Compare German Highlights by Globus vs Christmas Markets of Germany - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,599 | $ 2,525 |
| Price Per Day | $ 300 | $ 316 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Bratwurst and beer, castles and cathedrals, and centuries of history and skilled craftspeople. The time has come to pack your lederhosen for the wonderful views and brews of Germany. From world-class cities to half-timbered towns and romantic river valleys to fairytale forests, we’ve compiled the country’s highlights for the ultimate Germany vacation. This encompassing tour of Germany kicks off in Frankfurt with a river cruise along the vineyard-dotted Rhine, picks up speed with a train ride from Cologne to Berlin, and then makes its way from the restored city of once war-ravaged Dresden to the best of Bavaria and the enchanting Black Forest. Castle-topped hills, snow-capped peaks, and foam-topped pilsners present the sweetest of sights while traditional Black Forest Cake and Nuremberg Gingerbread are your just desserts. | Take a once in a lifetime trip across Germany, sipping beer in Munich, dining on German delicacies in Berlin and experiencing the Christmas pyramids in Dresden. This immersive Christmastime tour highlights the delights of the Nuremberg Market’s Christkindlmarkt stalls—with the chance to sample authentic German Rostbratwürste, and the musical surrounds of the Leipzig Market, where locals gather to sing and celebrate the festive season. On your Local Expert Tour of Dresden, see iconic city sights like the enormous Procession of the Dukes mosaic, Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Dresden is also home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market where you can taste Christstollen—a traditional Christmas cake recipe dating back to medieval times. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Welcome to Frankfurt! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Dinner)
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Day 2: FRANKFURT–COLOGNE
Views & Brews in Cologne RHINE RIVER Take a scenic cruise on the historic river.COLOGNE Visit the magnificent cathedral. Enjoy a beer at the [LF] Cölner Hofbräu Früh, one of Cologne’s famous breweries. (Breakfast,Dinner) 155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES For more than a century, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh has served its delicious Kölsch beer according to the family tradition started by the founder Peter Josef Früh. Raise your glass to timeless tradition and hospitality with Germany’s famous, foamy brews.
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Day 3: COLOGNE–BERLIN
Historic Berlin COLOGNE Board the high-speed first-class ICE train to Berlin.BERLIN Guided sightseeing includes the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and picture stops at Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. (Breakfast,Dinner) 367 mi / 590 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the historic city of Berlin. Stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the symbolic heart of West Berlin, its towers rising as a symbol of peace between nations. See the vast Holocaust Memorial, the sombre site dedicated to the remembrance of the Jewish victims of the holocaust. Take photos of the symbolic monument to peace and unity at the Brandenburg Gate – Berlin's most famous landmark.
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Day 4: BERLIN
The Boulevards of Berlin BERLIN Enjoy a free day to explore Berlin. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.
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Day 5: BERLIN–DRESDEN
German Jewels DRESDEN Enjoy free time for lunch. An orientation walk features the Zwinger Palace Courtyard. (Breakfast)137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden.
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Day 6: DRESDEN–BAYREUTH–NUREMBERG
On Tap in Nuremberg BAYREUTH Take an orientation tour of Wagner’s city of festival.NUREMBERG Walking tour includes the Old Town. [LF] Dinner with local specialties at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner) 205 mi / 330 km
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Bring a big appetite to dine on brats and beer in the biggest Bratwurst restaurant in the world! Enjoy authentic specialities at Bratwurst Röslein in the heart of Nuremberg’s town hall square, where warm welcomes have been greeting clients since 1493.
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Day 7: NUREMBERG–ROTHENBURG–MUNICH
The Romantic Road ROTHENBURG Orientation walk and free time to browse before continuing to Munich. (Breakfast) 205 mi / 330 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Get that old romantic feeling with a walk through the well-preserved medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, along Germany’s historic Romantic Road region, you’ll find half-timbered houses, medieval walls, and cobblestone streets, that will win your heart in the heart of Northern Bavaria.
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Day 8: MUNICH–OBERAMMERGAU- FÜSSEN AREA
The Heart of Munich MUNICH Guided sightseeing includes Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls.OBERAMMERGAU Enjoy free time before departing for Füssen. (Breakfast,Dinner) 87 mi / 140 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home of historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart and soul of the city.
