Festive Christmas Holidays & Christmas Markets
Why not spoil yourself by having one of our holidays away over Christmas, or just get into the spirit of it all by visiting one of the many Christmas Markets.
Visit the European and UK Christmas fairs and markets for real traditional magic, see the snow-capped mountains of Austria or the Black Forest for a truly winter wonderland this Christmas or see in 2010 in style. There a wide variety of short-breaks and day trips on offer!
A Festive Christmas In Austria
Wednesday 22nd December 2010
8 days £599, By Coach
The cosy atmospheric Austrian village of Altmunster is in an idyllic position on the shores of Lake Traunsee and nestling among the beautiful Alpine foothills. Twinkling lights glittering from the alpine chalets, joyous festivities and carol singing add to the feeling of an old fashioned Christmas re-lived. Just sit back and enjoy everything on offer at the Hotel and marvel at the spectacular scenery of the area. A traditional Turkey dinner is served on the 25th so kick back your heels and let us provide you with a great Christmas experience without the hard work. Our visit will combine the quiet tradition of an Austrian family Christmas in a beautiful mountain setting with the addition of some of our own English festive customs.
Arras at Christmas
Saturday 11 December 2010
1 day Adult £31, Senior £30 & Child (3-11 years) £25, By Coach
The Arras market is set against the arcades of Grand’Place in the heart of the city of Arras, with over 70 wooden chalets spread either side of a red carpet which is laid along the market’s covered walkway. Roast chestnuts, mulled wine and seasonal sweets, Savoyard and Polish dishes will keep visitors warm in a traditional festive atmosphere. Arras is capital of the Artois region and one of the prettiest towns in northern France, and a great destination for a day trip away. The heart of the town is the two grand arcaded squares, Grand' Place and Place des Héros, both surrounded by elegant Flemish houses in brick and stone with gabled roofs. Includes return travel by coach and entry to market.
Belgian Christmas Markets
Friday 17th December 2010
3 Days From £169, By Coach
Christmas time in Belgium is really an experience you cannot miss. The people are friendly and the food is fantastic. We stop off at Antwerp with stalls selling local products and unusual gifts. Our base is in Mechelen, perhaps still slightly less well known than some Belgian cities, with warm hospitality and plenty to see and do. The large square by Europe’s tallest Gothic Church has evening carol concerts so don’t miss out on the festive atmosphere. We explore the Capital, Brussels, which delights with its yuletide festivities and displays. We also visit Ghent with a smaller Christmas Market amongst its attractive shopping centre. All in all a great addition to our festive programme!
Birmingham Tattoo & Christmas Market
Friday 26th November 2010
3 Days From £179, By Coach
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend as you join us at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena for the 22nd Birmingham Tattoo. The 3 hour extravaganza has one of the largest gatherings of massed Military bands, standard bearers and other performers. With exciting displays and the spectacular Grand Finale it’s a truly memorable experience! As an added bonus, we include time to visit Birmingham’s very own ‘Frankfurt Christmas Market’. All the sights, sounds and smells you might associate with a traditional, German-style market. There are over 100 decorated stalls selling typical German fayre such as hearty Bratwurst, or Goulash soup, washed down with heartwarming Glühwein. Then, there are the splendid decorations, toys, glasswork, textiles and lacework. Book your place early to avoid disappointment!
Blenheim Palace at Christmas
Saturday 20 November 2010
1 day Adult £35, Senior £34 & Child (3-11 years) £30, By Coach
The festive season is a particularly special time at Britain's Greatest Palace when the State Rooms are beautifully decorated for Christmas. This year a special exhibition will highlight the recent filming at the Palace for the Fox UK production of 'Gullivers's Travels'. Blenheim Palace appears in scenes as the Palace of Lilliput. The film is due to be released in cinemas in December.
Throughout this period the Palace will be decorated with magical displays depicting highlights from Jonath Swift's classic tale. In the Great Courtyard Christmas trees will sparkle amidst the colonnades - a simply magical experience. Glowing fires provide a warm welcome in the State Rooms and each room will feature displays bringing the magic of this much loved tale of a giant and the miniature land of Lilliput, to life.
In the Great Hall see a travelers theme with boats and hot air balloons amidst the grand scale of magnificent Christmas trees, and in the Saloon the grand table will be set for a giants feast. Swathed in a beautiful white and gold, the place setting for a giant at one end will dwarf the grand banquet table!
The land of Lilliput will be brought to life in the Long Library with exquisite Dolls Houses provided by the Dolls House Emporium.
"Living Crafts" the festive craft show is one of the highlights of the year at Blenheim Palace and celebrates all that's good in British crafts whilst taking the stress out of Christmas shopping.
Includes return travel by coach and entry into the palace.
Bournemouth Turkey & Tinsel
Monday 15th November 2010
5 days From £269, By Coach
Why not capture the fun and excitement of the Christmas holidays early, without any of the planning or hard work? You could take the opportunity to do some shopping, or write a few postcards (or Christmas cards!) or you could just relax and enjoy all the festive fun and partying with all the trimmings of a traditional English Christmas. Then feel refreshed to go home and start celebrating all over again! With its acres of gardens, excellent shopping and all year round entertainment, Bournemouth is a great destination for this relaxing break. Whatever your interests, the tour offers something for everyone with stunning scenery, outstanding attractions and picturesque villages for all to enjoy. We even include an excursion to pretty Dorchester, county town of Dorset with its many Thomas Hardy connections and a full day visiting nearby enchanting New Forest, one of England’s ancient woodlands with a unique landscape.
Bruges at Christmas
Various Dates in November & December 2010
Day Trip Adult £33, Senior £32 & Child (3-11 years) £25, By Coach
With a wealth of gift ideas, ranging from handmade crafts to delicious local delicacies, Belgium is an ideal Christmas shopping destination. Visit the Christmas Markets in Bruges where those creamy chocolates will prove hard to resist or enjoy the fun on the fabulous ice skating rink.
Price includes return travel by coach with free time in Bruges Christmas Markets.
Christmas At Oulton Hall Yorkshire - A 5 Star Christmas
Thursday 23rd December 2010
5 Days From £489, By Coach
New to our festive tours, this charming 5 star hotel located in the heart of West Riding allows us the opportunity to enjoy a delightful Christmas. Time spent at Grade II listed Oulton Hall will linger long in the memory. You’ll recall the warm Yorkshire welcome and the luxurious bedrooms, the award winning cuisine and the fabulous spa. Plus a festive programme with all the traditions of an English Christmas * – except it is stress free and away from a hot stove!
Christmas In Trier
Thursday 23rd December 2010
5 Days From £439, By Coach
Spend Christmas enjoying the delightful surroundings of the Moselle Valley and experience Germany at its festive best. Our base is its oldest city, the ever popular destination of Trier, with fascinating Roman remains, little squares, pretty churches and a pedestrianised town centre – it is an ideal location for Christmas. Good food too with bratwurst sausages, spicy gingerbread, sweets, hot tea and you must enjoy a cup of Glühwein. We include an excursion through the Moselle Valley on Christmas Eve. This truly is an idyllic Christmas setting for a relaxing festive break and bound to be one of our most popular choices.
Cite Europe Christmas Shopper & Adinkerque
Tuesday 30 November & 7 December 2010
1 day Adult £25, Senior £24, Child £20, By Coach
Visit Cite Europe; a vast shopping mall with around 250 shops to choose from. A paradise for serious shoppers and save money at the same time to buy wine, beer, spirits and food. Includes return travel by coach and cross-Channel crossing.
Cologne Christmas Markets
Tuesday 14th December 2010
4 days From £229, By Coach
Cologne’s Christmas market boasts the city’s magnificent gothic cathedral as its backdrop, and in addition to spectacular light displays, the market’s showpiece is the giant Christmas tree. A wide choice of local produce, wooden toys, and novelty items are on offer, including ‘spekulatius’ (thin spiced biscuits), and candles and soaps made in the shape of the cathedral. We also visit Bonn, Beethoven’s town, with impressive illuminated facades on Munsterplatz and the neighbouring streets and the beautiful old town hall transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar.
Eastbourne Festive Break
Sunday 28th November 2010
5 Days From £279, By Coach
Eastbourne enjoys a glorious location sheltered at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex. A long promenade, a pier and a modern shopping centre combine to make this a delightful resort at any time of the year. With a festive atmosphere plus mince pies and turkey! We include an excursion along the Cuckmere Valley taking in awe inspiring Beachy Head then on to Brighton with its bustling modern centre and ‘The Lanes’ with its boutiques and antique shops. We also travel to Lewes where the medieval heart of the town, with narrow streets and twisting lanes or “Twittens” dominated by the ruins of a Norman castle, lies much unchanged. Plus quaint Alfriston, considered one of the prettiest villages in Sussex. A great tour to relax and enjoy all the traditional fun of Christmas and New Year without all the hassle.
DIFFERS FROM BROCHURE ITINERARY. NOW A FESTIVE BREAK RATHER THAN TURKEY & TINSEL
French Christmas Markets
Friday 3rd December 2010
3 Days From £169, By Coach
This new tour based in Le Havre with a visit to Caen which offers specialities such as foie gras, pastries and even Christmas Pudding, which should make British visitors feel at home! There is also an open air ice rink. On our return journey we visit Amiens, city of Jules Verne, one of the largest Christmas Markets in Northern France.
Ghent at Christmas
Thursday 16 December 2010
1 Day Adult £33, Senior £32 & Child £25, By Coach
Visit Ghent this for this festive time of year and experience the Christmas markets or take in the sights of the listed buildings, beautiful waterways, quaint cobbled streets, and speciality restaurants tucked away in back streets in this wonderful medieval town. Take a stroll through Ghent’s history with its backdrop of tiny houses overhanging the River Lys with their intricately carved stonework or climb 90 meters to the belfry of the Cloth Hall and see the whole of the city in one go. Includes return travel by coach and Channel crossing.
Lille at Christmas
Saturday 4 & 18 December 2010
1 day Adult £33, Senior £32 & Child (3-11 years) £25, By Coach
At Christmas, the Northern Capital is covered with colours: illuminations, Christmas market, merry-go-round and the big wheel which turns majestically on the Grand Place to the sound of Christmas carols. Lille invites you to visit its Christmas crafts market (80 chalets), local products and original gifts. After strolling around the Christmas market, take your place in the big wheel and have an unforgettable view of Lille. Stalls, shops and entertainment in the heart of Lille bringing alive the magic of Christmas. Ideal for all those people, that you just can't decide what to buy them. Congratulate yourself at the end of the day and recover in one of the many bistros and restaurants. Includes return travel by coach, cross-Channel crossing and free time in Lille.
Londons Cologne Christmas Market, London Eye & Christmas Lights
Tuesday 14 December 2010
1 Day Adult £37, Senior £36, Child £30, By Coach
Flight on the London Eye followed by free time to enjoy Christmas Market and/or London
sights / shopping.
There will be a traditional Christmas Market taking between the Southbank Centre/Royal Festival Hall and London Eye along the River Thames.
Enjoy a beautiful Christmas Market at this unique location.
Whilst wandering about, look for and find unusual Christmas presents such as amber & silver jewellery, hand crafted toys, fragile glass ornaments for your Christmas tree, hand tatted laces, tin toys, candles in all shapes and sizes, hand-made ceramics or creative metal design. “Bought by you for special people at a special place”
Includes return travel by coach.
