Try perfectly cooked cheese fondue, raclette and blue cheese. The cooks here prepare good parfait, che and cheesecakes. Drink delicious pinot grigio, cordial or Kir, it’s a must when visiting this place. Come here and have great latte.
The warm atmosphere of this spot makes customers feel relaxed and have a good time. The positive aspect of this restaurant is that the staff is friendly. Spectacular service is something clients appreciate here.
Day 9 – Strasbourg to Mainz
Today we relocate to our last stop, Mainz, Germany. Straight thru the drive is about 3 hours but on the way we’ll make a few stops.
From Oudenkirk we’ll head to north to Karlsruhe Palace, we can either stop for a photo or decide to go in and visit the Palace. The palace forms the axis with 32 streets and avenues shooting out into the city of Karlsruhe, hence its nickname of ‘Fan City’. The palace was built in 1715 and Karlsruhe soon grew around it. By German standards, the city is still relatively young and is regarded as more liberal than most with a reputation for encouraging art and culture to flourish. The palace is surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens and forestry at the back.
At the top of every visitor’s list is the symbolic heart of the city — the red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle, which is consistently voted by foreign visitors as the top tourist attraction in Germany. Visitors can wander the grounds and from the castle walls, marvel at the views of the Old Town that never fail to thrill. The Old Town itself is a must see in order to sample the charms of the elegant churches, picture book lanes, and alleyways set against the backdrop of the beautiful Neckar River. This area of the city also contains the longest pedestrianized shopping strip in Germany. Slightly out from the center, but no less impressive is Philosophers’ Way, the name given to the path just above the city that allegedly inspired the philosophers of old. The path offers fabulous views and is often described as ‘peaceful, romantic and beautiful, a place to commune with nature’.
At the end of our journey we reach our hotel in Mainz, the Mainz Hilton.
The Mainz Old Town isn’t incredibly large and is just a short walk from the hotel. Once we drop off our luggage we can take a walk and explore the city.
After our walk around town we’ll find a restaurant to take a rest and have a good meal with good wine (as we are in the German Wine Region). Heiliggeist is just off the main square. Its a converted old church that makes a great background for a good evening. It also has a great courtyard for outside seating as well.
Day 10 – Mainz
Today we take a wine tour. Bordering on the outskirts of Mainz the vineyards of Rheinhessen and Rheingau are perfectly located for a great day out with visits to some of the most dynamic winemakers. You will taste not only beautiful Rieslings but also fantastic examples of Silvaner, Pinots, Chardonnay.
Day 11 – Fly home
SpringFest in Munich
Springfest in Munich is known as the little sister of Oktoberfest. Crowds are lower, the people are more local and there is just as much fun. Springfest takes place the last week of April and the first week of May over the May 1 holiday, Maibaumaufstellen.
| Munich, Germany | Salzburg, Austria | Nuremberg |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Nights | 4 Nights | 4 Nights |
| Munich Springfest Ulm Konigsee | Salzburg Eagles Nest Hallstatt | Nuremberg Regensburg Bamberg |
Day 0 Leave Portland
Day 1 Arrive in Munich, Germany
Hotel: NH Collection Munchen Bavaria (152.24 EUR/Night) Right near train station
Day 2 Munich Sightseeing
Day 3 Springfest
Day 4 Springfest
Day 5 Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria with stop at Konigsee
Day 6 Salzburg, Austria
Day 7 Day Trip to Hallstatt, Austria
Day 8 Day Trip to Eagles Nest, Austria
Day 9 Salzburg, Austria – Herrenchiemsee – Nuremburg
Day 10 Nuremberg
Day 11 Regensburg
Day 12 Bamberg
Day 13 Travel back to Munich
Day 14 Fly Home
Cologne, Aachen & Heidelberg Christmas Markets
I’ve been to Christmas Markets in Germany & Austria. Nuremburg and Vienna are some of my favorites. I’ve been to Cologne and Heidelberg in the springtime and absolutely loved our time there. Now I’m ready to combine two things I love – Christmas Markets and Rhine River Cities into one awesome trip. Follow me I as research this trip and add detail to this journey!
Cologne is 1h by train or 2h by car from the Frankfurt Airport and Aachen is another hour. This trip is scheduled to be 9 days understanding 2 1/2 of those days are travel days.
Overall Timeline
| SAT | SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Out | Frankfurt to Cologne | Cologne | Aachen Day Trip | Cologne | Cologne to Heidelberg | Heidelberg |
| Heidelberg to Frankfurt | Fly Home |
Day 1 (Saturday)
PDX to Frankfurt
Leaving in the morning from PDX, we need to arrive in Frankfurt around 9:00 AM.
