Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

We meet at our Departure Office in London St Pancras and depart by Eurostar to Brussels. We continue to Hanover via Cologne, before joining a coach to Wernigerode. A charming town, with elaborate half-timbered buildings, Wernigerode is overlooked by a stunning castle. At this time of year, it is brilliantly illuminated and adorned with festive decorations.

• Dinner

This morning we experience one of the highlights of our tour, a wintry journey aboard the Brocken Railway through snowy forests to the summit of Brocken Mountain. As well as being the Harz's tallest peak, Brocken Mountain is also home to Germany's highest narrow-gauge railway station. Later we descend back to Wernigerode enjoying time to explore its traditional Christmas market, situated in front of the Town Hall.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our rail excursion today takes us to Quedlinburg, one of Germany's best kept secrets. The Old Town has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to one of the best-preserved collections of medieval buildings in Germany, as well as a wonderful Romanesque church. The town is the perfect place to sample the true atmosphere of German Christmas market tradition.

• Breakfast

You are free today to explore Wernigerode. You may wish to take a ride on the Harzquerbahn narrow-gauge railway or visit impressive Wernigerode Castle.

On Day 5 we head to Goslar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Adorned with over 1,500 half-timbered houses, it makes a superb setting for one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany. We enjoy a guided tour here before free time to visit the cheerful stalls and stands.

• Day 4 - Breakfast
• Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner

We transfer to Hanover this morning, travelling by rail to Cologne and Brussels. Here we join the connecting Eurostar service to London.

• Breakfast