Begin your festive getaway with a flight from your local airport to Berlin. Upon arrival you will be met by a Newmarket Representative for the transfer to Dresden, and your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be free to settle in or explore your new surroundings at your own leisure.

Perhaps try one of the charming nearby eateries for an authentic taste of Saxon cuisine.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be joined by your friendly, local guide for the first leg of your Dresden tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s baroque charm, almost entirely reconstructed after the Second World War, as you visit its most iconic landmarks. From the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church, which has become symbolic of Dresden’s skyline, to the city’s extravagant Green Vault Museum, you’ll discover Dresden’s rich history by simply wandering its cobbled streets. Also of interest, is the Zwinger, one of Germany’s most important palace complexes, or the imposing Semperoper Opera House.

After lunch, you’ll have a few hours to explore the city at your own pace before visiting the city’s festive attractions, locally known as Striezelmarkt. Throughout this seasonal celebration, Dresden’s Neumarkt (which simply translates as Newmarket in English) is filled with over 240 stalls selling everything from artisanal gifts and mementos to traditional Saxon treats.

The Striezelmarkt’s main attraction, however, comes in its decorations. From hosting the world’s largest Erzgerbirge pyramid to the Neumarkt’s historic Ferris wheel, Dresden’s seasonal spirit thrives throughout the Christmas period. Be sure to wander down Dresden’s illuminated high street, Prager Straße, for its Winterlichter which offers a more intimate alternative to the bustle of Striezelmarkt. Boasting a handful of independent stalls alongside its usual high street fare, its city centre is engulfed in festive decorations all culminating in a spectacular 15-foot Christmas tree.

Now well-acquainted with the Saxon city, discover a different side to Dresden as you board your ship for an evening cruise on the Elbe. Witness the wintry magic of ‘Florence on the Elbe’ as the sun sets on the city’s dramatic skyline while tucking into a piece of Dresden’s finest stollen (a festive spiced fruit bread) and a hot drink to warm you up. Sit back as you take in the shoreside castles, vineyards, city villas, and historic old town before returning to the port.

Enjoy your day as you see fit, or join an optional daytrip to Dresden’s western neighbour, Leipzig. Following your breakfast, get ready to make the journey across the Saxon countryside to the city that once played host to some of the biggest names in classical music. Not only is Leipzig a city brimming with musical heritage, making it a must-visit area for those interested in the classical arts, but it also retains strong ties to a whole range of Christmas traditions. Keep an eye out as you make your way through the city for Leipzig’s Wilhelmian landmarks. You may get a glimpse of the ornate Thomaskirche, a Lutheran church, or the centre’s imposing 350-foot New Town Hall.

Arriving at the historic Leipzig Marktplatz, you’ll be greeted by a Christmas market still bearing all the charm and intimacy of its festive roots. As you feast your eyes on the wide range of hand-crafted goods, fresh wintry produce, and decorative pieces, sample some traditional German festive treats, like lebkuchen (honey-sweetened cake) and gluhwein, which puts a Saxon spin on mulled wine, are just some favourites of the locals.

If you’d prefer to stay in Dresden’s city centre, why not explore some of the area’s lesser-celebrated treasures? The city’s Alstadt area, for instance, offers an eclectic collection of museums, theatres and restaurants around its green heart, Großer Garten.

Should you be keen for a more active day, feel free to revisit your favourite spots from the day before or step across the Elbe into lively Neustadt (Newtown), where you’ll find a colourful array of boutiques, art galleries and eateries. While exploring the district, be sure to visit the Kunsthofpassage and its famed street art.

As your time in Dresden draws to a close, enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Berlin for your return flight.