SHADOW CHRISTMAS TOUR (SCHS) in 8 days
DECEMBER 14-21, 2025 - This is a private tour for Friend & Family of the SCHS Music Program
Christmas Markets pop up all over Europe during the weeks leading up to Christmas. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautiful, handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. This route features three contrasting cultures and languages. This tour visits Salzburg, Prague, and Nürnberg.
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Salzburg – 2 nights
Prague 2 nights
Nürnberg – 2 night
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$3887= Double Occupancy
$4487 = Single Room
*prices subject to change until group airfare is confirmed
ITINERARY
Monday, December 15: Salzburg— After airport formalities, we will hop on the Autobahn and be in the heart of Sound of Music country in no time. The historic city is just a short walk from our hotel, and we will explore it together after settling in. Salzburg’s pedestrian streets, decorated with twinkling lights, are decked out for the holidays. Enjoy shopping, visiting the castle, and walking around the many market squares. Later, join the group for dinner at the famous Augustiner Braühaus, known for its traditional Austrian cuisine. Sleep for two nights in Salzburg. Dinner.
Tuesday, December 16: Salzburg—We’ll spend the morning visiting sights made famous by the movie The Sound of Music. Hellbrunn Palace, renowned for the SOM Gazebo, and Captain Von Trapp’s lakeside home are just a few of our stops. Back in town, enjoy Mirabel Gardens and more of historic Salzburg.
Wednesday, December 17: Prague—We will get an early start on our journey to Prague, making a stop or two along the way. Once in Prague, we’ll visit the historic city center, with its old-world charm and Christmas cheer. Enjoy dinner tonight at a traditional Czech pub. We will sleep for two nights in Prague. Dinner.
Thursday, December 18: Prague – After breakfast, we will divide into small groups for a guided walking tour of Prague and up the hill to the largest castle complex in Europe. Enjoy lunch and the remainder of the day and evening on your own to experience more of Prague and its Christmas Markets.
Friday, December 19: Nürnberg —The Christmas Market in the square is promoted as Germany’s oldest and largest. Walk along the decorated lanes, passing street performers, old churches, and holiday markets. Sleep for two nights in Nürnberg.
Saturday, December 20: Nürnberg —It seems every town in these parts has a castle, and Nürnberg’s castle features broad, sweeping views across the city. Enjoy the festivities and musical performances. Tonight, we will have a grand farewell dinner celebrating and remembering your travels in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Dinner.
Sunday, December 21: So, Long, Farewell – Your tour ends this morning. Enjoy your flight back home. Auf Wiedersehen and Merry Christmas!
Music performance opportunities may be possible in Salzburg, Prague, and Nürnberg—specific details will be announced later. Final Pricing is subject to changes in local taxation or increases in fuel charges up until December 2025
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
Round-trip group flights to Munich. Sightseeing tours led by an Exploring Europe guide and local guides when appropriate; admissions to sights seen as a group; all breakfasts and many dinners or lunches as noted in the specific tour itinerary (you’ll pay for your drinks at lunch or dinner); traditional and unique dining experiences at David’s favorite restaurants; accommodations each night as noted in the tour itinerary; all transportation as indicated in the tour itinerary; all tips to guides and drivers; David McGuffin’s tour PDF handouts, PDF travel guides, and daily travel information. Anything not listed above is not included in the cost of your tour.
EXCLUSIONS
Comprehensive Trip insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for tour.
Fee for passports.
Beer, wine, spirits, and soda during the tour.
Laundry, phone, internet, and personal items
Extras and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Our Tour Conditions and Agreement defines what David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc. will provide when you sign up for a tour. Additionally, it addresses your responsibilities. Please read this entire document carefully; it is essential. Current tour prices may be found at davidmcguffin.com or by calling us at 1-800-570-1351.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THIS TOUR:
Roundtrip group airfare to Munich. Sightseeing tours led by an Exploring Europe guide and local guides when appropriate; admissions to sights seen as a group; all breakfasts and many dinners or lunches as noted in the specific tour itinerary (you’ll pay for your drinks at lunch or dinner); traditional and unique dining experiences at David’s favorite restaurants; accommodations each night as noted in the tour itinerary; all transportation as indicated in the tour itinerary; all tips to guides and drivers; David McGuffin’s tour PDF handouts, PDF travel guides, and daily travel information. Anything not listed above is not included in the cost of your tour.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND PROCESSES
To reserve a seat on this tour, you must agree to these Tour Conditions and provide us with a deposit of $400 per person. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and PayPal for all tour deposits and payments. Additionally, we accept ACH payments, personal checks, bank drafts, and money orders made payable to David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe (in US dollars). If you sign up for a tour less than 90 days before its departure, the entire tour price must be paid and is non-refundable after 7 days.
