Christmas 2009 - White Christmas
 

We are a South African family of 5 (with kids aged 16 to22) meeting up to start a 10 day trip (23 December to 1 January) from Munich (and depart from Munich). We would love to have a "White Christmas". I have just started planning the trip but need advice - on the outset there is much we would love to see - We have been to Munich before but did not get any time to explore to much of Munich - been to Salzburg (Sound of music - family favorite).

On the wish list is Vienna, Venice and Rome - with maybe a day thrown in somewhere where the kids can have their first ski experience and lesson.

From my reviews thus far would like to do the Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich which includes Oberammergau as well as the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. this takes up 2 days in Munich. Will not be hiring a vehicle (afraid of driving on the "wrong" side of the road - also we do not know what snow is thus safer to leave the driving to experienced people.

The wish list is our guide. Was considering 2 days in Munich - 2 days in Vienna - Fly to Rome for 3 days overnight train to Venice one night and back to Munich to fly back. This seems very rushed. This would not give a day for Skiing - also the Dolomites seem amazing ummmm - Any advice would be appreciated. Was considering a eurorail for 3 countries as an option as well.

Thanks in Advance

I don't think you'll have a white christmas in Rome, but in the Dolomites you'll see plenty of snow, that's for sure !

The only chance for a 90% guarantee of a white Christmas is a ski resort in the Alps. Munich and Vienna may have a bit of snow in December but they are far, far more likely to have not and be grey and rainy.
Does your itinerary already include travel days? If it does, your plan is extremely rushed. Two nights in a city mean one full day which does NONE of the destinations on your list justice.
You are not planning to see Munich at all? Two day trips in two days will eat up all your time there.
Rome cannot be seen in two days either.
The whole trip will be a rat race. Even more so when taking into consideration that you don't have more than 8 hours of daylight per day!
Besides, one does not learn how to ski in one day.

Reconsider your plans, seriously. Munich, Vienna plus a winter resort in the Alps for the holidays when the cities shut down (book well in advance). Leave Italy for another trip.

I had a few days in Lech am Arlberg, Austria just before Christmas 2008. There was lots of snow and it was beautiful. It's known as a stylish ski resort, but there are other activities and it still has a friendly community atmosphere.

Hi all changed my plans due to your responses so have cut out Rome. New post will have new Itinerary. TY all