You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
Travel to the enchanting land of Germany's Christmas markets, sharing the festive season spirit and gemütlichkeit of the locals, amidst magical fairy lights, rousing oompah music and the spicy scents of glühwein.
Travelstyle Si Icon
Travel Style - Christmas Spectacular
Christmas seasonal specials.
Turn this trip into a private tour
Travel exclusively with just your family and friends
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 Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Congress Mercure an der Messe
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)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Weimar before travelling 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.
Outside the town of Weimar, we'll visit the memorial and museum of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Constructed in 1937, it wasn't long before Buchenwald became synonymous for the entire Nazi concentration camp system and, by the end of the war, was the largest camp in the German Reich.
Adult Price: €28.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Discover the Festive Atmosphere at Dresden Christmas Markets
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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Meissen Experience
We'll drive along the river Elbe to the old town of Meissen, where porcelain was first developed in Europe. After a fascinating visit to the world-famous factory, we'll have time for a stroll through this medieval town to the Meissen Christmas Market.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tastes of a Bygone Era
Following the course of the Elbe, we arrive to the spectacular Pillnitz Water Palace and stroll through the gardens of this Baroque masterpiece along the Elbe Embankment. Then, we’ll discover the secrets of baking the famous Stollen, world-famous fruit bread dating from the 16c. We’ll also enjoy a taste along with the perfect accompaniment; coffee.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Admire Magical Leipzig and on to Berlin
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 savour 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton Grand Esplanade
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Berlin by Twilight with Dinner
Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.
Adult Price: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Explore Berlin
You won't need Santa's reindeer to ascend hundreds of metres 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 Boulevard, the Reichstag building, 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, you'll spend the evening at an exclusive Be My Guest experience and Farewell Dinner as you Connect With Locals in their home.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Berlin's Secret Past Revealed
Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Adult Price: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Historic Potsdam
Today we'll take a trip outside Berlin with our Local Specialist to Potsdam. En route, we’ll stop off at Wannsee Villa, the setting for the infamous 1942 Conference to plan the 'Final Solution'. Then, it's off to Glienicke Bridge, scene of the Cold War 'spy swaps' and the inspiration for the 2015 film Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Adult Price: €44.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Farewell to Germany
For now, it's time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories. Morning transfers are available to Berlin Tegel Airport.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
The Buchenwald Memorial Site
Outside the town of Weimar, we'll visit the memorial and museum of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Constructed in 1937, it wasn't long before Buchenwald became synonymous for the entire Nazi concentration camp system and, by the end of the war, was the largest camp in the German Reich.
Adult Price: €28.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Meissen Experience
We'll drive along the river Elbe to the old town of Meissen, where porcelain was first developed in Europe. After a fascinating visit to the world-famous factory, we'll have time for a stroll through this medieval town to the Meissen Christmas Market.
Adult Price: €39.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Tastes of a Bygone Era
Following the course of the Elbe, we arrive to the spectacular Pillnitz Water Palace and stroll through the gardens of this Baroque masterpiece along the Elbe Embankment. Then, we’ll discover the secrets of baking the famous Stollen, world-famous fruit bread dating from the 16c. We’ll also enjoy a taste along with the perfect accompaniment; coffee.
Adult Price: €42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Berlin by Twilight with Dinner
Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.
Adult Price: €60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Berlin's Secret Past Revealed
Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Adult Price: €32.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Historic Potsdam
Today we'll take a trip outside Berlin with our Local Specialist to Potsdam. En route, we’ll stop off at Wannsee Villa, the setting for the infamous 1942 Conference to plan the 'Final Solution'. Then, it's off to Glienicke Bridge, scene of the Cold War 'spy swaps' and the inspiration for the 2015 film Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.
Adult Price: €44.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest experience and Farewell Dinner in their home. (Day 7)
Dive into Culture
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. (Day 5)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Discover Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Weimar, Dresden and Leipzig
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach (Sat/Sun only), Erfurt, Weimar, Dresden, Leipzig and Berlin. Ascend the Berlin TV Tower
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden and the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
Feefo T T Icon
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
German Christmas Markets Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.5
Out of 5
Based on 178 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.5
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
113
4
Review Star Icon
45
3
Review Star Icon
14
2
Review Star Icon
5
1
Review Star Icon
1
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.5
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
120
4
Review Star Icon
39
3
Review Star Icon
12
2
Review Star Icon
5
1
Review Star Icon
2
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
Paul Schmidt My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
5
All hotels were excellent and the itinerary was very complete!
Variety, is one of the things I enjoy on tours and this tour had many things to see, do and experience. the tour was busy but not crazy rushed and we enjoyed all aspects of the tour, tour director Maria, the local expert guides who were excellent as well and the diverse history that Maria brought to life for us from her personal experiences. Well done!
Maria our tour director was the life of the tour, literally she made everyone laugh, sing, dance and have a fabulous time. The coach driver was excellent and his lighted tie was the hit of the Christmas bus. The coordination it takes to round up everyone and stay on track is tough but she pulled it off like the pro she is! Kudos to Maria, Sultan and Trafalgar for another wonderful experience. Happy repeat client here.
The tour director Maria was not only knowledgeable but funny and made the trip very special for us all. The areas visited were very nice and we enjoyed the tour very much.
Hotel in Berlin should have been centrally located and optional tour to Postdam should have been included in the price Apart from these,Overall great experience
This was my first trip with Trafalgar.The itinerary was really good and accordingly places were covered as per schedule .The coach and accomodations/hotels were comfortable but most of them were not centrally located, I got a very good roommate which made me feel comfortable, As i was the only Indian and only vegetarian on this trip,I think our Trip coordinator Ulf was not happy with this idea.He was quite biased ( this is out of my personal experience) and his behavior and actions were disappointing,.After 2/3 days I had to convey this to Trafalgar booking office in Delhi. Things went better after that. Overall I enjoyed in this trip, comfortable and value for money. Will definitely travel with Trafalgar again. Thank you Trafalgar for giving me a lifelong friend from Singapore
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Christmas Markets: Are generally open from the beginning of Advent until 24 December 2021. Trafalgar reserves the right to substitute sights and Christmas market inclusions in keeping with the events of the season.
Christmas Markets: Are generally open from the beginning of Advent until 24 December 2021. Trafalgar reserves the right to substitute sites and Christmas market inclusions in keeping with the events of the season.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
