Germany: Advent season and Christmas Markets

 
Itinerary

1. Day
Arrival in Dresden: Visit the magnificent Frauenkirche "Church of Our Lady". This baroque cathedral was destroyed in the firebombing of Dresden during World War II. It was reconstructed and completed in 2004 as a landmark symbol of reconciliation between former warring enemies. Then continue on for a walking tour of its impressive historic center with its Castle and Castle Church, Theatre Square and the famous Semper Opera, the Semper Gallery and Zwinger Palace and Bruehl's Terrace. Check in to hotel for three nights.

2. Day
Today you will are able to stroll through the old city and Dresden's Christmas Market, so called Striezelmarkt. Established in 1434, its name comes from Hefestriezel, better known as the original Dresden Christstollen. Every year, the Stollen Festival and grand parade are held in honour of this famous seasonal cake. The stalls are a treasure trove of local arts and crafts: carved wooden items from the Erzgebirge mountains, blue printed items and pottery from Lusatia, gingerbread from Pulsnitz, intricate hand-made lace from Plauen and hanging stars from Herrnhut. At the heart of proceedings is the world's largest Christmas pyramid in the Erzgebirge style (14 metres), which provides the setting for the pyramid festival, a singing contest with a seasonal twist.

3. Day
After breakfast we drive southward into the Erzgebirge mountains to Seiffen, the cradle of tradition and handicrafts, which really comes to life during the festive season. At the beautifully illuminated Christmas market you can look over the shoulders of the local craftsmen and see new items taking shape before your eyes. Treat your taste buds to Erzgebirge specialities in Germany's most famous toymaking village. The whole of Seiffen is decked out like a fairytale and every day offers a new experience: the traditional miners' parades (featuring miners' guilds and a traditional children's costume troupe), the torchlit procession on the mining trails, the miners' Christmas in the visitor centre and Advent events in the church and toy museum. In the early evening we return to Dresden.

4. Day
We head to Nuremberg: As a result of its political influence as the foremost imperial city of the Middle Ages and home of the imperial regalia, combined with its economic prosperity as a strategically-located commercial center, Nuremberg came to be one of the largest and greatest cities in Europe. Names such as Albrecht Duerer and Hans Sachs reflect the city's artistic and intellectual prowess at that time. Walking tour along the "Historischen Meile", which highlights the major architectural and artistic landmarks of an historic city which enjoyed its Golden Age in the late Middle Ages. We check in to our hotel. Enjoy Nuremberg's famous Christkindlesmarkt on Hauptmarkt square in the old quarter by strolling around. Soak up the medieval charm and the aroma of gingerbread, Nuremberg Bratwurst and Gluehwein.

5. Day
In the morning we drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: This once "free imperial city" is known over the world and ranks among Germany's top visitor attractions. It lies on a plateau at the intersection of the "Romantic Road" and the "Castle Road". We tour this picturesque medieval town with its well-preserved buildings dating from the 14th century and see the city at its best. The Reiterlesmarkt, set in an idyllic location between the town hall and St. Jacob's Church, is widely regarded as one of Germany's prettiest Christmas markets. Don't miss a visit to the all-year- round Christmas Museum. Check in to our hotel.

6. Day
After breakfast we continue our Christmas tour to Stuttgart, the capital of Swabia. We walk through the Old City with its historical buildings and squares: i.e. "Altes Schloss", "Neues Schloss". Two art museums promise to provide a wonderful experience: The well-known State Gallery and the impressive new Stuttgart Art Museum. Or enjoy the museums of the world-famous automobile companies Porsche and Mercedes. During the Advent season Stuttgart is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. More than 250 stallholders offer seasonal wares, while concerts in the courtyard of the Old Palace set the festive tone. The superbly decorated roofs of the traditional wooden booths add to the overall charm. Amid the enchanting ambience of Stuttgart's Christmas market, enjoy the city's famous Black Forest fruit loaf washed down with a mug of warming Gluehwein.

7. Day
Free time at leisure: you have time by your own strolling through the Old City, shopping in one of the many shopping malls or just enjoy a last time this special atmosphere of German Christmas markets. The visit in Stuttgart ends with wine tasting in the delightful Neckar Valley, which is famous for its distinctive wine.

8. Day
We transfer to Stuttgart airport and depart home.