Christmas Markets of Germany

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Munich with Neuschwanstein & Nuremberg, Dresden & Leipzig, Berlin

This luxury tour of Germany combines private cultural touring with visits to the most atmospheric and historic Christmas markets in the country. At these festive markets, sample seasonal foods and browse hand-made ornaments, nutcrackers, Advent calendars, traditional wooden toys, holiday decorations and other crafts.

Begin in Munich, the dynamic capital of Bavaria. Explore the Old Town during a flexible walking tour with your private guide. In the Marienplatz, see the neo-Gothic city hall and its famed Glockenspiel, and walk through the Christkindlmarkt, the city's oldest and largest Christmas market. Visit other neighborhood holiday markets such as the Kripperlmarkt, to browse for handicrafts, admire traditional nativity scenes and sample holiday treats such as gluhwein (mulled wine) and lebkuchen (traditional Christmas cookies). If desired, we can arrange activities for children such as dressing up as angels and painting ornaments. Also browse the Viktualienmarkt outdoor food market, and stroll interesting shopping streets and squares. Other touring options include visiting the Residenz (the former royal palace), which hosts a Christmas village, or the Alte Pinakothek art museum.

One day, take a private excursion into the beautiful Bavarian countryside to visit Neuschwanstein, the fairytale castle built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II. The model for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein is a romantic vision of towers and turrets that rises out of a rocky hilltop and offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains, lakes and farmland. Enjoy a magical horse-drawn carriage ride through the forest. If desired, also visit nearby Hohenschwangau, the neo-Gothic castle where Ludwig spent his childhood, as well as the Wieskirche (Church in the Meadow), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular Rococo interiors.

Next, visit Nuremburg's world-famous Christkindlesmarkt Christmas market en route to Dresden, the capital of Saxony and a city filled with Baroque art and architecture. During private touring, visit highlights such as the landmark Frauenkirche church and the outstanding art collections of the Green Vaults, Zwinger and Albertinum. Also enjoy time to browse Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas market. Other options include touring Volkswagen's Transparent Factory or the House of Meissen porcelain workshop.

En route to Berlin, tour Leipzig, a university town in Saxony that has long been associated with music, printing and trade, and visit the city's picturesque Christmas Market.

During flexible private touring in Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany and one of Europe's most important cultural centers, see historical and cultural highlights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial. Opt to tour the Jewish Museum or one of the world-renowned institutions on Museum Island, such as the outstanding Pergamon Museum. Explore one or more of the city's dozens of holiday markets, such as the Gendarmenmarkt WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market, the Nostalgic Christmas Market at Opernpalais or Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg. Also visit Berlin's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, food halls, art galleries, modern architectural landmarks and shopping districts according to your interests.

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All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

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The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world