Pre tour: December 11th - Arrive into Berlin International Airport and make your way to our airport accommodation where you will have the day to rest up and get adjusted to the time change if necessary.

 

Day 1 - December 12th - We will meet at our Berlin Airport accommodation this morning and after a brief orientation we start our journey west. Our first stop will be Magdaburg to visit the Old Christmas Market with the Craft House, Fairytale Alley, or Santa Claus' Apartment, Colorful Carousels and Sweet Treats. The entire Magdeburg city center sparkles and glitters with the Magdeburg World of Lights. Over 1.2 million LED lights and 80 large lighting elements make the city shine. The medieval “Kaiser Otto Pfalz” delights visitors, as do the many delicacies on the Old Market. Traders and craftsmen look forward to delighting visitors with Erzgebirge handicrafts, glass blowers and fresh Christmas scents and spices. The Magdeburg mulled wine culture is legendary. Over 50 different types of mulled wine attract visitors to the different stalls. We will stop for a Festive Lunch and then continue on our way to Hildesheim. We will make a brief stop in Helmstedt on our way. From the first mention of Helmstedt in the year 952 this former university and Hanseatic town has a long and eventful past. The historic old town is full of enchanted ambience and many half-timbered houses dating back several centuries. As we walk around the old town we can admire the Juleum, the Palatial Renaissance and former University of Helmstedt along with the great monastic churches.Then we get settled into our accommodation in Hildesheim before our Welcoming Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Hildesheim. (B,L,D)

 

Day 2 - December 13th - This morning we make our way to Braunschweig where you can take in the Christmas Market at the squares around St. Blasii Cathedral which are transformed with elegant illuminations and a delightful atmosphere. 150 artisans and vendors will open their lovingly decorated stalls against an impressive historical backdrop. They offer a broad range of gifts such as wooden toys, jewellery creations, fur-lined leather goods and illuminated Christmas stars. Culinary delicacies from the region and around the world are always popular favourites during the holidays. With its 500-year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is amongst the most attractive and atmospheric Christmas markets in all of Germany. We end our time in Braunschweig with a Festive Champagne Lunch before we make our way back to Hildesheim best known for its churches, particularly the two magnificent UNESCO-listed ones, Mariendom and St. Michael’s. When the street lamps are decorated with Father Christmas hats, Advent music can be heard and the sweet smell of roasted almonds wafts through the city centre, then the pre-Christmas season begins in Hildesheim. The Hildesheim Christmas market conjures up a special atmosphere around the impressive backdrop of the historic market square, the An der Lilie square and the neighbouring areas of the pedestrian zone and invites you to stroll and enjoy. Then the evening is yours to enjoy and find some dinner on your own. Overnight Hildesheim. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - December 14th - This morning we make our way to the Christmas market in Goslar which is made for young and old Christmas fans. Kaiserworth, town hall and slate-covered half-timbered houses frame the Advent market of the imperial city. Its decorated wooden huts, children’s carousel and other attractions are spread all over the market square around the market fountain. The culinary offer is evidenced by a fragrance mix that comes from roasted almonds, punch and sizzling. Wonderful goods such as decorative candles, tree decorations, sweets and much more await new owners. The Schuhhof is a real fairy tale, just a few steps away from the market square. Our neyt atop is Wernigerode where the slogan “Colourful City in the Harz Mountains” gets a special meaning. Then the colours of the painted carvings of the half-timbered house with the glittering, colourful Christmas decoration create a festive ambience. When it gets dark, the ensemble shines in the glow of lights, to which large illuminated Herrenruter stars also contribute. The Christmas market in Wernigerode takes place on the Marktplatz and on the Nicolaiplatz. Charmingly decorated stalls, pyramids, Christmas trees and fairy lights transform the square in front of the historic town hall into one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Harz mountains. The Christmassy Nicolaiplatz has attractions for children and younger Christmas market visitors. In between, the imaginatively decorated Christmas huts and sales stands in Breite Strasse provide an atmospheric flair in Advent. We make our way to Quedlinburg which in December is transformed into a Christmas dream that is magical in every way. In the stage set by the Historical Market Square surrounded by old half-timbered houses, all of our childhood dreams about Christmas take place before our very eyes. The eyes are not the only sense awakened as the ears are treated throughout December to seasonal music- in the city hall, in the theater, in churches and in open, public spaces. You will be able to find some lunch in the market before you take in all of the delights of this magical stop. We then make our way to just near Grimma where we find our accommodation and dinner waiting. Dinner and Overnight near Grimma. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 - December 15th - This morning we make our way just north of Dresden to Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle, Germany’s first castle complex oldest castle. The Castle was a trendsetter in its time of construction. Its overwhelming architectural solutions in the late-Gothic style have always been marveled at by contemporaries. In 929, King Henry I had a wooden fortress built on a rock towering above the Elbe. This made Meissen the center of the march of the same name bordering on the territories to the east that were still under Slavic control and the guided tour will expose all of its history and secrets! We then stop at the Meissen Pottery Factory for a tour. We will take a peek behind the scenes at Europe’s oldest porcelain manufactory, experiencing their unique craftsmanship as it happens and speak to the people who bring such extraordinary works of art to finely crafted life. We will have lunch here before we make our way to the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, considered the first genuine Christmas Market in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it will celebrate its 590th anniversary in 2024. This market in the central area is the largest in the eastern part of Germany and one of the most traditional in the country. The market includes the almost 50 foot tall Ore Mountain Step Pyramid, the world’s largest walk-in candle arch, a daily programme of cultural Christmas events for young and old and the traditional Ferris wheel which provides fantastic aerial views of the Striezelmarkt’s meticulously adorned stalls which are just waiting to be explored! Dinner on your own in Dresden before we return home. The Christmas Market will provide the perfect opportunity to get your fill of wonderful delights. Overnight near Grimma. (B,L)