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Day 9: FÜSSEN AREA: EXCURSION TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Bavarian Blessings & A Storybook Castle FÜSSEN Spend a free morning in the Bavarian village. NEUSCHWANSTEIN Take a guided visit to King Ludwig’s castle. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairytale King,” built a fantastical 1800s castle with all the modern conveniences (aka plumbing), while emphasizing the romantic vision of a storybook castle. His love for Wagnerian opera is literally plastered on the walls inside, with panoramas and frescoes of scenes from the composer’s great works. So romantic and fanciful of design, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney’s blueprint of a castle fit for Sleeping Beauty herself.
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Day 10: FÜSSEN AREA–LINDAU–BIRNAU–BLACK FOREST
Fairytale Forests LINDAU Explore the island on Lake Constance.BIRNAU Visit the Baroque church.BLACK FOREST Enjoy a traditional Schwarzwaldkuchen (Black Forest cake) tasting during dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner) 186 mi / 300 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTANGELS ABOVE THE VINEYARDS Nestling among the picturesque vineyards high above the lake rises the slender pinky-white tower of the magnificent baroque church of Birnau. Walk through the gates of this place of worship, and be transported to a different world filled with baroque opulence and religious devotion.
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Day 11: BLACK FOREST–HEIDELBERG–FRANKFURT
Cuckoo Clocks & Castle Walks BLACK FOREST Enjoy a Cuckoo Clock demonstration at your hotel.HEIDELBERG Take a walking tour of the Old Town with a funicular ride to visit the castle.FRANKFURT Farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner) 199 mi / 320 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARCHITECTURAL GEM Ascend 300 feet above Heidelberg to visit its historic castle, posing a commanding presence above the town below. The breathtaking Schloss Heidelberg features buildings and courtyards reflecting unique architectural eras, as well as the biggest wine barrel in the world! Just as the city below delivers a powerful view of the castle, you’ll take in the panoramic views of Heidelberg below the terraces and gardens of the hilltop fortress. Cast your eyes across the Neckar River and valley, with views as far as the Rhine plain and Mannheim on a clear day.
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Day 12: FRANKFURT
Auf Wiedersehen, Germany! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: Arrive in Berlin
Welcome to Germany. Airport transfers depart Berlin's Brandenburg Airport for your hotel at 10:30, 13:00 and 16:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other, over a delightful evening of good food and wine.
Day 2: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to see the highlights of Berlin. Your exploration includes the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Unter den Linden and the restored Reichstag Building. Later on, feel free to soak up the Weihnachtszauber, or Christmas magic, at the Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin’s most magnificent square, framed by the Concert Hall and near identical French and German cathedrals.
Day 3: Leipzig and on to Dresden
Journey south to Leipzig to visit Bach’s Thomaskirche and the medieval market square behind it. Renowned for its musical and culinary delights, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in Germany, with around 250 stalls located on the city’s historic market square. Enjoy its great traditions, which date back to the 15th century, before continuing to Dresden.
Day 4: Dresden Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Your guided tour with a Local Expert will continue past the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic, the cathedral, Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. Gaze in awe at the Frauenkirche, risen once again from wartime ashes. Join a local for a foodie exploration of Dresden Christmas markets, to taste the local christollen.
Day 5: Continue to Nuremberg
Journey on to Nuremberg, where the Christkindlmarkt stalls are donned in traditional red and white cloth. Surrounded by ancient ramparts and watchtowers, look out for the Nuremberg Plum People while you explore or shop for local treats such as Rostbratwürste, Lebkuchen or Glühwein.
Day 6: Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber
Venture through the heart of Germany to Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe. Why not stroll through the cobbled streets to the year-round Christmas Shop? Here it is Christmas 365 days of the year! Later, follow parts of the meandering Romantic Road to the Bavarian capital.
Day 7: Munich Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation tour which concludes in the Marienplatz beside the soaring Town Hall, famous for its Glockenspiel. Beneath the gigantic Christmas tree, Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is an entrancing festival of light and music. In the evening, join your friends for a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer at a local gasthof.
Day 8: Depart Munich
Auf Wiedersehen! After breakfast, your departure transfer arrives at Munich airport at 07:00 and 09:00.
