Hi from Rick: Germanic Thrills, Year-Round
I get this question a lot: If countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are so magical this time of year, why don't we offer a special holiday-themed tour here?
The answer is simple: These places are merry all year round. Sure, they're warm and welcoming in December — with their Christmas markets, festive concerts, and cozy Old World yuletide ambience…but when the days lengthen and the snow thaws, the Germanic heart of Europe becomes a playground for travelers who love hiking, half-timbered hamlets, hearty cuisine, and hills-are-alive scenery.
Some of my favorite travel thrills come with a distinctly German accent. While castle-hopping along the Rhine, I love to ramble up the ramparts of a fortified town and find my own private turret from which to survey the horizon. In elegant Vienna, I always get a kick out of watching the beloved Lipizzaner stallions show why they're nicknamed the "dancing white horses." When I'm in a raucous Oktoberfest beer tent, I never pass on ordering a pretzel the size of my head and tearing into a spiral-cut giant radish like it's an edible Slinky. And taking a break from the bustling crowds of Salzburg to pop into its magnificent cathedral just in time for a glorious concert never gets old…nor does sipping a coffee schnapps in Switzerland, while watching the sun kiss the mountaintops goodnight.
Regardless of season, this Teutonic, mountainous chunk of Europe whets every traveler's appetite, and we'd love to take you here on a Rick Steves tour. We have four tour itineraries that show off a wide variety of this region's classy cities, fairy-tale charms, inviting culture, and stunning natural beauty. And, for those who really want to add a sprinkle of holiday joy to their trip, our Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna tour offers a handful of departures in November and December — perfect for visiting Christmas markets.
The cozy and convivial Germanic spirit of gemütlichkeit is our theme in this month's Tour News, with two colorful slideshows of our Munich, Salzburg & Vienna tour and Germany, Austria & Switzerland tour, an interview with German guide Daniela Wedel, raves about touring in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and a festive video of Christmas in Bavaria.
Alpine Europe is both a winter wonderland and a summer wonderland. When you go is up to you — and no matter the season, we'd love to be a part of your Teutonic travels.
Gute Reise — and Frohe Weihnachten!
Rick