Bavarian Christmas Markets: Nuremberg, Regensburg and Bamberg

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.

Today we cross into Germany to our hotel, pausing en route in the historic city of Frankfurt and its popular Christmas market. Frankfurt itself is the largest financial centre in Europe and is often called ‘Mainhattan’ due to it being a high-powered finance and business hub on the banks of the Main River. Frankfurt is also home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and its airport is the third largest in Europe. Despite all of this, the centre of Frankfurt is charming and traditional, with half-timbered buildings and cosy taverns.

During this time of year, Frankfurt hosts one of the loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. The elaborately decorated stalls, huddled around the Römerberg and St. Pauls Square, make this a Christmas experience you’ll never forget.

We continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Nuremberg where we spend the next four nights.

Enjoy a full-day included excursion exploring Nuremberg Christmas Market. Nuremberg's Christmas Market is one of Germany's oldest Christmas fairs. The pre-Christmas event on Nuremberg's Main Market Square dates back to the mid-16th century. The first mention in writing is from 1628!

Today, the many stalls are located in the main market square in the heart of the Old Town. The air is filled with the Christmassy aroma of gingerbread, cinnamon, Nuremberg sausages, sweet roasted almonds and mulled wine.

Today you have the chance to spend time in the beautiful city of Bamberg on our optional excursion. Bamberg is a beautiful Bavarian city located on the confluence of the Main and Regnitz rivers. The Old Town of Bamberg is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily because of its authentic medieval appearance.

At this time of year, the marketplace at Maximiliansplatz in Bamberg's pedestrian zone is filled with pre-Christmas magic. In the middle of the Old Town, see the illuminated and decorated shops and streets, plus enjoy the irresistible aroma of grilled bratwurst, roasted almonds, mulled wine and lebkuchen.

There will be ample free time in the town for you to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel later this afternoon.

Enjoy our full-day included excursion to Regensburg, rightly considered one of the most beautiful Advent markets in Germany, with its tradition dating back to the 18th century.

Today, you will find a combination of craft markets and cosy eateries serving regional specialties such as blueberry mulled wine from the Bavarian Forest, apple mulled wine from Upper Palatinate orchards, and the popular 'Original Regensburger Bratwürste' or the 'Regensburger'. Markets can be found in Neupfarrplatz, Katharinenspital, Lucrezia Market, Thurn and Taxis Palace.

We leave our hotel and head west through Germany to the stunning city of Würzburg, where the beautiful Christmas market is located at the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy a warming Glühwein whilst you explore the market booths. Later, we continue to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

Return home.