Arrive in Berlin, and after checking in to your hotel, there's ample time to enjoy the city's numerous attractions including Museum Island; an ensemble of five world-renowned museums including the legendary bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti; Alexanderplatz with its iconic TV Tower offering stunning panoramic views, or get a sneak preview of one of the Christmas markets at historic Potsdamer Platz.

After breakfast, using your Hop on/Hop off City pass, take time to explore some of Berlin's landmarks. Some of the highlights include the fashionable Kurfürstendamm, Checkpoint Charlie, Gendarmenmarkt, Neptunbrunnen, Lustgarten & Berliner Dom, Unter den Linden & Friedrichstraße, Brandenburger Tor (Gate), the restored Reichstag Building, Victory Column and Schloss Charlottenburg.

For lunch, duck into a cafe for a typical Berliner lunch. The traditional Berlin cuisine tends to be rustic and hearty, based on pork, goose, different types of fish, peas, beans and potatoes. Three typical Berliner dishes are Currywurst, Eisbein (pork knuckle on sauerkraut) and Berliner Pfannkuchen (doughnut made from sweet yeast dough fried in oil with a marmalade or jam filling).

In the afternoon, meet your guide for your "Private Christmas Market Walking Tour". On the way, you'll hear about the history of the markets and some of the items you will find on display. Haven't finished your holiday shopping? Hand-painted ornaments, and wood carvings are two other popular gifts to take home, and you'll find them in most of the markets. And what's that enticing aroma? Cinnamon, cardamom and sugar ...your nose will tell you that the season is underway as you wind your way through the markets.

Take advantage of your Hop on/Hop off to see some the sights missed, or even revisit some from yesterday. There are also a few smaller Christmas markets that one can visit on your own.

Tonight, enjoy a 3 course dinner at the Hopfingerbräu im Palais* at the Pariser Platz, situated between Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. The interior decoration is stamped by traditional material language from wood, glass, granite and cast iron and creates an unmistakable atmosphere. A typical menu consists of Potato Soup 'Berlin Style', the traditional Berlin Currywurst with specially homemade sauce and French Fries, Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce and Whipped Cream, and 1 small beer or wine or 1 small soft drink.

Note: Reservations is for 7pm. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier. Your hotel can arrange a taxi or use public transportation. Gratuities are not included. Additional beverages can be purchased locally.

After a leisurely breakfast, take the train (2-3 hours) ride to Dresden, the capital city of Saxony. After checking in to your centrally located hotel, use your Hop on/Hop off pass to explore many of the city's top attractions. As you take in the wonders of this painstakingly restored city, it's hard to believe that it was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. Often referred as "Florence on the Elbe", Dresden is rich in art treasures, history and legends. Some of the highlights include the Frauenkirche and the Old Masters, the Loschwitz Bridge, nicknamed the "Blue Wonder", and the Green Vault; considered to be the most magnificent treasury museum in Europe. Also not to be missed is the popular Wilhelminian district, and the baroque Old Town. Dinner is on your own this evening, but you'll have a wealth of choices. And the Christmas market stalls are open until 9pm. So a good way to digest your dinner is a stroll through various stalls.

After breakfast, your morning is free to explore on your own. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a walking tour of the Christmas Market in the city's historical Old town. Advent in Dresden is always a magical time, and the Striezelmarkt is guaranteed to delight you with a wealth of vibrant traditions. Dating back in the 15th century, the Hefestriezel Weihnachtsmarkt is known as the oldest market in Germany. It's also called Hefestriezel, as the word 'Striezel' actually refers to a cake made at this time of year that we know as Stollen. The famous 'Lebkuchen' (LEEB-kooken) will be found at all the Christmas Markets. You'll get them in every size, as well as different coatings like chocolate or sugar. Since they're packed in ornamental boxes, they make the perfect souvenirs for family, friends, and pet-sitters back home.

After breakfast, time to move onward to your next Avanti destination!