 

Day 5 - December 16th - This morning we make a stop in Grimma before leaving the area behind. Grimma, affectionately known as the "Pearl of the Mulde River Valley", is one of the most beautiful places in Germany, located right in the heart of the Free State of Saxony. This little paradise is nestled in gentle hills with the breathtaking scenery of the Mulde River Valley. Each December there is a feast for the senses with the annual Christmas market. Numerous festively decorated stalls shine brightly against the historical backdrop of the impressive Renaissance roof of the town hall where there is plenty to eat and drink with an abundance of festive treats and local specialities. After we get our fill, we make our way to Naumburg, a medeival town that lies along the Saale River, near the mouth of the Unstrut River, southwest of Halle. Founded by the Margraves of Meissen in about the year 1000, Naumburg was granted to the bishop of Zeitz when he transferred his seat there in 1028. It received town rights in 1142. The heart of Naumburg's Christmas market is the town's picture-postcard market square, surrounded by historic buildings and narrow alleys, offers a picturesque backdrop that makes the market particularly appealing. The impressive town hall and other distinctive buildings give the market a unique atmosphere. The market stalls, spread across the entire market square, offer a variety of products and experiences. From handmade artworks and traditional Christmas decorations to regional delicacies – there is something for everyone. We then make our way to our accommodation at Hannoversch Münden. Dinner and Overnight Hannoversch Münden. (B,D)

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Day 6 - December 17th - This morning we our journey south to eventually wind up in Daaden, but we will explore Hannoversch Münden first. Nestled between three forests and three rivers in the middle of one of the oldest nature parks in Germany lies the half-timbered, three-river city of Hann. Münden. Maybe you know the poem “Where Werra and Fulda kiss”? Here these two rivers unite to form the Weser and mark the beginning of the Weserbergland. As a trading town on three rivers almost completely surrounded by water, water played an important role in the life of the city in the past, but also to this day. Our next stop is Melsungen, a romantic old town where over 400 lovingly restored half-timbered houses form a harmonious ensemble. The symbolic figure of Melsung welcomes you warmly, shows you the sights and takes you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. At that time there were many woodcutters in Melsungen who went into the forest in the morning with their axes called “beards”. On the way they sharpened their axes in the soft sandstone of the Fulda Bridge, which is therefore now called the Bartenwetzer Bridge . The tour also takes you past the pretty half-timbered town hall , where the symbolic figure of the Bartenwetzer appears on one of the towers every day at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Christmas Market here starts with the traditional tapping of draft beer. Mayor Markus Boucsein will open the event, accompanied by the fanfare of the tower brass and the traditional beer tapping with the Melsunger Bartenwetzer. Afterwards, the musicians from HarmonieMusik Melsungen ensure an atmospheric start to the Advent season. We make one last stop for the day at Marburg, with a history stretching back over 800 years. The University is the oldest protestant university in the world, founded in 1527. It boasts in its alumni Emil von Behring, the first ever winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, who collected many of their fairytales from around the region, also studied here, making the city a popular stop on the German Fairy Tale Road. A fairy tale trail through the city will lead you through its cobbled streets to all sorts of historical sights and quirky works of art. We then get checked into our accommodation in Daaden before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Daaden. (B,D)

