Depart from Frankfurt in the morning, driving eastward to Eisenach, dominated by the Wartburg Castle. Visit one of the most important edifices of German history and see the room in which Luther worked and spent the last years of his seclusion. Continue to Leipzig where you will find one of Germany´s largest Christmas markets, located in front of the ancient town hall. Marvel at the 25 yard Christmas tree with its thousands of lights or stroll along the stalls with hand-crafted Christmas gifts from the region. Enjoy a very informal German style snack with Bratwurst and mulled wine at one of the numerous food stalls. Overnight at Hotel Tulip Inn Leipzig or similar. BD

Continue to Meissen. Visit one of Germany’s oldest porcelain manufacturer. Founded in the 18th century and in operation since then, the delicate and hand-crafted products are found in royal courts all around the world. Meissen is able to re-manufacture all ever produced designs as the plaster models have been preserved throughout the centuries. See the exhibition hall and the demonstration workshops processes of the painting and glazing are explained. Continue to Dresden. After a city tour visiting important sights like the restored Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House, the baroque Zwinger and the Green Vault, check-in at your hotel. In the evening visit the Christmas market in Dresden which is named “Striezelmarkt” named after the local cake speciality, the “Christstollen“or “Striezel”. Walk through and see the 16 yard Christmas pyramid as well as visiting the numerous stalls where you can taste the Striezel. Overnight at Steigenberger Parkhotel Dresden-Radebeul or similar. B

Continue to two ancient miner-villages named Schneeberg and Annaberg. These villages are typical for the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) and home of traditional German woodcarving and Christmas pyramids. In the past, light was an important symbol of life and safety for the miners, working in the dark tunnels so the woodcarvers combined their deep religious beliefs and used candles to illuminate the pyramids with holy symbols and saints. The Christmas market in Annaberg dates back to 1510. The main attraction of Schneeberg, besides its Christmas market, is St. Wolfgang’s Church with an altar from 1539 carved by Lucas Cranach the Elder. In the afternoon, continue towards Plauen, a city famous for its handcrafted lace. Plauen was founded in 1122 and, since the 16th century, an important place for cotton manufacturing. Farewell dinner at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Alexandra Plauen or similar. BD

Depart Plauen and continue through Franconian forest to the imperial city of Bamberg. The city, founded in the 9th century, has a pleasingly preserved Old Town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral and the former Benedictine Abbey of Michaelsberg. Walk through the pedestrian zone around the cathedral where the charming Bamberg Christmas market is located with some time for last-minute shopping soaking up the Christmas festivities. Travel through the rolling hills of Franconia reaching Frankfurt in the late afternoon. B