2027 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Enchanted European Christmas Exploration

2027 Enchanted European Christmas Exploration:

Discover the Storybook Villages of Alsace & Beauty of the Swiss Alps

Daily Itinerary
December 4 – 11, 2027     8 days/7 nights

You’ll love the pace and plans for my 2027 Enchanted European Christmas Exploration daily itinerary, purposefully created to showcase the Christmas holiday season traditions, while allowing for the taste sensations of local food and wine, and time in nature to admire and immerse ourselves in the early winter of the Alps. It is truly a magical part of the world!

Explore the day-by-day itinerary below and discover the exceptional experiences included in this Essential Earth Explorations program.

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2027 – ARRIVAL, WELCOME DINNER

Welcome to Europe and a winter wonderland!  On arrival in Zurich, Switzerland, our private driver and guide will welcome us to Europe and accompany us across the border into France during an approximately 2-hour drive.

Our destination is the cozy, storybook town of Colmar, one of the most beautiful areas in the Alsace region of northeastern France. With its half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, canals, and elaborate Christmas decorations, Colmar feels as though it were created specifically for the festive holiday season.

Check into our lovely, five-star boutique hotel, known for blending wellbeing, elegance and art in a highly desired location in the heart of Alsace. Later, we will gather this for a festive Christmas Welcome Dinner with our traveling group. Over a delightful meal featuring local food and wine, we toast the beginning of our Christmas Exploration together.

Overnight: Colmar – L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

 

DAY 2  – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 – HISTORIC TOUR, BOAT RIDE & CHRISTMAS MARKETS

It’s time to explore why Colmar has become one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for the lead up to Christmas season.  After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll gather with our local guide to explore Colmar’s historic center and discover the history behind its colorful medieval buildings, hidden courtyards, Renaissance architecture, and streets transformed for the holidays.

Then it’s time to experience Colmar from a completely different perspective during our group’s gentle, private boat ride along the Lauch River through Petite Venise, the town’s picturesque “Little Venice” quarter.  This leisurely ride past historic sites and holiday markets is one that you and your camera will love!

The rest of today and this evening is yours to explore and search for holiday treasures. Perhaps you’ll want to stop for lunch at a lovely café for lunch before you start exploring six any of the six official Christmas markets of Colmar.  Make time to stop for a warm drink and sample local Christmas specialties. Discover the wide variety of booths offering holiday, artisan gifts. Choose a favorite local pastime, people watching with a glass of wine at a local café to watch the festivities unfold around you.  Feel free to wander and explore the festive surrounds.

Overnight: Colmar –  L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

 

DAY 3  – MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 – ALSACE EXPLORATION, WINE & CASTLES

We’ll meet today after breakfast at our hotel, to enjoy a short drive toward the mountains in our private vehicle.  Today we will venture beyond Colmar and into the landscape of Alsace with an emphasis on the flavors of the region.

Depending on seasonal conditions, we’ll start our day out in nature with a gentle, guided winter hike along a forest path in the Vosges, up a moderate incline selected to showcase the castle ruins, vineyards, and sweeping views into an entirely different side of the Alsace region.

After our walk, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in Ribeauvillé, a beautiful Alsatian wine village filled with medieval character and much to explore!

In the afternoon, we turn our attention to one of Alsace’s great traditions: wine.  Here we will visit a local vineyard and taste wines produced in this distinctive corner of France while learning about the terroir (a French term that describes how the natural and physical environment of a specific location imprints its unique character, flavor, and quality onto an agricultural product), grapes, and generations of winemaking that have shaped the region.

Later, we’ll return to our beautiful hotel for spa visits, more time for Christmas market exploration, dinner, or resting for the night.

Overnight: Colmar –  L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 4  – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 – FOOD MARKET, CREATING HOLIDAY TREATS, FREE TIME

Christmas in Alsace is inseparable from food and today is devoted to its flavors and traditions. Save room for our first adventure – a guided visit to a local food market where we’ll enjoy tasting regional products and discovering the ingredients that define Alsatian cuisine.

Then roll up your sleeves for a festive culinary experience focused on learning to create traditional Alsatian holiday treats. Cookies anyone? We’ll find ourselves learning to make Bredele, the small, traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies baked in homes throughout the region during Advent.

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy our final evening in Colmar at your own pace.  Maybe time at the hotel spa is of interest, or returning to a favorite Christmas market, shopping for locally-made gifts, sampling another Alsatian specialty, or simply enjoying another fabulous meal surrounded by the lights and atmosphere as evening settles over the town.

Overnight: Colmar –  L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Holiday Treat-Making Class

 

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 – TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND, CHOCOLATE TOUR, HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

After breakfast, say au revoir to France as we travel for 2.5 hours by our private vehicle into the Alps of Switzerland and on to the city of Lucerne – an extraordinary setting for the second chapter of our Enchanted Europe Christmas Exploration. This picturesque area is surrounded by mountains and set along the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Nothing says Switzerland like chocolate!  Today we’ll discover what goes in to fine Swiss chocolates with a tour of a chocolate factory in the area.

Then we set off on foot with our local guide for a walking tour through Lucerne’s historic heart. Discover its beautifully preserved Old Town, decorated squares, waterfront views, and famous covered bridges while experiencing the city’s festive December atmosphere.

We’ll check in to one of the spacious, individually decorated rooms dedicated to famous personalities who stayed at the hotel.  This historic, five-star luxury hotel has been owned and managed by the same family for over 180 years and sits in a perfect location overlooking Lake Lucerne.