 

Day 7 - December 18th - Today we stay mainly within the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Our first stop of the day is in Freudenberg, known above all for its unique, almost closed half-timbered ensemble. In the old town centre, which is also called “Alter Flecken”, more than 80 black-and-white half-timbered houses are still lined up close together and thus form an impressive backdrop. After the city burned down for the second time in the 17th century and the citizens rebuilt their houses, they were all built gable to the streets. The resulting characteristic appearance is now a perfect postcard motif. We then make our way to the capitol of the district, Seigen for their Christtmas Market. When the smell of warm cookies from the bakeries fills the historical town centre and the snow lies like a blanket over the crest of the Rothaar Mountains, the joyful anticipation of Christmas is tangible and one of the most beautiful times of year begins in the Siegerland and the Wittgenstein mountain region. The ambiance of the Siegen Christmas Market is characterized by the majestic Lower Castle and the surrounding half-timbered houses. They provide an idyllic backdrop and draw the gazes of visitors as they wander among the market stalls that stretch along Schlossplatz, offering an assortment of handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and gift ideas.Visitors can expect an array of specialties: from handcrafted unique items to festive sounds that fill the air, the market offers an experience for all the senses. The exclusivity of the market is highlighted by enchanting lighting, which transforms the square into a sea of lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.A distinctive feature of the Siegen Christmas Market is the culinary offerings, ranging from traditional treats like baked apples and gingerbread to savory delicacies. Not to forget the hot beverages like mulled wine and punch, which warm the visitors from within. We make a final stop in Wilnsdorf before returning home before dinner. 

Overnight Daaden. (B,D)

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Day 8 - December 19th - This morning we are off to Koblenz for their Christmas Market which is held over 6 different squares in the city. Every year during Advent, the Roman town is transformed into an atmospheric pre-Christmas paradise: The scent of freshly roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the streets. At the artisans' market, numerous stalls with handmade individual items invite you to a cozy gift hunt. Through the festively decorated city center, you can stroll in a relaxed manner from one favorite spot to the next. A particularly contemplative sight awaits you at Jesuitenplatz. There you will find the city's largest Advent calendar, composed of the colorfully lit dormer windows of the baroque town hall. Our next stop is Cochem with its historic half-timbered houses and the majestic imperial castle is an eye-catcher all year round, but at Christmastime it leaves nothing unturned to enchant this little town with an atmospheric winter fairy tale. Romantic corners of the old town have been integrated into the market and you can take a tour through the winding alleys, where many hidden details can be discovered. Instead of the usual central Christmas market all over the country, Cochem now presents itself as a lively little town in a Christmas mood. You can find some lunch on your own as you explore along the river promenade in where crackling fireplaces reinforce the medieval flair. You can warm themselves up with a cup of red or white mulled wine which is a specialty on the Moselle. We then make our way to Trier where we get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Trier Christmas Market is situated against the enchanting backdrop of Trier Cathedral where 95 little wooden huts on the Main Market Square offer typical Christmas goods, including wooden toys, candles, gift items and Christmas decorations. Sustenance is of course also provided with potato fritters, roasted almonds and mulled wine – which cannot be missing from any Christmas market. This can all be enjoyed on your own after dinner. Dinner and Overnight Trier. (B,D)

 

Day 9 - December 20th - This morning our first stop is the town of Kusel, a charming little town in southwest Germany and perfect for those who want to travel off the beaten track. Kusel is idyllically nestled between the hills of the Palatinate Forest and the River Glan. The town has a long history, which is reflected in the historic buildings. A big highlight of visiting in December is the Christmas Market on the market square, which attracts many visitors every year. Along with the market, a walk through the old town with its half-timbered houses and narrow alleys is particularly recommended. Next we visit Hambach Castle that stands high above the Rhine on the Palatinate Wine Route. We will  have lunch before a tour of this well-fortified castle with ita colourful past and spectacular views over the forest. It made its mark in the German history books by providing the setting for the Hambach Festival. From 1797 to 1815, the Palatinate belonged to France. The July Revolution in Paris in 1830 fuelled the desire for freedom in the Palatinate, with leading liberals and 30,000 citizens gathering at the castle for the Hamburg Festival. They demanded freedom of the press, assembly and speech as well as more civil rights, religious tolerance and national unity. It is on that basis that the Hambach Festival is now considered to be the cradle of German democracy. We then make our way to Baden-Baden where we find our accommodation and dinner waiting. Baden-Baden, the European capital of the art of living. Nestled in the mountains of the Black Forest, the traditional Christmas Market with its numerous atmospheric attractions will whisk you away to a winter fairytale of a special kind. The scent of mulled wine and gingerbread accompanies you as you stroll past Christmas decorated huts at the beginning of the famous Lichtentaler Allee Park and Gardens. The market stretches from the Kurhaus Colonnades past the exclusive boutiques towards Baden-Baden’s impressive Kurhaus building. You will want to visit the market after dinner to see it in all of its spendour. Dinner and Overnight Baden-Baden. (B,L,D)

