Bavarian Christmas Markets 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels, before we continue into Germany and the medieval city of Nuremberg. We stay for four nights at the Hotel Maritim, located a few minutes' walk from the city's picturesque Old Town. (D)

Today you are free to visit the Christkindlmarkt, one of the most prestigious and atmospheric Christmas Markets in the world. Its brightly coloured stalls radiate from the Market Square in the Old Town with the unmistakable aromas of Advent in Germany. Alternatively, the Toy Museum or the German National Railways Museum are both well worth a visit, as is the Kaiserburg Fortress, Nuremberg'smedieval masterpiece and main landmark which sits majestically above the Old Town. (B)

Leaving Nuremberg by coach we head to the highlight of the 'Romantic Road' - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its Reiterlesmarkt is set within a magical townscape of quaint alleys, cobbled squares, half-timbered houses, city gates and medieval town walls. Marvel at Rothenburg's stunning architecture, take a walk along the complete town walls, or visit the town's famous Christmas shop, which offers more than 30,000 traditional German Christmas decorations. (B)

Today we travel by rail to Regensburg. Situated at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers, Regensburg has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Europe - it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006. Your time here is free to explore. St. Peter's Church, Regensburg's landmark should really not be missed. The church, with its impressive stained glass windows from the middle ages, is the greatest Gothic cathedral in Bavaria and took over 600 years to build. At this time of year, Regensburg also boasts three Christmas Markets, which all help to shroud the city in a warm festive atmosphere. Back in Nuremberg we enjoy a final dinner together at the hotel. (B,D)

Heading westwards across Germany, we change in Cologne for Brussels. In Brussels we connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday