Private Xmas Market Hopping with wine tasting and gondola ride

Traveling during the festive season often means seeking out those cozy, charming markets filled with twinkling lights, warm drinks, and the scent of baked goods. If you’re in Frankfurt and want to make the most of Christmas without the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist spots, this private Xmas market hopping tour promises a well-rounded, relaxed experience. It’s designed to give you a taste of three of Germany’s most picturesque markets—Mainz, Rüdesheim, and Wiesbaden—along with some delightful extras like wine tasting and a gondola ride.

What sets this tour apart? For starters, it’s private, meaning you’ll have a guide dedicated solely to your group, which often translates to a more personalized experience. The second big plus is the variety packed into one day: from exploring historic towns and monasteries, sampling local wines, to enjoying breath-taking views from a cable car over vineyards. We particularly appreciate the thoughtful combination of cultural sights, culinary delights, and scenic moments — all in one day.

A key consideration is the price—around $813 per person— which might seem steep at first glance. However, when you factor in the included activities, wine tastings, the gondola ride, and exclusive guide service, it begins to look like good value for an immersive, hassle-free holiday experience. That said, it’s important to note that lunch and coffee aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for those separately.

This tour is best suited for those who love a mix of culture, scenery, and good wine, and who prefer a more intimate, guided experience over wandering solo through markets. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with a small group, want to avoid the stress of planning, or simply want to indulge in a relaxing, festive day from start to finish.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Tour: Perfect for a personalized, less crowded experience.
• Diverse Itinerary: Combines Christmas markets, a monastery, a winery, and scenic views.
• All-Inclusive Activities: Wine tastings, gondola ride, snacks, and beverages included.
• Flexible & Knowledgeable Guide: Florian, the guide, is praised for his expertise and flexibility.
• Beautiful Scenery & Historic Sights: From vineyards to old town markets, the sights are varied.
• Cost-Effective for What You Get: Though pricey, the included activities add value to the experience.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

Mainz — The Starting Point of Festive Charm

Your day kicks off in Mainz, a city known for its historic architecture and lively Christmas market. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours wandering through the market and old town, soaking up the holiday spirit. Expect to see traditional stalls selling crafts and treats, alongside the impressive Mainz Cathedral nearby. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas mood and see the city’s beautiful streets decked out in holiday finery.

Kloster Eberbach — A Medieval Monastery and Wine Tasting

Next, you’ll visit one of Germany’s oldest monasteries—Kloster Eberbach. While the tour here is brief (around half an hour), it’s enough to appreciate the serene atmosphere of this historic site. The highlight is the optional Pinot Noir tasting, which allows wine lovers to sample some exceptional local wines. The monastery’s stone walls and cloisters give a real sense of history, and it’s a peaceful break from the bustling markets.

Schloss Johannisberg — The First Riesling Estate

A quick stop at the world’s first Riesling wine estate makes this tour particularly appealing for wine enthusiasts. You’ll get a chance to see where Riesling has been cultivated and produced for centuries. While the visit is short—about 20 minutes—the experience of standing among vines with a glass of local wine in hand is memorable. The estate’s long-standing reputation for quality adds a certain prestige to this part of the day.

Rüdesheim am Rhein — Christmas Market and Drosselgasse

Rüdesheim is often considered one of the prettiest spots along the Rhine, and you’ll get about two hours here to explore the Christmas market, famous Drosselgasse, and the town’s charming streets. The market is usually bustling with holiday stalls, twinkling lights, and festive music. The Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with shops, bars, and cafes, is ideal for wandering, shopping, or grabbing a warm drink.

Niederwald Monument & Gondola Ride — Breathtaking Views

One of the memorable moments is the cable car ride over the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument. This takes about an hour, providing sweeping views of the Rhine Valley, vineyards, and forested hills. The ride itself is smooth and offers plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the landscape. Such scenic vantage points give a new appreciation for the region’s beauty and make the experience quite special.

Wiesbaden — Festive Evening Market

The day concludes in Wiesbaden, another charming German city known for its Christmas market and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, soaking in the holiday magic by night. Expect a lively market filled with local crafts, lights, and festive cheer. The city’s illuminated streets and holiday attractions make for a delightful end to your tour.

The Experience: What Travelers Say and What to Keep in Mind

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guide, Florian, who is said to be very flexible and tailored the experience to suit the group’s interests. William_M summed up his experience with a perfect 5-star review: “Florian was very knowledgeable about pretty much everything we saw. He was super flexible and able to make the day exactly what you wanted to do. Highly recommended.” Having a guide who can adapt the schedule and share fun anecdotes really elevates the experience, especially during busy holiday periods.

The inclusion of wine tastings and scenic gondola rides means you’re not just shuffling from one market to another but truly savoring each moment and scenery. The views from the gondola, in particular, are often highlighted as a standout. The combination of historical sites, festive markets, and stunning vistas offers a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s holiday charm.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a full day—from 9:00 am start to around 7 or 8 pm finish—so it requires a good level of comfort with sightseeing and walking. Also, since lunch isn’t included, planning ahead for meals is necessary, especially if you want more than just snacks provided on the tour.

The cost might seem high, but considering the private setting, the guided nature, all the included activities, and the exclusive experiences, many find it justifiable—particularly those looking to enjoy a relaxed, all-inclusive day without the stress of organizing transport or reservations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups who value a personalized, hassle-free way to explore holiday markets. It’s particularly suited for wine lovers, those interested in history and scenic views, or travelers wanting a festive day with a bit of luxury. If you prefer flexible itineraries and enjoy guided insights, you’ll appreciate Florian’s approach.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are only served to those 16 and above, with younger travelers receiving non-alcoholic drinks. The tour’s pace and activities are generally suitable for most able-bodied travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How early do I need to book?
  This tour is typically booked about 81 days in advance, so it’s best to plan early, especially during the busy holiday season.

• Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
  While the tour involves walking and some steps at sites, the use of an air-conditioned vehicle and scenic gondola ride makes it accessible for most travelers. However, check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

• What is included in the price?
  The fee covers private transportation, guide services, wine tastings, gondola ride, snacks, bottled water, soda, alcohol, and all taxes and fees.

• Are meals included?
  No, lunch and coffee/tea are not included, so plan to bring or buy your own during the day.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, wine tastings, and scenic rides.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, guided day that combines the magic of Christmas markets with scenic views and wine tasting, this private tour from Frankfurt is worth considering. The combination of historic sites, picturesque towns, and festive atmosphere makes it a well-rounded holiday experience. While it’s on the pricier side, the personalized service, all-in activities, and memorable moments justify the cost for those who want a smooth, enjoyable day out.

Perfect for those who want to avoid the stress of planning and prefer a curated experience, this tour offers the chance to indulge in Germany’s holiday traditions while enjoying some of the best wines and views the Rhine region has to offer. It’s a lovely way to make your holiday season extra special.