Day 1 - Overnight stay in Cologne
We catch the ferry to Calais and then continue to our overnight hotel in Cologne.
Day 2 - Frankfurt Christmas Markets
Explore Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most beautiful in Germany, dating back to 1393. The market is held in the historic Old Town centre, with its charming timber-framed buildings and festive decorations creating a magical atmosphere. Stalls offer a variety of traditional goods, from handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys to candles and ceramics. The market's centrepiece is a towering Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments, making it a perfect spot for a festive photo.
We also enjoy a guided city tour of Frankfurt. From the comfort of our coach, our guide points out landmarks such as the historic Römer, a medieval building that has served as the city hall for over 600 years, the scenic River Main and iconic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral.
There is time to have dinner in Frankfurt before travelling to our hotel.
Day 3 - Christmas Market of Rudesheim and Mainz
We visit Rüdesheim Christmas market, held in the historic Old Town. The market, also known as the 'Christmas Market of Nations,' is a festive celebration that brings together traditions from around the world. Try the hot wine or punch, sample the German delicacies and check out the local handcrafted cuckoo clocks and gifts. Highlights of the market include the enchanting Advent calendar displayed on the windows of the town hall and live entertainment.
Next, we head to the Mainz Christmas Market, located in front of the stunning backdrop of the 1,000-year-old St. Martin's Cathedral. This market is one of the oldest in Germany and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern festivities. Browse the numerous stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments and gifts, making it the perfect place to find unique Christmas presents.
Day 4 - A Trio of Christmas Markets
An exciting medley of markets awaits! It's time to get into the festive spirit (if you haven't already!) with this trio-tastic Christmas market experience. We start our day in Heidelburg, one of the most enchanting festive markets in Germany. Set against the backdrop of the historic Heidelburg Castle, the market is a magical experience that captures the true essence of the holiday season.
Next is Speyer Christmas Market, a charming event held in the heart of the city. The market is located in the historic Maximilianstraße, right in front of the impressive Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we can enjoy a wide variety of traditional crafts, holiday decorations and delicious seasonal treats.
Our last stop of the day is Mannheim Christmas Market, one of the largest and most beautiful in the region, held in the city’s iconic Paradeplatz. With over 200 beautifully decorated stalls, the atmosphere is vibrant and joyous, with twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine and the sounds of carollers filling the air.
There is time for dinner at the market (not included) before we return to our hotel for our last night in Frankfurt.
Day 5 - Lille Christmas Market
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and make our way to Lille. On the way, we enjoy a comfort stop (at Cologne, Aachen, Liege or Namur) before we arrive in Lille in time for lunch.
The Lille Christmas Market is located in Place Rihour, a central square that is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive ornaments. We explore over 90 wooden chalets offering a variety of holiday treats, handmade crafts and unique gifts. The aroma of roasted chestnut and French pastries fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In the evening we transfer to our overnight hotel in Lille.
Day 6 - Journey home via Dunkirk
This morning we check out of the hotel, stopping at on the coast at Dunkirk before we head back to Calais for our return ferry home.