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13 October 2010
Germany is top choice for festive breaks
Latest figures from Shearings show Germany is the favourite European destination for holidaymakers looking for a festive break.
Bookings for the escorted tour operator’s festive markets and Christmas breaks are up by 35 per cent year on year as people look to get into the festive spirit and kick start their Christmas shopping. Easy travel options and the variety of markets on offer, means Germany has become an obvious choice for short festive getaways.
Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings, said: “People are already thinking about their winter and Christmas breaks and are booking early to ensure they get their pick of the markets and dates.
“The European Christmas markets are always a popular choice and it’s easy to see why Germany has become such a favourite, with so much to offer and being easy to reach from the UK, by rail, air or coach.”
To make it easier for holidaymakers to find a festive break to suit their tastes, Shearings has devised a list of its top five destinations for festive holidays with an overview of what each has to offer.
Germany
As the home of the traditional Christmas market and with plenty of options to choose from, visitors can enjoy some of the most magical festive shopping experiences. With stunning backdrops such as Cologne Cathedral, picture postcard half-timbered houses at Cochem and a giant nativity scene in Rüdesheim, this is the perfect setting to get in the Christmas spirit.
Sample tour: Aachen, Cologne & Valkenburg – 5 day holiday by coach departing 28th November & 12th December 2010, includes 3 nights’ half-board accommodation at the Hotel Buschhausen, Bad Aachen, & 1 overnight stop on a bed & breakfast basis, from £224.
Italy
For fantastic scenery and a relaxing break, away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, Italy offers some of the prettiest and most peaceful locations. Lake Como is a favourite festive getaway with its scenic mountain backdrop and stunning waterfront hotels, visitors can truly kick back and enjoy the sights.
Sample tour: Lake Como Christmas All Inclusive – 6 days by air – departs 22nd December 2010, from £559. 8 days by coach (including 2 nights’ overnight stays, 1 half-board, 1 bed & breakfast), departs 22nd December 2010, from £499.
Sample tour: Lake Garda Christmas – Based on the lakefront in the pretty town of Bardolino. 7 days by air – departs 22nd December 2010, from £599. 8 days by coach - departs 21st December 2010, including 2 overnight stays, from £514.
Belgium
One of Europe’s biggest and busiest Christmas attractions, the Brussels Christmas market is packed with foods, arts and crafts with an abundance of traditional seasonal goods. As well as merry-go-rounds and carol singers, the market also features an impressive light show set against the buildings and a huge Christmas tree as the centre piece.
Sample tour: Ostend Christmas – 6 day tour by coach, includes visits to Brussels, Bruges & Ypres, plus a Christmas Eve party and a visit from Santa. Departs 22nd December 2010, for £409.
Sample tour: Antwerp and Brussels – A new 4-day weekend combining two of Belgium’s best Christmas markets; Antwerp and Brussels. Includes 3 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation. Departs Friday 26 Nov and Friday 3 Dec, £209 per person.
Austria
With its spectacular snowy Alpine scenery, Austria has a majestic beauty that will leave visitors breathless. A country steeped in tradition, with picture postcard villages, it provides an ideal setting for those who love a white winter wonderland. For an extra festive treat, visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride from their hotel.
Sample tour: Salzkammergut Christmas Markets – 7 day tour, includes visits to the Christmas markets at Salzburg and Bad Ischl. Departs 5th December 2010, for £369.
France
The festive wonderland of Lille with its 50-metre high big wheel provides incredible views of the city’s Christmas market. Or visit dazzling Paris for the fantastic lights display, open air ice skating and traditional wooden market stalls.
Sample tour: Paris Christmas – 6 day tour by coach, including a guided tour of the city. Departs 22nd December 2010, for £464.
Sample tour: Lille Christmas Market Weekend – 4 days by coach, combining Lille’s spectacular Christmas market with the fairy-tale atmosphere of Bruges Includes 3 nights’ dinner, room & breakfast. Departs 26 Nov and 3 Dec, from £229.
Caroline added: “Whether people are looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit or just escape to somewhere quiet, our range of festive breaks has something to suit all tastes.
“The run up to Christmas is a busy time for most, so our carefully planned tours, staying at quality hotels, have been designed to ensure customers can sit back and enjoy, doing as much or as little as they like.”
