After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin with a locally guided walking tour of the city – complete with a visit to the festive Christmas market, of course. After taking lunch at our leisure, we'll move on to Melník. Here, we'll dive straight into proceedings with a tour of the hilltop castle – with plenty of time to stroll the grand rooms and browse the 17th-century map collection. The afternoon will see us arriving in historic Dresden, where we'll enjoy a free evening to explore the city's gastronomic delights or relax at our hand-picked hotel. Stay: INNSIDE Dresden (or similar) (B)
This morning we'll learn more about a Dresden Christmas tradition with a visit to a local Stollen bakery. The delicious seasonal treat is said to date back to 1329 – when the region's bakers entered it into a competition organised by the Bishop of Nauruburg. Later, we'll board a steam engine for a scenic ride along the Lößnitzgrundbahn railway.
Our next stop? Wackerbarth Castle, where we'll gain an insight into the winemaking process on a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar – sampling a tipple or two as we go, of course. We'll round off the day back in Dresden, where we'll savour some free time to explore the Striezelmarkt: Germany's oldest Christmas market. With twinkling lights, bustling stalls and the scent of mulled wine in the air, there's no better place to soak up the Christmas spirit. Stay: INNSIDE Dresden (or similar) (B)
After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Dresden and move on to Freiberg – where we'll explore the Cathedral of St Mary on a guided tour. Then: our journey will continue as we make tracks to Seiffen, where there's a visit to a handicraft manufacturer in store. Here, we'll discover the stories and craft techniques behind traditional Ore Mountain folk art figurines – including delightful nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids and candle arches.
Tonight, we'll dine together at our hotel in Neuhausen. Stay: Schlosshotel Purschenstein (or similar) (B/D)
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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