New Year In Bruges
Thursday 30th December 2010
5 Days From £459, By Coach
Bruges, with its maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals lets you imagine you are back in medieval times, but then it has a superb contemporary culture and modern outlook. Where better to be at the turn of the year, with a traditon of looking forward whilst cherishing the past? Belgium offers a warm welcome and the finest of cuisines. So, this will be a Gala New Year’s Eve to be remembered. All that you would wish for, from the first aperitif of the evening through a 5 course dinner with wines, plenty of live music and a glass of Champagne to ring in the New Year. We visit historic Antwerp with its Gothic cathedral and splendid architecture. Finally to the Belgian capital, Brussels, with picturesque ancient streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, fascinating monuments and fine restaurants. What a way to welcome 2011!
New Year in Disneyland® Resort Paris
Thursday 30th December 2010
4 Days Adult From £259 & Child (4-11 years) from £199, By Coach
Ring in the New Year with Mickey and his friends and let them bring some Disney magic to make your New Years Eve celebrations start with a bang at Disneyland® Paris. This ever popular tour is now in its 6th year and as usual book early to avoid disappointment! Join the yuletide spirit as Main Street, U.S.A., is magically transformed into a winter wonderland of snowy streets, lit up with shimmering Disney Princess street lamps. On New Year’s Eve the park hosts an all-out celebration, climaxing with a magnificent fireworks extravaganza over Sleeping Beauty Castle to welcome in the New Year. After a lazy morning on New Year’s Day, this tour offers the option to return to Disneyland® Paris to spend more time at your choice of Disney Park or an excursion into Paris.
New Year In Lincolnshire
Thursday 30th December 2010
4 Days From £349, By Coach
Following great demand in 2009, we are pleased to again include a UK based New Year tour. Belton Woods near Grantham in Lincolnshire is a great setting for us to see in the New Year the English way! A Scottish Piper will lead the group to watch a magnificent fireworks display followed by a Hogmanay supper of haggis, neeps n’ tatties. Apart from enjoying free time in this picturesque location, we visit Lincoln with its rich period architecture, hewn from mellow Lincoln stone and dominated by the third biggest cathedral in England.
Ostend at Christmas
Monday 13 December 2010
1 Day Adult £31, Senior £30 & Child £25, By Coach
Spend the day in Ostend exploring the Christmas markets, shops or restaurants. The bustling seaside port of Ostend oozes continental flair and warmly welcomes visitors. A medieval harbour, a fascinating history and its close proximity to the UK make Ostend an interesting and easy choice for your short break. Five excellent sandy beaches along the three-mile Albert 1 Promenade are a key reason for this ancient port's great popularity. Includes return travel by coach and cross-Channel crossing.
Regency Christmas Royal Berkshire
Thursday 23rd December 2010
5 Days From £479, By Coach
This magical Christmas holiday offers the warmest of welcomes and a feeling of ‘home away from home’ but without all the hard work! There will be plenty to keep us entertained throughout and absolutely no worries about who is going to do the washing up! Throughout our stay, we will have ample opportunity to enjoy all the traditional trimmings of an English Christmas, with a few extras, as well as the chance for a few quiet moments in the surroundings of the hotel. There’s even an excursion to Winchester. Pretty as a Christmas card and the big question… Will it snow?
The Mighty Wurlitzer Christmas Concert
Thursday 2 December 2010
1 day £45, By Coach
This is a charming afternoon matinee combined with an early evening tour.
It is a wonderful moment when a hush falls in the auditorium and first hear the distant but unmistakable
tones of The Mighty Wurlitzer moments before it begins to rise majestically from the orchestra pit just as it
once did at the cinema - in this particular case The Regal Kingston-upon-Thames. The concert
programme includes seasonal tunes, novel pieces and entertaining comic monologues designed to
demonstrate the vast range and musical capability of this amazing organ.
