DESTINATIONS FESTIVE BREAKS | CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Spend Prague
RIGA, LATVIA NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS In Latvia, Christmas markets are seen as a place for the local community to come together to celebrate – and Riga, with its tight-knit maze of stalls, is a good place to start. Festive markets here promise something unique.
Visitors can expect to sample local traditional delicacies, such as grey peas and bacon, and in terms of shopping, the markets are a chance for traders to sell specialist items, including handmade wooden goods, furs and knitted socks. Be sure to take in the many colourful Christmas
trees around the capital city – it is said the tradition of decorating trees began in Latvia over
500 years ago. Book it: A three-night trip to Riga can be booked through Newmarket Holidays from £374, including accommodation in the Old Town.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC ABERCROMBIE & KENT One of Europe’s premier Christmas market cities, Prague comes alive during the winter months. The two main markets are just a five-minute
walk from each other – in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square – with others taking place in Republic Square, Kampa Island, Havel’s Market and by the castle. The markets are full of brightly decorated wooden huts, where traders sell festive ceramics, glassware, puppets and decorative lace. When it comes to food, dumplings, ham and sausage are always a popular choice, but clients will also spot trdelník, a sugar and walnut-covered pastry. More adventurous travellers can also try
the traditional Czech Christmas fish soup. Book it: A three-night city break in Prague with Abercrombie & Kent starts at £640.
abercrombiekent.co.uk
INSIDER insightinsight Ashley Dellow,
head of retail sales, Leger Shearings Group
“Christmas market breaks are very popular with mother-daughter combinations, couples and
friend groups of all ages, allowing agents to tap into a variety of
demographics. One up-selling tip is to suggest turning a Christmas markets short break into a longer holiday, combining the Christmas markets with other attractions. Another selling tip is to suggest an all-inclusive Christmas markets holiday; the agent receives
commission on the full price and the customer gets a great deal.”
THE DOLOMITES, ITALY SHEARINGS Despite its strong Christian heritage, Italy might not be the first place you think of when it comes to selling Christmas market breaks. But up in the mountainous north, clients will find many towns that have cultural influences from Austria and Switzerland. Places such as Merano, Bressanone and Bolzano all have quaint markets situated in picturesque squares, where visitors can sample mulled wine and gingerbread snacks. The scenery is also a highlight. Where better to get into the festive spirit than in the middle of a beautiful mountain range surrounded by snow-
covered peaks and breathtaking panoramas? Book it: Shearings offers a seven-day trip to the Italian Dolomites from £609, including three evening meals and an optional excursion to the Grand Dolomite region.
shearings.com
² 38 20 OCTOBER 2022
travelweekly.co.uk
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