• Bacharach and Rhine River at dusk, Germany

December Tour News

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… Read more

In this issue


Girl with pretzel, Rothenburg, Germnay

Slideshow: Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna, Day by Day

Let's go where classical music, towering castles, and the-hills-are-alive scenery welcome you to the gemütlichkeit of Bavaria and opulence of Austria's golden age. We explore festive Munich, Baroque Salzburg… Read more


Girl in meadow, Murren, Switzerland

Slideshow: Best of Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Day by Day

What's it like to experience a slice of Europe where mountains, Mozart, and mugs of beer all clink together to create a totally yodel-y adventure? Hop aboard this slideshow preview of our Best of Germany… Read more


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Meet German Guide Daniela Wedel

Daniela is a dynamo who brings her high-energy brand of guiding to our Germany-Austria-Switzerland, France, Italy, and Best of Europe tours. Summer travel is especially close to her heart… Read more


Raves About Touring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

This Germanic slice of Europe is blessed with high-powered sights. There's spectacular scenery — the jagged Alps, rolling hills of forests and farms, flower-filled meadows, and mighty rivers… Read more


Christkind in Germany

Video of the Month: Christmas in Bavaria

When it comes to traditional holiday images, Germany's Bavaria is the heartland. Join Rick as he strolls through the festive swirl of heartwarming sights, smells, and sounds of Nürnberg's… Watch


man wearing red stocking cap holding a present

Join Our 2025 Season’s Givings Event

Our annual Season's Givings event invites travelers to share in two great Rick Steves' Europe holiday traditions: supporting nonprofits that work for the common good and making a resolution to explore our world… Read more


2026 Tours on Sale

Save up to $700 on dozens of tours departing February through June. From Italy to Ireland, Sicily to Spain, Paris to Portugal, and many more exciting itineraries… Browse tours


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2026 Travel Festival Coming Soon!

Europe is always changing. And, while the fundamentals of good travel are perennial, it's smart to prepare for what's new in 2026. That's where the Rick Steves' Europe 2026 Travel Festival comes in… Sign up