When we were in our 20s we had the opportunity to take a Christmas Market Cruise along the Danube. It changed my life forever. It was one of the first trips I’d taken out of the US and I fell in love with the little towns and their festive Markets. I’ve always wanted to go back and spend some time in the Area. And so the plan for this trip is to do that.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Fly to Germany
Arrive in Germany
Nuremburg
Nuremburg Day Trip to Regensburg
Nuremburg
Munich
Fly Home
Day 0
Fly to Germany
Day 1
Arrive in Germany
Arriving in Munich, we’ll immediately take a transfer and make our way to Nuremburg thru Amberg.
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.
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!)
Have an afternoon snack or dinner at Gutsschänke with a beautiful view of the town and lake.
from tripadvisor.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
from Bodensee.eu
This is a beer making region and the town is picturesque. Its worth a short visit. Tettnang
Hotel: NH Collection Munchen Bavaria (152.24 EUR/Night) Right near central train station
Dinner : Löwenbräu Biergarten A short Light Rail trip on Route (20 or 21). This is the first of our tours of the Big 6 Breweries of Munich. The “Big 6” Munich breweries are the only breweries officially allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten
Day 2
Munich Sightseeing
Start the morning off at the Café Glockenspiel on the 4th floor of the building across from the Rathaus in Marienplatz for a bite and a beautiful view.
The key to Viktualienmarkt is not trying to do a giant meal. The best experience is a slow wandering lunch with little bites, a beer, and lots of standing around saying “okay THIS is the best thing so far.”
Start: Coffee + Pastry at Rischart. Grab a coffee and a fresh pastry to ease into the market.
Stop 2: Sausage Snack at Vinzenzmurr. Get a warm Leberkäse sandwich with mustard.
Stop 3: Cheese + Charcuterie Grazing at Tölzer Kasladen. Ask for a few small tastes.
Stop 4: Seafood at Nordsee Viktualienmarkt Get: herring sandwich, smoked salmon, or shrimp rolls.
Stop 5: Weißwurst + Pretzel at Metzgerei Zimmermann. One of the classic butcher counters in the market. Order: Weißwurst, Sweet mustard & Pretzel
Stop 6: Coffee + Pastry at Rischart or Karnoll’s Backstandl. Grab a coffee and a fresh pastry to ease into the market.
Stop 7: Sweet Finish at Schmalznudel – Cafe Frischhut Just a few minutes from the market. One of Munich’s legendary pastry spots. Order Schmalznudel (a sugar-coated pancake), Rohrnudel or apple fritters with coffee.
Next some of us can head to Trachten Angermaier & Spieth & Wensky Tracht München for Dirndl shopping while others head to Altes Haukerhaus.
Take a quick peek at the beautiful facade of the Ruffinihaus:
And our final main stop of the day is at Asam Church. Asamkirche is one of Munich’s most breathtaking hidden gems — a tiny Baroque church packed with dramatic gold decoration, elaborate frescoes, sculpted angels, and theatrical lighting effects. Built in the 1700s by the artist brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam as their private chapel, the church feels incredibly intimate compared to Europe’s grand cathedrals, yet every inch is overflowing with detail and artistry. Stepping inside from the narrow street outside feels like discovering a secret jewel box in the middle of Munich’s Old Town.
And then we’ll make our way to Sendlinger Tor, one of the original city gates of Munich. Where we’ll take the light rail (Route 18) over to our dinner location.
Dinner at Paulaner am Nockherberg
Depending how steady we are, we could take the light rail back to our hotel on Route 18 (back to the same spot we got off the light rail before)
Day 3 – Munich
Starting out from the Hotel, today we walk to Karlsplatz and through one of the original city gates. and then along the Kaufingerstrasse.
From there, we’ll make our way to Brunch at Augustiner Klosterwirt – with a traditional Weißwurst, pretzel, sweet mustard, & Hefeweizen
We’ll pass by the Frauenkirche and take a quick look inside Dallmayer Deli. Munich’s legendary gourmet food hall feels like a cross between an old-world European department store and a luxury culinary wonderland — overflowing with pastries, chocolates, cheeses, seafood, coffee, wine, and beautifully prepared deli foods. Open since the 1700s and just steps from Marienplatz, it’s one of the city’s classic food experiences and worth visiting even if you only have 15 minutes.
The best quick grabs are a few handmade pralines or chocolates, a few handmade pralines or chocolates, or a bag of Dallmayr coffee as a souvenir.
Max Joseph Platz
Residenz
Odeonsplatz
Maximilianstrasse
Platzl
Dinner at Hofbrauhaus
Day 4
Munich
Today we are splitting our day into 2 parts. Morning visiting Nymphenburg Palace and the afternoon visiting the Englisher Garden.
Nymphenburg Palace is one of Munich’s most beautiful and relaxing royal sites, known as much for its enormous gardens and parkland as for the palace itself. Originally the summer residence of Bavarian rulers, it combines elegant Baroque and Rococo interiors — especially the stunning Great Hall — with canals, lakes, wooded walking paths, and smaller hidden pavilions scattered throughout the grounds. Unlike some of Europe’s more crowded palaces, Nymphenburg feels spacious and calm, making it ideal for a slower-paced half-day visit where you can tour the palace, wander the gardens, and stop for coffee, cake, or a Bavarian beer garden lunch nearby.