Due to bus capacity, hotel rooms, and flights during the busy Christmas season, there are limited seats available. Consequently, the tour will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Making your first payment sooner is better than later. Once all seats are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order their application and payment were received by Exploring Europe.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Deposit- Your Deposit ($400) is fully refundable until January 5, 2025. If you book your tour after 1/5/2025, your deposit ($400) is refundable for seven days. If you book your tour less than 90 days before its departure date, full payment is due immediately, and the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after seven days. After these dates, deposits are not refundable and will be forfeited if you cancel your tour reservation.
Payments- See payment schedule below. Prices are subject to change until group airfare is confirmed.
Amount: Due Date:
$400 Sept 4, 2024
$1000 Jan 20, 2025
$500 Apr 20, 2025
$1000 July 20, 2025
Balance ~$1087 Aug 20, 2025
All payments must be submitted at your Online Account by Credit Card or ACH bank debit only.
The Last Day to Cancel for a Partial Refund is JUNE 15, 2025. Cancelling before this date entitles the passenger to a refund of all submitted payments, except the $400 deposit and any credit card/bank fees associated with payments.
We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive enhanced travel insurance protection that covers tour cancellations, emergency medical treatment, and other unexpected events. This insurance policy is affordable and available during tour enrollment with TRIP MATE, an independent travel insurance agency.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
SOLO TRAVELERS—There is a supplement for adult chaperones who request a single room. If you desire a single room, please select «single occupancy» when enrolling for this tour.
FLEXIBILITY is an essential aspect of our travels around Europe. You never know what opportunities will come our way in the form of festivals, special events, celebrations, etc. For this reason, tour itineraries are subject to change. Uncompleted portions of the tour itinerary are not cause for a refund.
TOUR OBLIGATIONS, REQUIRED FORMS, AND RISKS – All tour members must sign and return a Release Waiver Agreement and a Tour Member Agreement before the tour commences. Any pre-existing physical, mental, or emotional condition that may require attention or treatment must be reported before the beginning of a tour. Omitting important information or not submitting these may result in expulsion from a tour at your own expense.
If a tour for which you have paid is canceled by Exploring Europe, passengers must file for loss with their travel insurance/trip protection agency. If there is a remaining balance after your insurance reimbursement, Exploring Europe will issue a refund, less any unrecoverable expenses, such as credit card fees, incurred by Exploring Europe. Once this occurs, Exploring Europe and its representatives have no other obligations to tour members on canceled trips, including any additional costs or fees related to airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Exploring Europe. David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe, Inc. has no protection coverage beyond the basic package included in the tour price to protect itself, the actions of its employees, or tour participants themselves, and tour members intentionally assume the many risks inherent in European travel.
FRIENDS & FAMILY SHADOW TOUR DEFINED –
Please note this tour is planned explicitly for friends and family of the Spruce Creek music students. The Shadow group will attend the student musical performances. Shadow tour members will travel a similar route and visit many of the same destinations as the student group; however, they will not necessarily do so simultaneously. The Shadow tour will visit additional destinations and activities, offering varied travel experiences more oriented to adults, not student groups. Please note that the shadow group and student group will be busy experiencing Europe and probably will not have much unstructured time to interact with one another. We’ve included group international flights with your tour. However, passengers will have little or no choice in seat assignments, class of service, and air carriers. Finally, when it comes to student group activities, on the ground or in the air, the school teacher/music director will have their own rules, assignments, and policies in place for the students.
FITNESS AND EXPECTATIONS – To enjoy this tour, you must be relatively fit and active. Walking and standing are common and essential elements of an Exploring Europe tour. You will assume some responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following: Transport, roll, or carry your luggage on your own; Sleep in clean, safe, and centrally located European-style central hotels that may differ from those expected in the USA; Understand that air conditioning is not the norm in Europe and may only work or be available in some of our hotels; Understand that WIFI reception may be weak or even non-existent; Walk several hours on uneven streets, up and down stairs, and hop on and off public transportation; After receiving lessons and orientations from your tour guide, hop on public transportation and navigate cities and towns independently.
PACK LIGHT POLICY—We require each tour member to bring only one airline carry-on-sized piece of luggage (approximately 23x14x10 inches) plus a small backpack or over-the-shoulder bag.
SMOKING, VAPING, AND TOBACCO are not allowed while with the group.
