Your trusted travel partner…

Europe’s Three Countries Christmas Markets

Holidays

November 22, 2024

Europe’s Three Countries Christmas Markets

Explore the fairytale setting of the Valkenburg Christmas Market with its distinctive illuminated caves and passageways, the unique atmosphere of Aachen in its festive splendour, and the beautiful setting of Bruges.

Friday 22nd – Monday 25th November 2024

Tour Price £615.00
Single supplement: £110.00

Get in Touch

Tour includes:

o Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast
o Buffet three course dinner
o Buffet breakfast
o All coach travel
o All ferry crossings (meal voucher included)
o Live music in the evenings
o Excursions to the Christmas markets in Valkenburg, Aachen and Bruges
o Escorted throughout

DAY I We set off early this morning to catch the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, and then journey on to Valkenburg for our three night stay at the Hotel Schaepkens, with stops en route.

DAY 2 Spend a day at leisure in Valkenburg, a fashionable and fortified town situated in the unusually hilly Dutch province of Limburg, and a short walk from our hotel.Valkenburg’s attractions include a castle, museums numerous bars, cafes, and the highlight of the tour – the Valkenburg Christmas Market. The little spa town of Valkenburg comes alive with the advent of its Christmas markets, with stalls uniquely located inside caves protected from the elements and open late into the evening.This is where the Christmas markets are a real experience, where you can walk endlessly in unique and beautiful winter landscapes, where Christmas stimulates all your senses, where Christmas lights are enchanting and where you can have endless fun. Christmas in Valkenburg is a magical affair. Experience it yourself!

DAY 3 Today we head to Aachen in Germany, where the streets and squares around Aachen Cathedral and town hall are transformed every year into a Christmas village.Twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and Aachener Printen (a type a gingerbread) will accompany you wherever you go in this unique atmosphere. It’s no coincidence that Aachen Christmas Market regularly makes it into the top ten best Christmas markets in Europe. For such a small city,Aachen is a melting pot of history and cultures, thanks to its unique location on the German border.You might wish to visit the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval artifacts, including the shrine of Charlemagne, who was buried here in 814 AD. The Rathaus (city hall) is also worth a visit, with the history of Aachen sewn into its very walls – it is colourful, beautiful and boasts an excellent view of the Cathedral.

DAY 4 After breakfast we set off towards home, making our way into Belgium with a stop in Bruges for lunch. Medieval Bruges, known as the Venice of the North, has a beautiful setting and is host to one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Belgium, offering the best of winter products, Christmas gifts and warm gluhwein and snacks.After time to explore here, we continue onto Dunkirk for our return ferry and head homewards, arriving back in the early evening.

Hotel Schaepkens

Family hotel in a beautiful location | Swimming pool & sauna (charges apply)

Lift | Live music performances | Wi-Fi

Testimonials Reviews

Mike was super-professional, and friendly – an excellent ambassador for Heathside. We will hope to book with you again as the comfortable coach and skilled driver contributed greatly to the overall success of the tour.

Pam – Private Hire Customer

October 2024

Our second trip with you has been “wow”- your driver Paul was “excellent” a most capable driver and Terry he made the tour from start to finish fun and full of information.

Barbara & Norman

September 2024

Thank you to everyone at Heathside for a truly wonderful trip to Wakehurst last Thursday. It was so enjoyable. I hope it will be repeated. Thank you very much.

Eunice – Ringwood

July 2024

The guide and driver were both excellent in a way that made you think they had worked together for years. They kept us all entertained, and ably coped with anything thrown at them. The hotel was pleasant. All the trips we did were great fun. We hope to travel with you again soon.

Heart of Wales Traveller

July 2024

Team were excellent. 10/10 service. Russ and Caroline were both very helpful ensuring we were looked after throughout. Hotel and food was lovely and the day trips were very enjoyable. 100% will be doing another trip.

Dutch Bulbfields Traveller

April 2024

My Friend and I have just returned from an amazing trip to the Dutch bulb fields, which was just so enjoyable, made even more so by your lovely driver Russ, and Caroline, who really do make your day with their banter, and their professionalism. I am very much looking forward to another trip next year hopefully. By the way, lovely new coach, so comfy and nice to have some leg room for a change! All in all thankyou for an amazing holiday

Barbara – Verwood

April 2024

Heathside travel provided excellent service to take a large group on a day trip to Bombay Sapphire, which was well organised through the company. Coach was very comfortable and had a pleasant journey. Staff were friendly and informative both on the day and in the booking process. Would definitely consider Heathside Travel for other day trips and services.

Dan

November 2023

Thank you for a splendid day trip to London. The driver was so welcoming and friendly. His driving was excellent. This all contributed to my pleasurable day. Thanks again.

Dorothy – Ferndown

August 2023

Just a note to say how much we enjoyed our trip to Durham – thank you for a good few days. The hotel was ideally placed and comfortable, and we enjoyed the food. Lastly we cannot fault David and Caroline. They both worked hard to make our trip such a pleasure.

Terry & Marilyn – West Moors

July 2023

We have had another lovely holiday with Heathside Travel. Dave and Terry have worked very hard to make sure everything has run to plan and they have succeeded, nothing has been too much trouble for them. Thanks it was amazing.

Rosemary & Doug – West Moors

June 2023

I could not have been more delighted with the service and will definitely be recommending your company to others. I can honestly say that everyone I encountered from first enquiry to booking, to the journey itself were so helpful and friendly. We will certainly be using you again.

Amanda – Christchurch

July 2023