 

Day 10 - December 21st - This morning we start our journey to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a first stop in Ludwigsburg, Germany’s Baroque gem! With a magnificent palace and gardens, a grand market square and tempting arcades, this small, friendly city has history and culture galore and Europe’s prettiest Christmas Market. Germany is the land of Christmas markets, so what makes Ludwigsburg truly special? Start with the setting: our elegant Baroque main square. Add lights and soaring angels, sparkling Christmas trees and the mouth-watering smell of fresh gingerbread and roasting chestnuts. More than 150 individually-decorated stalls are laden with locally-made crafts and toys, food and drink. And, of course, there is music, from carol singers and choirs to quartets. That’s why Ludwigsburg Christmas Market ranks among the most popular Christmas markets in Germany! After taking in all of the delights we will stop for lunch and then take a tour of Ludwigsburg Palace. First-time visitors are amazed by the sheer size with 452 rooms in 18 buildings. This is one of Europe’s largest original Baroque complexes. The lavish architecture, with arches and columns, frescoes and chandeliers, reflects the power and wealth of the dukes and kings, for whom this was home. On our guided tour we will travel back through 300 years. In banqueting halls and state apartments, stories bring the past to life. Imagine the rich and famous sweeping down the imposing staircases. Stand in the circular chapel, with its royal tomb and painted ceiling; learn why the second chapel is dedicated to the Order of the Golden Eagle. The palace (Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg) is also home to the Ceramics Museum (Keramikmuseum), with rare porcelain, and the Fashion Museum (Modemuseum), with clothing from the 18th - 20th centuries. Admire the art in the Baroque Gallery (Barockgalerie) and tour the private apartments to see how the royal family lived. The opulence of the antiques and portraits, gilding and silk damask contrasts with the servant’s quarters, at the bottom of hidden staircases. After our tour we continue on our way to our accommodation in Rothenberg Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dinner and Overnight Rothenburg ob der Tauber (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - December 22nd - Today will be spent completely at your leisure in Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Germany's best-preserved walled town. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the oldest and most historic of the medieval towns along the Romantic Road. Although there had been settlements in the area and in the neighbouring Tauber valley for many centuries before, the official history of Rothenburg is generally thought to date from the 10th century with the construction of a castle in an easily-defensible position above the River Tauber. Rothenburg has a unique reputation as being the world’s only city with “365 days a year Christmas” atmosphere. This is because the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store company whose unparalleled, global reputation as “The Mother of all Christmas Stores,” is headquartered here. It is directly adjacent Market Place in the Herrengasse, in the heart of Rothenburg. And of course there is a Christmas Market. Holding true to traditions the narrowly winding streets and picturesque squares around the town hall and its archways are lined with wooden booths, appropriately decorated for the Christmas season. Everything your heart desires can be found at this charming market, may it be the traditional Christmas pastries or the mulled wine. Gadgets and treasures as well as lovingly crafted Christmas decoration can be found in a variety of booths and are sure to serve as a token of appreciation for loved ones at home as well as a welcomed reminder of your time spent in Rothenburg. The Town Hall’s 160 foot high tower can be seen from all over town and, if you’re prepared to climb the 220 narrow steps to the top, it offers the most spectacular views over the red rooftops of Rothenburg. Rothenburg’s fortified 12th-century city walls stretch right around the historic town centre you can walk along almost the whole 1 1/2 mile length. Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B)

