German Christmas Markets Escape

Willkommen in Berlin! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Festive Lights & Historic Sights This morning, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of Berlin featuring views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park, and the elegant Ku'Damm. Stop for photos at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the poignant Holocaust Memorial. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps begin your festive celebrations with a visit to one of Berlin's enchanting Christmas markets, where glowing lights, handcrafted treasures, and steaming mugs of Glühwein bring centuries-old holiday traditions to life. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Discover the historic heart of Berlin dressed in its festive winter splendour. Stop at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the symbolic heart of West Berlin, whose striking towers stand as a powerful reminder of peace and reconciliation. Visit the vast Holocaust Memorial, a moving tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, before continuing to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's most famous landmark and enduring symbol of unity. Along the way, enjoy the city's festive atmosphere, with Christmas decorations, seasonal markets, and holiday traditions, bringing a touch of Christmas spirit to the German capital.

A Dash of Whimsy Depart Berlin this morning and travel to Magdeburg, once the seat of Emperor Otto I and a medieval powerhouse. Enjoy free time to explore its streets, which range from the quaint to the quirky, taking in highlights such as the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, the historic Old Market Square, and Hundertwasser’s colorful and eccentric Green Citadel. Browse Saxony-Anhalt’s largest Christmas market, where festive stalls, seasonal treats, and local delicacies provide the perfect opportunity for lunch. Continue onwards to Quedlinburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns and a true hidden gem. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Glühwein, Germany's beloved mulled wine, literally translates as "glow wine," a nod to the red-hot irons once used to heat it. While cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and red wine form the classic recipe, there is no single version, with each region adding its own festive twist. Served in collectible ceramic mugs that are often unique to each market and year, it makes a great festive souvenir. In Magdeburg, you'll be spoiled for choice, with more than 50 varieties of Glühwein available!

Festive Pyramids This morning, join your Tour Director for an orientation tour of Quedlinburg, taking in the highlights of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Wander among beautifully preserved medieval half-timbered houses lining charming, cobbled streets, and admire the atmospheric Marktplatz, festively adorned with a towering Christmas tree and traditional Christmas pyramid. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, giving you ample time to further explore this enchanting town at your own pace. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Standing against a backdrop of medieval buildings is Quedlinburg’s giant Christmas Pyramid, an ornate wooden structure that beautifully combines centuries-old German tradition with ingenious 18th-century technology. This multi-tiered festive landmark is decorated with Nativity scenes, angels, miners, traditional figures, and candles. Originally, the heat from the candles powered a rotor, setting the tiers gently in motion. Today, the mechanism is electric, but the magic remains unchanged.