Day 1 - Wednesday 23rd December: St Petersburg
St Petersburg welcomes you! Tonight, you’ll meet your travelling companions at our welcome meeting. Your tour leader will recommend some great local bars and restaurants, so you can sample the Russian nightlife and test out the festive spirit! Overnight – St Petersburg

Day 2 - Thursday 24th December: St Petersburg
Make the most of the following two days to take in the highlights of St Pete’s, the jewel in Russia’s imperial crown! This morning enjoy a guided walking tour where you'll stroll down Nevsky Prospect to visit the beautiful Church on Spilled Blood and other sights. This afternoon is free for you to visit the fabulous Winter Palace, once home to the Tsars but which now houses part of the treasure filled Hermitage. The Hermitage boasts the world's largest art collection. Overnight - St Petersburg.

Day 3 - Friday 25th December: St Petersburg
Celebrate Xmas day with your new found friends! Consider opting for our St Pete's City Pass (full details below). The pass is top value with guided visits to Peter and Paul Fortress, Pavlosk Palace and the world's largest cathedral, - St Isaac's! There's plenty of sightseeing packed in our pass, plus guiding, entrance fees, transportation and a fab Xmas lunch to be enjoyed. For those not attending the excursion, spend the day at leisure. Overnight – St Petersburg

Day 4 - Saturday 26th December: Snow!
It’s time for some fun in the white stuff today as we head to the outskirts of St Petersburg, where there is the opportunity to test out your winter sports skills and enjoy a picnic lunch. You can hire equipment for sledging, mountain skiing or skating. This evening we board the overnight train to Moscow. Incl. Picnic lunch & overnight – train.

Day 5 - Sunday 27th December: Moscow
Welcome to Moscow, the city that kept Bond busy!  At the legendary Red Square, we enjoy a guided walk of Moscow’s city centre, where we’ll view the wildly coloured, turban domed, St Basil’s Cathedral.   The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Kremlin – Russia’s political power house, with its gold-domed cathedrals and tsar bell. This evening why not test out Moscow’s thriving underground club scene! Overnight - Moscow.

Day 6 - Monday 28th December: Moscow
Spend the day at leisure, checking out the highlights of mighty Moscow. The best way to get around is with a metro pass and be sure to take the circle line to view the opulent marble clad, chandelier lit, underground! Pay your respects to the grandfather of Communism at Lenin’s mausoleum and spare some time to browse around the famous GUM department store! The city also offers amazing galleries, museums, plenty of cafes, shops and bars all within walking distance. Overnight - Moscow.

Quality hostel accommodation including breakfast
Guided tour in St Petersburg and Moscow
Picnic Lunch on Day 4
Services of English speaking guide
Overnight Train - St Petersburg to Moscow

Celebrate the festive season amongst the amazing archaeological sites, the Pyramids, The Sphinx, Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel.
Day 1 - Cairo
Your Egypt travel adventure begins with you being met at Cairo airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the vibrant city of Cairo

Day 2 -- Cairo- Aswan
An early start after breaakfast, as we join our local Egyptologist guide we will visit the Pyramids and Sphinx, where we also include a camel ride, and have a tour of the Egyptian History Museum, before catching the evening overnight train to Aswan. You may want to bring an eye-mask and travel pillow for this journey.

Day 3 - Aswan
Aswan awaits! Today there is an optional visit to Agilika Island to tour the Philae temple, including a Nubian dinner. Or a free day to relax and explore Egypt's southern most city, shop in the colourful souks and watch the amazing sunset over the River Nile. Overnight Aswan.

Day 4 -Aswan
This morning you have the option to visit the incredible Sun Temple monuments at Abu Simbel in the desert south of Aswan . This afternoon we board the feluccas and start sailing down the majestic Nile River.

Day 5 - Felucca
Another day relaxing on the feluccas. Originally introduced by the Romans, these traditional sailing boats use only wind power, and occasionally oars. We have between 5 and 10 people per boat, with 2 crew. We will sleep on board over night as well as stop off at riverside villages and sandy beaches. A canopy can be erected as protection from the sun during the day and wind or dew at night. (Three meals included)

Please note that bedding is not provided on the feluccas so you should bring your own sleeping bag and a towel. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SWIM YOU MUST INFORM YOUR TOUR LEADER BEFORE BOARDING THE FELUCCA.

Day 6
Today we enjoy guided touring of the waterside Temple of Kom Ombo. Journeying onward we visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu en-route to the ancient capital of Thebes. At over 4000 years old Thebes (Luxor) is a living museum and the jewel in Egypt's archaeological crown. This evening we tour Luxor Temple - majestically illuminated by thousands of spotlights. Shafts of artificial light stream from the mammoth columns and intricately carved lintels the architectural brilliance of the temple is magnified with dramatic effect. Luxor Temple is one of only a few temples open for night time viewing and quickly becomes many travellers favourite. Overnight Luxor.

Day 7 - Luxor
Early morning motor boat launch to Luxor's West Bank and travel to the imposing Temple of Hatshepsut. Afterward we visit the legendary Valley of the Kings and the massive pair of statues know as the Colossi of Memnon. If you're up for some dizzy excitement then why not do hot air ballooning over ancient Thebes beforehand - it's fabulous at sunrise! Later this evening climb aboard the overnight train to Cairo.

Day 8 - Cairo
A free day to explore Cairo! Perhaps visit the famous Khan-al-Khalili bazaar to haggle for souvenirs, belly dancing costumes and spices! Or why not join us on an optional city tour visiting Islamic Cairo, the Citadel and Mosque of Salladin, the Coptic area and Hanging Church. Overnight - Cairo.

