Christmas Markets: The Best of Saxony and Bohemia

Itinerary

Day 1 Prague – Melnik – Dresden

After meeting the group amidst the cobblestoned streets of Prague, well begin with a walking tour of the city (complete with a visit to the Christmas market, of course). Later, well move on to Melnk. Here, well 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 a welcome dinner awaits us at our hotel.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 2 Dresden – Wackerbarth Castle – Dresden

This morning well learn more about a Dresden Christmas tradition on a visit to a local Stollen bakery. The delicious seasonal treat is said to date back to 1329 when the regions bakers entered it into a competition organised by the Bishop of Nauruburg. Later on, well board a steam engine for a scenic ride along the Lnitzgrundbahn railway. Our next stop? Wackerbarth Castle, where well gain an insight into the winemaking process on a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar (and of course, try a sample). Well round off the day at the famous Striezelmarkt in Dresden (Germanys oldest Christmas market). With twinkling lights, bustling stalls and the scent of mulled wine in the air, theres no better place to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 3 Dresden – Freiberg – Seiffen – Neuhausen

After breakfast, well bid farewell to Dresden and move on to Freiberg where well explore the Cathedral of St Mary on a guided tour. Then: our journey will continue as we make tracks to Seiffen, where theres a visit to a handicraft manufacturer in store. Here, well discover the stories and craft techniques behind traditional Ore Mountain folk art figurines including delightful nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids and candle arches. Tonight, well dine together at our hotel in Neuhausen.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 4 Neuhausen – Annaberg-Buchholz – Karlovy Vary

At Annaberg-Buchholz, well spend the morning delving into the areas history at the Ore Mountain Museum which showcases exhibitions dedicated to mining, the art of the late Middle Ages and the ancient crafts of potters, pewterers and trimmers. In the museums courtyard, well find the entrance to the silver mine where well have the opportunity to gain a unique insight into silver mining history. After topping up our energy levels with a Bergmansschmaus (a traditional miners snack), well move on to Unterneudorf where well board a steam train to Oberwiesenthal, enjoying fantastic views of the surrounding landscape along the way. Our final stop of the day will be Karlovy Vary.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 5 Karlovy Vary

Today well step out into the streets of Karlovy Vary on a guided tour before setting our sights on the Hot Spring Colonnade (the home of the gushing Vrdlo geyser) where well go underground to see how the thermal water is drawn, distributed and regulated. Then: onwards to the Jan Becher Museum, where well learn the history behind Becherovka, a famous Czech herbal liqueur. After a tasting session, the rest of the day will be yours to spend as you please (with the chance to use the spa and thermal springs) before we come together for tonights farewell dinner.
Accommodation: TBC

Day 6 Karlovy Vary – Pilsen – Prague

After leaving Karlovy Vary behind us, our first stop of the day will be Pilsen. Here, well be lucky enough to visit the Pilsen brewery: where Pilsner Urquell beer was born 175 years ago. After touring the bottling facility and exploring the three brew houses, well round off our tour in the historic cellars where well have the chance to taste the beer for ourselves. Before we return to Prague, well have just enough time to step inside the Cathedral of St Bartholomew (which boasts the Czech Republics tallest spire) where well take in spectacular views across the city from the galleries. Back in the capital later this afternoon, well say our goodbyes.