A 22 DAY IMMERSIVE TOUR - EXCLUSIVE TO RAMSGATE TRAVEL SERVICE
With much enthusiasm and excitement, on behalf of Ramsgate Travel Service, we invite you join us in Europe this November, for a very elegant 22-day journey, with indulgence, enjoyment and great company all assured.
This is a luxury focused, leisurely, road-trip designed to cover the most beautiful spots in Central Europe in the gentle, early winter weeks pre-Christmas. The emphasis is on beautiful accommodation throughout, including historic grand hotels and castle-style stays, along with efficient routing, luxury transportation, and beautiful seasonal experiences.
Our hotels have been carefully selected, to not only provide exemplary service and ambience befitting their status, but also to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible seasonal experience in the places we visit. We will stay in a variety of accommodation, from a restored 17th century baroque palace in Prague, to a row of medieval townhouses in Rothenberg. In between there are beautiful Schlosshotels - each with their own incredible story, and special place in their locale. One of our hotels - The Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary - is the centrepiece of one of Europe’s premier spa towns, and we have allowed plenty of down time to enjoy a unique blend of history, luxury and indulgence.
Will it snow? We certainly hope so. Regardless, the wonderful European Christmas spirit will be everywhere and to travel at that time is to basically live in a Christmas card. This is not a trip for grinches!! and we are duty bound to tell you that Christmas at home will never be the same.
IMPORTANT COSTING INFORMATION:
The tour cost has been calculated at the prevailing mid bank rate (€0.60 Euro to AUD) on 4/3/26.
Rather than add a buffer to allow for currency fluctuation, we will base your final payment on the prevailing rate of the day and, adjust the tour cost (up or down) accordingly.
Tour Management Services of Anne & Barry Rogers throughout:
EXCLUSIONS:
GENERAL INFORMATION:
A non-refundable deposit of $3000 per person is required at time of booking. For sole occupancy and availability contact Ramsgate Travel. This tour is restricted to a maximum of 20 passengers and requires a minimum number of participants to operate. Itinerary and price changes may occur due to local legislation, currency changes and availability of services.
Day 1 | Sunday 22 November | Arrive Prague
Welcome to Prague, historic capital of Bohemia and the first of the “storybook” cities on our tour. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Grand Mark Hotel. Once a baroque palace and superbly located just off the Old Town Square, it will be our home for three nights. Prague brims with medieval charm, particularly in the cooler months when Gothic towers, baroque palaces and winding lanes appear at their most atmospheric. Combined with a rich musical heritage, vibrant café culture and timeless beauty, the city feels both romantic and alive, and we will have ample time to explore. Meet your fellow travellers for drinks this evening.
Overnight: Grand Mark Hotel, Prague (https://www.grandmark.cz/en)
Day 2 | Monday 23 November | Prague
After a leisurely start to the day, we will enjoy a guided walking tour visiting Prague Castle — the largest ancient castle complex in the world — St. Vitus Cathedral, Malá Strana (the Lesser Town), the iconic Charles Bridge, the Old Town with its glorious square and famous Astronomical Clock, and Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner at a special venue.
Overnight: Grand Mark Hotel, Prague (https://www.grandmark.cz/en)
Day 3 | Tuesday 24 November | Český Krumlov Excursion
Today we take a leisurely excursion to Český Krumlov, often described as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe and certainly among the most enchanting. Its beautifully preserved medieval old town is dominated by a magnificent castle complex. Cobblestone streets, pastel façades and hidden courtyards create a storybook setting, while galleries, cafés and riverside walks bring the town vividly to life. There will be time for a leisurely lunch and stroll before returning to Prague.
