2025 Christkindl Markets
A special tour designed and hosted by Gerhard Meng, highlighting the famous holiday markets of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic


Join us on our 38th annual Christmas trip as we return to many of our all-time favorite markets. The German Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) dates back hundreds of years and the markets still work their magic today, turning town squares and narrow lanes into a wonderland for all. Brightening the short winter days, the markets are an enchanting blend of the season’s edible and decorative symbols. Join the carolers at the giant lighted tree in front of the town hall. Savor traditional delicacies of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and fruitcake, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and grilled sausage. Marvel at the various special Christmas exhibitions and nativity scenes in the museums, galleries, and shops. Take home gifts of beautifully hand-crafted treasures, ornaments, wooden nutcrackers, tinsel angels, and brightly painted boxes.
Our hotels have been chosen for their individual character, central location, ambiance, hospitality, service, and value. We know that the ideal hotel can make you feel comfortable, cheerful, and at home. All hotels will be within short walking distance of the Christmas Markets, shops, museums, and other local attractions. Dinners are assured to be fresh and savory, reflective of the region, and served in a comfortable setting that allows you to share the day's events with your fellow travelers.
I will share with you the places I have been to many times and have grown to love – quaint villages, ancient castles and fortresses, beautiful countryside, and interesting museums. We'll forget the hurried, worried world and set our own pace as we learn the culture and meet the people. The tour's focus will be on quality and service, and I will be there to take care of every detail.
Gerhard Meng
Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys
DAILY ITINERARY – November 30th to December 11th, 2025
Sunday, November 30th – Berlin
Welcome to Germany! We will meet you at Berlin airport (BER) for transfer to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Settle into the hotel and take time to unwind and relax. There is no schedule for the day.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can easily walk to the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie – all in close proximity to our hotel. The Hilton is located next to the Gendarmenmarkt, the city’s most beautiful square with a Christmas market that has seasonal decorations, crafts, and gourmet goodies. Culinary offerings range from unusual snacks to gourmet menus and traditional Christmas delicacies. Hotel rooms are booked in the Garden View category.
Hilton Hotel Berlin
Monday, December 1st – Görlitz
Traveling south, we‘ll stop at one of the small, regional Christmas markets in the Spreewald. This is a unique region crisscrossed by hundreds of small rivers. Görlitz has over 3,500 architectural monuments spanning 500 years, most of which have been lovingly restored to wow visitors. Our hotel is in a Renaissance building dating back to 1528. With its exceptional architecture the town has been used as a movie location for many films. You will discover some of these locations as you become acquainted with “Görliwood.” All our double hotel rooms have been upgraded to the comfort category.
Romantik Hotel Tuchmacher
Tuesday, December 2nd – Görlitz
With our local guide we walk the town’s narrow lanes, picturesque arcades, secluded courtyards, and scenic squares. The town hall is a stunning landmark of the city, the earliest parts of which date back to the 14th century. Admire the two clock faces and massive cross-vaults across the entranceway. A short walk takes us to the Altstadtbrücke (old-town bridge). Walk across it and you enter Poland, into the town of Zgorzelec. There are no signs marking German or Polish territory and most definitely no border checkpoints. The nearby Christmas market features local craftsmen selling pottery wares and other handmade products.
Romantik Hotel Tuchmacher
Wednesday, December 3rd – Görlitz
Today’s bus excursion takes us to Wroclaw, Poland’s medieval marvel. Before World War II it was part of Germany and was known as Breslau. We’ll see numerous historical landmarks, including Cathedral Island, Wrocław Opera, the National Museum, and Centennial Hall, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Market Square is one of the most colorful city squares in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. Built during the founding of the city in the 13th Century, the square is surrounded by shops and monuments. At the Christmas market you’ll will find traditional Polish handicrafts. You will also be able to taste plenty of sausages, bigos, skewers, potato pancakes, and other typical dishes from Poland.
Romantik Hotel Tuchmacher
Thursday, December 4th – Görlitz
We travel to Bautzen, another medieval gem with many towers and old city walls. We’ll take a stroll through the town center with our local guide to discover medieval alleyways, boulevards, and pubs with over 1,000 years of history. The Christmas Market is in front of the 18th century town hall. Featured is the town’s traditional blue and white pottery and exquisitely decorated Sorbian Easter eggs. In the afternoon we’ll stop at RATAGS, a workshop of authentic and distinctive wooden handicrafts. All items are designed locally and produced here in the workshop, and many are offered at special in-house prices.
Romantik Hotel Tuchmacher
Friday, December 5th – Prague
This morning, we stop in the small town of Herrenhut, where the Moravian star (Herrnhuter Stern) originated in the 1830s. This ubiquitous star is an illuminated decoration used during the Christian seasons of Advent, and is meant to remind us of God, who caused the light to shine out of the darkness. We’ll visit the local workshop to see how the paper stars are traditionally made. Upon arrival in Prague, you’ll have time to visit one of the nearby Christmas markets. One of the most popular locations is the Old Town Square market, which offers a spectacular view of St. Vitus Cathedral and other historic buildings. Option of attending an after-dinner concert this evening.
