It’s then time to cross the border into France. The Alsace region lies in the northeastern area of France bordering Germany and Switzerland. It has alternated between German and French control over the centuries and reflects a unique mix of German and French culture.
The locals do not consider themselves French or German but Alsatian – a distinct mix of the two!
France’s ‘Capital of Christmas’ Strasbourg is your base for 3 nights. Looking like a real-life nativity scene, you’ll find over 300 traditional market stalls crowding the city’s central square. Imagine teddy bears decorating century-old houses and Baccarat chandelier-lined streets – it’s all here. The blend of French and German culture is also reflected in the architecture here. Colourful, half-timbered houses line cobblestoned streets.
You’ll visit the picture-perfect town of Colmar, this medieval town is part of the Alsatian wine route and the start of a day exploring the wine villages with 12th-century churches, bell towers, winding canals and century-old wine houses passed from generation to generation.
You’ll then cross the border back to Germany stopping in Heidelberg – a charming university town on the Necker River before arriving in the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You’ll head out with ‘The Nightwatchmen’ to discover life in medieval times.
One of the most captivating German towns, expect choral singing, the warm smell of cinnamon and allspice wafting in the air as you explore the cobble-stoned medieval streets filled with market stalls.
Leaving the snow-dusted rooftops behind we head to Franconia. The city of Nuremberg held great significance during the Nazi Germany era. With its mixed past of Nazi Rallies and the Nuremberg trials, you’ll spend some time learning about its dark past.
The Christmas Market ambiance is not amiss here either. Fostered by historic squares medieval architecture and the looming Nuremberg castle.
From here you follow the Romantic Road toWürzburg before arriving at the Schlosshotel Kronberg in Taunus. Built between 1889 and 1893 for the German Empress Victoria Friedrich you’ll celebrate your last evening in Germany amongst the treasures of paintings and antiques the empress once owned.
For those with a little extra time, we encourage you to consider joining us on our Pre-Tour to Austria.
Imagine crisp winter air, the glitter of a thousand candles, steaming mugs of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, the tinkle of glass baubles, and the delicate crafts of a hundred artisans. Now throw in the scent of baked potatoes, fresh bread, strudel, candied nuts, and more. Then spread it all out in front of a magnificent Baroque palace. There you have it – a Viennese Christmas Market.
Experience three nights in Vienna, the Imperial city also renowned as the ‘City of Dreams’ for being the residence of the world’s pioneering psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Immerse yourself in its wealth of architectural marvels, from Baroque palaces and gardens to the late 19th-century Ringstraße, adorned with majestic buildings, monuments, and lush parks.
Visit Schönbrunn Palace – the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. The parade court transforms into a winter wonderland with soul-stirring melodies and the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine.
Leaving the city behind you’ll take a meandering drive through the stunning natural beauty of the Salzkammergut region with a visit to Melk Abbey and Hallstatt with its 16th-century alpine houses and quaint alleyways to cafes and shops.
Arrive in Salzburg, where you stay for 2 nights. The birthplace of Mozart becomes a movie scene with its twinkling lights and Christmas cheer. The origins of the famous Salzburg Christmas market go all the way back to the late 15th century. Back then, the so-called “Tandlmarkt” would be held on Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, offering a wide range of goods for the locals to buy.
This enchanting town on the border of Germany is also the backdrop to ‘The Sound Of Music’ and the birthplace of ‘Silent Night’. The carol was written and first performed here. Market stalls were first set up here in the 15th century and concerts occur every day leading up to Christmas. You’ll wander this picturesque town whilst taking in the aroma of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels.
Leave Austria behind and cross the border visiting Lake Chemisee with its castle Herrenchiemsee.
The castle on an island is one of King Ludwig II’s mad creations inspired by Versailles. Known as the crown jewels of all palaces built by the Bavarian king it was the first project of the King and the last to start construction, after buying the island of Herreninsel for that purpose.
The Pre-Tour ends with an arrival in Munich to meet new participants joining the Main Conference.
In each location, you’ll enjoy the history, Christmas markets, and culinary delights whilst staying at some of the finest hotels in Europe.
We’ve kept some destinations up our sleeve that will surely enhance the itinerary and we can guarantee there will be no shortage of castles, fairytale architecture, cones of steaming chestnuts, handblown baubles, and Christmas cheer.
We hope you can join us as we explore Central Europe during one of the most magical times of the year.
We believe that these itineraries offer exceptional value for money – with all meals, alcoholic beverages, and sightseeing included. We encourage you to register now or risk missing out on this bucket-list travel and educational experience.
Expertly curated by our staff, every detail in these itineraries has been meticulously crafted to ensure… it’s not just a conference, it’s an experience!
We certainly hope you can join us as we travel to Central Europe in November 2024.
As this conference is limited to just 40 participants, we recommend that you sign up today or risk missing out.
19 November 2024 @ 6:00pm
24 November 2024 @ 6:00pm
24 November 2024 @ 4:00pm
7th December 2024 @ 8:00am
Starts: Vienna, Austria
Ends: Munich, Germany
Starts: Munich, Germany
Ends: Frankfurt, Germany
Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp
Amaco Family Price: $5,995pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)
Amaco Early Bird Price: $6,495pp
(if booked on or before 30 April 2024)
Standard Price: $6,995pp
(if booked after 30 April 2024)
Extension Single Supplement: $2,295
(if travelling solo)
Amaco Family Price: $13,995pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)
Amaco Early Price: $14,995pp
(if booked on or before 30 April 2024)
Standard Price: $15,995pp
(if booked on or before 30 April 2024)
Single Supplement: $3,995
(if travelling solo)
Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.
Amaco is not only a member of ATIA (the Australian Travel Industry Association) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and very capable hands.
With almost 30 years of experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.
Other operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the consultants we employ.
We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.
Either way – our advisors are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.
Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.
Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.
Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD hours / points based on the content and time in sessions. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.
The Education Committee for the Christmas Markets of Europe Conference will be selected in mid-2024 with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and medical journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.
Subject to final accreditation, the Christmas Markets of Europe Conference will include up to 12 hours of accredited education.
ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2023 to 2025.
As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.
