Czechia·December 7 - 13 2025

The Christmas Markets of Saxony and Prague

Winter wonders await you....castles and chateaux will welcome you!

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Overview

Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe, sets the stage for a magical winter adventure. With its Baroque splendor and rich cultural heritage, the city invites you to explore iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Dresden Zwinger, and the Semperoper, each a masterpiece of art and history. Wander through the Striezelmarkt, one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, where handcrafted treasures and festive treats capture the season’s spirit. From Dresden, the enchantment continues into the Czech Republic. At Castle Melnik, ancient walls and storied wine cellars provide a warm welcome, inviting you to taste history with every sip. Next, Chateau Mcely offers an elegant retreat where castle charm meets spa serenity, and hands-on workshops turn your memories into lasting keepsakes. Prague, the city of a hundred spires, cobbled streets, and grand architecture, leads you through a tale of history and holiday wonder. Explore the festive Christmas markets, savor mulled wine and traditional treats, and enjoy magical evenings with classical concerts at the Lobkowicz Palace and scenic walks across Charles Bridge. Let the beauty of the season and the spirit of this journey fill you with warmth, wonder, and holiday joy, making this winter adventure truly unforgettable.

Highlights

Experience porcelain crafting in Meissen

Experience porcelain crafting in Meissen

Stroll through Prague's festive Christmas markets

Stroll through Prague's festive Christmas markets

Relax in a Czech castle with an integrated spa

Relax in a Czech castle with an integrated spa

Enjoy a classical concert at Lobkowicz Palace

Enjoy a classical concert at Lobkowicz Palace

Discover Dresden's Baroque splendor

Discover Dresden's Baroque splendor

Admire a vast collection of art at the Mucha Museum

Admire a vast collection of art at the Mucha Museum

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.

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Day1_Dresdencopy

Welcome to Dresden

Day 1: Sunday, December 7th, 2025

Arriving in Dresden, we’re greeted by the charm of Baroque architecture adorned with holiday lights, casting a festive glow over the city’s historic heart. 

After landing, take a taxi from Dresden Airport directly to the Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, ideally close to the bustling Neumarkt Square. You can also purchase a private transfer in advance through our Add-ons section, and we’ll ensure everything is arranged for a smooth arrival.

As evening settles in, we'll gather for a welcome drink and share our excitement about the coming days. Then, we'll enjoy a cozy dinner at Augustiner an der Frauenkirche, where classic German flavors and a festive ambiance complete our first night in Dresden.

Included

Dinner

Welcome drink

Not Included

Airport transfer

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Dresden - City tour & Striezelmarkt

Day 2: Monday, December 8th, 2025

Our day starts with breakfast at the hotel before we take a guided tour to explore Dresden’s rich Baroque history. We’ll visit the iconic Frauenkirche, the grand Semperoper, and the opulent Dresden Zwinger, each landmark revealing layers of the city’s past and cultural elegance.

For lunch, we’ll gather at Radeberger Spezialausschank to enjoy regional flavors. The afternoon offers a leisurely break to explore or relax at the hotel before we experience Dresden’s famed Christmas markets.

Wandering through stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments and festive treats, we’ll end at the Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, for a taste of gingerbread and mulled wine. 

Grab something for dinner at the market, or maybe choose to cozy up and order room service back at the hotel.

Included

Breakfast & Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Meissen

Day 3: Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

After breakfast, we’ll journey to the picturesque town of Meissen, a charming destination renowned for its stunning hilltop views and rich heritage. Here, we’ll uncover the artistry and history behind Europe’s oldest porcelain manufactory, where centuries-old craftsmanship thrives. 

At the Meissen Porcelain Museum, skilled artisans reveal the intricate secrets behind each delicate piece, guiding us through the process as we create a personal porcelain keepsake to bring home. 

Lunch awaits at the inviting Domkeller, where we'll savor local flavors in a warm, rustic setting. Afterward, we'll wander through Meissen’s Old Town, where medieval streets and quaint shops beckon us to discover them. 

As evening approaches, we’ll return to Dresden for a delightful dinner at Kobalt Royal, where innovative cuisine meets a cozy, inviting ambiance—the perfect way to unwind after a day steeped in artistry and discovery.

Included

All meals

Not Included

Porcelain experience

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Mcely, Czechia

Day 4: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

After breakfast today, we'll bid farewell to Dresden and cross into the Czech Republic, ready to begin a new chapter of our journey. 

Our first stop is the storied Castle Melnik, where centuries-old architecture and rich history await. We’ll wander through the grand rooms, each echoing with tales of the past, and then descend into the castle’s wine cellars to savor a tasting of local varietals that capture the region's spirit.

From here, we journey to Chateau Mcely, a luxurious countryside retreat that promises relaxation and indulgence. Upon arrival, a delicious lunch awaits us in the heart of this charming estate. 

We'll then indulge in a holistic massage, allowing you to unwind completely. You might also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the chateau grounds.

As evening falls, we’ll gather in the elegant Golden Hall of the Chateau for a memorable dinner, surrounded by this historic chateau's timeless beauty and grace.

