German Christmas Markets Winter 2019/20

Introduction 3

Travel to the enchanting land of Germanys Christmas markets, sharing the festive season spirit and Gemütlichkeit of the locals, amidst magical fairy lights, rousing oompah music and the spicy scents of Glühwein.

Day 1: Arrive Frankfurt Tame your festive wanderlust with the smells of Glühwein and Stollen on this magical journey that begins in Frankfurt. After check-in this afternoon, join your Travel Director on an orientation tour of the citys dynamic financial centre and medieval Römerplatz. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.

Day 2: Frankfurt – Rothenburg – Nuremberg In and around Nuremberg Stunning Bavarian landscapes line your journey to the medieval walled town of Rothenburg where youll enjoy an orientation walk with your Travel Director past picture-perfect half-timbered houses and the old Town Hall. Savour a mouthful or two of Schneeballen or shop for gifts at the Reiterlesmarkt before continuing to Nuremberg with its mighty ramparts and St. Sebalds Church. Our next stop is the famous Christkindlesmarkt where sweet gingerbread hearts hang from the stalls and the famous Zwetschgenmännle prune men pose in all their Christmas splendour.

Day 3: Nuremberg – Eisenach (Wartburg Castle) – Erfurt – Weimar In and around Eisenach Embrace hundreds of years of festive spirit at the Eisenach Christmas market held in the UNESCO World Heritage Wartburg Castle. Ramble past sizzling Bratwurst and steaming vats of Glühwein as you soak up the magical atmosphere. Next on our Christmas wish list is Erfurts medieval market - its Weinachtspyramiden is the gateway to delicious aromas of schnitzel, gingerbread and egg punch, enjoyed against the backdrop of St. Marys Cathedral and St. Severus Church. See the market ferris wheel and Merchants Bridge, the largest inhabited bridge in Europe. Our final stop on our festive foray today is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Weimar, where we dine at our hotel.

Day 4: Weimar – Dresden (2 Nights) In and around Dresden Enjoy a leisurely morning in Weimar before travelling to Dresden, the Florence on the Elbe. Spend the day admiring the magnificent restoration of a city that was all but destroyed during World War II. Consider indulging in traditional German cuisine this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Full Day at Dresden Christmas Market Germanys Christmas traditions take centre stage today as we Dive Into Culture and wander through Dresdens Striezelmarkt, Germanys oldest Christmas market. Admire the dazzling display of twinkling lights, handcrafted decorations and Christmas carols. If youre lucky enough to visit on the second weekend in advent, pay homage to the original Dresdner Christstollen.

Day 6: Dresden – Leipzig – Berlin (2 Nights) In and around Berlin Immerse yourself in centuries of Yuletide traditions at Leipzig Christmas market as you wander past more than 250 decorated stalls in the Marktplatz. Take a trip back in time as you savour the scents of Glögi wine and admire the traditional crafts in Ancient Leipzig. We leave vibrant Leipzig for Berlin where well spend the next two nights.

Day 7: Berlin Sightseeing and Free Time You wont need Santas reindeer to ascend hundreds of metres into the air as you admire 360° views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Your Local Specialist will share insights into old East and West Berlin during a sightseeing tour past the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard, the Reichstag building, Tiergarten and the shopping and entertainment district of Kurfürstendamm. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own or consider joining Berlins Secret Past Optional Experience. Our memorable Christmas journey almost at its end, well spend the evening with our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delicious Farewell Dinner with wine.

Day 8: Depart Berlin For now, its time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories. Morning transfers are available to Berlin Tegel Airport. Conditions apply.