This is an unusual, charming and beautifully presented concert guaranteed to put a smile on your face this
Christmas.
Arrive in West London by 2-30pm and enjoy the spectacle of our one hour seasonal concert followed by a
jolly drive into central London for the London Lights & Sights Tour. Having launched your Christmas
celebrations in fine style you’ll be heading home by 6-45pm.
Arrive at The Musical Museum in Brentford at 2-30pm ready for lights down at 3-00pm. After the concert
enjoy sherry and mince pies before returning to the coach joined by a first class Blue Badge Guide for an
entertaining drive into central London to see the pick of the 2010 crop of London Christmas Lights & Sights.
We’ll round off the trip with a stop for refreshments at either Somerset House or the Natural History Museum
Ice Rink and head home at the not-too-late time of 6-45pm. Separate admission charge if you wish to skate.
All times are approximate and subject to change.
Included return travel by coach.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Wednesday 22 December 2010
2 days From £139, By Coach
It all started one Christmas, more than 25 years ago, when a small festive show took place in the rural location of Thursford. Featuring the choral scholars of King's College, Cambridge, organisers had little idea that their seasonal offering would be the birth of what is now England's largest Christmas show.
The location may be remote, but each year thousands of visitors make an annual pilgrimage to experience the multi-million pound Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
The show features a cast of over one hundred beautifully costumed dancers singing christmas songs and carols, and it takes a whole year to organise with scripts being written, auditions taking place, costumes to be designed and choreographers to set up dance routines.
The Auditorium is a grotto in itself. Antique carousels, fairground organs and steam engines, surround the 1,500 seats plus the whole lot is decked out with enough fairy lights to give an eco-warrior a heart attack!
There is an orchestra, a brass band, highland piper, a massed choir....and when '76 Trombones' is played; there is an amazing gathering of cast on stage and promenading trough the audience.
An 18-strong chorus line provides plenty of glamour in costumes ranging from Charlie Chaplin to the Pink Panther. A magical show in a magical setting.
This really is a memorable short break
Thursford Spectacular Turkey & Tinsel
Monday 8 November 2010
5 days from £319, By Coach
One of the UK's top showcases is in a barn, in a field, in the middle of nowhere! but thousands of people come to visit the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk every year. It has now grown into the largest and most spectacular Christmas show in England! With a cast of over 100 beautifully costumed performers, fully choreographed song and dance routines, magical lighting, the sound of the mighty Wurlitzer and a fabulous auditorium, this is, without doubt, THE very best Christmas Spectacular and not to be missed
Trier & Christmas Markets
Monday 29th November 2010
4 days From £229, By Coach
We return for our ever popular tour to Trier, Germany’s oldest city with little squares and a pedestrianised town centre making it an ideal location for a traditional Christmas Market. We include Cochem with half-timbered houses, a fairy-tale castle set on a vine-clad hill and a pleasant riverside promenade.
Valkenburg Christmas Markets
Friday 10th December 2010
4 days From £269, By Coach
We revisit the little Dutch spa town of Valkenburg which comes alive with the advent of its Christmas markets with stalls uniquely located inside caves protected from the elements. We also visit Maastricht, one of Holland’s largest open-air winter fairs with food stalls, ice-rink and a big wheel. We will also go to Bruges for a short visit on our way home.
Winchester Christmas Market
Wednesday 15th December 2010
1 Day Adult £26,Senior/Child £25, By Coach
Popular for its shopping streets and architecture and quirky open air events, Winchester is most well known for its eleventh century cathedral and for the Great Hall which for over 600 years has housed the mysterious Round Table. Winchester College is the oldest continuously running school in the country, whilst the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse, still offers the Wayfarer’s Dole to travellers as it has done for more than eight centuries. Home of good food, birthplace of the modern game of cricket, resting place of author Jane Austen and inspiration to the many craft-makers and artists who live here, Winchester is truly a destination for all seasons. Includes return travel by coach.