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W H I T E C H R I S T M A S I N E U R O P E DEPART AUSTRALIA Day 1: Sunday 17 December Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well so are we – and departing Australia on Emirates this evening, we can look forward to experiencing the kind of festive season they sing about in the carols, some of us perhaps for the very first time. ARRIVE FRANKFURT (GERMANY) Day 2: Monday 18 December Among sparkling fairy lights, snug scarves and crackling fires, arriving into frosty Frankfurt this afternoon feels like we have stepped into the home of Christmas. Settle into Villa Kennedy, a true bastion of the city established in 1902 for three nights. We indulge in an outstanding dinner in house by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, raising our glasses to celebrate a magical festive season. FRANKFURT Day 3: Tuesday 19 December Wrapping up warm after breakfast, we embark on a walking tour of Frankfurt, on our way to Paulplatz where stalls, song and sausages make up one of the most famous Christmas Markets in the world. After lunch at Romerplatz, shopping is likely to be on the agenda for this afternoon. Will the fruit of age old traditions please your tastebuds at medieval abbey of Kloster Eberbach? Or will you chase more magic and sparkle at Wiesbaden Christmas Markets, just a short drive out of the city. We look forward to a Welcome Dinner overlooking the city at the elegant Main Tower Restaurant. HEIDELBERG Day 4: Wednesday 20 December This morning, we're all aboard Germany's fastest train, the aptly named ICE express riding in First Class straight into a fairytale. It's easy to see why Heidelberg inspired the German Romantic movement. We might choose to buy some unique souvenirs from the charming market. Back in Frankfurt, we enjoy dinner in the quaint cider taverns of Sachsenhausen, where we taste the city's famous apfelwein. WURZBURG – NUREMBERG Day 5: Thursday 21 December It's 'auf wiedersehn' to Frankfurt this morning as we depart for Wurzburg. With the Reisdenz Palace as a backdrop, this Bavarian icon is the perfect backdrop for a morning's exploration. The afternoon takes us to Nuremberg, a city of art which hides a past as dark as its beer. Settling into the Le Meridien Grand Hotel, we wait until tomorrow to discover it. NUREMBERG Day 6: Friday 22 December Nuremberg boasts one of Germany's most famous markets. We continue our Christmas shopping before a tour of the old town and Castle. No doubt we have worked up an appetite for lunch at a bratwurst restaurant. Why not take the time to visit Albrecht Durer's house, or experience the disquieting Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Trials memorial? GERMANY AUSTRIA CZECH REPUBLIC Frankfurt Heidelberg Nuremberg Rothenburg Wurzburg Dinkelsbuhl Munich Vienna Salzburg Hof bei Salzburg Prague Cesky Krumlov Included Flight Coach Rail Frankfurt's festive markets come alive under the Christmas tree Opposite: Vienna's Christmas markets 1800 650 738 | captainschoice.com.au 61