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:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

mhh

Specialist Group:

Fifty+

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Everyone

Activities:

Sightseeing

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

  • Explore the enchanting Christmas markets in the historic city of Cologne, with its stunning cathedral backdrop and festive stalls.

  • Visit the quaint town of Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper legend, and enjoy its charming Christmas market.

  • Discover the vibrant Christmas market in Hannover's historical old quarter, surrounded by fascinating architecture.

  • Experience the picturesque town of Goslar, nestled in the Harz Mountains, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and traditional Christmas market.

  • Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Heinzels Winter Fairytale market in Cologne's Old Town, dedicated to the legend of the Heinzelmannchen elves.

  • Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Goslar, exploring its rich history and impressive Romanesque Imperial Palace.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Belgium

Local departure by coach, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Cologne

Galya Valkova Cologne, Germany
Galya Valkova Cologne, Germany
Galya Valkova Cologne, Germany
Azad Yousif Kheder Cologne Cathedral

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

  • 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.

  • Visit to Hamelin

    An included visit to the quaint town of Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper tale, is part of the tour.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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