Winter Wonderland Adventure with Christmas markets and waterways of Hamburg

Join us for a weekend in Hamburg, Germany’s second city and cultural centre. We will visit fairytale german markets and the winter fair at the Hamburger Dom, eat traditional German food, explore the extensive waterways by boat (Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined) and there will be plenty of time for that last minute Christmas shopping.

Hamburg is known as ‘the gateway to the world’ this city is largely overlooked by visitors to the European mainland but those who spend time here are quickly taken in by Hamburg’s inherent alluring spirit. German Christmas markets, the winter fair, quaint shops, traditional fayre, a boat and city tour will all feature for this pre-christmas trip.

Hamburg has engaged in business with the world since it joined the Hanseatic League trading bloc in the middle ages and now this ‘harbourpolis’ is Germany’s premier media hub and wealthiest city. The maritime spirit infuses the entire city; from architecture to menus to the cry of gulls, you always know you’re near the water. The city has given rise to vibrant neighbourhoods awash with multicultural eateries, as well as the gloriously seedy Reeperbahn red-light district. Hamburg nurtured the early promise of the Beatles, and today its distinctive live- and electronic-music scene thrives in unique harbourside venues.

We will spend our evenings at the Hamburger Dom (Winter Fair) and in the fairytale german markets in front of the impressive Rathaus (town hall). In between we will have a tour of the Aldstadt (old town), eat traditional german cuisine in an underground former Brauhaus (brewery), explore the extensive waterways by boat (Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined) and there will be plenty of time for that last minute Christmas shopping. Having spent time living near Hamburg in the past, host Greg knows exactly where to find the best bargains, foods and venues for a classic German winter weekend.

Accommodation: We will be staying in 4 person rooms with private bathrooms in a relatively new and well presented hostel within the city centre in a lively (but quiet enough to sleep) area. The Hostel has a 24 hour front desk, a large lounge and a bar with outdoor terrace. Single rooms are available in a separate hotel (10 mins walk) for a £90 premium.

Flights: We recommend* Germanwings (reliable budget airline) from London Heathrow. As at 24 September these flights cost £110 travelling with cabin baggage only.

*Flights to Hamburg also available from Easyjet and Ryanair but depart early morning/late night. Those who wish to travel separately are asked to contact greg@adventureclub.biz before booking.

Meals: Breakfast on both mornings is the only meal included in the booking price. On Friday evening we will eat street food in one of the beer tents at the Winter Dom, on Saturday evening we will eat at the reasonably priced Groninger Brauhaus restaurant (mains from €8-€18). Lunch will be taken at one of the many street side cafes.

Prices:

Early Bird: £155 applies if paid in full by the end of September*

Sleepy Bird: £175 applies if paid in full by the end of October*

Lazy Bird: £195 applies if paid in full from 1 November*

• (this means both parts, the deposit and the second payment)

Deposit: of £50 (+fatsoma fees) needs to be paid on RSVP to secure your place. Please note, until the deposit is paid your place is not confirmed. If you would like to set up a monthly plan to make the rest of the payments, please email me on kat@adventureclub.biz and we can discuss this.

Important:

The final payments: have to be made two weeks before the trip the latest. Please put this date in your diary now as no reminders will be sent and if you have not paid by then you will be removed from the trip and your deposit will not be refunded. To make the second payment simply go back to the website and choose appropriate option from the list. Bank account details to pay the balance can be found here.

To see full details of the trip, please follow this link: http://katsadventures.com/events/event/christmas-markets-and-shopping-hamburg-adventure/