BERLIN, DRESDEN & PRAGUE - More and more visitors are captivated by the magic of traditional German Christmas markets each year. Winter is a wonderful time of year to explore Berlin, Potsdam and Dresden and visit romantic villages on a fascinating winter journey that ends in Bohemia, a historical region of Eastern Europe. Prague, with its beautiful spires and cobblestoned streets, is also a beautiful winter delight waiting to be discovered.
Tour Inclusions:
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7 nights in charming accommodation
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Back-Roads driver/guide
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Mini-coach transportation
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European breakfast daily
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4 x evening meals
Included Entrance Fees:
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Berlin Christmas Market
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Berlin TV Tower
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Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam
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Zwinger Palace
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Terezin Memorial
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Old Town Hall Tower
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Prague Castle
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St. Vitus Cathedral
BERLIN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Be captivated by the magical festive atmosphere of Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, one of Berlin’s most charming and picturesque winter markets. Visit the craft tent where you can learn about traditional handicrafts or enjoy live entertainment including jugglers, acrobats, dance troupes and choirs.
A visit to this market will be included on 29th Nov, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th Dec 2013.
DRESDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
At Christmas time the Dresden Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland, filling the city with sparkling lights and festivities. Traditionally known as the ‘Striezelmarkt’, and named after the delicious and rich Christmas Stollen, this is Germany’s oldest Christmas market dating back to 1434. With over 230 lovingly decorated stalls, the Dresden Christmas Market offers a wealth of hand-crafted wooden ornaments, hot waffles, nougat and baked apples to get you into the Christmas mood.
A visit to this market will be included on 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd Dec 2013.
PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Soak up the festive atmosphere at Prague’s Christmas Market, set in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square. Brightly decorated wooden huts sell traditional Czech food, decorated gingerbread, homemade sausages, mulled wine, handicrafts and the ever-popular trdelnik roll.
A visit to this market will be included on 4th, 11th and 18th Dec 2013.
Countries Visited
Day 1 Berlin
Arrive in Berlin at your leisure, then meet the group this evening for a delicious welcome dinner. (D)
Overnight: Art Nouveau Hotel, Berlin or similar
Day 2 Berlin
On a panoramic city tour of Berlin this morning we will see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the State Opera House. We will then take a walking tour of New Berlin to see the Kulturforum, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial and Hitler’s Bunker. This afternoon there will be time to explore the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, set in one of the most beautiful squares in the city. (B)
Overnight: Art Nouveau Hotel, Berlin or similar
Day 3 Berlin
This morning’s sightseeing takes us to the Reichstag building, one of Berlin’s most historic landmarks, as well as to the TV Tower for breath-taking views over the city. This afternoon is yours at leisure for independent sightseeing and to explore Berlin’s numerous other Christmas markets. Dinner this evening will be in a local restaurant. (B, D)
Overnight: Art Nouveau Hotel, Berlin or similar
Day 4 Berlin – Leipzig – Dresden
After breakfast we will travel to Potsdam, one of Germany’s most beautiful World Heritage sites. Here we will visit the enchanting palace of Sanssouci, built for Frederick the Great’s personal use and set amongst glorious parkland. We then continue to Leipzig, one of the largest towns in the Saxony region of East Germany. There will be time for some sightseeing as well as visiting the Leipzig Christmas Market. This evening we will enjoy dinner together in Dresden. (B, D)
Overnight: Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz, Dresden or similar
Day 5 Dresden
On this morning’s walking tour of Dresden we will see many of the city’s main sites including the ‘Procession of the Dukes’ mosaic, the Cathedral, the Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. Built in 1709 during the reign of Augustus the Strong, Dresden’s Zwinger Palace is famous around the world for its beautiful Baroque architecture and the remarkable sculptures adorning the gallery walls. This afternoon we will explore Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434. Spend this evening at your leisure - you may choose to book an optional Symphonic Concert at the Semper Opera House. (B)
Overnight: Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz, Dresden or similar
Day 6 Dresden – Terezin Memorial – Prague
After leaving Dresden, our first stop today is at the Terezin Memorial, a tragic symbol of the sufferings of the tens of thousands of innocent people who died here during Nazi occupation. We then continue on to Prague. This evening enjoy a traditional Czech meal accompanied by a local pilsner. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel U Tri Bubnu, Prague or similar
Day 7 Prague
This morning enjoy a superb introduction to the city. Cross Europe’s longest medieval bridge, the iconic Charles Bridge, a 14th century stone bridge that links the Old Town and the Little Quarter. Next, we head to the Jewish Quarter, where we trace the history of what was once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. We then make our way to the Old Town Square. Dating back to the Middle Ages this massive town square is lined with ancient buildings and towering churches. The most notable sight is the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall Tower and the Gothic church of Our Lady Before Tyn. For terrific views over the square, climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. This evening take a stroll around the Prague Christmas Market. (B)
Overnight: Hotel U Tri Bubnu, Prague or similar
Day 8 Prague
After a leisurely start, we make our way through the narrow cobbled streets to spend the remainder of the day at Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Walk through the historical palaces and churches to the greatest architectural treasure - St. Vitus Cathedral, an interesting 14th century Gothic structure adorned with gargoyles. Admire the stunning view over the city’s red rooftops, towers, and golden spires. (B)
