2026 Festive Christmas Traditions: A Journey Through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with Wendy Fracchia

9 Days

This tour is the perfect winter getaway and the ultimate way to usher in the Christmas season.  Join tour director and MMET Director of Group Travel, Wendy Fracchia, to enjoy the magical atmosphere of medieval towns in Germany, Austria & Switzerland that will be lightly dusted with snow, and adorned with decorations and lights, while sampling the local delicacies.

The Perfect Winter Getaway This Christmas Season

This tour is the perfect winter getaway and the ultimate way to usher in the Christmas season.  Join tour director and MMET Director of Group Travel,  Wendy Fracchia to enjoy the magical atmosphere of medieval towns in Germany, Austria & Switzerland that will be lightly dusted with snow, and adorned with decorations and lights, while sampling the local delicacies.

Our days will be full of city tours, concerts, sleigh rides, and of course browsing the European Christmas markets where you will discover contemporary and traditional toys, Christmas decorations, sweets, foods, and presents—everything for the perfect Christmas trip.

This will be an enchanting trip and super fun.  While other companies take 2 and 3 buses on their tours, ours has a 1-bus guarantee that ensures you have an intimate experience at the sites as well as with your host. It allows your group to bond as a family and to make fast friends with those you traveling with. You will not come home wishing you had more.

*For this tour, it’s important that participants are comfortable walking independently at a steady pace set by group, covering an average of over 12,000 steps daily on varied surfaces commonly found in Europe. This includes cobblestone, concrete, and natural earth paths. Since the tour takes place in a season with potential for icy or snowy weather, it’s also essential that participants are prepared for such conditions, as these may affect the walking experience.

Tour ID # 9226K29

A CASH DISCOUNT of $100.00 applies for all payments made by check or ACH AFTER the deposit

To Book This Tour, contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Wendy FracchiaTour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-5285

Highlights

  • Welcome dinner in Rothenberg
  • Orientation tour of Rothenberg’s old town
  • Visit to Nuremberg Christmas Markets
  • Night Watchman tour of Rothenberg
  • Guided city tour of Munich
  • Visit to Munich Christmas Markets
  • Guided sightseeing in Salzburg
  • Visit to the Silent Night Chapel
  • Explore Salzburg’s Advent market
  • Mozart concert in Salzburg
  • Scenic sleigh ride en route to Innsbruck
  • Guided city tour of Innsbruck
  • Leisure time to enjoy Innsbruck’s Christmas markets
  • Guided city tour of St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Visit to the Abbey Library of St. Gallen
  • Explore St. Gallen’s Christmas markets
  • Half-day guided city tour of Zurich
  • Visit to Zurich’s Christmas markets
  • Farewell dinner in St. Gallen
  • All breakfasts and select dinners are included per itinerary
  • Private, comfortable motorcoach transportation throughout
  • Professional tour escort service
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers with group air

Itinerary

  • Day
    1
    &
    2

    Sunday and Monday, November 29-30, 2026 - Depart the US and fly overnight to arrive in Frankfurt, overnight in Rothenberg

    Today we will depart our home cities and fly overnight to Frankfurt, Germany.  Upon arrival, we’ll be met by our tour escort and a comfortable motorcoach to drive to Rothenberg. We’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a brief orientation tour of the hotel area enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know the other guests on the tour. 

    Meals : Dinner, In-flight

  • Day
    3

    Tuesday, December 1, 2026 - Nuremberg Excursion & Rothenberg Night Watchman Tour

    Our first full immersion into the magical German Christmas markets begins in Nuremberg, home to one of Europe’s most famous markets. Spend the day exploring the city and enjoying the festive atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll return to Rothenberg for a traditional Night Watchman tour, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. 

  • Day
    4

    Wednesday, December 2, 2026 - Munich City Tour & Christmas Markets, Transfer to Salzburg

    After breakfast, we’ll head to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, for a guided tour of the city’s historic areas. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore Munich's Christmas Markets at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll travel to Salzburg, Austria, where we’ll check into our hotel and have dinner together. 

  • Day
    5

    Thursday, December 3, 2026 - Salzburg Sightseeing & Mozart Concert

    Today, we’ll explore Salzburg’s highlights, including a visit to the Silent Night Chapel, where the beloved Christmas carol was first performed in 1818. Enjoy the local Advent market before returning to Salzburg for dinner and a Mozart concert

  • Day
    6

    Friday, December 4, 2026 - Sleigh Ride & Innsbruck Sightseeing

    After breakfast, we’ll head to Innsbruck, with a scenic sleigh ride along the way to embrace the holiday spirit. Once in Innsbruck, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city’s historic sites. You’ll have the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own. 

  • Day
    7

    Saturday, December 5, 2026 - St. Gallen Christmas Markets

    We bid farewell to Austria and travel to St. Gallen, Switzerland. Here, we’ll enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the exquisite Abbey Library, home to books dating back to the 8th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore St. Gallen’s beautiful Christmas markets and the city at your own pace. 

  • Day
    8

    Monday, December 6, 2026 - Zurich City Tour & Farewell Dinner

    After breakfast, we travel to Zurich for a half-day guided tour, taking in the city’s festive Christmas markets. In the evening, we return to St. Gallen for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

  • Day
    9

    Monday, December 7, 2026 - Departure

    We transfer to Zurich airport for your return flight home, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime and perhaps a few extra items in your bags! 

Cost Includes

  • Deluxe/Air Conditioned motor coach transportation
  • Licensed Local guides and experienced MMET Tour Host7
  • 7 nights Hotel accommodations in 4 Star deluxe-class hotels
  • Sightseeing tours as outlined on the itinerary
  • Breakfast and 2 dinners included
  • Entrance fees to all noted locations

Cost Excludes

  • Airfare from your home city to Munich and home from Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
  • Tour gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not included in the tour outline

About Wendy Fracchia

Wendy Fracchia has spent close to 40 years in the travel industry, turning her love for exploring the world into a rewarding career. From the moment she entered the industry right out of school, Wendy discovered her passion for helping others experience unforgettable journeys — whether fulfilling lifelong “bucket list” dreams, growing in faith, or simply enjoying the adventure of travel. Her extensive experience includes leading group tours throughout the USA, Africa, Thailand, Australia, and on multiple European River and Mediterranean cruises. Wendy is known for her travel expertise, insider tips, and heartfelt enthusiasm for sharing the world’s most remarkable places with others.

Travel is more than a job for Wendy — it’s part of who she is. She hopes to see as much of the world as possible and pass along those stories and experiences to her family, friends, and fellow travelers.

Wendy and her husband, Art, have been married for over 35 years. Together, they’ve raised two wonderful sons, welcomed two beloved daughters-in-law, and are now the proud grandparents of soon-to-be five cherished grandchildren. Art has been a constant support, often joining Wendy as an assistant on group tours and embracing the adventure alongside her.

Pricing Information

Optional Pricing:

  • Single Supplement/Private room $

Payment Terms:

  • $500.00 pp deposit at the time of booking
  • Final Payment due August 26, 2026
  • This tour is based on a minimum/max of 25

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information