This morning, we’ll head to nearby Lubeck to visit the Niederegger Marzipan Museum. This not to be missed attraction takes visitors on a passage through time displaying the history of this world-famous nutty treat. 

Upon our return to Hamburg, see where the Beatles lived and developed the skills to become the biggest band in the World, where Paul McCartney and Pete Best were arrested, and much more. Take a selfie with the Fab Four at the Grosse Freiheit. 

Then, have a drink with us on a cruise around Europe's third largest port, where over 12,000 ships move 92 million tons of cargo in over 4 million containers around the world. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city's seafaring heritage. Wander along the trendy Mönckebergstrasse or perhaps visit one of the city's brewhouses.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:JUFA Hotel Hamburg (does not offer porterage)

This morning, we’ll visit St. Michael’s Church, one of the most exquisite baroque churches in Germany (subject to availability). Our destination today is Cologne, where we’ll explore the breathtakingly huge cathedral, originally built to house the remains of the Three Wise Men. This afternoon we’ll stop at the Sunner Keller Brewery for a beer tasting! Afterwards gasp in delight at just one of the city’s celebrated Christmas Markets, with its glittering canopy of lights. A few steps further on we’ll find a spectacular ice-skating rink and many, many more market areas promising Christmas paradise on earth. Enjoy free time to shop for gifts to your heart’s content. Don't forget to to take advantage of the opportunity to taste of all the local delicacies – Käsespätxle (tiny egg dumplings tossed in cheese) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with sugar), plus churros, crepes and plenty of German craft beer!

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Mercure Hotel Koeln Belfortstras

Continuing our adventures, where the Rhine meets the Moselle, we’ll stop off for some free time in historic Koblenz, a charming city with plenty of quiet squares, quirky fountains and pavement cafes. Wine has been cultivated near Koblenz since Roman times, and we’ll learn all about it as we raise a glass at an included wine tasting. Later, travel into the Rhineland to view the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, as well as the Baroque-style Old Town with its bustling market squares and colourful façades. Later this evening, we'll explore Heidelberg’s Christmas Market!

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:PLAZA Premium Heidelberg (does not offer porterage)

Enjoy a leisurely morning to yourself. This afternoon we'll head to Mannheim, enjoy some free time for shopping and exploring as you wish. After we return, we'll spend another magical evening at Heidelberg’s Christmas Market! Covering seven different locations in the Old Town, Heidelberg’s Christmas Market radiates festive magic – the perfect blend of tradition and winter wonderland.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:PLAZA Premium Heidelberg (does not offer porterage)

Today we continue our journey through the magical countryside to the Black Forest, whose mystical landscape inspired fantasy and fiction from the famous Brothers Grimm. Witness a Black Forest treasure as you Dive Into Culture and learn about the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making. Later today we’ll reach Stuttgart where, in the Christmas Garden, the magic begins after twilight falls. The Wilhelma (garden) is transformed into a fairy-tale landscape as ten million points of light illuminate a sparkling circular walk. Stuttgart Christmas market, one of Europe’s oldest and liveliest, will give us the chance to shop for wooden toys and antiques and to warm our bellies with mulled wine and fresh gingerbread – all to the festive sounds of local choir music.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Mercure Hotel Stuttgart (does not offer porterage)

Stunning Bavarian landscapes line your journey to the medieval walled town of Rothenburg where you’ll enjoy an orientation walk with your Travel Director past picture-perfect half-timbered houses and the Old Town Hall. Savour a mouthful or two of Schneeballen and seasonal hot chocolate or shop for gifts at the Reiterlesmarkt before continuing to Nuremberg with its mighty ramparts and St. Sebald’s Church. Tonight, explore the Nuremburg overlooked by so many, our Local Specialist shines a light on the darkened alleyways and hidden corners of this medieval masterpiece, bringing to life it's turrets, towers and tales of a bygone era. Our next stop is the famous Christkindlesmarkt where sweet gingerbread hearts hang from the stalls and the famous Zwetschgenmännle prune men pose in all their Christmas splendour.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Novotel Centre Ville Hotel Nuremberg

Nuremberg gingerbread is a centuries-old tradition – a delicious speciality made to carefully guarded family recipes. This morning we’ll get to see up close how the famous treat is made and pick up some tips and treats at an included gingerbread workshop, the perfect farewell before we make our way to Munich this afternoon. But first, an important and sobering visit to the Dachau concentration camp memorial, our Local Specialist will provide insight into Germany’s first concentration camp, opened immediately after Hitler’s rise to power, just outside Dachau. We'll learn about the camp, now maintained as a memorial, and the part it played in this tragic period in history. Arriving in Munich, the rest of your afternoon is yours to immerse yourself in the diversity and splendour of Munich. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city’s landmarks and see the Wittelsbach Royal Family Residenz and Marienplatz, home to the Town Hall Glockenspiel. Explore the museums, history and perhaps even beer halls of this capital of Bavaria.

MEAL(S):Breakfast

HOTEL:Four Points by Sheraton Arabellapark Hotel Munich

Snap your fingers and be transported to a land of fables and folklore. This morning, we tread in the footsteps of shy King Ludwig II visiting his Neuschwanstein Castle (subject to availability), built as a retreat for the king to withdraw from public life. It’s not only one of the most famous castles in Europe but said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle too. Munich’s Christmas Markets are amongst the oldest in Germany. We’ll follow our noses as the tantalising scents of roasted almonds, doughnuts and mulled wine draw us to the old town for a final night of sparkly lights, traditional crafts and holiday cosiness. Dinner is included this evening at Hofbräuhaus (subject to availability), get ready for a whirlwind of lederhosen, dirndls and steins at this traditional beerhall, where the oompah band will play and strangers will become friends. Prost!

MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL:Four Points by Sheraton Arabellapark Hotel Munich

For now, it’s time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories. After breakfast take your group transfer to the airport.

MEAL(S):Breakfast