Day 2 (Sunday)
Frankfurt to Cologne
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive in Frankfurt | Eberbach Abbey & Winery | Cologne Advent Christmas Market |
| Abbey Tavern | Peters Brauhaus |
Once we arrive and make it through customs, we are picked up by our private transfer and head to Cologne. We’ll leave the airport around 10:30 am and just outside of Frankfurt, overlooking the Main River, we’ll make a stop at Eberbach Abbey & Winery. We’ll spend 2 hours touring the 12th century Abbey and 18th century Winery and then visiting their small Christmas Market on the grounds.
Then we’ll make it to Cologne by 3pm just in time for checking at our hotel, the CityClass Hotel Alter Markt. The hotel is situated at the entrance to the best market in Cologne. Lets drop off our bags and explore the market and grab some food and glühwein!
The Weinachtsmarkt koelner spans from the old town square where we are staying to the heumarkt. This market has an ice skating rink, bavarian curling rinks, handicraft booths, and lots and lots of Food and drink…
Here’s a great video of the food of this market. Just a note – while this couple thinks they are visiting 2 markets besides the one at the Dom, its actually just this 1 very large, very beautiful market.
Day 3 (Monday)
Cologne
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne Weinachtsmarkt | Cologne Cathedral | |
| Market Food |
With a bit less crowds we can take a second run at the Weinachtsmarkt Koelner outside our hotel this morning.
At 2 pm is the Cologne Cathedral tour in english, https://www.domfuehrungen-koeln.de/fuehrung-durch-den-innenraum/public-guided-tours-in-english.
With its imposing Gothic façade and dramatic twin towers, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the city’s most recognized landmark. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent cathedral is one of the most important in Germany and dominates the city skyline.
After visiting the church there is another market in the plaza in front of the market.
Here is a map of the market
On the way back to our hotel (about 2 blocks), is a small intimate Market on Am hof – the Advent Village Market. Don’t forget to make a stop!
Definitely get a reservation for dinner, Peters Brauhaus, is just 250 ft from our hotel and the market.
Day 4 (Tuesday)
Daytrip to Aachen
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Travel from Cologne to Aachen | Aachen Cathedral | Aachen Christmas Market |
| Aachen Christmas Market Food | Postwagen Zum Ratskeller or Goldener Schwan |
Take a private transfer from Cologne to Aachen for a day trip!
Aachen is a town on the borders of Germany, Belgium and Holland about a 50 min from Cologne. Aachen is one of Europe’s most important cities with historical significance. This prominent city is where several German Kings (Holy Roman Emperors) were crowned. The city is filled with buildings dating back to the medieval period, old city gates, and beautiful fountains.
Located in the heart of the old city, Aachen Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Aachen. Its architecture and features still highlight the significance and imposing nature of the building, which was completed at the end of the 8th century at the request of Emperor Charlemagne. It is also the final resting place of King Charlemagne. Some of the other major attractions are Aachen Cathedral Treasury, Rathaus, Couven-Museum, and Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum.
The Aachen Christmas Market conveniently located right in front of the Aachen Cathedral. We will spend the rest of the day/night at the market eating and drinking our way through.
The Market is open until 9pm.
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Cologne
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne Chocolate Museum | Harbor Market | Christmas Markets |
| Chocolate Cafe | L’Osteria Köln Zollhafen or Harbor Market |
We’ll take a taxi over to the Chocolate museum for a 10am Brunch or Chocolate Treat at their Chocolate Cafe.
Opened by local chocolatier Hans Imhoff in 1993, the Cologne Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) is devoted to Cologne’s chocolate-making history. This fun attraction lets visitors peek behind the scenes of a working chocolate factory and sample delicious Lindt chocolate. After our time in the Cafe, we’ll tour the museum and sample the chocolates in the Chocolate shop!
The Cologne Harbor Christmas Market is a riverside Christmas market along the Rhine with a nautical theme and a more relaxed, airy atmosphere than the city’s other larger markets. It offers a selection of food, drinks, and local crafts in a cozy, yet festive, waterfront setting, making it a popular, albeit smaller, seasonal event.
Next we’ll head to the Angel Market. At Neumarkt, centrally located near the larger shopping streets, the Market of Angels presents itself as an enchanting Christmas wonderland. Countless glowing stars and fairy lights in the trees create a special atmosphere. Wide alleys invite you to stroll and linger between the elaborately designed houses, and from time to time, illuminated mythical creatures on stilts and magical angels can be seen.
Next we walked about 1/3 mile to the Village of St. Nicholas at Rudolfplatz. The “St. Nicholas’ Village”, staged on Rudolfplatz in the city centre, is situated in front of the historic Hahnentorburg gate. The magical Christmas world offers a unique world of experiences and St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are omnipresent. The “house of St. Nicholas”, the huge “advent calendar”, the “village chapel” and the “children’s workshop” whisk visitors away into a world of Christmas magic.