Day 9 - Cairo
Tour ends after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Airport transfer to and from Hotel
First Class Overnight Train return Cairo to Aswan
Service of an Egyptologist Guide
Felucca Sailing on the Nile (two days)
3 Star en suite Hotel Accommodation
Transport during the trip
7 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Services of Tour Leader

This is a land-based tour, starting and finishing in Marrakech. Some of the amazing highlights of what you will experience are: the UNESCO-listed market place Djemâa el-Fna,; the UNESCO-listed fortified kasbah city of Aït Benhaddou; drive through the Gorge du Dades; witness the beginning of the Sahara Desert at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes; take a camel trek into the desert and sleep under the stars at a Berber style camp; explore the Todra Gorge and witness the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 1 - Friday 18th December
Welcome to Istanbul where you will be transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the old city, Sultanahmet. The remainder of the day is yours free to explore. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 2 - Saturday 19th December: Istanbul old city
Tour the city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace , Underground Cistern and the Hippodrome followed by a group welcome dinner this evening. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 3 - Sunday 20th December: Gallipoli battlefields
Today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Johnston 's Jolly and the Kaba Tepe Gallipoli Museum . Overnight Guzelyali.

Day 4 - Monday 21st December: Troy , Pergamum
Step back in time today as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum . Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Overnight Kusadasi.

Day 5 - Tuesday 22nd December: Ephesus , Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus . Walk down Marble Road towards the Celsus Library and Grand Theatre and immerse yourself into the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. We also visit the Selcuk Museum before a Leather goods display. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy . Overnight Kusadasi.

Day 6 - Wednesday 23rd December: Pamukkale, Hierapolis , Fethiye
Take a dip in the hot springs in the magnificent white calcium formations of Pamukkale, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis . Overnight Fethiye.

Day 7 - Thursday 24th December: Christmas Day in Demre
Today we visit Demre, home of the original St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), where he lived as Bishop of the area. We visit his church and tomb before heading to Finike for Christmas dinner. Overnight Kemer.

Day 8 - Friday 25th December: Perge, Aspendos
A tour of the ancient ruins of Perge will impress you with the Seleucid walls, which have survived remarkably well over time. Close by, we also tour Aspendos, which is known for its theatre. One of the best preserved theatres of Asia Minor , this impressive theatre is still used today. Its galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect's success. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 9 - Saturday 26th December: Konya , Cappadocia , Caravanseray
Today we visit the Mevlana Museum . The Mevlevi order of whirling dervishes is a mystic group whose members are followers of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi - a great Turkish poet and mystic. The brotherhood is based in Konya where its founder is buried. En-route, we stop at an ancient Silk Road Caravanseray, before we trek through the beautiful Ihlara Valley . Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 10 - Sunday 27th December: Underground city, Goreme, Uchisar castle
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley , the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle, Derinkuyu underground city and more. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 11 - Monday 28th December: Nation's Capital Ankara
Today we visit the nation's capital, Ankara , with a tour of the Ancient Civilisation Museum . Overnight Istanbul. (Optional flight to Istanbul from Cappadocia )

Day 12 - Tuesday 29th December: Istanbul
After breakfast our tour concludes and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

Inbound airport transfer from Ataturk airport to your hotel
Outbound airport transfer from Ataturk airport from your hotel
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
10 nights 4 star, 1 night 5 star hotel accommodation with breakfast
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners

Please note that there is also the option of a single supplement for an additional £159 if you are travelling alone and wish to have your own private room.

In 2008 our Christmas in Prague packages were extremely popular and why wouldn't they be - Prague is a beautiful city at any time of year but absolutely magical during the silly season. Masses of Christmas markets, rich culture and history, limitless activities to do and places to go makes Prague the perfect destination for those wanting to celebrate Christmas in Eastern European heartlands!

Day 1 - Wednesday 23rd December:
After making your way to Prague , please head to our hostel any time from 2pm onwards where you will be able to check in to your allocated rooms and meet your tour representative. The group is invited to get together tonight to again meet your tour leader, meet each other, and have a chat about what is in store over the next few days. The bar is open late so you can kick your feet up with a nice cold Staropramen (or two) or rest up for the big days ahead. Welcome to Praha!

Day 2 - Thursday 24th December:
Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic is generally considered the most enjoyable day of the Christmas holiday. Most shops and restaurants are closed but the Christmas Markets are open until Midday so we will start the day by hitting one of the many fantastic Christmas Markets to find a little something special for Secret Santa gifts and to get us in the festive mood. Early this afternoon we will join our local English speaking guide for a walking tour of Prague . The tour lasts a couple of hours and is an excellent orientation and introduction to this amazing city.

Tonight the group will come together at the hostel bar for a Christmas Eve drinks .

Day 3 - Friday 25th December:
Merry Christmas! Today is a free day to enjoy the city or perhaps nurse a sore head! The Christmas Markets are open today as are most bars, restaurants, shops, theatres, opera, concerts and sight seeing tours. Alternatively head back into town to catch one of the many religious Masses and/or soak up the atmosphere by listening to carol singers!

This afternoon we will join together again for a traditonal Czech Christmas dinner.
Day 4 - Saturday 26th:
Today, your tour leader will take you to the neighbouring village of Kutna Hora to explore the famous bone church and other interesting historical monuments.
Alternatively, you are welcome to stay in Prague and further explore this awesome city! