Flagler College: Christmas Market Tour in Germany & France (2023)

Depart the United States on overnight flight to Cologne

Arrive Cologne
Visit the Chocolate Museum
Check in to hotel
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner

Overnight: Cologne

This morning we will embark on a food tour, where you will have the opportunity to try local delights as you learn more about the food popular in this area.

This afternoon and evening we will visit the Cologne Christmas markets. There are 7 Christmas markets in Cologne. The main Christmas Market is known for some of the most beautifully decorated stalls in the country.

Overnight: Cologne

This morning we will wake early to travel to the famous city of Heidelberg (2hrs 45 min).

With its glowing reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, it should come as little surprise that Heidelberg’s Christmas Market scene is every bit as magical as the city itself, with a huge variety of stalls spread across some of the city’s most scenic locales.

Overnight: Heidelberg

Taking a break from all things German, we travel across the border today to the magical city of Strausbourg, France. (1hr30min). Strausbourg boasts France’s oldest Christmas market and will be a highlight of the trip.

Upon arrival we will tour this gem of Alsace and enjoy lunch before checking into our hotel. Later this afternoon and evening we will have time to explore the Christmas market enjoying the French food and treats offered here!

Overnight: Strasbourg

This morning we travel to Stuttgart (2 hrs).

The Christmas market in the marktplatz holds and annual competition for the most dazzling rooftop, which creates a wonderful visual spectacle for seasonal visitors—thousands of festive lights, bright baubles, mechanical reindeer, giant teddy bears, and more! Stuttgart also has a Finnish Christmas market as well!

Overnight: Stuttgart

Departing from Stuttgart, we travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1hr50min). Rothenburg is a walled city located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River. We will spend time exploring the city and its old town before enjoying the Christmas market here. You will find around 50 stands with delicious, beloved Franconian treats.

Overnight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

From Rothenburg we will make our way to Würzburg (49 min). This morning we will enjoy a tour of the city. We will visit the Würzburg Residenz as well as the Würzburg Cathedral.

Later this afternoon and evening you will have a chance to experience the magic of the Wurzburg Christmas market. The old town twinkles with thousands of lights here as vendors sell their wares. Enjoy sweets, like Christmas cookies or snacks like roasted almonds as well as the famous Gluehwein” as you walk through this special market with around 100 stalls.

Dinner will be at a lovely local restaurant featuring traditional food and treats. We will return to Rothenburg following dinner.

Overnight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This morning we will have more time to enjoy Rothenburg and the famous Christmas shop before departing to Frankfurt (2hrs30min).

Once in Frankfurt, will explore one of the city’s markets near our hotel with beautiful vendor stalls as we enjoy more Christmas treats and relax in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights.

Overnight: Frankfurt

Depart for the United States – bags full of Christmas delights and memories to share with those back home!