International Institute for Culture
Tour of Advent Markets Bavaria and Austria

December 10 to 19, 2016

Join us for a tour of incomparable Advent/Christmas markets in Bavaria and Austria where the celebrations of this joyous season are public and festive.  They are filled with music, colored lights, burning fires for warmth, and hot, spiced red wine (Glühwein) for inner warmth!  These markets are a wonder of old Europe and will provide unforgettable memories.  The markets we plan to visit are: 

Munich where there are three major markets, one in the main square, Marienplatz, one in the court yard of the royal residence of the Wittelsbachs and a traditional one in Schwabing.

Seeon Monastery is situated on a small lake and hosts its own market around its outer walls.  The monastery was founded in 900 and now is a Cultural Center run by the Bavarian government.

Fraueninsel Monastery is on an island on Chiemsee, a large lake sometimes called the “Bavarian Sea”.  The monastery was founded in 720 and has remained a cloister for Benedictine nuns.  The only access to the market is by ferry across the beautiful lake with the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Berchtesgaden hosts beautiful Christmas shops and stalls along its cobbled streets and in front of one of the palaces of the Bavarian kings.

Salzburg has its large market in the fabled square around the cathedral and also one in the former Prince Archbishop’s playful summer residence on the outskirts of the town.  We will stay on the grounds of one of the most beautiful Marian shrines in Europe, Maria Plain.

Sankt Wolfgang nestled at the base of a hill on the shore of a beautiful lake.  This delightful market makes its way down the hill and through the town toward an outdoor manger scene with live animals and life-size carved wooden statues.  We will also take a ferry to the market in St. Gilgen.

Kufstein is crowned with a large fortress/castle and has its Christmas markets set up in its courtyards and through its medieval hallways and chambers.

Fly in and out of Munich Airport.  Cost for tours, accommodations and ground travel: $2,500.

For more information contact drjohnhaas@aol.com or call him at 215-983-8228.