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Christmas Markets of Historic Germany

with Vienna extension

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 23

Celebrate the Christmas season in traditional German style.

Begin your adventure in artsy, edgy Berlin, reunited Germany’s political and cultural capital. Stop at the historic outpost of Potsdam, then continue on to Dresden, home of the country’s oldest Christmas market. Take a step back in time as you wander along the medieval streets of Bamberg before ending in Munich, the capital of Bavarian food and culture.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Berlin Wall
Zwinger Palace
Striezelmarkt—Germany’s oldest Christmas market
Potsdam
Weimar

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Berlin today.

Berlin3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Berlin

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Germany! Gather with your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Berlin

Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide introduces you to the monuments of Berlin’s intricate past as well as the signs of its re-emergence as a vibrant cultural center.

• Discover the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of a reunited Berlin

• See the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery

• Journey down Unter den Linden, the city’s most elegant boulevard, passing the Reichstag and Museum Island

Enjoy a free afternoon in Berlin or add an excursion.

World War II Walking Tour

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Potsdam

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Potsdam, where American, British, and Soviet leaders drew up plans for the postwar administration of Germany at the Potsdam Conference.

• Explore the historic town center, New Garden, and Dutch Quarter with a guide

• Step inside Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference’s iconic photo

Dresden2 nights

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Dresden

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Berlin for a guided tour of Dresden, once considered to be the most beautiful city in the world.

• Stroll through the Old Town and pass the renovated Semper Opera House, site of the Saxon State Orchestra

• Admire the Dresden Frauenkirche and statue of Martin Luther

• See the Zwinger Palace, a striking example of Baroque architecture

• Visit the historic Striezelmarkt and enjoy a tasting of traditional mulled wine and pastries

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Free day in Dresden

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Dresden or add an excursion.

Görlitz

Excursion (additional cost)

Bamberg2 nights

Day 7: Bamberg via Weimar

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Bamberg by way of Weimar, the intellectual hub that nurtured the genius of Goethe, Nietzsche, and Schiller.

• Learn about the city’s literary history on a walking tour through the Old Town

• See remnants of the Bauhaus architectural movement

• Discover the National Theater and its monument to Goethe and Schiller

Then, continue on to Bamberg where you'll enjoy an included dinner this evening.

(Please note: Some departures may overnight in Würzburg, Bayreuth, or Coburg instead of Bamberg.)

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Bamberg

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off with a local guide on a walking tour through Bamberg, a city built on seven hills.

• Enter the towering Bamberg Cathedral and surrounding square

• Pass the Baroque New Palace

• Stand in awe of Old Town Hall, built in the middle of Regnitz River

• Visit the quaint fisherman’s village of Little Venice

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bamberg or add an excursion.

Historic Nuremberg

Excursion (additional cost)

Munich3 nights

Day 9: Munich via Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Included meal: Breakfast

Set off for Munich today. En route, stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a sightseeing tour of the town's picturesque squares. After, enjoy free time to explore the local Christmas Market before continuing on to Munich.

Enjoy a free evening in Munich or add an excursion.

Munich Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Munich

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the Bavarian capital on a guided tour.

• Travel past the Englischer Garten and fashionable Schwabing district

• Enter the Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty

• Walk from Odeonsplatz through the nearby Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria

• Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel

• Celebrate the season at the city's festive Christmas markets

Enjoy a free afternoon in Munich or add an excursion.

Dachau

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day in Munich

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a full free day in Munich or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your group at a farewell dinner.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Vienna.

Extension to Vienna

Pass through gorgeous Austrian countryside as you travel to Vienna, where you'll find Christkindlmärktes on nearly every corner. Stroll among the elaborately decorated trees in the park and enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Then, set off on guided tours of the Austrian capital and the festive Christmas Markets, like Rathausplatz. Located in the square in front of the City Hall, this Christkindlmärkte is the place to go for holiday souvenirs, food, and Glühwein, or warm mulled wine.

Vienna3 nights

Day 12: Vienna via Salzburg

Included meal: Breakfast

Pass through the Austrian countryside, stopping for free time to explore Salzburg en route to Vienna.

Upon arrival in Vienna, set off with your Tour Director to uncover some of the city’s festive Christmas markets.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Vienna

Included meal: Breakfast

Get transported back to the Age of Empires on a guided tour of Vienna.

• Travel down the Ringstrasse to the Parliament building and the Vienna State Opera

• View the impressive art collection inside the Kunsthistorisches Museum

• See the grand Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg’s preferred winter residence

• Visit the city’s festive Christmas market

Enjoy a free afternoon in Vienna or add an excursion.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 14: Free day in Vienna

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Vienna on your own.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Wonderful Christmas Escape!

03/22/2019 by 3rd time traveler Amanda R.

My husband and I had such a wonderful time in Germany during the Christmas season. Our tour director, Atto, was perfect. He is so knowledgeable and friendly, and made sure that everybody knew the itinerary each day and what was happening. He also did a good job of making personalized recommendations...

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An Awesome Adventure! Ein toll Abenteuer!

12/22/2017 by 2nd time traveler Rebekah S.

This was my first Go Ahead tour and it was a blast! Definitely did not disappoint! I am so glad that I was able to to enjoy the beautiful Christmas markets, the many gorgeous city's and towns, and the unforgettable countryside! It was a great mix of history AND fun! The tour guide, Paula, was fun an...

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Christmas Markets in Germany

07/26/2017 by 1st time traveler Ana S.

This tour was amazing! What a beautiful time of year to visit, and enjoy all the German traditions and decorations! Hotels were great, close to metros and cash exchange ATM. Great food! Would love to do it all over again.

Wonderful Trip

12/19/2016 by 3rd time traveler Marilyn D.

This trip was so good as it combined the Historic sights plus the famous Christmas Markets. It is overall a very good experience with some things that need improvement. The tour director was very pleasant, friendly and knowledgeable. The hotel in Munich should be changed to a more centrally located...

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Magical Christmas

12/19/2016 by 3rd time traveler Mary L.

This was one of the best tours we have taken with Go Ahead .The hotels were perfect,faultless in every case. We managed to take in lots of markets & visit beautiful sites. We were fortunate enough to have a great group of travellers who respected times and requests. What really made this trip for u...

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Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Abba Berlin Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in Berlin center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, lounge-bar, and fitness room. Nearby, you'll find exclusive boutiques ...

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NH Dresden

This modern hotel is located in the Leipziger Vorstadt neighborhood, north of the Dresden city center. Guests enjoy a fitness room, bar, and restauran...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Germany (plus Austria on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Berlin and depart from Munich (or Vienna for the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

Winters in Germany are generally cold. To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and Christmas market visits, we recommend packing a coat, hat, and gloves, as well as rainwear.
We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or winter boots is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
On the tour extension, Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.

Electricity & air conditioning

Germany (plus Austria on the tour extension) operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Germany (and Austria on the tour extension) is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro in Germany (and in Austria on the tour extension).
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.