The
Christmas Market tradition was founded in Germany in the 15th century and
Cologne remains the most popular of them all, attracting some 2 million
visitors every year. Set in the heart of the ancient city, and within easy
walking distance of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, are the 4 main
Christmas Markets, each with its own distinctive character, their
decorated stalls offering a huge range of traditional German craftwork,
ornaments, toys, foods and drinks, in an atmosphere full of Christmas
sights, sounds and scents.
At any time of year the Grand Place in the European Union capital city of
Brussels is breathtakingly beautiful, the Baroque architecture of the
Guild Halls and other buildings reflecting the grace and elegance of a
bygone age, but at Christmas time it is transformed with traditional
market stalls from all over Europe, lights, music and street entertainers,
creating a wonderful festive atmosphere. The Christmas spirit is
complemented by a large ice-rink, providing fun, thrills and spills for
those brave enough to try it!
Day
1
Early morning coach pick
ups and arriving for the 09:30 ferry from Dover-Calais. We arrive
in Brussels, the capital of the European Union, in the afternoon.
We first check into our central Brussels hotel and than have free
time to explore the wonderful Christmas Markets in the Grand
Place. Brussels has long been described as one of the best places
to visit for Xmas, with its gothic cathedral and stunning
architecture. The Grand Place, one of the finest historic squares
in Europe, becomes home to a market selling gifts, treats and
treasures, alongside an ice rink.
Day 2
An early breakfast and
then on the coach as we head to Cologne, home to six Christmas
Markets. Cologne is renowned for its Christmas gifts and is a
wonderful place to visit during the Christmas season. The city
itself is the capital of the Rhineland, home to museums,
galleries, but most famous in December for it’s festive
celebrations. From Christmas Concerts to nativity scenes, roasting
chestnuts to mulled wine.
We depart late afternoon for the journey to Calais, and our early
evening ferry to Dover.
PRICE INCLUDES:
2 days use of executive
touring coach
Return Dover-Calais Ferry
Crossings
1 night’s bed and
breakfast in a superior 2 star hotel in Brussels. Accommodated in
2-3 bedded rooms
Visit to Cologne and the
Xmas Markets
Services of a tour guide
for the duration of the tour
Belgium
Christmas Market - Bruges
1
day tour
15
Dec 2007 - £45
Bruges, the
‘Venice of the North’. One of Europe’s best preserved medieval
cities, a city of stunning beauty and charm. During the Xmas period
Bruges comes alive with markets in Simon Stevin square and in the
Market square that both exude that magical Christmas atmosphere. You
can stroll along the nicely decorated stands and tuck into all sorts
of goodies and Christmas specialities. In the Market square there is
also an ice-skating rink, and by the railway station the famous Ice
Palace. A Palace where the walls and ceilings will be made of ice,
and will be the setting for an enchanting fairy tale in which a
crazy Ice King is looking for his Ice Queen.
PRICE
INCLUDES:
Travel by executive coach
Return Dover-Calais Ferry
Crossings
Services of a tour guide for
the duration of the tour.
Stop at a Beer/Wine
warehouse on the return journey.
This
Victorian style street market attracts over a quarter of million visitors
every year to sample a colourful mixture of festive stalls, food and
entertainment in a most picturesque setting. You may even have time to
visit the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral.
Lincoln
Christmas Market is one of the biggest Christmas Markets in Europe,
with over 300 stalls. The first event was held in 1982, inspired by a
visit by officials to Lincoln's twin town in Germany (called Neustadt). It
is held each year on Castle Hill, close to the cathedral
