German Christmas Markets

Day 1  Frankfurt              
Wilkommen to this big city, but with a friendly village feel. With a glittering 30m tree and a vintage carousel, the town is like a snow globe come to life over the Christmas period. Countless stalls sell grilled sausages, roasted nuts, honey, candles and pretty ornaments but be sure to sample Bethmaennchen, traditional marzipan cookies found only in Frankfurt and toast the festive period with a glass of Gluhwein.

Day 2  Frankfurt to Cologne      
Enjoy a relaxing Rhine cruise this morning before heading to the charming city of Koblenz. Here, wine has been cultivated since Roman times so you must raise a glass of sparkling at a local cellar in honour of such traditions. Next stop, Cologne for some more Christmas shopping! Don't forget to try some more tasty treats though from Kasespatxle (egg dumplings with cheese) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded sweet pancakes) all washed down with some German craft beer.

Day 3  Cologne to Stuttgart            
Heidelberg's Christmas Market radiates festive magic, the perfect blend of tradition and winter wonderland. But, the magic of Stuttgart's Christmas Garden is beckoning. Lit by ten million lights, Europe's oldest and liveliest Christmas market provides the opportunity to shop for wooden toys and antiques, while keeping toasty with mulled wine and fresh gingerbread as you listen to the festive carols sung by the local choir.

Day 4  Stuttgart to Nuremberg      
After a quick stop for some seasonal hot chocolate in Rothenberg, it's time to brush up on some history from emperors to Renaissance riches, to world wars and Nazi trials in Nuremberg. This evening offers another chance to browse Christmas market stalls with tinsel angels, wooden nutcrackers, coloured stars and twinkling lights plus a delicious dinner on the go of crackling pork shoulder with dumplings.

Day 5  Nuremberg to Munich      
Nuremberg gingerbread is a centuries-old tradition, so much so that family recipes are heavily guarded secrets! Pick up some tips as you join a workshop to see how this festive treat is made, before paying your respects at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Continue to Munich, home to Oktoberfest vibes and the famous Glockenspiel in the main square.

Day 6  Munich            
Start the day with a sprinkling of Disney magic, well kind of, as you visit 'Mad King Ludwig's' Neuschwanstein Castle which is said to be the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. Munich's Christmas markets are said to be the oldest in Germany and the best way to navigate is to follow your nose with the tantalising scents of roasted almonds, doughnuts and mulled wine leading to the sparkling lights, traditional crafts and holiday cosiness. After dinner, get ready for a whirlwind of lederhosen, dirndls and steins as you enjoy a drink in the traditional beer hall.

Day 7  Munich        
Say Auf Wiedersehen to new found friends as you head home to prepare for Christmas.