Luxury coach tour to Christmas Markets.
TOUR INCLUDES
- 3 nights in family run Hotel Platz Aachen
- 2 nights on Hull to Zeebrugge ferry with cabins and all meals
- 5 dinners and breakfasts
- All transfers and excursions
HOTEL
COST
€499 pps
£399 stg
Single supplement €95 (£76stg)
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ITINERARY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
Board ferry 8.30am Dublin to Holyhead.
Leisurely drive across the Pennines to Hull with rest stops en route. Board ferry Hull to Zeebrugge at 7pm. Overnight cabins provided.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
After disembarking we continue our journey to Aachen stopping en route for a visit to Antwerp, known as the Diamond centre of the world and City by the Water. Antwerp has a long and magnificent tradition as a diamond city. Since the 15th century the city has played an important role in the diamond trade and industry. After the port, the diamond industry is the second pillar of commercial activities. Some 1500 diamond companies are concentrated in the city centre. Elegant showrooms offer the visitor fascinating tours and the opportunity to visit interesting exhibitions. A guided tour of a diamond factory can be arranged. The port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe, is one of the ten largest ports worldwide and also the most productive. A cruise on the river Scheldt can be arranged also. Overnight Aachen city centre hotel, dinner and breakfast provided.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
Spend a free day in Aachen to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the market. There is a festive fair around the market and town hall every year before Christmas. The square and streets round Aachen town hall are transformed into a paradise of lights and colours, festive sounds and seductive smells. The glorious fair in the Christmas city, which has been erected with great care and sentiment, fascinates both old and young. The enormous choice between original, stylish and precious goods helps small and big dreams come true. It is not surprising that the Aachen Christmas markets have become an absolute “must” for all people of Aachen and visitors also. Stay overnight in Aachen with dinner and breakfast provided.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
Enjoy a full day excursion to Köln to visit their famous Christmas markets and cathedral. The city of Köln offers six Christmas markets in total. The four main markets are at Cologne Cathedral, on the Alter Market, on the Neumarket and on the Rudolfplatz. Every year these four markets attract almost two million visitors. There is plenty of entertainment on offer, with a variety of concerts, nativity scenes and a huge temporary ice rink on Heumarkt. Stay overnight in Aachen with dinner and breakfast provided.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10TH
After breakfast we retrace our journey back to Zeebrugge, stopping en route for a visit to Brugge, the famous medieval town known as the ‘Venice of the North’. We can visit their Christmas market or simply enjoy the surroundings of their market square with the belfry. You could take a horse drawn carriage ride to the Lake of Love, or visit a chocolate factory or a lace making shop for some demonstrations. There are lots of little shops where you can buy anything from Christmas goods to clothing as well as any type of food, snacks and drinks. Very tasty Gluehwein herbal wine specially made to drink warm will be served. We board the ferry at Zeebrugge for our 7pm departure with overnight cabins provided.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH
Disembark in Hull with a pleasant drive to Holyhead for 2.30pm ferry. Arrive into Dublin at 5.30pm.
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