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Day 12 - December 23rd - This morning we start our day off with a journey to Würzburg, a 1300 year old city steeped in history and culture sitting on the banks of the Main River in northern Bavaria. The tradition of Würzburg's highly scenic Christmas Market dates back to the early 19th century. Here you can stroll through 100 wooden stalls, sampling delicious Christmas cookies and roasted almonds while sipping the traditional “Gluehwein”, a famous hot spiced red wine. Products for sale at the Christmas market include wooden toys, jewelry, teas and spices, traditional Christmas decorations, scented candles, pottery, embroideries, and hand-knit socks and gloves. The focus here is on handcrafted items that are hard to find elsewhere in this historical market square with its Gothic Chapel and abundance of baroque architecture provide a charming Christmas Card Scene. Then we are off to Bamberg with crooked half timber houses, picturesque canals, and an elegant palace, Bamberg is an underrated gem in northern Bavaria. Dubbed the “city of seven hills,” Bamberg brims with authentic charm, medieval architecture, and fairytale feel that dates from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Bamberg Christmas Market will take place on Maximiliansplatz, a large square in the heart of Bamberg old town. It’s a lively, pedestrian-only area that features traditional Christmas stalls selling toys, decorations, gifts and Christmas food like bratwurst, roasted nuts and gingerbread. The highlight is the nativity scene that changes from week to week throughout Advent. After exploring Bamberg thoroughly we make our back home to get ready for dinner. We will pass though many delightful towns and villages and you will want to visit them all if we only had more days we could add to the tour. Dinner and Overnight Rothenberg ob der Tauber. (B,D)

 

Day 13 - December 24th - Christmas Eve Day - This morning we make our way to our Christmas home for 3 nights, Schönburg Castle. The Castle sits high above the town of Oberwesel, set amid the half-timbered houses and terraced green vineyards along the Rhine Valley and was first mentioned in history between the years 911 and 1166. Until the 17th century the castle had a very changeable and martial history with many tribe and family fights. On our way to our castle home we will stop at another castle Schloss Waldenburg which was a former princely residence and.a cultural treasure at the Zwickauer Mulde in the district of Zwickau. Castle Waldenburg was one of the last castles of the Wilheminian period in Waldenburg (Saxony). Until 1945, it was the residence of the princes of Schönburg Waldenburg. During our guided tour through the castle, we will learn a brief outline of the history of the castle and its construction and experience pompous designed representative rooms such as the ball rooms, the library, the mirror hall, the Gobelin and the Chinese room. After our tour we will havelunch before we continue on to get checked into our accommodation at Oberwesel. This evening after settling into our rooms we will gather for a Special 5 Course Festive Christmas Eve Dinner. We will make merry until we retire with visions of sugar plums in our heads. Christmas Eve Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

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Day 14 - December 25th - This morning you will wake up in our dream castle with a spectacular view over the River Rhine. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley extends 65 kilometers in length from Bingen to Koblenz and has more castles than any other river in the world. Its landscape and riverfront villages have inspired fairy tails, music, poetry, and paintings for centuries. There could not be a more magical place to wake up on Christmas morning! You will want to see if your Stocking has Been Filled before we gather for breakfast. The day is then to enjoy at your leisure in the castle that is lovingly decorated and waiting to be explored. The fireplace room, the prison tower and the library will help you get into a relaxing mood. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine valley from the terraces or spend some wonderful hours in the cozy castle courtyard. A special treat for our use is the exclusive access to the enchanted castle garden. The garden is full of wonderful views and mysterious places. As the castle sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley all around there are vineyards, hiking paths through forests and meadows with beautiful. In the evening we will enjoy a 5 Course Gourmet Candlelight Dinner including corresponding wines in the castle restaurant within medieval walls full of atmosphere. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

 

Day 15 - December 26th - Sometimes the very best is unintentionally saved for the very last. Mario and had driven past the town of Bacharach a few times and knew that we would eventually explore it. We wanted to find a really lovely town for the last day and had a few places to explore. I told him that there was something about Bacharach that was speaking to me, but it was hard to get a feel for it as most of the town is hidden away. We parked across the road and then walked through one of the Stone archways that lead into town and we were immediately transported back in time. It is absolutely enchanting! So many of the towns and villages along the Rhine RIver here are written about, but we had never heard of Bacharach even though it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a medieval village of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, most of which were built before the sixteenth century. The name Bacharach came from Bacchus, the god of wine which is fitting, as the town sits in the valley of hills lined with Riesling and served as a major wine trading and shipping station in the Middle Ages. You can do some exploring and then find some lunch on your own before we return home where a wine grower from Oberwesel will pick us up at the castle to take us on a 2 hour sightseeing tour through the town of Oberwesel and the surrounding vineyards with an introduction to the viticulture on the Middle Rhine and a welcome Riesling Sparkling Wine. We will visit the vineyard and wine-cellar and then have a tasting of four typical Riesling wines before we return to Schönburg Castle. This evening we will enjoy the Schönburg 4 Course Candlelight Dinner with corresponding wines. Dinner and Overnight Schönburg Castle at Oberwesel. (B,D)

 

Day 16 - December 27th - This morning we make our way to Frankfurt International Airport for the journey home.

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