Overnight: Grand Mark Hotel, Prague (https://www.grandmark.cz/en)
Day 4 | Wednesday 25 November | Prague to Karlovy Vary
This morning our journey continues north-west to Karlovy Vary, Bohemia’s most elegant spa retreat, also known as Carlsbad after King Charles IV who founded it in 1350. Nestled in a lush forested valley, this UNESCO-listed town is renowned for its healing mineral springs and pastel-coloured colonnades. Stroll along the river, sample the thermal waters and enjoy the refined atmosphere of this historic spa destination. Our home for the next two nights is the splendid Grand Hotel Pupp, established in 1701 and steeped in history, and a well-known film location including James Bond’s Casino Royale.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary (https://www.pupp.cz/en)
Day 5 | Thursday 26 November | Karlovy Vary
Today is yours to relax and enjoy both our hotel and this beautiful walkable spa town. Karlovy Vary is home to numerous mineral springs and spa centres offering a wide variety of treatments. Take time to wander the elegant colonnades, stroll beside the river, and sample the famous local herbal liquor, Becherovka.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary (https://www.pupp.cz/en)
Day 6 | Friday 27 November | Karlovy Vary to Weigenheim
This morning our journey continues to Nuremberg. Upon arrival we will enjoy a guided tour followed by leisure time to enjoy lunch and explore the beautiful Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which opens today in the pretty Hauptmarkt city square. Later in the afternoon we travel to our special home for the next three nights — the beautiful Schlossotel Frankenberg located in Weigenheim, approximately one hour from Nuremberg. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Overnight: Schlossotel Frankenberg, Weigenheim (https://schloss-frankenberg.de)
Day 7 | Saturday 28 November | Bamberg Excursion
Today we take a leisurely excursion to nearby Bamberg, often described as a living medieval masterpiece. Built across seven hills and interlaced with canals, Bamberg is one of Germany’s best-preserved historic cities. Its UNESCO-listed old town features half-timbered houses, narrow streets and the striking Bamberg Cathedral overlooking the river. Often called “Little Venice,” the town is also famous for its traditional breweries and distinctive smoked beer.
Overnight: Schlossotel Frankenberg, Weigenheim (https://schloss-frankenberg.de)
Day 8 | Sunday 29 November | Franconian Countryside
Today we enjoy a relaxed local excursion through the surrounding Franconian countryside, including a leisurely late lunch. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the tranquil setting of our hotel and the surrounding region.
Overnight: Schlossotel Frankenberg, Weigenheim (https://schloss-frankenberg.de)
Day 9 | Monday 30 November | Weigenheim to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This morning we travel to Würzburg, a beautiful baroque city set along the Main River and surrounded by rolling vineyards. At its heart stands the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s great palaces. After time for a stroll and lunch we continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Perfectly preserved within ancient city walls, Rothenburg is pure fairytale — timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and picturesque towers creating a setting that feels untouched by time. Our home for the next two nights is the historic Hotel Eisenhut, a collection of elegant medieval townhouses overlooking the Market Square. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Eisenhut, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (https://www.hotel-eisenhut.de/eisenhut-en)
Day 10 | Tuesday 1 December | Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Today is yours to explore and enjoy beautiful Rothenburg at leisure. Wander the medieval ramparts, explore charming market squares and admire the town’s beautifully preserved architecture, especially magical during the Christmas season.
Overnight: Hotel Eisenhut, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (https://www.hotel-eisenhut.de/eisenhut-en)
Day 11 | Wednesday 2 December | Rothenburg to Salzburg
Today we journey south and cross into Austria, arriving in Salzburg in its stunning alpine setting and beautifully dressed for Christmas. The baroque old town is UNESCO listed and filled with charming streets, church spires and elegant squares. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and for its musical heritage, Salzburg is another of the “storybook” cities on our tour. Our home for the next three nights is the lakeside Schlosshotel Leopoldskron, set in parkland just minutes from the old town and known as a filming location for The Sound of Music. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Leopoldskron, Salzburg (https://www.schloss-leopoldskron.com/en)
Day 12 | Thursday 3 December | Salzburg
This morning we enjoy a leisurely walking tour through Salzburg’s beautiful old town along with a special activity. The afternoon is free to enjoy lunch and soak up the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere in the city’s streets, shops and markets.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Leopoldskron, Salzburg (https://www.schloss-leopoldskron.com/en)
Day 13 | Friday 4 December | Hallstatt Excursion
Today we travel to Hallstatt, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage village with roots stretching back over 7,000 years to the world’s earliest salt mining. In the lead-up to Christmas the town feels like a winter fairytale — snow-dusted rooftops, festive lights and the glassy lake beneath the Alps creating a magical alpine setting recognised from countless calendars and postcards.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Leopoldskron, Salzburg (https://www.schloss-leopoldskron.com/en)
Day 14 | Saturday 5 December | Salzburg to Munich
Today is St Nicholas Eve, also known as Krampus Night. This morning we travel to Munich where we will spend two nights at the Louis Hotel, chosen for its excellent location near Marienplatz — the vibrant heart of the city. As Christmas approaches the square fills with festive lights, decorated stalls and the scent of mulled wine. It is also the centre of Krampus festivities, when locals dressed as the legendary horned figures roam the streets in lively folklore celebrations.