To book call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143, visit www.shearings.com or call into a Travel Agent. Please quote DEU040 when booking for the best prices.
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Bookings for the escorted tour operator’s festive markets and Christmas breaks are up by 35 per cent year on year as people look to get into the festive spirit and kick start their Christmas shopping. Easy travel options and the variety of markets on offer, means Germany has become an obvious choice for short festive getaways.
Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings, said: “People are already thinking about their winter and Christmas breaks and are booking early to ensure they get their pick of the markets and dates.
“The European Christmas markets are always a popular choice and it’s easy to see why Germany has become such a favourite, with so much to offer and being easy to reach from the UK, by rail, air or coach.”
To make it easier for holidaymakers to find a festive break to suit their tastes, Shearings has devised a list of its top five destinations for festive holidays with an overview of what each has to offer.
Germany
As the home of the traditional Christmas market and with plenty of options to choose from, visitors can enjoy some of the most magical festive shopping experiences. With stunning backdrops such as Cologne Cathedral, picture postcard half-timbered houses at Cochem and a giant nativity scene in Rüdesheim, this is the perfect setting to get in the Christmas spirit.
Sample tour: Aachen, Cologne & Valkenburg – 5 day holiday by coach departing 28th November & 12th December 2010, includes 3 nights’ half-board accommodation at the Hotel Buschhausen, Bad Aachen, & 1 overnight stop on a bed & breakfast basis, from £224.
Italy
For fantastic scenery and a relaxing break, away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, Italy offers some of the prettiest and most peaceful locations. Lake Como is a favourite festive getaway with its scenic mountain backdrop and stunning waterfront hotels, visitors can truly kick back and enjoy the sights.
Sample tour: Lake Como Christmas All Inclusive – 6 days by air – departs 22nd December 2010, from £559. 8 days by coach (including 2 nights’ overnight stays, 1 half-board, 1 bed & breakfast), departs 22nd December 2010, from £499.
Sample tour: Lake Garda Christmas – Based on the lakefront in the pretty town of Bardolino. 7 days by air – departs 22nd December 2010, from £599. 8 days by coach - departs 21st December 2010, including 2 overnight stays, from £514.
Belgium
One of Europe’s biggest and busiest Christmas attractions, the Brussels Christmas market is packed with foods, arts and crafts with an abundance of traditional seasonal goods. As well as merry-go-rounds and carol singers, the market also features an impressive light show set against the buildings and a huge Christmas tree as the centre piece.
Sample tour: Ostend Christmas – 6 day tour by coach, includes visits to Brussels, Bruges & Ypres, plus a Christmas Eve party and a visit from Santa. Departs 22nd December 2010, for £409.
Sample tour: Antwerp and Brussels – A new 4-day weekend combining two of Belgium’s best Christmas markets; Antwerp and Brussels. Includes 3 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation. Departs Friday 26 Nov and Friday 3 Dec, £209 per person.
Austria
With its spectacular snowy Alpine scenery, Austria has a majestic beauty that will leave visitors breathless. A country steeped in tradition, with picture postcard villages, it provides an ideal setting for those who love a white winter wonderland. For an extra festive treat, visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride from their hotel.
Sample tour: Salzkammergut Christmas Markets – 7 day tour, includes visits to the Christmas markets at Salzburg and Bad Ischl. Departs 5th December 2010, for £369.
France
The festive wonderland of Lille with its 50-metre high big wheel provides incredible views of the city’s Christmas market. Or visit dazzling Paris for the fantastic lights display, open air ice skating and traditional wooden market stalls.
Sample tour: Paris Christmas – 6 day tour by coach, including a guided tour of the city. Departs 22nd December 2010, for £464.
Sample tour: Lille Christmas Market Weekend – 4 days by coach, combining Lille’s spectacular Christmas market with the fairy-tale atmosphere of Bruges Includes 3 nights’ dinner, room & breakfast. Departs 26 Nov and 3 Dec, from £229.
Caroline added: “Whether people are looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit or just escape to somewhere quiet, our range of festive breaks has something to suit all tastes.
“The run up to Christmas is a busy time for most, so our carefully planned tours, staying at quality hotels, have been designed to ensure customers can sit back and enjoy, doing as much or as little as they like.”
To book call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143, visit www.shearings.com or call into a Travel Agent. Please quote DEU040 when booking for the best prices.
