Bavarian Christmas Markets

Our festive holiday begins this morning when we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London St Pancras before joining the Eurostar to Brussels. At Brussels we change trains to travel via Frankfurt to Nuremberg, Bavaria, one of Germany's most magical cities at Christmastime.

On arrival this evening, we walk the short distance to our modern hotel and get ready to immerse ourselves in the magic of Christmas at one of Europe's oldest and most popular markets. Tonight is free to explore the wonderful market stalls and dine independently. The aroma of grilled sausage, mulled wine and Nuremberg's famous gingerbread is sure to entice you.

Waking in the enchanting city of Nuremberg, we start the day with a guided walking tour. Among other landmarks, we see the imperial Kaiserburg castle, which overlooks the enchanting Altstadt marketplace. There's a unique charm in the city, from the vibrant figurines to the striking stone sculptures and murals that vividly depict the city's rich medieval history.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the famous Nuremberg Christmas markets, where you can wander through twinkling lights, savour mulled wine and delicious treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. You may also like to explore the Imperial Castle or visit the German Railway Museum (both payable on entry). It is also possible to take a special tour through the Old Town, on a beautifully-restored and comfortable stagecoach, once used to deliver post. These delightful horse-drawn tours can be booked online.

Eating out in Nuremberg is a treat. Besides the tasty offerings in the marketplace, there is a range of cuisine to choose from in the restaurants in and around the Old Town - from traditional German food to Italian, French and vegetarian dishes.

• Breakfast

Today, we visit another delightful Christmas market. After a hotel breakfast, an hour's rail journey transports us to the picturesque Bavarian town of Regensburg. Renowned for its charming medieval architecture and festive Christmas markets, you're free to explore, sample the local cuisine, and soak up the holiday spirit. Among the historic streets is the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building with beautiful stained-glass windows.

As you're browsing the markets this afternoon, a local speciality you may like to try is the blueberry and apple mulled wine. We return to our hotel in the mid-afternoon, where your evening is free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Nuremberg.

• Breakfast

We drive along the breathtaking Romantic Road to the charming town of Rothenburg. The road's name stems from the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere that it evokes as we pass rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint hamlets, experiencing wonderful views of the countryside.

After our enchanting journey we arrive in the historic walled town of Rothenburg, whose full name is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This small picture-book city, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany', is filled with perfectly-preserved medieval buildings. Here you are free to stroll along cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful squares, taking in the city's fascinating history, culture and the festive atmosphere of the town's magical Christmas market.  

At the end of an afternoon of exploring we are transferred back to Nuremberg by coach. This evening we enjoy a delicious dinner together at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after our final hotel breakfast, our magical Christmas holiday draws to a close. We take the train from Nuremberg to Cologne. From here, we continue to Brussels, where we join the Eurostar back to London St Pancras. On our return journey there's time to reflect on our holiday and share festive memories with our fellow travellers.

• Breakfast