ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOUR TO GERMANY SPOTLIGHTS CHRISTMAS DECOR, ANTIQUES AND FOLK ART

– For Immediate Release – Join Aussie and American Christmas lovers for a one-of-a-kind German Christmas Markets Tour next month. Sleep in a castle, experience the glow of Germany’s magical Christmas markets, meet local artists and visit private workshops, enjoy a private crèche tour, shop to your heart’s content and savor the music and food of the season... 

You'll experience the joys and traditions of the season on this early-December holiday getaway and still be back home in time for Christmas.  

Shoppers, collectors, antique enthusiasts and adventurers from across the country will sample German Christmas traditions and shop for décor, antiques, traditional crafts and folk art on the “Enchanted Christmas Markets Tour” to Germany, December 3-12, 2015. 

Travelers who book in the next seven days can take advantage of a special $200 discount.

The Christmas getaway includes local fairs and markets, private visits to a top antique linens collector and Christmas collectibles specialists, workshop stops along Germany’s Toy Route, a visit to Germany’s gingerbread capitol, special overnight stays in local inns and a Medieval castle and a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. 

Headlining the tour are the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Bamberg and Quedlinburg, which has more than 1,200 Medieval half-timbered houses. Dresden and Nürnberg, whose Christmas markets are more than 500 years old, are also included in the tour.

“Germany is the country that 'invented' Christmas,” says Philadelphia-based antiques dealer Tom Conrad, who will lead the Christmas tour. “There’s no better place to get in the Christmas spirit,” he adds. 

The December getaway is a custom, full-service, guided tour rather than a do-it-yourself trip. Ground transportation and accommodations are included. “We provide historical context, help with translation and professional tips, and are with you every step of the way,” says Conrad. 

The trip includes a tour of Christmas manger scenes in Germany’s "Christmas Creche Capitol." The group will experience the delights of traditional glassblowing in Lauscha, home of the first Christmas tree ornament (Kugel). 

Participants will learn about the history of glassmaking, ornaments – even marbles -- in this remote village, which is largely unknown outside of Germany.  

The group will also visit the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region, known around the world for its magnificent carved toys and figures, crèches and folk decorations. 

The Enchanted Christmas Markets Tour is offered by Philadelphia-based Treasures of Europe Tours, a boutique operator specializing in journeys for travelers who want to delve deeper and experience more. 

The company’s trips feature antiques and design, shopping, encounters with artisans, dealers and collectors, cultural and historical highlights, local food, wine and craft beer. 

The tours have been featured in Australian House and Garden, Country Living magazine, USA Today, Huffington Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer, which dubbed owner Tom Conrad “The Antiques Road Pro.” 

“We’ve designed the December tour with a single-minded focus on Christmas. It’s an amazing opportunity for Christmas collectors as well as people who love folk art, antiques, toys, dolls, teddy bears, one-of-a-kind crafts and other treasures. 

Space is limited and reservations are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tour description, pricing, itinerary and reservations online at Treasures of Europe Tours. 

Visit us at TreasuresOfEuropeToursDotCom. Email: InfoAtTreasuresOfEuropetoursDotCom. Call us at +1 215.964.4380.