Come to Germany to discover the magic and enchantment of the traditional Christmas Markets.  With the warming aromas of winter spices and mulled wine wafting through the air, soak up the festive atmosphere as you wander around twinkling stalls laden with handmade Christmas decorations and traditional confectionary.

In Dresden, home of the oldest Christmas Market in Germany, you can sample the city's most famous culinary masterpiece, the traditional Christmas Stollen. With over 230 stalls selling all things festive, from hand-carved decorations to gingerbread and nutcrackers, Dresden's Striezelmarkt is also one of Germany's largest.

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Weimar is the second stop on your journey through the land of Christmas. The city is a cultural jewel, retaining much of its historic charm, and is never more inviting than at Christmas time. Set in the city's main market square, the Weimar Christmas Fair is an enchanting spectacle that is great fun for the whole family, where glass-blowing and candle-making are still honoured traditions.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: London to Dresden

Following your arrival in Dresden transfer to the 4* Hotel Elbflorenz. In the centre of the old town, near the Sempra Opera house, this hotel is stylish and elegant with a classical Mediterranean ambience.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take the time to explore the historic centre of this beautiful city set on the banks of the River Elbe. There are a number of sights that beautifully encapsulate the Baroque influence on the city's architecture, including the stunning Zwinger building and Frauenkirche Church, whose steeple once again dominates the Dresden skyline after being painstakingly restored to its former glory following its decimation during the war.

Day 2: Dresden

Dresden's Striezel Market dates back as far as 1434, making it Germany's oldest Christmas market. Each year, the second Sunday of advent sees the ceremonious slicing of the world's largest Stollen - a time-honoured tradition known as the Stollenfest. From the dazzling, 14-metre high Christmas pyramid to the delicately intricate, glass-blown tree decorations, Dresden's Striezelmarkt epitomises Germany's festive season perfectly.

Days 3 & 4: Weimar

Depart Dresden by rail, travelling onwards to Weimar. Upon arrival check in to the 3* Hotel Kaiserin Augusta for 2 nights. This well-equipped medium-class hotel offers all the modern comfort and facilities you require and is located in the city centre close to the main rail station.

Set in the heart of the old city, lit by twinkling fairy lights and scented with sweet roasted almonds, Weimar's Christmas Fair has a very special festive charm. In sympathy for poorer families who could not afford their own, Weimar was the first city to erect a public Christmas tree back in 1816.

Each year when the market begins, traditional artisan stalls are set up, the square is decorated beautifully and the Town Hall is converted into a giant advent calendar. Stroll through the quaint narrow streets and around the pretty market square accompanied by the melodic sounds of Christmas carols floating in the air.

Day 5: Weimar / London

Travel by rail from Weimar directly to Frankfurt airport for your flight to London.

Package includes:

• Return flights - London to Dresden, Frankfurt to London
• Rail travel from Dresden to Weimar and Weimar to Frankfurt
• 2 nights bed & breakfast in 4* Hotel Elbflorenz - Dresden
• 2 nights bed & breakfast  in 3* Hotel Kaiserin Augusta - Weimar
• Airport taxes
  
  For more details and to book now please call: 0871 231 3373