Following centuries of old-world Advent tradition, embark on a unique 9-day, Regina Pilgrimages journey as you explore the historic Christmas markets of Germany and France. Experience the beauty and spiritual significance of these markets, and the cities that contain them, as you wander through the stalls adorned with handmade religious and secular gifts, intricate nativity scenes, and reverent decorations. Savor the flavors of the season with traditional treats like stollen and bratwurst, and partake in the warmth of glühwein as you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Visit some of the most renowned markets in the region, including the historic ones of Munich and Salzburg, the charming ones of Heidelberg, and the enchanting markets of Strasbourg and Mainz. Delve into the European traditions of the Advent season as you explore the markets' ancient stalls, and witness the beauty of Christmas with a new perspective. Throughout your tour, take time to visit and pray at some of the main sites and churches of each city. This journey offers a unique opportunity to shop, travel with a priest chaplain of the SSPX, and create lasting memories of a truly blessed and sacred Christmas in the company of fellow Catholics.

HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE

Munich: Asamkirche, dedicated to the martyr St. John Nepomuk, Munich Christmas market, old city, Marienplatz Square

Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle pending weather conditions

Ettal: Ettal Basilica, Ettal Christmas Market, Ettal Monastery Brewery

Oberammergau: Oberammergau Christmas Market

Salzburg: Sites related to Mozart, old city, Salzburg Christkindlemarket, Hellbrunn Palace

Rothburg Ob Der Tauber: Christkindlemarket, Franconian Medieval town

Heidelburg: Old city and Christkindlemarket

Strasbourg: Strasbourg Cathedral, Christkindlemarket, old city, boat ride

Mainz: St. Martin’s Cathedral, Gutenburg Museum, Christkindlemarket, old city

Frankfurt: Christkindlemarket, old city

CONTACT US TO REGISTER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL TERMS/CONDITIONS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

ITINERARY

Day 1. Tuesday, December 9: Transatlantic flight to Munich, Germany

Day 2. Wednesday, December 10: Munich

Welcome to Germany! After arriving at Munich International Airport and meeting your professional English-speaking tour escort, board your motor-coach and transfer to the hotel in the city center of Munich. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel and meet your travel companions. Overnight in Munich. (WD)

Day 3. Thursday, December 11: Munich

Begin the day with a guided city tour of Munich, Germany′s unofficial southern capital, a city long important in European history. Visit the Marienplatz with the world famous “Glockenspiel” and the twin-towered Frauenkirche, the most familiar landmark of old Munich. Continue to see the Asamkirche, dedicated to the martyr St. John Nepomuk, the Town Hall, and the magnificent boulevards created by King Ludwig in the middle of the 19th century (exterior views only). After lunch on your own, have time at leisure to explore the Munich’s Christmas Market on Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) in the center of the city. A huge Christmas tree covered in lights towers over the many stands all aglow with pre-Christmas decoration. Advent music is performed live every evening from the balcony of the Town Hall. In Neuhauser Strasse, only a few steps from Marienplatz square, you will find what probably is Germany’s largest manger market. The authentic nativity scenes at this market are complete with lanterns for the mangers, fodder for the ox and donkey, and gifts from the three Magi. Enjoy dinner on your own and overnight at your hotel in Munich (BB)

Day 4. Friday, December 12: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle - Ettal - Oberammergau - Munich

First thing this morning, weather permitting, enjoy a trip to the Alps to visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Alternatively, depending on the weather, see Linderhof Castle, one of three castles commissioned by King Ludwig II, and have a photo stop by Neuschwanstein. Then transfer to Ettal, a small town in Bavaria. Every year, during Advent, the city holds a beautiful Christmas market located at the foot of the castle and the main church. The architectural beauty is an impressive backdrop for the booths of the market. Visit the Ettal Basilica, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, and have a guided visit to the Ettal Monastery Brewery. After lunch on your own, transfer to Oberammergau. Take time at leisure to discover the Christmas Market in Oberammergau, which takes place every year from the first Sunday of Advent in the square in front of the parish church of St. Peter and Paul (Kirchplatz). In addition to the many delicacies such as mulled wine, bratwurst, hamburgers, crêpes, and chestnuts, you can purchase handmade Christmas decorations, Advent flower arrangements, candles, jam and many other items at the lovingly decorated stands. Afterwards, return to Munich, to enjoy dinner on our own and overnight at your hotel in Munich. (BB)

Day 5. Saturday, December 13: Munich - Salzburg - Munich

Board your motor-coach and depart for a day’s excursion to Salzburg, Austria, the city where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born. Enjoy a guided tour of Salzburg including the Baroque St. Rupert and Vergilius Cathedral, passing by Mozarteum – a museum in Mozart′s birth house, the Benedictine monastery in St. Peter’s Abbey and Mirabell Palace & Gardens (exterior views). Visit Hellbrunn Palace to enjoy its gardens and hidden trick fountains. After lunch on our own, visit the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz, which has deep historical roots and is one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Its unique setting in the heart of Salzburg’s World Heritage-listed Old City, the traditional market stands and its long history, make the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt a truly special occasion. Afterwards, return to Munich for dinner and overnight at your hotel. (BB, D)

Day 6. Sunday, December 14: Munich - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Heidelberg Christmas Market - Heidelberg

