Enchanted Christmas Markets Tour Spotlights Christmas Festivals, Christmas Markets and Christmas Traditions in Germany

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 30, 2010 -- Philadelphia – September 30, 2010 – Christmas connoisseurs, collectors and antiques lovers will get their fill on the Enchanted Christmas Markets Tour to Germany, December 1-9, 2010. The Christmas tour, offered by Philadelphia-based Heart of Europe Tours, will be led by antiques dealer Tom Conrad.

The Christmas tour spotlights the imperial cities of Dresden and Bamberg as well as out-of-the-way stops that are not on most tour itineraries, including Germany’s “Toy Route,” and remote hill towns in Saxony and Thuringia. “We focus on the ‘most German’ part of Germany, because that’s where history and Christmas traditions are alive and artisans are still crafting remarkable folk toys, decorations, artwork and fine collectibles,“ said Conrad.

“Our German Christmas markets tour is small and customized – it’s more of a safari than a tour. Our participants have the kind of experiences and authentic encounters they would never get with a large tour group. We accompany each tour ourselves rather than farming the trips out to local companies,” added Conrad

Space is limited and the Christmas markets tour is filling up. Reservations are being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Christmas tour includes the breathtaking Lichtelfest (Festival of Lights) and folk choral groups in the Saxon Highlands. The travelers will visit the Dresden Striezelmarkt and other choice Christmas markets and have a private tour of historic crèches. Other stops include traditional family-based craft workshops on Germany’s Toy Route, a glimpse of a remarkable private collection of Christmas antiques and toys, an insider’s look at a Christmas Stollen bakery, behind-the-scenes visit to a glassblower’s cottage, Dresden’s spectacular Frauenkirche and the Imperial Cathedral in Bamberg, a chance to see the famed Green Vault, concert in the Kreuzkirche and other special music of the season.

The remote village of Lauscha, home of traditional blown-glass kugel Christmas decorations, and the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains region), a center of Germany’s toy industry, are also on the itinerary.

“Antiques and Christmas are a great combination,” said Conrad. “And there’s nothing like a strong dollar to put people in the Christmas spirit. The dollar’s bounce-back will give our bargain hunters a huge boost,” he added. The dollar has surged from a low of $1.57 and is currently around $1.35 per euro.

Heart of Europe offers small, value-priced tours for collectors, dealers, pickers, designers and adventurers. The group’s buying trips have been featured in Country Living magazine as well as the Country Living website. They have also been showcased in USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the trade press.

The Christmas tour is aimed at solo travelers, couples, and friends traveling together. The group travels in a Mercedes minibus with a private driver. Full itinerary, hotel accommodations, all ground travel, markets and visits to shops, taxes and fees, and professional guide are included.

“Participants can count on seeing an immense variety of appealing Christmas treasures at great prices on the tour. Who doesn’t love a bargain?” asked Conrad.

To reserve or request a tour description and itinerary, call us at 215.991.9892 or email us at info@heartofeuropetours.com or upclosetours@gmail.com . General information and a look at past tours are available at our website, www.heartofeuropetours.com.

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