Heidelberg bursts into life at Christmas, when the Old Town is ablaze with festive lights and brightly coloured decorations, proclaiming the sites of the five Christmas Markets. This magical, well-preserved town nestles at the foot of the massive Heidelberg Castle, which for centuries has borne down over the turreted city rooftops and the winding River Neckar, glittering with tiny boats at Christmas. Nowhere else on earth can create the ambrosial aroma of Germany’s Christmas markets, and in picturesque Heidelberg you will find, amongst the usual tantalizing home made gifts, toys, decorations and treats, unusual herbs and special teas, which are unique to the area. Pretty Heidelberg presents the picture of medieval Germany that one has always imagined, with clusters of decorative fairytale buildings and an ancient bridge, weaving stories of bygone days, all set amidst the seasonal scent of roasted chestnuts, cinnamon and cloves.

Day 1 London • Frankfurt
We begin our holiday with a VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Heathrow for our direct scheduled British Airways flight to Frankfurt. On arrival, we are transferred by coach to our hotel, the Crowne Plaza, where dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 Heidelberg
After a sustaining breakfast, we set out for a guided walking orientation tour of Heidelberg. Unquestionably a romantic town, guarded by the castle and beloved by the poets, painters, musicians and writers of the Romantic movement. Heidelberg was the inspiration for Romberg’s The Student Prince. The Baroque style university still features the Student Prison, where students were incarcerated for demeanours such as excessive drinking and revelling, and the graffiti that they drew to while away the hours can still be seen today. The striking and decorative old stone bridge, or Alte Brücke, which spans the River Neckar, features a medieval bridge gate on the town side, once part of the city wall, and do look out for the ‘Bridge Monkey’! This afternoon is free to further explore or maybe begin your Christmas shopping in the convivial market places, whilst enjoying your first cup of hot Heidelberg Glühwein.

Days 3 - 4 Heidelberg
After a leisurely breakfast, these days are free to make your own personal discoveries in this most picturesque town. Around every corner is a relaxing café, and a large slice of German cake, or kuchen, is only ever a step away. A trip up to the castle is a must. Along with the fascinating story of its history, its diverse architecture and the pretty courtyard and grounds, it affords the most spectacular views over Heidelberg and the river. It is home to a fascinating Apothecary Museum and it seems fitting that this enormous castle also houses the world’s largest wooden barrel, das Grosses Fass, which holds a remarkable 200,000 litres of wine. As night falls, the Christmas markets and traditional carousels twinkle with thousands of tiny lights, illuminated projections are cast on the city hall and the nativity crib is watched over by real donkeys, delighting children and grown-ups alike.

Day 5 Heidelberg • London
After our final breakfast, our coach transfers us to Frankfurt Airport for our direct scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow. On arrival in London, our staff will greet you and transfer your transport for your journey home to your own front door.