CBD & HEMP PRODUCTS—Please note that CBD and Hemp products are illegal in most countries. The punishment, even for CBD oils, can be severe! We require leaving them at home! If you are a regular user of these products, double-check your packed items and remove them before traveling.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – Country entry rules can change, and we will keep you updated on current requirements for your destination. However, ultimately, you are responsible for complying with all entry requirements for the destination countries on your tour itinerary.
CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Deposit- Your Deposit ($400) is fully refundable until January 5, 2025. If you book your tour after 1/5/2025, your deposit ($400) is refundable for seven days. If you book your tour less than 90 days before its departure date, full payment is due immediately, and the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after seven days. After these dates, deposits are not refundable and will be forfeited if you cancel your tour reservation.
Payments- See payment schedule below. Prices are subject to change until group airfare is confirmed.
Amount: Due Date:
$400 Sept 4, 2024
$1000 Jan 20, 2025
$500 Apr 20, 2025
$1000 July 20, 2025
Balance ~$1087 Aug 20, 2025
All payments must be submitted at your Online Account by Credit Card or ACH bank debit only.
The Last Day to Cancel for a Partial Refund is JUNE 15, 2025. Cancelling before this date entitles the passenger to a refund of all submitted payments, except the $400 deposit and any credit card/bank fees associated with payments.
We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive enhanced travel insurance protection that covers tour cancellations, emergency medical treatment, and other unexpected events. This insurance policy is affordable and available during tour enrollment with TRIP MATE, an independent travel insurance agency.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
Now that you’ve decided to join this tour, we are sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry. We are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in the United Kingdom. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David Explores Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
David’s TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY almost-weekly broadcast and Video Series Blog.
Every week, when David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Each Travel Talk Tuesday session is recorded. Watch them here.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Just type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (it’s the gray rectangle with a small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our Tours
This was our first trip to Europe and it was everything we hoped for! John and Audra were the tour guides. They went above and beyond to answer all questions and tailor the experience to our requests. The group dinners were very good and let us see things we could have never found on our own. John and Audra both took the time to make sure we understood the public transportation in both countries so we could fully enjoy our free days. They even researched places for us to go based on our wish list. I could not recommend David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe and more highly. Thanks to everyone for a great experience!
We traveled to Scottland & Ireland on a McGuffin tour. The tour group was small making it easy to navigate the two countries as compared to larger tour groups. He included tours to many “off the beaten path” towns which differentiated this tour from others we have done. Having a half-day to explore stops on your own every day also made this tour a wonderful experience.
The Best of Ireland - September 2023
My wife and I just completed the Best of Ireland Tour and it changed our whole attitude about doing a tour. We loved being in a small tour group where everyone gets to know one another. We had a fantastic group and it was by far, one of the best and most informative trips we've ever been on.
From day one, each trip was carefully planned with an abundance of daily tours as well as needed downtime and though I have a hearing loss, David spoke louder to accommodate. We NEVER waited in lines for ANYTHING. Anytime we showed up for a reserved tour, we were immediately escorted thru.
Our dinner locations were chosen by David because of the charm, the history and the personality and DID NOT disappoint. The food was always outstanding with great selections available because of varying tastes, and we never expected wine and spirits to be included as part of the dining experience.
David also picked some out of-the-way locations to stop where the town was not overrun with tourists and where the larger buses were too big to travel. We had to endure some rainy days that required walking in the rain but that's just part of it. Unless we stopped to check into a hotel, the bags always stayed on the bus and if we couldn't check into the rooms early, the hotel had no problem storing our bags for us...at no charge.
We can't say enough about the quality of our tour guide and the entire tour itself. It has totally changed our opinion about tour groups and well never visit another city in Europe unless it's a small group tour!!!!!!!
The Best of Ireland - September 2023
My husband and I just traveled to Ireland with David for 12 days along with our friends and we had the best time. Every detail is streamlined in advance so you have no surprises. You receive an email or WhatsApp update every evening with your detailed schedule for the next day, so easy. Breakfast is included every morning, lunch on your own with plenty of options and fun group dinners half the time. David always listened to our opinions about what we wanted and didn't. We loved how he didn't bog us down with nonstop activity and gave us free time to explore on our own. We were so impressed with his company we immediately booked another tour with him. This is a no brainer for us because all you have to do is pack your bags, book a flight and he does everything else simple as that. If you can't have fun with EE,Inc you're not trying.
David provided a private tour for my family and myself. Our tour included Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. My favorite location was Mykonos. The Villa we stayed in Mykonos was gorgeous.
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