Included

All meals

Holistic massage

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Prague, Czechia

Day 5: Thursday, December 11th, 2025

After breakfast, we'll travel to Prague. Upon arrival, we will take a guided tour of the Old Town, where we will explore the city’s Art Nouveau treasures.

After lunch and free time at the Christmas Market, we’ll check into the Hotel Boho and relax or explore Prague’s festive stalls in the afternoon. 

As evening falls, we’ll walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, where holiday lights and the city's glow create a magical atmosphere. Our evening ends with dinner at Restaurant Mlynec, which offers stunning views of the bridge and river while serving up modern Czech cuisine.

Included

All meals

Walking tour

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Prague - Historic buildings & Classical concert

Day 6: Friday, December 12th, 2025

After breakfast, we make our way to Prague Castle, where we’ll explore the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the charming Golden Lane. 

At Lobkowicz Palace Café, we’ll enjoy an early lunch before taking in a midday classical concert within the palace’s elegant halls. 

Our day continues with a visit to the Mucha Museum, celebrating the renowned Czech Art Nouveau artist. 

In the afternoon, we will pause for coffee and cake at the Grand Café Orient, the only cubist café in the world, adding a delightful touch to our day. We'll end with dinner at Restaurant U Flekůone of the most famous and visited Czech cultural sights. 

Included

All meals

Classical concert

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Departure day

Day 7: Saturday, December 13th, 2025

On our final morning, we'll gather one last time over breakfast, surrounded by new friendships and the lingering warmth of holiday magic. 

As we check out and make our way to the airport, each of us carries the spirit of this Czech winter—a season woven with wonder, friendship, and shared laughter. 

Flying homeward, we bring with us not only memories but the joy of a Christmas filled with new connections, ready to share the magic of our journey with loved ones waiting to celebrate the season.

Included

Breakfast

Airport transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is a refined 4-star hotel nestled in the heart of Dresden, Germany, at the iconic Neumarkt square. With its prime location, the hotel offers stunning views of the historic Frauenkirche, one of Dresden's most famous landmarks.

Chateau Mcely

Chateau Mcely

Chateau Mcely, located in the picturesque village of Mcely, Czech Republic, is a 17th-century Baroque chateau that has been meticulously restored to blend historic charm with modern luxury. Originally built as a hunting lodge, it later served as the country residence for various aristocratic families. The chateau fell into disrepair during the 20th century but was revitalized and transformed into a 5-star, eco-friendly hotel. 

Hotel BoHo

Hotel BoHo

Hotel BoHo Prague is a sophisticated 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the capital of the Czech Republic. Just steps from Old Town Square, the hotel offers easy access to many of the city's renowned attractions, including the Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge.

Hosts

Rachel Watts

Rachel Watts

Rachel is a dynamic professional with a diverse background as a tour facilitator, international development expert, and filmmaker. Her passion for exploring different cultures and histories unites these roles, as she strives to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse ways of life. 


Originally from England, Rachel has called Spain home for the past decade. Her adventurous spirit shines through her impressive achievements, including summiting Kilimanjaro three times, mastering camel riding, and embarking on solo travels across South America—before even learning Spanish! 

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,395

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Dresden

Arrive one day early in Dresden

Includes one night of accommodation at the lovely Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

PRICE$580.00

ADD THIS
Arrival airport transfer from Dresden Airport

Arrival airport transfer from Dresden Airport

You will be meet at the airport and transferred to Hotel Steigenberger

PRICE$60.00

ADD THIS

From Baroque Beauty to Bohemian Charm

A Winter Journey through Germany and Czechia

In the heart of Central Europe, Germany and Czechia blend natural beauty with history. Our first stop in Dresden, poised along the Elbe River, showcases Baroque elegance against Saxony’s gentle hills. 


Nearby Meissen is situated amid vineyards, renowned for its exquisite porcelain artistry. Crossing into Czechia, Bohemia’s rolling forests lead us to Prague, where medieval streets and castle views along the Vltava capture winter’s quiet magic.

A Winter Journey through Germany and Czechia

What's Included

What's Included

Wine tasting and exclusive access to the Golden Hall at Chateau Mcely

All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner

All transportation during the trip (expect where indicated)

Accomodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels

Workshop at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory

One holistic massage at Chateau Mcely

A small group experience

Expert guides and trip leaders

Departure airport transfer

Guided walking tour of Dresden

Entry to Castle Melnik

Guided tour of Old Town Prague

Visit to the Mucha Museum

Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what's offered at meals

Travel and medical insurance (required)

All personal souvenirs

Roundtrip international airfare

Arrival airport transfer

FAQs

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of December 7th. If you'd like some time to relax in Dresden, you can purchase an Arrive One Day Early option in the Add-on section on our website. 

You should fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) in Germany at the start of the journey. For your return, you’ll fly out from Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) in the Czech Republic.

 

Typically, the weather is 30°F-40°F (0°C-5°C) in both places around the holiday season. So bring some warm clothes!

We will have a Zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

Presently, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Germany or the Czech Republic for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. 

We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience. 


Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.

Inquire about this trip

The Christmas Markets of Saxony and Prague

Czechia· December 7 - 13 2025· 6 nights

FROM$9,395/pp