English Garden is one of the world’s largest urban parks and one of Munich’s best places to experience the city’s relaxed outdoor culture. Much more than just a park, it combines wide meadows, shaded walking paths, streams, beer gardens, and scenic gathering spots where locals picnic, bike, sunbathe, and socialize. Highlights include the famous river surfers at the Eisbach wave, the lakeside Japanese Tea House, and the iconic Chinesischer Turm beer garden. It’s the perfect place to slow down between sightseeing, enjoy a long stroll, or spend a few hours with food and drinks while soaking up the laid-back Bavarian atmosphere.
Day 5
Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria
Today we transfer to Salzburg. On our way to Salzburg, we’ll stop at Konigsee and take a boat ride on the crystal clear glacier lake.
Then we’ll take a elevator up to the Eagles Nest a high spot overlooking the Austrian Alps.
Most likely, we’ll stay at the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Salzburg Gablerbräu. A small hotel close to everything.
For dinner we’ll switch things up with some Italian at L’Osteria Salzburg just across the street from our hotel.
Day 6 Salzburg, Austria
Today we’ll do our sightseeing in Salzburg, We’ll start out at Mirabell Gardens a short 3 min walk from our hotel.
After visiting the gardens, we’ll walk across the bridge and take a walking tour of Salzburg.
Starting with Mozartzplatz and the New Residence with the Glockenspeil
Salzburg Cathedral is the grand Baroque centerpiece of Salzburg’s Old Town and one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Known for its massive dome, ornate interior, and beautiful marble façade, the cathedral dominates the scenic Domplatz square and reflects the wealth and power Salzburg held during the prince-archbishop era. Inside, visitors will find soaring ceilings, elaborate frescoes, and a calm, reverent atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the lively streets outside.
Old Residenz
Kapitelplatz is one of Salzburg’s most scenic public squares, located just below Hohensalzburg Fortress in the heart of the Old Town. Surrounded by Baroque architecture and dramatic fortress views, the square serves as a lively gathering place filled with cafés, markets, street performers, and visitors taking in the atmosphere. It is especially known for its striking contrast between historic Salzburg and modern art, including the famous giant golden sphere sculpture, “Sphaera.” The open space and stunning backdrop make it one of the best places in the city to pause, soak up the scenery, and enjoy Salzburg’s unique blend of history and culture.
Lunch at Pauli Stubm
A quick stop at the Stiftsbäckerei St Peter – https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRb_tmdjafT/. Stiftsbäckerei St. Peter is a charming historic bakery next to St. Peter’s Abbey, known for its freshly baked breads, pastries, and simple, high-quality breakfast and snack options in one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric Old Town settings.
St. Peter’s Church is one of Salzburg’s oldest and most beautiful churches, known for its richly decorated Baroque interior, ornate altars, and peaceful cloistered atmosphere within the historic St. Peter’s Abbey complex.
St. Peter’s Cemetery is a remarkably atmospheric burial ground tucked against the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, famous for its ancient wrought-iron grave markers, flower-filled family crypts, and quiet, almost otherworldly beauty right in the heart of the Old Town
Toscanini Hof
Dinner at –
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is one of Salzburg’s most iconic dining experiences and isone of the oldest restaurants in Europe. Located within the historic St. Peter’s Abbey complex in the heart of the Old Town, it combines elegant Austrian cuisine with centuries-old atmosphere, featuring beautiful stone dining rooms, candlelit spaces, and charming courtyard seating. Despite its historic pedigree, it feels warm and inviting rather than stuffy, making it an excellent place for a leisurely lunch or memorable dinner. The menu focuses on refined Austrian classics, local wines, and seasonal ingredients, and the setting makes the entire experience feel deeply connected to Salzburg’s history and culture.
Day 7
Day Trip to the Lake District
We’re doing our own custom tour of the lake district!
FUSCHL CASTLE
Morning Coffee & Cake
ZWOLFERHORN SEIBAHN
Lunch in St. Wolfgang at Seerestaurant Im Weissen Rössl
HALLSTATT
Later in the day when its a little less crowded
BAD ISCHL
Stop at Cafe-Restaurant Zauner for Coffee & Cake
TRAUNKIRCHEN
SCHLOSS ORT
Day 8
Salzburg, Austria
Mozart’s Birthplace
Getreidegasse
Universitatsplatz Market
Dinner at Augustinerbräu Salzburg
Day 9
Salzburg, Austria – Chiemsee – Munich Airport
Today we’ll get picked up at our hotel in Salzburg for our journey back to Munich. But we aren’t through with our adventure yet. We are making a stop at Chiemsee and we’ll be taking a ferry to one of the islands on the lake, Fraueninsel.
Fraueninsel (also called Frauenchiemsee) is a small, inhabited island in Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria, Germany. Renowned for its serene scenery and historical sites, it hosts the ancient Benedictine convent Kloster Frauenwörth. The island blends monastic tradition, artistic heritage, and local craft, making it a notable cultural destination in southern Bavaria.
We’ll start out walking the Entire Island Loop (which takes about 30 min). Its completely flat and packed with flowers, tiny lanes and of course, lake views.
Next, we’ll head to Frauenworth Abbey and after checking out the grounds we’ll have a leasurely lunch at Inselbräu Frauenchiemsee. This is absolutely a “stay awhile” lunch.
And then a stop at Konditorei Neuer am See for a Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) before we head to the Munich Airport Marriott Hotel.
And since at this point we will probably be exhausted, we can hit up the Restaurant Stub’n right in the hotel
Organized Travelers 