The evening is yours to enjoy exploring Lucerne and any of its five main Christmas market areas.  A true delight of a setting for unique gifts, foods, and sights!

Overnight: Lucerne – Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

 

DAY 6 – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 – UP TO THE ALPS, GONDOLA RIDE, CONCERT, ICE SKATING OPTION

Enjoy a beautiful breakfast at our hotel before gathering for a day of outdoor exploration. Today a short drive takes us up into the mountains and above the clouds as we travel to the town of Kriens where we’ll ascend Mount Pilatus via a 1+ mile panoramic mountain gondola.  If nature cooperates, we’ll be able to watch the alpine landscape change as we climb toward Mount Pilatus’ summit.  Then it’s time to stretch our legs at the mountaintop with a short trail walk that allows us to take in the spectacular views across the surrounding peaks and lakes before returning to Kriens.

We will return to our Lucerne hotel in the afternoon with time to relax before a magical evening celebrating another European Christmas tradition: music!  Enjoy your time this afternoon to receive a massage at our hotel spa (advance reservation required), to return to a special Christmas market, put your feet up to relax, or find a café to enjoy something delicious. This evening we’ll gather to attend a special Christmas concert at Lucerne’s renowned KKL Concert Hall, considered one of the finest and most precise concert halls in the world.  This is certain to be a highlight of our Exploration!

After tonight’s performance, take in Lucerne’s winter scene for free by gliding along on skates at Lucerne Ice Magic (Eiszauber Luzern) right by the water during the Christmas market season. This special area features a winter wonderland setup with food and drink stalls, a cozy chalet, free live music concerts on select evenings, and close proximity to Lucerne’s festive Old Town markets.

Overnight: Lucerne – Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

 

DAY 7 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10  – VILLAGES OF THE SWISS ALPS, FAREWELL DINNER

Start your day with a lovely breakfast at our hotel before meeting with our private guide for our final full day devoted to the landscapes many of us imagine when we dream of Switzerland.

Today we will travel through the Bernese Oberland (Bernese Highland) through the highest  and southernmost region to explore Alpine villages and valleys including Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Grindelwald and, conditions permitting, the Trümmelbach area. Get ready for the most panoramic views where we’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountains, traditional chalets, waterfalls, and winter scenery.  Today we slow the pace and experience the true wintertime beauty of the Swiss Alps. There will also be an opportunity for a winter walk to take in the fresh mountain air (depending upon weather and trail conditions.)

Toward the day’s end, we’ll return to Lucerne and our hotel. Tonight we will gather as a group for a fabulous Farewell Dinner overlooking Lake Lucerne.  It is a time for wonderful food, conversation, and reflection on a week spent experiencing the tastes, traditions, landscapes, and enchantment of Christmas in Europe.

Overnight: Lucerne – Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern 5-Star (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 8 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 – HOMEWARD BOUND

Enjoy a final breakfast before our 1+ hour private transfer to Zurich Airport for flights home.

We leave Switzerland carrying more than photographs and holiday gifts. Here is a place where we’ve also collected wonderful memories of Christmas markets glowing after dark, glasses raised in an Alsatian vineyard, cookies made by hand, mountain villages tucked beneath the Alps, music in Lucerne, and the warmth of experiencing it all together with new friends.

Wishing everyone a chance to enjoy the holiday season, and safe travels back home!

PRE or POST-EXPLORATION HOTEL ROOMS – We are happy to help arrange additional Pre- or Post-Exploration hotel room reservations.  Details will be provided with confirmation that the trip will travel. These will be invoiced with your non-refundable payment final invoice.

RAPID TURNAROUND FOR COMMITMENTS: We have secured some incredible, luxury hotel properties for the 2027 Enchanted European Christmas Exploration that you will love!  These are in HIGH demand during the Christmas market season. To retain our reservation, we have a short deadline for Exploration commitments by a minimum number of travelers who have paid the initial, non-refundable deposit before January 15, 2026. So don’t delay – register TODAY! Less than our minimum will require rescheduling the group for a future date.  Please wait on booking airline reservations until Marty Harger provides written confirmation of trip departure.

 UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage and additional weight of luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 3 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least three (3) and if possible, six (6) months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. After your final payment (95 days prior to start of services), a $50 fee per person will be imposed for each change of service within your itinerary. These services include but are not limited to changes or cancellations of transfers, hotels, villas, train tickets, day tours and reservations or services of any kind. There is no additional charge for adding services to your itinerary at any time. Changes requested during travel will be considered as a new reservation, with new dates and products priced accordingly. Air ticket changes and cancellations carry different fees as shown above. Fees for itinerary changes are NOT covered by purchased travel insurance.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land package after your full payment, the cancellation charges shown below will apply. Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained above.

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance should not register for the 2027 Enchanted European Christmas Exploration due to the nature of travel and experiences on this particular itinerary. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe ground transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches do not have lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, there are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay an extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for Trip Delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in the itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.  Suggested Tipping in USD:  A detailed tipping guide will be provided to travelers prior to departure.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign heating and air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not always up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. By registering for this Exploration, I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary, International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

FORMS OF PAYMENT:  CREDIT CARDS.  We accept all major credit cards for each deposit or the total amount of the cost of the tour.

Please note if you confirm and proceed with your booking you are automatically accepting these Terms and Conditions.

Choose the appropriate REGISTRATION BUTTON above the Terms & Conditions
to secure your place on my 2027 Enchanted European Christmas Exploration!

I hope you’ll join me on this amazing Essential Earth Explorations European Christmas season adventure!

—Marty Harger

801-712-5406 contact Marty with any questions