German Christmas Markets
8 Days Starting in Frankfurt, Germany and ending in Berlin, Germany
Visiting: Frankfurt, Römerplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, St. Sebald's Church, Christkindlesmarkt, Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar, Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie Berlin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WMARN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey through Germany's enchanting Christmas markets with this festive tour. Starting in Frankfurt, you'll explore the vibrant financial center and medieval Romerplatz before venturing to the charming towns of Rothenburg and Nuremberg, where the Christkindlesmarkt awaits. Experience the festive spirit at Eisenach's Wartburg Castle and Erfurt's medieval market, then continue to Weimar, Leipzig, and Dresden, where Germany's oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt, dazzles with lights and tradition. In Berlin, ascend the TV Tower for panoramic views and explore iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate. Enjoy a traditional German dinner with locals, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of each destination. With expert guidance, luxury accommodations, and delightful culinary experiences, this tour promises a memorable holiday season filled with warmth and wonder.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt, Römerplatz
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 center and medieval Römerplatz. Later, join your fellow travelers for a light dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Venture to Nuremberg
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, St. Sebald's Church, Christkindlesmarkt
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. 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.
Day 3: Off to Weimar
Location: Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar
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, Dresden
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 Name: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Journey to Berlin
Location: Berlin
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, Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
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 cozy 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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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel 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
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related costs are not covered by the tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Enjoy the flexibility of audio headsets for sightseeing and the convenience of alternative transportation options like rail journeys, enhancing your travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Sheraton Offenbach, Seminaris, Leonardo, and Catalonia Berlin Mitte, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy trusted accommodations with all necessary amenities, providing a relaxing retreat after exploring the festive Christmas markets.
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.
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 in Berlin where you will meet a local family for dinner featuring Swabian and South German flavors. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore Germany's oldest Christmas market, Dresden's Striezelmarkt, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with mulled wine and Christmas music.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Are meals included in the German Christmas Markets tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Specifically, there are 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners included.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Frankfurt and ends in Berlin.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the tour?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What are some of the key sights and activities during the tour?
Key activities include exploring Berlin, discovering Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Erfurt, Weimar, Dresden, and Leipzig, visiting the Christmas Markets, ascending the Berlin TV Tower, and viewing the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden as well as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin.
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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