German Christmas Markets
Experience Overview
Travel to the enchanting land of Germany's Christmas markets, sharing the festive season spirit and Gemutlichkeit of the locals amidst rousing oompah music and the spicy scents of Gluhwein.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Berlin: Join Camilla and Elisa in their cosy cafe in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg for a warm and welcoming evening. Enjoy a traditional three-course German dinner as your hosts share their stories, their passion for local cuisine, and a deeper perspective into this vibrant neighbourhood’s history and culture.
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.
Iconic Experience
- Frankfurt: Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Visit the medieval center of Rothenburg.
- Eisenach: During your visit to Eisenach, see the imposing Wartburg Castle.
- Erfurt: Take in the dazzling decorations of Erfurt's Christmas Market, set against a backdrop of St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Severus Church.
- Leipzig: Renowned for its musical and culinary delights, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in Germany, with around 300 stalls located on the city’s historic market square. Enjoy its great traditions, which date back to the 15th century, on your orientation with your Travel Director.
- Berlin: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
- Berlin: During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Berlin
- Discover Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Erfurt, Weimar, Leipzig and Dresden
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach (Sat/Sun only), Erfurt Weimar, Leipzig, Dresden, and the Berlin TV Tower
- View the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden and the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin
Trip Details
Product Code: 19215
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 294.518B
Starts: Frankfurt, Germany
Finishes: Berlin, Germany
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,425 ($428 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Sheraton Offenbach
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Seminaris
Meals: 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)
Accommodation: Leonardo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Bilderberg Bellevue Dresden
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Catalonia Berlin Mitte
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Catalonia Berlin Mitte
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Walter Schatzel - Traveled, December 2024
2024 German Christmas Market *Personal information removed by Feefo* with Liberty Travel in Hicksville NY, went out of his way to get us the best package and service. The process was smooth and *Personal information removed by Feefo* didn't hesitate to keep us informed.. Need more time in Rothenberg and less time in Nuremberg. More time in Buchenwald Concentration Camp. If your lucky enough to Get *Personal information removed by Feefo* as your Trafalgar Guide and *Personal information removed by Feefo* as your driver you will be in Great hands. *Personal information removed by Feefo* excitement and knowledge made the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2024
Mark Stabel - Traveled, December 2024
The tour was well organized, enjoyable and informative. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was outstanding. Aside from speaking flawless English, she blended into our group of travellers nicely. I would definitely do a tour with *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Trafalgar again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, December 2024
Germany One and Done. Our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and our coach driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were the best possible people for the job. We had dismal rainy weather for much of the trip, yet they kept us on track. If you like Christmas Markets this is the trip for you. I booked this trip at the suggestion of my neighbor almost two years ago. She and I were booked to go in 2023. We postponed because my husband was sick. It turned out we could have gone in 2023 because he died in November 2023. However we rebooked for 2024. Trafalgar gave us a $200 discount.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2024
Peter Shaw - Traveled, November 2024
At all stages of the tour our well being and time were a priority! Our tour guide had us all returning on time and never late it was a huge sign of respect for each other. From singing to laughing, meals and chats *Personal information removed by Feefo* was brilliant at keeping this group together and cooperative of each other. What a task which she succeeded highly in. Fantastic experience! My wife and I enjoyed the markets as well as the optional tours! It was a wonderful experience and the tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was so knowledgeable and had all of us laughing and learning! Would recommend to anyone thinking of doing a tour. *Personal information removed by Feefo* has such a kind disposition and at all times had everyone's best interest at heart. Our driver was brilliant and also made sure of our safety on every trip and stop.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2024
John Willing - Traveled, October 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were very professional and a pleasure to have as our guide & driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Alan Murphy - Traveled, November 2024
Very impressed, nothing was too much trouble. Well organised and met my expectations. The guide was excellent and the coach driver went beyond to make us feel safe and included. The accommodation was functional and comfortable and generally in good locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2024
Williams Hau - Traveled, December 2024
The welcome & farewell dinners were way below expection. The farewell dinner located at a small privately owned cafe. Barely squeezed the 27 of us in there. The foods were skimpy. One of the tour mates cough badly on the couch during the whole trip without wearing a mask. The tour director noticed that the first day and advised anyone should wear a mask if flu symtoms occured. Tour director didn't insist the cough lady to wear a mask and end up caused the director, the driver and a few tour mates staring to cough & got influenza virus infected in the middle of the trip. Tour director had to leave us to the local tour guides to take over partially of his duties because of the sickness. Me & my wife & few others missed a couple excursions as well because of the sickness. The director should take responsibilty to care about everybody 's Health & Safety concerns during the trip , should have to avoid the virus spread by the sick lady , either having her wearing her mask or withdraw her from the trip. this trip wasn't as enjoyable as the previous one with Trafalga. We still cough after the trip and not able to visit family members as planned for Christmas gathering.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, December 2024
We like that the itinerary covered several cities from Rothenburg to Berlin as it was our first time visiting the famed German Christmas markets. But our group size of 47 guests was too big - and on one occasion, we all had to wait 40 minutes after the appointed time for a solo traveller to return to the coach. Generally the time allocated to visiting the Christmas markets was rather rushed, e.g. from Eisenach to Erfurt to Weimar, and on the day we stayed in Dresden, we arrived in the evening and was given a quick orientation tour of Striezelmarkt. Then the next day was dedicated entirely to two optional tours! We were also not informed before we started the tour that the Leipzig stop had been switched to before Dresden instead of after Dresden in the original Trafalgar itinerary and found out only as it happened. Generally the hotels are located outside of the city centre and hence not convenient, especially when we have to spend the free day on our own. And the meals (excluding breakfast) provided were poor, except for the farewell dinner which was the Be My Guest feature. Perhaps our expectations were shaped by our past experiences with Trafalgar and Insight Vacations, we felt even the TD could have done better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2024
Ana Marie - Traveled, November 2023
We missed the Nuremberg and Rothenburg Christmas market which they said is the best Christmas market. Their Christmas markets starts on December 1.. We started our tour on Nov. 29, 2023. You should have started the tour on December 1 (I'm sure you knew about this or you should have called our attention about this so we could have picked another tour date) so we would have not missed anything cause the reason I joined this tour is to go to those Christmas markets. I feel I got "shortchanged" on this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, December 2024
Christmas Markets! Friendly staff, knowledgeable, everything detailed in agenda was adhered to, bathroom breaks were maintained within reasonable time frames as many on tour were seniors. Guides knowledgeable, bus driver was excellent. Well managed, schedule always on time. Many historical sites visited with commentary from local guides who were exceptional adding in personal perspective which added to the tour. Evening meals provided were just ok, not much variety and in some cases was cold. We took the opportunity to seek out local gasthaus and restaurants and were able to have some exceptional meals of local cuisine on our own at a fraction of the cost to that at the hotels.. breakfasts provided were excellent with lots of variety.Buffet meals were just ok. Hotels in some cases were somewhat tired as we experienced, lights not always working, heat and cooling issues. I would commend the cleanliness in all rooms and hotel staff very friendly and helpful. I would book another tour but would look for a tour with a bit more free time and possibly spending more time in each location to explore and see more sites. Yes I would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2024
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