Overnight: Louis Hotel, Munich (https://www.louis-hotel.com/en/)
Day 15 | Sunday 6 December | Munich
Munich blends Bavarian tradition with sophisticated city living. Grand squares, elegant boulevards and world-class museums sit alongside lively beer halls and beautiful parks — which may well be snow-covered during our visit. Today is free to enjoy the city and pursue personal interests, whether that be football, BMW, museums or of course Bavaria’s famous beer culture.
Overnight: Louis Hotel, Munich (https://www.louis-hotel.com/en/)
Day 16 | Monday 7 December | Munich to Strasbourg
Time for a change of pace today as we relax on our coach and journey westward, and cross the French border to beautiful Strasbourg — a delightful fusion of French elegance and Germanic character. The historic heart, with its half-timbered houses and canals, features the magnificent Gothic cathedral and a fabulous city square which will of course be home to a wonderful Christmas market. Our beautiful hotel — The Regent Petite France — is located in the picturesque district of La Petite France. Strasbourg is in a unique position at the crossroads of Europe. It is truly wonderful to visit at any time of year, but never more so than in the weeks before Christmas.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: Hotel Regent Petite France, Strasbourg (https://regent-petite-france.com)
Day 17 | Tuesday 8 December | Strasbourg
This morning we will enjoy a guided walking tour with plenty of time afterwards to enjoy lunch, and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight: Hotel Regent Petite France, Strasbourg (https://regent-petite-france.com)
Day 18 | Wednesday 9 December | Alsace Villages Excursion
Close to Strasbourg are several gorgeous Alsatian villages. Today we will visit some of them including Colmar, Riquewihr, and Kayserberg. All three are living storybooks, each with its own charm, and especially pretty just before Christmas — Colmar with its canals and ancient covered market, Riquewihr with its vineyard setting and medieval streets, and Kayserberg with its half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and beautiful hilltop castle.
Overnight: Hotel Regent Petite France, Strasbourg (https://regent-petite-france.com)
Day 19 | Thursday 10 December | Strasbourg to Kronberg
This morning we will return to nearby Germany and Kronberg, our final stop on tour. Nestled in the Taunus hills less than 30 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, Kronberg is a charming medieval town with a refined, village-like atmosphere. Timber-framed houses, cobbled lanes and our superb hotel for three nights — the utterly splendid Schlosshotel Kronberg — create yet another storybook setting. Known for its peaceful surroundings and traditional character, Kronberg offers a gentle contrast to larger cities and a glimpse of authentic German heritage.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg (https://schlosshotel-kronberg.com/en)
Day 20 | Friday 11 December | Rhine Valley Excursion
Today we will enjoy an excursion to the nearby Rhine Valley, and the beautiful village of Rüdesheim, situated on the east bank of the river. We will enjoy strolling the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow lane lined with wine taverns, where wine-making traditions stretch back over 1,000 years. Of course, no visit to Rüdesheim is complete without enjoying a Rüdesheimer Kaffee — a wickedly alcoholic brew.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg (https://schlosshotel-kronberg.com/en)
Day 21 | Saturday 12 December | Kronberg
Today is yours to enjoy for last minute shopping and packing. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg (https://schlosshotel-kronberg.com/en)
Day 22 | Sunday 13 December | Depart Kronberg
Our tour ends following breakfast at the hotel.
Overnight: Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg (https://schlosshotel-kronberg.com/en)
