Just returned from vacation with Donna Franca Tours to Germany and Austria for Christmas Market Tour. Started off weakly when a Donna Franca Tours Travel rep told us not to bother booking the trip if we were only going to have 5-6 hours between arriving at JFK and departing for Europe,but since we really wanted to go we ignored this, booking the trip through a local travel agent. After that, everything went great. All bookings were as specified, right down to the free drink with the tour director at the first hotel we arrived at in Munich. Baggage pick-up, pick up at airports, transportation from city to city was near perfect. Tour director Michael Paier was knowledgeable,helpful and accessible at all times- he really made the trip easy for us as first time travelers to Europe.The vacation itself was a Christmas lover's dream- the sights of the markets are a visual delight. The trip was fast paced but still left time for one to explore the cities and markets on your own. Michael's knowledge of Vienna subways was invaluable in enjoying the city in the allotted time. The hotels were clean and close to areas of interest. We felt safe and knowledgeable about heading off on our own after speaking with Micheal. The cities themselves were amazing, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna go all out in decorating for the holidays, and being part of the huge crowds at night was exciting. I don't mean things were overly crowded, just that many people were out- we met and talked with people from countries all over the world. A great experience all around, Americans really do need to see what a diverse and different world exists outside of our borders. Only complaint would be flights- had to fly past Munich to Rome, then back. Also had to leave for airport at 4 a.m.on return flight. Rough.
more