Christmas Markets of Medieval Hannover, Hamelin, Goslar & Cologne
Christmas Markets of Medieval Hannover, Hamelin, Goslar & Cologne
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Christmas Markets of Medieval Hannover, Hamelin, Goslar & Cologne
6 Days Starting and ending in Belgium
Visiting: Belgium, Cologne, Hannover, Goslar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
mhh
Specialist Group:
Fifty+
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Everyone
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a festive journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of medieval Germany with our "Christmas Markets of Medieval Hannover, Hamelin, Goslar & Cologne" tour. Departing from the UK by coach, this tour takes you to the heart of Germany's holiday spirit. Begin with an overnight stay in Belgium before exploring the vibrant Christmas markets of Cologne, where the air is filled with the aroma of cinnamon and roasted almonds. Discover the fairy-tale charm of Hamelin and the historic allure of Hannover, each adorned with twinkling lights and festive stalls. Venture into the Harz Mountains to the UNESCO-listed town of Goslar, where cobblestone streets and traditional markets await. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in the Hannover area and Belgium, making this a perfect holiday getaway for those aged 50 and above. Experience the magic of Christmas in Germany's most picturesque towns.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Belgium
Local departure by coach, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Day 2 : Cologne
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave our hotel this morning and commence our journey to Hannover stopping en-route at the beautiful cathedral city of Cologne. Cologne’s history traces back more than 2,000 years when it was founded as a Roman colony. Today it has developed into a beautiful cosmopolitan city.Advent magic spreads throughout Cologne at this time of year, when six idyllic Christmas markets open their gates to visitors. More than 160 stalls offer traditional goods and handcrafted gifts. Wonderful spicy aromas of cinnamon stars, baked apples and roasted almonds will fill the air and local wreath binders, glassblowers and blacksmiths will demonstrate their art. Start at the Christmas market in Cathedral Square where you will find a fascinating array of high-quality arts and crafts, many gift ideas and delicious food and drinks.Continue onto the Old Town where the rustic ’Home of the Gnomes’ market takes place. Traditional stall and huts, pretty lanes and hidden Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes who are said to have done the work of the people of Cologne at night), give this market its particular charm. At Neumarkt you will find the Market of Angels with its charming chalets and high quality products. Just a ten minute walk from Neumarkt is the Fairytale Christmas market at Rudolfplatz. Here the motto of the sixty huts is the St. Nicholas Village which makes this market particularly popular with younger visitors.In a picturesque setting overlooking the Rhine, the Cologne Harbour market at the Chocolate Museum will bring a maritime flavour to Christmas. With around 70 stalls this market is one of the largest in Cologne. Finally, there is the the dynamically artful and attractivly different Christmas market at Stadtgarten in the heart of the Belgium quarter. The Stadtgarten Christmas market traditionally only takes place in the afternoon. Whilst visiting Cologne be sure to indulge yourself is some typical culinary delights such as the famous ’Christstollen’ yeast cakes, ’Lebkuchen’ soft gingerbread cookies and Marzipan almond confections. Also try the mandatory ’Gluhwein’ a hot spiced wine in mugs perfect to warm chilly hands.We leave Cologne mid-afternoon and continue our journey through Germany to our hotel in the Hannover area where we stay for the next three nights.
Day 3 : Hamelin & Hannover
Location: Hannover
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start this morning with an included visit to the quaint town of Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper tale told to children around the world. The old town centre has been reconstructed with Renaissance and wood-frame buildings; all adding to the fairy-tale atmosphere that brings alive the legend of the piper who offered to rid the town of rats, and ended up stealing all the children!During the advent season the town is illuminated with the lights from the Christmas market. Taking place in the middle of the beautiful Old Town, approximately 70 wooden stalls all decorated in the Christmas style invite you to browse for gifts. Sit back and relax in one of the cosy coffee shops or perhaps visit Hamelin Glassworks where you may have the chance to blow your very own colourful Christmas bauble assisted by the glass blower himself. (Entrances to any places of interest are at own cost).We return to Hannover this afternoon where you will have the opportunity to explore the shops and Christmas market. Hannover is the capital of Lower Saxony and has had a long and special relationship with Britain since 1714 when Elector Georg Ludwig became King George I of England. Today Hannover offers visitors an array of interesting architecture and museums and a wealth of shopping opportunities with department stores, specialist shops and chic boutiques.The Christmas market takes place in the historical old quarter around the market church. You will be spoilt for choice here with beautifully decorated stalls selling tree decorations, carved items and wooden toys. We return to our hotel later this afternoon arriving in time for our evening meal.
Day 4 : Harz Mountains & Goslar
Location: Goslar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we head to the beautiful town of Goslar, located on the north western slopes of the Harz Mountains. This former Free Imperial Town has over 1000 years of history. For centuries it was the favoured seat of government in northern Germany, and at the same time, a centre of Christianity. So much so Goslar was referred to as the ‘Rome of the North’. The view of the townscape with the steeples of the five large parish churches is impressive when viewed from the knoll upon which the Imperial Palace stands.The many crooked, narrow, cobble-stoned streets in the Old Town are also interesting to explore. From the Kaiserpfalz you will find the impressive Romanesque Imperial Palace opens up to view. In the background is the Rommelsberg Mountain with the ore mines that only closed down as recently as 1988. Since 1992 the mine and the Old town of Goslar have been entered onto UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.The traditional Christmas Market on the historic Market Square is a delight to visit. Many little booths entice visitors to sample the delicious-smelling Christmas delicacies. There will be free time for you to explore the festive market at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a hot mulled wine before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Day 5
Location: Hannover
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say goodbye to Hannover and commence our journey south through Germany, crossing the Netherlands and finally into Belgium. We continue to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6
Location: Belgium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home.
What's Included
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Visit to Cologne
The tour includes a visit to the beautiful cathedral city of Cologne, where you can explore the Christmas markets and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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Visit to Hamelin
An included visit to the quaint town of Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper tale, is part of the tour.
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Visit to Goslar
The tour includes a visit to the beautiful town of Goslar, located on the northwestern slopes of the Harz Mountains, with its traditional Christmas Market.
What's Not Included
Entrance Fees
Entrances to any places of interest are at your own cost.
Accommodation
You will stay for three nights at a 3-star minimum hotel in the Hannover area. Overnight stays in Belgium will be in city-style hotels.Mode of Transport
Local departure by coach, then to Belgium for an overnight stay. The journey continues through Germany, stopping at Cologne, Hamelin, Hannover, and Goslar, before returning through the Netherlands to Belgium.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay for three nights at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Hannover area. Overnight stays in Belgium will be in city-style hotels.
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Will there be opportunities to explore local Christmas markets?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several Christmas markets, including those in Cologne, Hamelin, Hannover, and Goslar. These markets offer a variety of traditional goods, handcrafted gifts, and festive foods.
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Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?
In Hamelin, you may have the chance to blow your own colorful Christmas bauble at Hamelin Glassworks, assisted by a glass blower. This is an optional activity and entrances to places of interest are at your own cost.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to historical sites such as the Old Town of Hamelin, known for its Renaissance and wood-frame buildings, and Goslar, a former Free Imperial Town with over 1000 years of history, including the Romanesque Imperial Palace and the Rommelsberg Mountain ore mines.
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What is the significance of Goslar in the tour?
Goslar is a town with a rich history, once referred to as the 'Rome of the North' due to its significance as a seat of government and center of Christianity. It is also a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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