Experience a European Christmas market short break
If you have always wanted to experience the magic of a European Christmas Market short break, but you're not sure which one to choose then look no further.
Specialist tour operator Fred. has launched its 'Christmas Markets and Winter Breaks' brochure featuring European Christmas Markets and Winter City Breaks as well as tailormade options for Winter 2014/15. New destinations include more 'off-the-beaten track' locations including Wurzburg, Wiesbaden, Lubeck, Ludwigsburg and Bremen as well as a new river cruise.
With over 35 towns and cities featured in destinations including Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Belgium, as well as river cruising. A full tailor-made service is also available. Flight and rail inclusive options are available, as well as river cruises. Fred. has put together a quick guide so that you can see which Christmas market break is perfect for you!
A new river cruise, 'Christmas on the Rhine', has also been introduced. This seven night cruise between Amsterdam and Basel also includes Cologne and Speyer as well as an optional excursion to Heidleberg. Priced from £1,987 per person to include seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation with all meals included, return flights and the services of a professional cruise manager.
Best for 'first time' Christmas Market Visitors - Overall prices start from £219 per person for a two night Christmas market break to Brussels – including return rail from London , two nights accommodation at the three star Hotel Ibis Ste Catherine on bed and breakfast basis (based on a twin-room share). This is probably the best Christmas market for you if you've never been on a Christmas market short break as the city makes an excellent introduction to the Christmas market short break concept!
Best for 'off the beaten track' - Ludwigsburg - Each year, this charming medieval town lays on a unique Christmas market experience where 'King Friedrich the First' parades through the market in his robe every Saturday. The narrow winding streets, historic squares and the smell of traditional German Lebkuchen (gingerbread) makes this a unique Christmas Market experience.
Fred. offers a Christmas Markets short break to Ludwigsberg priced from flights from £329 per person to include return flights between London and Stuttgart and two nights at the three star Best Western Hotel Favorit on bed and breakfast basis. Based on two people sharing. Valid from 25 November – 23 December.
Best for 'a romantic break' - Dresden – Known as one of Germany's most romantic cities, Dresden has a number of Christmas markets including a charming medieval market with its costumed stall-holders and medieval re-enactments.
Fred. offers a Christmas Markets short break to Dresden priced from £369 per person to include return flights between London and Dresden and two nights at the three star Holiday Inn Express City Centre on a bed and breakfast basis. Based on two people sharing. Valid from 27 November – 24 December.
Best for 'hand-made Christmas gifts' - Eisenach/ Wartburg Castle - situated in the old stone courtyard of Wartburg Castle, which is perched on a steep hill overlooking the picturesque town of Eisenach, this medieval themed Christmas market is perfect for those looking to find that extra special gift. Watch glass blowers, stone cutter and candle makers at work as they create unique gifts that you won't find anywhere else. This particular Christmas Market is available on weekends only rather than daily.
Fred. offers a Christmas Markets short break to Eisenach, priced from £279 per person to include return flights between London and Erfurt and two nights accommodation at the Hotel Eisenacher Hof on bed and breakfast basis. Based on two people sharing. Valid from 25 November – 21 December.
Best for 'Families' - Leipzig – This German city is a great find for families at Christmas as it has a ferris wheel and family entertainment and stalls on the market square and children can 'meet' Santa in the city's Fairy Tale Forest.
Fred. offers a Christmas Markets short break to Leipzig, priced from £369 per person to include return flights between London and Leipzig and two nights at the four star Mercure Hotel Leipzig am Johannisplatz on bed and breakfast basis. Based on two people sharing. Valid from 25 November – 23 December.
Best for 'history & culture' - Budapest - Explore Hungary's vibrant capital city and enjoy the many historical sights and attractions it has to offer. The enchanting Budapest Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square feature over 100 wooden stalls selling a unique array of arts and crafts which reflect Budapest's rich and dynamic cultural heritage. You can also enjoy delicacies such as mulled wine, sweet Hungarian pastries, roasted chestnuts and other market snacks.
Fred. offers a Christmas Markets short break to Budapest, priced from £269 per person to include return flights between London and Budapest and two nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the three star Best Western Hotel Orion. Based on two people sharing. Valid from 16 November – 30 December. Other airports are available on request.
For bookings and information, visit fredholidays.co.uk.
