DESTINATIONS CHRISTMAS MARKETS | FESTIVE BREAKS
DRESDEN, GERMANY TRAFALGAR Rows of wooden huts, classical music in the background, lots and lots of glühwein – Germany is the iconic Christmas market destination, so much so that others across the world have tried their best to mimic its style. But why settle for an imitation when you can
immerse yourself in the real deal? There are authentic Christmas markets in almost every German village, but the best is arguably in Dresden – it’s the oldest in the country, and was responsible for making stollen famous. Alternatives include Nuremberg, famous for its handmade decorations and gingerbread hearts, and Frankfurt, where the market is set inside the
historic Paulsplatz square. Book it: An eight-day German Christmas Markets tour with Trafalgar covers all the key markets, with lots of options for added excursions. Prices start at £1,675 per person.
trafalgar.com
Vienna SELLING tips tips
Becky Francis, sales director EMEA, TTC Tour Brands “Christmas market season is such a special time to see some
of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Not all Christmas markets are the same. We offer trips that take in Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
Hungary and the Czech Republic, and each has its own specialities. Some of the bigger markets are
great for variety, others are better for an intimate atmosphere, for
Splurge
travelweekly.co.uk
scenery, for gifts and toys, for ice skating, food or fairy lights. So do a bit of research to inform your clients what might suit them most.”
VIENNA, AUSTRIA INSIGHT VACATIONS The Austrian capital turns into a sparkling city of light for several weeks between November and January, as the smell of hot wine and freshly baked pretzels fills the air. Like its neighbour Germany, Austria is known for going all out at Christmas, and Vienna has plenty of stalls selling arts and crafts for decorating trees and homes. If it all gets a bit too chilly, clients can warm up in one of the city’s famed coffee houses with piping hot drinks and decadent cakes. Smaller markets are a feature in other Austrian cities, including Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt, where you can sample a similarly
magical atmosphere. Book it: Insight Vacations offers an eight- day Christmas Markets of Austria and Bavaria tour, with prices starting at £1,584 including accommodation and some meals.
insightvacations.com
BRUGES, BELGIUM AUDLEY TRAVEL With a reputation for producing great beer and chocolate, Belgians know how to have a good time – and it’s particularly evident during Christmas market season. The main market in Bruges is built around a shimmering ice rink in the shadow of the 83-metre- tall belfry tower in Grote Markt, where clients can wander between stalls sampling cheese-filled croquettes, cups of hot chocolate and crisp waffles. For a slightly larger offering, head to Brussels,
where huts are complemented by traditional rides such as a Ferris wheel and carousel. Another option to suggest to clients is to pop over the border into Luxembourg City – it turns into a winter wonderland with several concerts
and workshops throughout December. Book it: A 10-day Grand Tour of Belgium & Luxembourg starts at £5,380 with Audley Travel and covers several cities and historical sites.
audleytravel.com
20 OCTOBER 2022
41
PICTURES: Shutterstock/1000 Words, ecstk22, rustamank
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