Prague Marriott Hotel
Saturday, December 6th – Prague
On a walking sightseeing tour we visit the 14th century Charles Bridge, a lively scene of painters, artists, and vendors. We'll stop at the Gothic Town Hall and the famous astronomical clock. The afternoon is at leisure with more time to explore the courtyards and squares of Prague’s winding cobblestone streets and extravagant, fairytale architecture. At the market and small nearby shops look for the famous Bohemian crystal, porcelain, and paintings by local artists. The market is the place to find unique gifts and handmade crafts. Sample traditional Czech foods such as roast pork, gingerbread, and Trdelník (a popular Czech pastry) while browsing the festive stalls.
Prague Marriott Hotel
Sunday, December 7th – Prague
A day trip to Pilsen, a city known for its Baroque architecture and charming gothic and renaissance buildings. We’ll stop at Karlštejn Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress perched atop a hill. It was built in 1348 to protect the Czech treasures and is one of the country's most famous and historically significant castles. Pilsen is known worldwide as the home of Pilsner beer, created in 1842. Pilsner Urquell is now the largest brewery in the Czech Republic. We’ll taste the beer together with a group lunch at Na Spilce Pub, which is in the former fermentation cellars of the Pilsner brewery. At the local Christmas Market, you will see demonstrations of folk traditions and crafts with a focus on Christmas.
Prague Marriott Hotel
Monday, December 8th – Neuhausen (Seiffen)
This morning, we have a pleasant journey through the Czech countryside. We cross the border and stop in Dresden with its famous Striezelmarkt. Dating back to 1434, it is the oldest Christmas market in Germany. You’ll have time to see some of Dresden’s most famous sights, including the city’s finest jewel, the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House and the famous baroque Zwinger with its beautiful pavilions and terraces. Our fairytale castle hotel is a short distance from Seiffen. It was originally built in the thirteenth century and today it has a modern wellness area with sauna, steam grotto and swimming pool.
Hotel Purschenstein Castle
Tuesday, December 9th – Neuhausen (Seiffen)
The region has for many years been the center of the traditional Christmas handmade wooden art, such as the smoking man and nutcrackers, crafted from clear-grained hardwoods and hand-painted by local artisans. In Seiffen you will find an extraordinary assortment of the wooden ornaments; including horsemen, light angels, and elaborate Christmas pyramids. You may want to take time to visit the Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum) and wander through the 5,000 exhibits. Displayed are not only toys, but also a selection of local arts, crafts, and manufactured products representative of the area.
Hotel Purschenstein Castle
Wednesday, December 10th – Berlin
On our route back to Berlin we’ll stop in Leipzig, ranked by the New York Times as one of the top places to visit. You will have time to peruse stylish boutiques and prestigious department stores. Most of the city’s sights are found within walking distance – the Old Town Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, museums, and galleries. The Leipzig Christmas Market tradition dates to the 15th century and it’s one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, featuring around 300 stalls in the middle of the historic old town. Behind the Rathaus, there’s a smaller market specializing in local handicrafts.
Hilton Hotel Berlin
Thursday, December 11th – return to USA
Transfer to Berlin International Airport (BER). The journey ends as we regretfully bid farewell to Europe and jet back to North America, arriving home the same day.
If you have time you may wish to stay in Berlin an extra night or two.
PRICE PER PERSON: $4,395 land cost ($695 single room surcharge)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
- 11 nights in outstanding, traditional, and first-class hotels in central locations.
- 20 meals – buffet breakfast daily, seven taste-tempting specialty dinners, including the Welcome and Farewell dinners, and two lunches unique to the region.
- A glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink with dinner.
- Get acquainted reception at the beginning of the tour.
- Transport by private luxury motor coach with Florian, our skilled driver.
- Daily complimentary beverage on the coach. Water, beer or soft drink.
- Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guide and entrance fees.
- All gratuities, taxes and service charges to restaurants, hotel staff and local guides.
- Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels.
- Other additional features mentioned in the itinerary.
- A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
- Hosted by Gerhard & Darlene.
- Special feature: A brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for those who would like to start or finish the day with exercise.
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 24 GUESTS MAXIMUM
RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved, and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form and an invoice for deposit. Upon receipt of your deposit, an information packet will be forwarded with further confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfare is not included in the tour price. We suggest arriving a day or two prior to the tour start to enjoy extra time in Heidelberg. We recommend a minimum of one hour and 30 minutes connecting time (time between flights) at all airports. Contact us for more information.
EXTRA NIGHTS: Special rates are available at our hotel in Berlin, prior to the tour’s start and at the end of the tour – $245 per double room ($205 single). Rooms are booked in the Garden View category. Cost includes buffet breakfast, taxes, and service charges. Airport transfers are not included. We can arrange for a limo service to pick you up at an extra cost, or you can take a taxi to the hotel. All additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis. Berlin offers more than 60 Christmas markets, with at least one in each of its twelve districts. Take time also to explore some of the great museums. There are more than 170 to choose from, including the world-famous Museum Island with the Pergamon Museum. The Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie are all within easy walking distance of our hotel.
SPECIAL NOTE: When traveling in December you should expect seasonal ice and snow. Some of the sites we visit will require walking some distance on uneven cobblestone sidewalks and stairs. You should be able to walk two or three blocks from the coach parking into the town center at a pace that is comfortable for most of the group – or plan to take a taxi (at your cost). Our coach is not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
View the Tourist Office Web sites for some of the destinations we visit. Travel Resources





















