German Christmas Markets
8 Days Starting in Frankfurt, Germany and ending in Berlin, Germany
Visiting: Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Weimar, Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WMARM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey through Germany's enchanting Christmas markets, starting in Frankfurt and culminating in Berlin. This festive tour takes you through the heart of Germany, visiting iconic cities like Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Weimar, Dresden, and Leipzig. Experience the charm of traditional markets, where the air is filled with the aroma of Gluhwein and gingerbread, and stalls are adorned with handcrafted decorations. Highlights include a visit to the historic Wartburg Castle market, the dazzling Striezelmarkt in Dresden, and a unique dinner with a local family in Berlin. Enjoy guided tours of Berlin's landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin TV Tower, while staying in cherry-picked hotels and traveling in luxury coaches. With expert guides and flexible sightseeing options, this tour promises an unforgettable Christmas adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt
Accommodation: Sheraton Offenbach
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Offenbach
Meals Included: Dinner
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 centre and medieval Römerplatz. Later, join your fellow travellers for a light dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Venture To Nuremberg
Location: Nuremberg
Accommodation: Seminaris
Accommodation Name: Seminaris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Savour 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 splendour.
Day 3: Off To Weimar
Location: Weimar
Accommodation: Leonardo
Accommodation Name: Leonardo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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)
Day 4: Admire Magical Leipzig And On To Dresden
Location: Leipzig
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Park Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast
Feel the festive spirit come alive as you stroll through Leipzig’s Christmas market, where over 300 glowing stalls light up the heart of Marktplatz. Sip warming glühwein, browse handcrafted treasures and soak up centuries of tradition. Then, you’re off to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe,’ where history comes to life. See the incredible post-war restoration and take in the city’s charm before returning to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore more of Dresden at your own pace.
Day 5: Discover The Festive Atmosphere At Dresden Christmas Markets Dive Into Culture
Location: Dresden
Accommodation: Pullman Newa
Accommodation Name: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast
Germany’s Christmas traditions take centre 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.
Day 6: Journey To Berlin
Location: Leipzig
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Esplanade
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Berlin Mitte
Meals Included: Breakfast
No need for Santa’s reindeer to take you sky-high—soar to the top of the Berlin TV Tower and soak up 360° views of the city. Your Local Specialist will guide you through the stories of East and West Berlin on a sightseeing tour to see iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Reichstag and the sprawling Tiergarten. Don’t miss the vibrant shopping and entertainment scene on Kurfürstendamm, it’s Berlin at its best. In the evening, why not join us for a memorable Optional Experience? Enjoy delicious German food, wine, beer and music in great company before you take a magical drive through the city at twilight. Watch Berlin’s iconic landmarks light up the night sky—a great way to see this remarkable capital.
Day 7: Explore Berlin Connect With Locals
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Esplanade
Accommodation Name: Catalonia Berlin Mitte
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to explore Berlin at your leisure, or join an Optional Experience to discover Berlin’s secret past. With your Local Specialist, uncover the city’s hidden history as you visit the Holocaust Memorial, touch a section of the Berlin Wall, and see Checkpoint Charlie. Gain a fascinating understanding of Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past on this guided tour. As your journey draws to a close, enjoy a Be My Guest experience with Luis and Camilla at their cosy cafe, Raum Schwalbe. Over a traditional three-course German dinner, your hosts will share stories about their dishes and inspiration—a perfect farewell to your Christmas adventure.
Day 8: Farewell To Germany
Location: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it’s time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Dive Into Culture
- Dresden: Experience the delights of Germany's oldest and most traditional Christmas market - Dresden's Striezelmarkt. The blaze of lights, the scent of mulled wine and Christmas music make this once-in-a-lifetime visit a pleasure for all the senses.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, or enjoy alternative transportation such as rail journeys, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience throughout your tour.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Sheraton Offenbach, Seminaris, Leonardo, Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden, and Catalonia Berlin Mitte, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dive into Culture
- Dresden: Experience the delights of Germany's oldest and most traditional Christmas market - Dresden's Striezelmarkt. The blaze of lights, the scent of mulled wine and Christmas music make this once-in-a-lifetime visit a pleasure for all the senses.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the German Christmas Markets tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience where you will dine with a local family in Berlin, gaining insights into regional culture and traditions. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore Germany's oldest Christmas market, Dresden's Striezelmarkt, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with traditional crafts and local delicacies.
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Are there any special activities planned for the visit to Berlin?
In Berlin, you will ascend the Berlin TV Tower for 360° views of the city and enjoy a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, covering landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Reichstag building, and the Tiergarten. There is also an optional experience to explore 'Berlin's Secret Past'.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. There are also specific dining experiences such as a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal in Frankfurt, and a 'Be My Guest' dinner with a local family in Berlin.
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What is the accommodation like on this tour?
The tour features cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences and free time for you to explore on your own. Specific optional experiences are not detailed, but you can inquire with the tour operator for more information.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions