$2,100.00 + Airfare

German Christmas Markets

$2,100.00 + Airfare / 8 Days, 6 Nights
Why join us for this December adventure?  Because it is only in Germany and only during DECEMBER that you can find local markets with handmade Christmas ornaments and gifts; that you can admire locally decorated, living Christmas trees; and you can sample elaborate pastries straight out of a medieval cookbook; and listen to lyrical midnight masses in Gothic churches.  Only in December can you participation in local (and often quirky) traditions found at the local  Christmas markets.  Enjoy the village atmosphere centered around socializing and re-telling the story of Christmas and the reason for the Christmas gifts, at local Advent markets held in the cathedral squares of all major German (and some Austrian and even Polish ) cities!
Join us for this worry-free, stress-free, customized vacation to the Christmas past!
This December, start your yuletide season in authentic Europe by shopping in candy-cane striped stalls (Nuremberg), seeing an 85-foot Christmas tree in the land where the tradition began (Munich) and sampling an 8,000-pound fruitcake – one I promise you won’t want to re-gift (Leipzig).  Step back in time as you eat elaborate pastries straight out of a medieval cookbook, listen to lyrical midnight masses in Gothic churches, and participate in local (and often quirky) traditions at the Christmas markets. Enjoy the village atmosphere centered around visiting and socializing at local Advent markets held in the cathedral square from late November until Christmas Eve.  So join me this year on a trip to Christian past and experience traditions that literally date back to the early medieval times!  Join us to celebrate Christmas and centuries of tradition on this authentic tour of Christmas markets of Europe:
  • Visit at least 12 traditional Christmas markets: major markets in Berlin, Weimar, Erfurt, Leipzig, Nuremberg and Munich, plus number of smaller markets along the way
  • Discover authentic local traditions that retain the original message of the Advent story at each Christmas market, including villages made famous by Martin Luther: Wittenberg and Wartburg!
  • Get your Christmas shopping done!
  • Visit some of the greatest European cathedrals and churches

Date & Price

November 25 – December 1, 2024- Sign Up Here

November 30 – December 7, 2024 – European Christmas Market – Learn more here

December 2-8, 2024- Sign Up Here

December 7-12, 2024 – European Christmas Market – Learn more here

$2,100.00 + Airfare

  • Our tours don’t include airfare
  • We are glad to assist with making your flight arrangements and airport transfers, if desired. Click here to let us know.
  • Some tour members arrange to fly into Berlin (TXL) and out of Munich (MUC) — choose “multicity” on flight-booking websites.
  • Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Germany.
  • Fly in style: ask me how you can treat yourself to an extra legroom! Premium, business, and first class seats might be available. 

NOTE: at Go Global it is always Your Trip, Your Way.  Pick and choose from our vast listing of daily options to customize your German adventures! 

Pick and choose from our vast listing of daily options to customize your Christmas Markets adventure! 

What's Included

  • A very small, friendly group of 6-10 people 
  • Full-time services of a friendly guide and local experts who will make fascinating history, art and culture of German Christmas markets come alive for you
  • All tours and admissions – at no extra cost – including access to at least 18 sightseeing events: walking tours in Munich, Berlin, Erfurt, Weimar, and Wittenberg, castles of Wartburg and Beichlingen, visits to at least 12 different Christmas markets, BMW World in Munich, Berlin Wall, Alexander Platz, as well as optional trip to the Bavarian countryside and Romantic Road.
  • All nights accommodations in memorable, centrally located, hotels.
  • All group transportation between Berlin and Munich.
  • Guaranteed tour price, locked-in the moment you submit your application and deposit.
  • All trip related tips, taxes, and gratuities.
  • ALUMNI DISCOUNT of $50 for each prior trip you have taken.
  • Fine print: You are responsible for cost of your drinks, and free-time sightseeing and travel, and airport transfers.

Itinerary

Daily Activity Key:

  • Light: 1-2 miles of mostly level walking 
  • Moderate: 3-4 miles walking with some hills/stairs
  • Strenuous: 4+ miles walking with hills, stairs, and uneven terrain

Day 1

Today is a long travel day; be as rested as possible before you head for the airport. Know your itinerary—if any of your flights are delayed or canceled, contact the airline authorities ASAP.

Walking: Light

(Daily itinerary specifics subject to change)

Day 2

Our orientation meeting with start at 3 pm at our hotel in Berlin.  Following that meeting, become familiar with our neighborhood and its surroundings.  We will visit at least two Christmas markets today (on in the East and one in the West part of the city).  After dinner, take an optional walk to West Berlin’s major historical sites, the Memorial Church.

Walking: light (moderate, if you join after dinner walk).

Day 3

Today, we will start with a walking tour of the historical center of east Berlin.  We will explore majors historical and cultural sites of east and west Berlin.  We will visit at least two of the most famous Christmas markets in the city. Evening is free for personal explorations of this great city.

Walking: moderate.

Day 4

Following breakfast in Berlin, we will drive into Saxony and explore Wittenberg, the birthplace of Protestant Reformation (aka, Martin Luther).  Next, we will stop in Leipzig to explore 2nd oldest Christmas market in Germany (tradition dates it back to 1458).  Our final stop today is Beichlingen Castle (dates back to 11th century), our home for the next 2 nights.  Time permitting, we will travel to Erfurt this evening to explore the markets and the city.

Walking: light.

Day 5

Following breakfast in the castle, we will drive Thuringia.  Our first stop is Wartburg Castle (made famous by Martin Luther).  Our next stop is in picturesque and historical Eisenach.  Afternoon will be spent in Weimar (made famous by Goethe and the Bauhaus movement).  Our final stop today is Erfurt and its famous Weihnachtsmarkt.

Walking: light.

Day 6

Today, we enter Bavaria, with stops at the Advent market in Bamberg and Nuremberg (arguably one of the oldest German Christmas markets).  We should arrive in Munich just in time for dinner at one of her many great beerhalls.  Evening will be free to exploring this great city on your own.

Walking: moderate.

Day 7

Today, we will start with a walking tour of the historical center of Munich.  We will explore Munich’s Christian (the city’s name is plural of “monk”) with visits to her oldest churches, including iconic city landmarks of Frauenkirche and the Viktualienmarkt.  In the afternoon we will explore the most famous export, the BMW World. Evening is free for personal discoveries and explorations of this great city.

Walking: moderate.

Day 8

Today is a travel day.  Know your flight itinerary – if any of your flights are delayed or canceled, contact the airline authorities ASAP.

Walking: light.

NOTE: Consider extending a week in Italy! Click here for more details.

Apply for: German Christmas Markets

$2,100.00 + Airfare / 8 Days, 6 Nights

Printable copy of this form: Travel Application (PDF file).

Tour Conditions