aaronbchristianVacations for us tend to look like beaches, warm water, sand and relaxing to the sound of the ocean. This year we grabbed our warm clothes and Christmas cheer and are so glad we did!
To start the week, we explored Munich Germany and the Christmas markets in the surrounding area. After our bellies were full of gluhwein, we headed down to spend two nights at Lake Como at the most luxurious hotel we have ever stayed at. For the finale, we went to Milan to spend a day at the spa before our flight home!
Arriving in Germany during Christmas was so magical. Everything was decorated and felt so festive. The first night we went to our first ever European Christmas market, and after that I was hooked! I had all the Gluhwein (aka mulled wine) my heart desired plus tasty treats and shopping. Needless to say, I was in heaven.
For those who have never been, let me describe what these Christmas Markets are like. Think of a traditional farmers market, vendors selling foods or products, but then throw on Christmas decorations, warm alcohol and you have yourself the Christmas Markets.
Most stalls sold mulled wine which they serve in a real mug instead of some disposable cup. The vendors selling the mulled wine would give you a token and if you returned the mug you got a deposit back, if you kept it (like we did for all the pretty ones) the price was “included” with your purchase. Pro tip: keep some extra space and weight allowance in your luggage. We took home 9 mugs as souvenirs!
Seeing as we were fairly close to Neuschwanstein castle and Lake Alpsee, we rented a car and took a day trip to explore these beautiful sights. Despite the misty foggy weather we were still able to see most of the castle and it make for beautiful photos down by the lake. After seeing the sights we stopped in the town to eat at Schloss braustubert hohenschwangau beer hall. They had a live band playing and we enjoyed the atmosphere as we had our lunch and of course some apple strudel!
After going to at least one Christmas market each night, our time in Germany was wrapping up and it was time for the last leg of our trip. We decided to tack on a quick visit to Lake Como since our flight home was out of Milan and they were not too far from each other. We left Munich and traveled by night train to Milan! What a fun experience. We booked our ride through NightJet. I do not know why, but night trains make me super excited! How fun to go to sleep and wake up in another location without having to drive or do any work.
For the trip we booked the Deluxe Sleeper Compartment. This room allowed up to 3 people on the same reservation. With just two of us it felt like the right amount of space, 3 would have been tight. We had our own ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower! Quite the experience showering on a moving train. Being able to lay flat was so nice! Did we sleep? Well it did take some time to get used to the moving. Also the noise of the train, but eventually it felt like a lullaby to sleep. Coming into each station as the motion of the train changed did tend to wake me up. Was it a fun experience and would I do it again… yes! If your interested in what this experience is like check out our review of our sleeper car video on YouTube.
Arriving in Milan in the AM we then took a short train to Lake Como, hopped on the ferry and headed to our next accommodation!
Lake Como was a dream.
We stayed at Passalaqua a luxuary hotel in Moltrasio. Quite the splurge but well worth it. For 2 days we ate fresh pasta, explored the property, relaxed, went for a private boat ride and had some snow fall on our last morning.
I felt like royalty staying here. The staff were top notch. So kind and polite and it seemed like they enjoyed what they did. The room, don’t get me started. First off as a woman traveling, having a complete Dyson hair dryer/styler/iron was unreal. The mini bar was restocked daily and included in the stay. The bathroom made me feel like I was staying at the Queen’s castle. On top of that I had some of the best pasta I have ever had at the hotel. It was so fresh and melted in my mouth.
The property was also something remarkable, check out our video tour of the property here! While in the summer months it would be more enjoyable, we still had fun walking around the property and getting lost in the hidden secret passages underground.
Through the hotel we also booked a private boat excursion. Our driver took us around the lake showing us different landmarks and famous film locations. We cuddled in the back with a blanket and Prosecco in hand as we enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us.
We visited some neighboring towns to see their Christmas light displays and to shop. We took the ferry to Bellagio and enjoyed lunch, gelato, and shopping one day. One night we went to Cernobbio and walked around Parco di Villa Erba during their Christmas market and light show.
Lake Como in December was magical, the crisp cool air and sun shining, less crowds and amazing food, sights and people. I hope to be able to come back here one day in the warmer months and swim in the lake.
For the finale, the spa. It felt like another world. Like we were in an underground cave. We went back n forth between the dry and wet sauna, bracing ourselves for the “ice bath” and enjoyed some tea and we lounged in total relaxation.
From Lake Como it was time for our journey to come to an end. We hopped on a train back to Milan and enjoy a day at the spa.
We booked a couples massage and day pass at QC Termemilan wellness center. We were given a locker and went to change into our swimsuits and robes. You have probably seen this place on instagram for the rain and lighting room. In addition, they have outdoor soaking pools, train car sauna, and other unique rooms to explore. I will say due to the crowds and people talking a lot, it was not the most relaxing and zen experience, but it was very unique and fun to explore.
Now it was time to go home. There is always a sadness after an amazing trip is over, but then it is nice to be back in ones own bed and have such unique and fun memories to look back on.
For those interested in booking your own Christmas Market trip to Germany take a look at these tips and links below for inspiration!
December 2022 Markets we liked:
Elszauber am stachus– had ice skating rink
Christkindlemarkt marienplatz – white mulled wine, lots of food vendors, crafts trinkets.
Sterenflotte AUF ALTE UTTING – Market that is on a boat which was left on a railway bridge and turned into a bar
Bahnwarter Thiel moonlight express– Market made up of old shipping containers, artist compound with graffiti. Fried donut balls were a highlight.
Tollwood- More of a market festival vibe, hundreds of booths and food, fun art/light installations, flaming mulled wine.
Winterzauber Gans am Wasser– located on a small lake, smaller fair with beer garden
Great website for all the markets: https://www.munich.travel/en/topics/markets-festivals/christmas-markets
Subway map of Christmas markets: https://boredinmunich.com/munich-christmas-markets-subway-map/
Thank you for stopping by! We hope to have inspired you to go on your own adventure! If you have any questions about the Christmas Markets or our trip or just want to say hello, leave us a comment below!