• Return airfare from Toronto (YYZ)
• Airport transfers 
• Our unique Connections Program
• Local transportation within Germany including private coach transportation and train transportation as described in the itinerary
• 7 hotel nights accommodation 
• 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees and passes for the included highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Christmas Markets in Bamberg, Nuremburg, Coburg, Erfurt, and Rothenburg
• Nuremberg Imperial Castle
• Coburg Sites: Ehrenburg Palace and The Veste Coburg (Coburg Fortress)
• Bamberg Sites: Bamberg Cathedral, Museum of History, and Neue Residenz
• Erfurt Memorial & Education Centre
• Wurzburg Residenz
• ICE – High-speed inter-city train

Experience 5 German Christmas Markets!

Germany's Christmas markets are known for their charming, festive atmosphere, traditional food, and unique gifts. It may feel like you’ve stepped into a magical fairytale or perhaps that you’re surrounded by life-sized treats from a Bavarian Advent Calendar. You are certain to feel energized and inspired as you browse through the markets.

German Castles & Architecture

See medieval castles, palaces, fortresses and beautiful gothic cathedrals - some structures are over a thousand years old. You’ll also see more modern shops and restaurants built with the characteristic Bavarian style. The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is a unique example of ingenuity, function, and beauty as it bridges the Regnitz River.

Nuggets for Knowledge Seekers

While the architecture is beautiful, visits to castles and cathedrals also tell the stories of the roles of the regional kings and churches, and the struggles between the peasants, the wealthy families, the knights, and the rulers. In Rothenburg, there is an option to learn about the role of the Night Watchman. Related to more modern history, the Erfurt Memorial and Education Center was a former prison for political prisoners. Here you will learn about the Stasi Detention Center and the Peaceful Revolution. 

Day 1: Flight to Germany 

This is a big travelling day!

Stay: N/A (in flight)

Meals: D

Day 2: Arrive in Germany and Travel to Bamberg

On arrival in Frankfurt, collect luggage, meet up with the group and board the coach for the journey to Bamberg. After a Welcome Lunch, go on an orientation walk and check in at the hotel. Visit Bamberg’s Christmas Market, and enjoy a free evening to get your bearings and explore.

Stay: Brudermühle Hotel, Bamberg, Germany (5 nights)

Meals: B (on the plane), L

Day 3: Nuremberg by train

After breakfast, convene in lobby to walk to the train station for a train ride into Nuremberg. Visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market, enjoy a group lunch, and visit the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg.  On arrival back to the hotel, the evening is free to explore some more, perhaps returning to the Bamberg Christmas Market.

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Coburg

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by coach to Coburg.  The morning attractions include a guided tour of the Ehrenburg Palace and the Veste Coburg (Coburg Fortress), one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses of Germany. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Munich Hofbrau in Coburg, and of course, there will be an opportunity to shop and explore the Coburg Christmas Market.

Meals: B, L

Day 5: Bamberg

Today we’ll get better acquainted with Bamberg, the largest intact historic city center in Germany, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Generally regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, Bamberg is full of history, charm, and architectural masterpieces. During a walking tour, visit a local church, Bamberg Cathedral, Bamberg Museum of History, and the Neue Residenz (new residence of the former prince-bishop). Enjoy a free afternoon to do some more exploring and shopping before gathering for group dinner at the oldest brewery in Bamberg.

Meals: B, D

Day 6: Erfurt by High-Speed Train

After breakfast, walk to the train station to experience the high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) train to Erfurt. Visit the Memorial & Education Centre, a museum that commemorates the oppression and resistance exerted during the Socialist dictatorship during the years 1949 to 1989, and celebrates the courage of the individuals who dared to oppose the Communist regime.  In the afternoon, there is free time to explore Erfurt for its historic, medieval architecture, and to browse the Erfurt Christmas Market.

Meals: B

Day 7: Wurzburg Residenz and Rothenburg

Today we say auf wiedersehen to Bamberg, and take the coach to Wurzburg. Visit the Wurzburg Residenz, a palace built in the German Baroque style during the 1700’s.  There will be a guided tour plus lunch, and some time to do some exploring on your own. Then, we’ll travel on to Rothenburg. After check in at the hotel, there is free time to walk through the Christmas Markets and grab a bite for dinner.  In the evening, if desired, join in on an option Nightman’s Watch walking tour. 

Stay: Tilman Riemenschneider Hotel, Rothenburg, Germany (2 nights)

Meals: B, L

Day 8:  Rothenburg – Free Day

This is a free day to explore on your own and enjoy the Christmas Market.  An available option is to meet the tour director in the lobby in the morning, and enjoy a walking tour of the town fortifications (approximately 1½ hours). In the evening, the group will meet for a Farewell Dinner, followed by an optional Nightman’s Watch walking tour.

Meals: B, D

Day 9:  Fly Home

Enjoy a leisurely morning, then board the coach to head to the Frankfurt airport. Arrive back in Toronto in the evening with wonderful memories of your adventures in Germany and inspiration for preparing for the holidays. Fröhliche Weihnachten!

Meals: B

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, making it easier to catch the flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Germany. If flying through a different airport or if an additional hotel night is desired after the tour, please contact us to discuss your pre- and post-tour flight and accommodation options.  It is also possible to purchase this tour as a land-only package, and arrange your own transportation to join the group in Bamberg, Germany.

USEFUL NOTES:

• This tour involves a lot of walking, so much that this tour could be characterized as “urban hiking.” Comfortable, warm walking shoes or boots are recommended, along with warm, comfortable outerwear for browsing the outdoor markets.
• While in Germany, for communicating with the group, it is strongly recommended that the WhatsApp application is pre-installed and set up on your smart phone.
• Most shopping can be done with a credit card, and local currency can be acquired while in Germany. If you have them, it would be helpful to bring a few Euro coins, since at roadside service stations, visitors usually pay to use toilets.