Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with Victoria during a festive retreat through Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets and historic towns. From the elegance of Schlosshotel Kronberg to the twinkling market squares of Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, and Cologne, this unforgettable week blends old-world charm with cherished seasonal traditions.

Enjoy English afternoon tea in the former private salon of Empress Victoria, explore storybook villages adorned for Yuletide, and savor seasonal culinary experiences throughout our stay. Special highlights include a private tour of Heidelberg Castle, a guided visit to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, and a cozy fondue farewell dinner at the Wintercottage at Schlosshotel Kronberg.

A creative gathering led by Victoria Editor Melissa Lester and Creative Director Melissa Sturdivant Smith invites guests to embrace the beauty and inspiration of the season while connecting with fellow travelers in a warm and intimate setting.

Accommodations throughout the retreat are provided at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a grand historic castle hotel renowned for its elegance, royal heritage, and gracious hospitality.

This retreat is limited to 18 participants.

Each registered workshop participant will receive a one-year subscription to Victoria. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Schlosshotel Kronberg is a grand five-star castle hotel located just outside Frankfurt in the picturesque Taunus region of Germany. Originally built in 1893 as Friedrichhof Palace for Victoria Empress Friedrich—daughter of Britain’s Queen Victoria—the property is renowned for its royal heritage, elegant interiors, and gracious hospitality. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and rolling countryside, the hotel offers luxurious guest rooms, refined dining experiences, and beautifully preserved historic spaces filled with antiques and artwork once belonging to European royalty. With its festive holiday décor and timeless charm, Schlosshotel Kronberg provides an enchanting setting for our Christmas retreat in Germany.

You’ll fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is serviced from most hubs in the United States. Transportation for all scheduled retreat activities is included.

The Victoria team is available to assist with travel planning and helping you find the best route. Email victoriaevents@hoffmanemedia.com for assistance.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due September 1, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay, Apple pay and Google pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

• 6 nights at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star historic castle hotel in Germany

• Welcome dinner with fellow guests

• Visit to the Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Weisbaden, and Cologne 

• English afternoon tea in the former private salon of Empress Victoria

• Guided tour of Schlosshotel Kronberg, formerly Friedrichhof Palace

• Private guided tour of Heidelberg Castle

• Creative workshop led by Victoria Editor Melissa Lester and Creative Director Melissa Sturdivant Smith

• Group lunch at Maldaner 1859 in Wiesbaden

• Closing fondue dinner at the Wintercottage at Schlosshotel Kronberg

• Select group meals, including daily breakfast and special dining experiences

• Transportation by private coach for all scheduled retreat activities

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• One-year subscription to Victoria

• Airfare to and from Frankfurt, Germany

• Some meals

What’s Included: Travel Companion

• 6 nights at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a five-star historic castle hotel in Germany

• Private guided tour of Heidelberg Castle

• Select group meals, including daily breakfast and welcome and farewell dinner

• Private round-trip airport transfers

What’s not Included: Travel Companion

• Airfare to and from Frankfurt, Germany

• Some meals

• Workshops and excursions

• One-year subscription to Victoria

Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses.

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided.

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

What airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying into Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare.

Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers are included.

Can I arrive early or extend my stay?
If you would like to inquire about additional nights, please email victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be made on your behalf but cannot be guaranteed.

Is breakfast included?
Daily breakfast is included.

Will double-occupancy rooms have two separate beds?

Due to the hotel’s unique European charm and design, some double-occupancy rooms feature one shared bed rather than two separate beds. However, two sets of linens for the bed can be provided upon request for added comfort.

Are children able to attend this retreat? 

All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this retreat.

Will there be free time during the retreat?
The itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to allow for leisure time. Guests are encouraged to explore, relax, shop, or enjoy optional experiences such as spa services.

What should I pack for the retreat?
We recommend smart casual attire with comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and excursions. For guided tours and outdoor activities, wear clothing suitable for changing weather.

Is this retreat suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Some activities include walking on uneven surfaces, historic sites, and outdoor paths. While we do our best to accommodate all guests, participants should be comfortable with moderate walking. Please contact victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com with specific questions or needs.

Are meals included?
Some meals are included. Most lunches and some dinners are on your own, allowing flexibility to explore local dining.

Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. The retreat is nonrefundable, and travel insurance may help protect against unforeseen changes or interruptions.

Is this retreat limited in size?
This retreat is limited to 18 participants to ensure an intimate and enriching experience.

Will I receive a subscription to Victoria?
Each registered participant will receive a one-year subscription to Victoria. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com with any questions about the retreat.