Day 6 (Thursday)
Cologne to Heidelberg
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Walk around town | Travel to Heidelberg | Christmas Market |
| ? | Mainz Christmas Market | Market Food |
We will private transfer to out of Cologne to Heidelberg around 11:00am. On the way we’ll stop in Mainz.
Mainz is a city where 2,000 years of history breathes through every cobblestoned street. The birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press and introduced letterpress printing to Europe, this Rhine-side gem charms visitors with its medieval cathedral, patrician town houses, narrow lanes, and beautiful squares that reflect the fascinating history of the city. Half-timbered buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries create an intimate, manageable old town filled with distinctive pink-red sandstone architecture. As the wine capital of Germany, cozy wine taverns are tucked behind baroque and rococo façades and add to the city’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Mainz Christmas Market dates back to 1788, making it one of the most historic Christmas markets in Germany. Set against the 1,000-year-old St. Martin’s cathedral, the market creates a magical atmosphere with about 100 lovingly decorated and illuminated stands. What makes this market special is its perfect size—while big city markets can get shoulder-to-shoulder crowded and small town markets might lack variety, Mainz fits perfectly in the middle with plenty of local families creating an upbeat, genuine atmosphere, plus seating areas where you can relax rather than just standing and eating. Handcraft lovers will be impressed by the artists’ factory that serves all sorts of handmade pieces, and with everything walkable in the compact old town, you can explore the main market, and wander charming side streets lined with half-timbered houses all within our two-hour stop.
Then off to Heidelberg, where we’ll be dropped off at our Hotel, NH Heidelberg City Center around 3:30pm. This hotel is the former Heidelberg Brewery converted in 2005 to a hotel. This is approximately a 2.5 hour drive.
Once we check in, we can rest for a little bit then head out to do a little exploring in the old town. Heidelberg is a beautiful town on the river Neckar and is steeped in history. With five different Christmas market squares offering over 140 stalls spread across the cobbled streets of the medieval old town, plus an ice skating rink beneath the castle, Heidelberg effortlessly blends centuries of history with enchanting holiday magic.
A guide to Heidelberg Christmas Markets
Day 7 (Friday)
Heidelberg
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg Castle | Christmas Market | Christmas Market |
| Hotel Breakfast? | Market Food | Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus |
Today, we’ll climb the hills via funicular to the ruins of the Heidelberg castle. Tickets for the Funicular and Castle are combined and cost 11 Euro/person. Rides begin at 9am and go every 10 minutes. The ruins of Heidelberg Castle majestically tower over the valley and river below. Built as a fortified castle with towers, casemates and moats in around 1300, the site developed over 400 years to become the feudal flagship of the Palatinate Electors.
Once back in the town we’ll walk around the town visiting the sights and the market on our own terms. We can’t miss out on walking down to the river and checking out the
For Dinner, Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus is recommended. Its a modern brewery in the old area of town the reviews are fantastic we should be able to find a taxi back to the hotel after.
Day 8 (Saturday)
Heidelberg to Frankfurt
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Travel to Frankfurt | Christmas Market | Christmas Market |
| Hotel Breakfast? | Market Food | Schwarzer Stern or Frankfurter Wirtshaus |
Its a 1 hour transfer from Heidelberg to the Frankfurt. We will stay in the Frankfurt old town overnight so we can get one more day and night of Christmas markets in!
Day 9 (Sunday)
Fly Home
We’ll transfer from Downtown Frankfurt to the Frankfurt airport where we board a plane and head home.
Trip Budget
| What/When/Where | By | Price | Per Person (4) |
| Hotel – Cologne (4) | CityClass AlterMarkt | $ 1482.55 | $370.64 |
| Hotel – Heidelberg (2) | NH Heidelberg | $617.40 | $154.35 |
| Hotel – Frankfurt (1) | Hotel Motel One | $286.00 | $71.50 |
| Hotels | $2385.95 | $596.49 | |
| Transfer FRA-Col | Day Trips | $722.00 | $180.00 |
| Round Trip Aachen | Transfer | $346.11 | $86.53 |
| Transfer to HB | Day Trips | $830.00 | $207.50 |
| Transfer to FRF | Transfer | $197.74 | $49.44 |
| Transfer to FRA | Transfer | $63.61 | $15.90 |
| Transfers | $2289.46 | $578.87 | |
| Airfare | United | $4400.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Admission | $285.12 | $71.28 | |
| Total | $9368.53 | $2346.63 | |
| Food + Stuff for 7d | $150 per day | $4200.00 | $1050.00 |
| Grand Total | $13,568.53 | $3396.63 |
Organized Travelers 