Tour Description

Wait to unpack your Christmas traditions until after you’ve experienced this very unique Christmas kick-off, where we head to the heart of an old-world style Bavarian village showcasing a special Christmas atmosphere. Be blessed by exposure to a current day monastery and arch abbey. Make your 2015 Christmas season a memorable one by taking advantage of this trip loaded with unique opportunities all rooted in sharing the heritage of a German Christmas.

Day 1:

Lodging: Comfort Inn Dinner

Our full day of travel will be highly rewarded with a fantastic evening spent at Monastery Immaculate Conception where we will take part in the very special Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt Eve Ceremony and Dinner.

Day 2:

Lodging: Comfort Inn Breakfast

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we return to the Monastery Immaculate Conception for a guided tour. This Castle on the Hill founded in 1867 is among the nation’s largest communities of Benedictine women. You will have several hours to explore the various festivities including honoring the tradition of Christkindlmarkt – the weeks of advent where handcrafted gifts, foods, toy makers, wood carvers, basket weavers, candle makers, privities and antiques are displayed for market. We will have the afternoon to enjoy the 150+ vendors and various live entertainment provided. Meeting back at the coach, you will have a short time to rest up for the next event as we travel to another trip highlight – a tour of the Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Established in 1854, it functions today with over 90 monks who live, pray and work together in these beautiful and historic buildings. Meinrad is the patron saint of hospitality. This guiding purpose directs the existence of this quaint place where men are prepared for service in the Catholic church. Dinner at a Queen Anne style home from the 1900s is sure to be a delightful experience. Decorated in period décor, Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast welcomes us with a continuous aroma of comforting foods. To get the most of out of the day, we will culminate our day with celebration singers, a 98-member choir bringing a delightful mix of seasonal and traditional Christmas music known as “Sounds of the Season” concert.

Day 3:

Lodging: French Lick Resort Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

A full day awaits after breakfast at the hotel. We start our day with a bang, toot, strum and rat-tat-tat with a colossal collection of musical instruments tour of Dr. Ted’s Musical Marvels featuring various types of pieces spanning from 1800s to mid-1900s. This spectacular delight is a treasure indeed. As we head toward our destination of French Lick, we will stop for a quick self-guided exploration of Huntingburg’s 4th Street shopping. Our afternoon will include a guided tour of the St. Joseph Church, designated as the faithful watchman over Jasper. Moving along in our explorations, we will experience the dynamic Dubois City Museum, showcasing strong family traditions. A typical southern Indiana rural life of late 1800s is seen in the renovation of a two pen log house built by German immigrants. Our banquet dinner will be hosted by the French Lick Resort Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stunning grounds and fascinating history will keep you intrigued as you find how the 1845 foundings have meshed with modern amenities and services.

Day 4:

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast after packing up and preparing to head for home today. When the trip is completed the coach will have logged over 1,150 miles. Your camera will have logged numerous pictures, and you will have made several new friendships along the way. As anticipated, your unique Christmas memories have begun for 2015!