Visit Berlin, the vibrant German capital. Here some 50 Christmas markets offer traditional festive wares, seasonal delicacies and unusual Christmas goods, and in some cases boast attractions from fairground rides to ice-rinks and even a ski-slope.
Itinerary
Day One - Fly to Berlin and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, head out for a first look at the city. Berlin's legendarily efficient U-Bahn (underground), trams and buses bring everything within easy reach - from the glitz of Kurfuerstendamm (or simply Ku'damm) to the bright lights of Potsdamer Platz and the bars and restaurants dotted around the city centre.
Day Two - Get to know Berlin on this morning's guided tour. Since 1989, the progress of reunification has been breathtakingly rapid, and is symbolized by Norman Foster's startling Reichstag building, which rises up close to the majestic Brandenburg Gate and the wooded acres of the Tiergarten.
After the tour, you may like to join out optional trip to the top of the giant TV Tower (Fernsehturm), from where the former course of the Wall can still be traced.
For the rest of the day you're free to savour the aromas of gluehwein, almonds and sweet Christmas biscuits as you wander Berlin's wonderful Christmas markets - from the Tyrolean wonderland of the 'Winterwelt' on Potsdamer Platz (complete with a 'mountain' restaurant, ice-rink and ski slope) to the traditional stalls nestled in the shadow of the ruined towers of Kaiser Wilhelm-Gedachniskirche.
Day Three - Spend another day exploring Berlin and its other colourful Christmas markets. The fairground market at Alexanderplatz is popular with youngsters and the young at heart; the wonderful market in Spandau welcomes the festive season in a picture-postcard-perfect setting; and the Gendarmenmarkt boasts high-quality arts, crafts and ceramics, and a wonderful gourmet tent.
Day Four - Transfer back to Berlin airport for your flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of this special festive break.
