Day 1, Tuesday/Saturday

USA – Frankfurt

Departure on a regular scheduled flight from the U.S. to Frankfurt.
 

Day 2: Wednesday/Sunday

Frankfurt – Erfurt – Leipzig (D)

Depart from Frankfurt in the morning and drive eastward to our first stop, Eisenach, dominated by the Wartburg Castle. Continue via Weimar to Leipzig, where, after checking in at your hotel, we will visit one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets. The main attractions are located on the historical market square in front of the ancient town hall. Marvel at the 25 yard tall Christmas tree with its thousands of lights or stroll through the many stalls with handcrafted Christmas gifts from the region. Sample a typical German style snack. Bratwurst and mulled wine at one of the numerous food stalls throughout the market. Overnight at Hotel Mercure or similar.

Day 3, Thursday/Monday

Leipzig – Meissen – Dresden (B)

In the morning we continue towards Meissen, where we visit one of Germany’s oldest porcelain factories. Founded in the 18th century, it has long been producing these delicate, handcrafted products found in royal courts and celebrity homes worldwide. Meissen proudly restores and reproduces any previously cast products and many models that have been preserved throughout the centuries. Visit the exhibition hall and workshops where all steps of the painting and glazing process are explained to you. Continue on to Dresden, where you will enjoy a city tour. After checking-in at your hotel, visit the Dresden Christmas market, named “Striezelmarkt” after a local cake specialty. Highlights are the Christmas pyramid, and the many stalls where you can sample the “Strietzel”. Overnight at the Steinenberger Parkhotel or similar.

Day 4, Friday/Tuesday

Dresden - Annaberg - Schneeberg – Plauen (B/D)

After today’s breakfast, we travel along country roads to visit two ancient miner-villages, named Schneeberg and Annaberg. These villages are typical for the Erzgebirge (ore-mountains) and actually are the home of the German tradition of woodcarving and Christmas-pyramids. In older times, light – represented by candles - was an important symbol of life and safety for the miners, who worked in the dark tunnels. Demonstrating their deep religious beliefs, the woodcarvers used candles to illuminate the pyramids with saints and symbols from the Holy Night. The market in Annaberg dates back as far as 1510. In Schneeberg the main attraction, aside from the market, is St. Wolfgang’s church. In the afternoon we continue towards Plauen, a city famous for its handcrafted lace. A farewell dinner will be served in your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Alexandra or similar.

Day 5, Saturday/Wednesday

Plauen – Bamberg – Frankfurt (B)

On the last day of the tour we are travelling through the Franconian forest to the imperial city of Bamberg. The city founded in the 9th century, has a nicely preserved old-town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there will much to see during our walking tour through town. The last German Christmas market can be experienced at the pedestrian zone around Bamberg’s cathedral, a perfect opportunity to do some last minute shopping. We continue through the rolling hills of Franconia until you reach Frankfurt late in the afternoon. Overnight in a Frankfurt hotel.

Day 6, Sunday/Thursday

Frankfurt - USA (B)

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel; transfer on own to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.A.

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