Yes, it’s that time again! Time to enjoy the sights and sounds… the smells and tastes…. the wonder that is the Bavarian Christmas Markets!!
This first tour has been a whirlwind! Let me recap all the events to date….
Day Zero…. this was the early arrival day for the group and many people took part in this option. After arriving and checking into the hotel for a short nap, we gathered to head into Stuttgart to see the market there. Stuttgart is a larger market with a somewhat unique custom of highly decorated roofs of the market stalls. After getting a Glühwein (a hot mulled wine which translated to English literally means “Glow Wine” because of the glow it gives you!), we wandered the market sampling some of the edible wares and trying to find the items we can’t live without. 
Wandering, we discovered a choir performing….
And of course, the buildings were beautiful as well!!
We returned to the hotel fairly early to get a good night’s sleep to start the adventure!
Day One….
As soon as the last of Group One arrived, we headed off for our first town, Füssen. Füssen is a small town in the Bavarian Alps that happens to be nearby many of the sights we want to see. Our first stop was at one of King Ludwig II’s castles, Linderhof. Linderhof isn’t what generally comes to mind when you say castle…. it’s small, only two stories high but it is over the top with gold and silver, crystal chandeliers and Meissen porcelain. 
And the park it sits in is beautiful as well, including this little chapel…
After Linderhof, we took a short drive to the town of Wies where one can find the Wieskirche, a pilgrimage church where the miracle of tears on a wooden carving of the scourged Christ were seen. Pilgrims have been reportedly healed of disease while worshiping here. 
The inside of the church is breathtakingly beautiful and I certainly can’t do it justice with this picture you get the idea….
We got to the hotel and quickly checked in before heading to Reutte. Austria for a Krampus Parade. The costumes are intricate…..but you miss the fire and brimstone of the event!
After this day…. we we’re ready for bed and a good night’s sleep!!