German Christmas Markets

Tame your festive wanderlust with the smells of Glühwein and Stollen on this magical journey that begins in Frankfurt. After checking in this afternoon, join your Travel Director on an orientation tour of the city's dynamic financial center and medieval Römerplatz.

Later, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal. Stay: Sheraton Offenbach

Stunning Bavarian landscapes line your journey to the medieval walled town of Rothenburg where you'll enjoy an orientation walk with your Travel Director past picture-perfect half-timbered houses and the Old Town Hall. Savor a mouthful or two of Schneeballen or shop for gifts at the Reiterlesmarkt before continuing to Nuremberg with its mighty ramparts and St. Sebald's 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 splendor. (B/D) Stay: Seminaris

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 Erfurt's medieval market – its Weinachtspyramiden is the gateway to delicious aromas of schnitzel, gingerbread and egg punch, enjoyed against the backdrop of St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Severus Church. See the market Ferris wheel and Merchants' Bridge, the longest 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. (*Sat/Sun only) (B/D) Stay: Leonardo

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Weimar before traveling 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. (B) Stay: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden

Germany's Christmas traditions take center stage today as we Dive Into Culture and wander through Dresden's Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas market. Admire the dazzling display of twinkling lights, handcrafted decorations and Christmas carols. If you're lucky enough to visit on the second weekend in advent, pay homage to the original Dresdner Christstollen. (B)

Immerse yourself in centuries of Yuletide traditions at Leipzig's Christmas market as you wander past more than 250 decorated stalls in the Marktplatz. Take a trip back in time as you savor the scents of Glögi wine and admire the traditional crafts in ‘Ancient Leipzig'. We leave vibrant Leipzig for Berlin where we'll spend the next two nights. (B) Stay: Catalonia Berlin Mitte

You won't need Santa's reindeer to ascend hundreds of meters 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, see the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Reichstag building, the Tiergarten and the shopping and entertainment district of Kurfürstendamm.

The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own or consider joining an Optional Experience delving into 'Berlin's Secret Past'. Our memorable Christmas journey almost at its end, enjoy a Be My Guest experience as you dine with a local family in their home. (B/D)

For now, it's time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories. (B)