Start your day with a drive to the Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque town straight from the Middle Ages, preserved with dedication and skill. Rothenburg has withstood the ravages of time and war and gives us a unique glimpse into the past. See its city walls, lovely wood-framed houses, and town square with the famous St. James Cathedral (exterior views only). Take time at leisure to discover Rothenburg’s Christmas Market. Every year this medieval town is transformed into a winter’s fairytale. The market looks back on over 500 years of living heritage that has hardly changed since its historic origins. Continue to Heidelberg and explore its beautiful Christmas Market, where you can discover numerous Christmas stalls in addition to picturesque alleys and sights, which sell enchanting gifts in various places in the old town. Anyone looking for more activity will find one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany with a view of the world-famous castle ruins on Karlsplatz. Dinner and overnight in Heidelberg. (BB, D)

Day 7. Monday, December 15: Heidelberg – Strasbourg - Heidelberg

Take a day’s excursion to Strasbourg in France. Enjoy a guided tour with a stroll around the city center. During this walk, see a famous astronomical clock that strikes each day at 12:30. See the Petite France quarter, a former mill and tanner district that still maintains its medieval charm. Half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, and the Council of Europe are among the wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you. The Grand Island, the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is connected to the rest of the city by 22 stone bridges (exterior views). Have a guided visit to the Cathedral of Strasbourg, and then take a boat ride on the canal (weather permitting). Return to Heidelberg for dinner on your own. Overnight in Heidelberg. (BB)

Day 8. Tuesday, December 16: Heidelberg – Mainz – Frankfurt

This morning, drive to Mainz. Start your guided tour with a visit to St. Martin's Cathedral that has towered over the ancient city of Mainz for centuries. Here kings have been crowned and sadly, the Protestant Reformation was kindled. Continue to the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest museums of printing in the world, located opposite the cathedral, on the magnificent Market Square where you will see colorful, ornately decorated old houses and a beautiful renaissance well. Next, stroll through the nearby Old Town to walk along the romantic winding lanes of the medieval part of the city and discover picturesque little squares such as the Cherry Orchard with its half-timbered houses. After lunch on your own, continue to Frankfurt. Upon arrival, visit the Christmas Market in Frankfurt, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. In the middle of the historic old town, surrounded by magnificent half-timbered houses and the imposing Römer, the market shines in festive splendor and attracts visitors from all over the world. Tonight, enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Frankfurt. (BB, FD)

Day 9. Wednesday, December 17: Homebound Flight

Transfer to Frankfurt airport for your flight home. (BB)

(BB) Buffet breakfast; (D) Dinner; (WD) Welcome dinner; (FW) Farewell dinner

* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.

CHAPLAIN

This pilgrimage will be accompanied by a priest the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) who will celebrate daily Tridentine Mass.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Currently, there are no restrictions to travel to the visited countries. For current travel advisories by country, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

It is projected that starting in mid 2025, non-European Union (EU) tourists planning to visit Europe’s Schengen Zone (most of Europe) will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This new requirement affects travelers from visa-exempt countries, aiming to boost security measures while making the process smoother for short-term visitors. While the ETIAS is not a visa, it does require non-EU tourists to get pre-approval before their trip. (Information taken from www.etias.com)

The ETIAS is likely to cost around $7 per person and it is projected to be a very quick process; however, we would ask travelers to obtain it at least one month prior to travel.

Currently, there is no ETIAS registration site yet. We will be monitoring this possible new travel requirement, and when applicable, we will notify travelers and ask them to acquire their ETIAS independently.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations for this pilgrimage are in first-class hotels.

(4) nights Munich: Hilton Munich City 4* or similar

(2) nights Heidelberg: NH Collection 4* or similar

(1) night Frankfurt: Avani Frankfurt City 4* or similar

Rooms in double occupancy are for two people to share; they have two twin beds or one double bed. Rooms in single occupancy have a single bed and are for one person to occupy; a “single supplement fee” is added for single occupancy rooms.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

The group air schedule will be determined soon. Please check back or contact us to be notified. In the meantime, please do not purchase any air tickets until we notify that the group is fully formed with a minimum of 20 passengers.

TRIP PACE

The pace for this pilgrimage is “on the go”. There is daily walking and standing. Pilgrims must be in active enough condition to walk 3-4 hours and stand for 2-3 hours per day. We strongly recommend preparing oneself by walking before the trip, building up to at least 2-3 miles per day.

Sometimes walking is up or down slopes, and at times sidewalks and terrain will be uneven. Pilgrims must have full mobility and be able to climb several stairs, since many of the visited places have no other access. A certain pace must be kept by all pilgrims in order to cover the scheduled sightseeing. Some days may have several hours on the motor-coach.

Also see the “PHYSICAL HEALTH & FITNESS” section in the General Terms & Conditions.

PRICING INFORMATION

Price per person in double occupancy Land-only: $3,245
Price per person in single occupancy Land-only: $4,135
Price per person in double occupancy With-air: $TBD
Price per person in single occupancy With-air: $TBD
Single supplement included in above single occupancy pricing: $890
Final registration is due by: August 15, 2025
Balance due by: September 15, 2025

Please do not purchase any air tickets to connect with the group until we confirm the group is formed. We will notify pilgrims when the time is proper.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Scheduled roundtrip transatlantic flights (when purchasing the air-inclusive package)
Accommodations in first-class hotels
Daily Holy Mass
Deluxe motor-coach for scheduled transfers and sightseeing
Daily meals per the itinerary
Services of a professional English-speaking tour escort
Admission fees for all included sightseeing
Porterage for one suitcase per person at the hotels, where available
Service charges, government fees
What’s not included: