Day 2: Leipzig - Meissen - Dresden (B)
In the morning you'll continue towards Meissen, where we visit one of Germany's oldest porcelain factories. Founded in the 18th century and currently still in operation you'll find these delicate, handcrafted products all around the world. Meissen is proud to be able to restore or re-manufacture on demand all ever produced designs, as the negative plaster models have been preserved through-out the centuries. See the exhibition hall and the demonstration workshops where all steps of the painting and glazing process is explained. Afterwards your tour continues to Dresden, the capital of the Free State of Saxony. On a city tour you will get to know one of the loveliest cities of central Europe. Due to its mild climate, the baroque architecture and the renowned museums, Dresden is also called 'Florence of the Elbe'. Continue via the major sites of Zwinger, Frauenkirche and the Semper Opera House, and check into your hotel at Dresden. In the evening, visit the Christmas market named 'Striezelmarkt' after the local cake specialty, the 'Christstollen' or 'Striezel'. Marvel at the Christmas pyramid and stalls to sample the 'Strietzel'.

Overnight: Park Inn or similar

Day 3: Dresden - Annaberg - Scheenberg - Plauen (B, D)
After breakfast this morning you'll head along country roads to visit two ancient miner-villages: Schneeberg and Annaberg. These villages are typical for the Erzgebirge (Ore-mountains) and home to the German tradition of woodcarving and Christmas pyramids. In older times, light (represented by candles) was an important symbol of life and safety for the miners, working in the dark tunnels to retrieve the ore and coal. The woodcarvers combined their deep religious beliefs and used candles to illuminate the pyramids with saints and symbols from the holy night including ox, mule and shepherds. The Christmas Market in Annaberg dates back to 1510. Schneeberg hosts St.Wolfgang's Church with an altar from 1539, carved by Lucas Cranach. In the afternoon you'll continue towards Plauen, a city famous for its handcrafted lace. Plauen was founded in the 11th century and since the 16 hundreds remains an important place for cotton manufacturing. A farewell-Dinner will be served in your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Alexandra or similar

Day 4: Plauen - Bamberg - Frankfurt (B)
On the last day of the tour you'll travel through the Franconian forest to the imperial city of Bamberg. Founded in the 9th century its well preserved old town has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. See the cathedral and the former Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg. The last impressions of German Christmas markets can be seen at the pedestrian zone around the cathedral where you can do some last-minute shopping. Finally, you'll travel through the rolling hills of Franconia, arriving in Frankfurt by late afternoon.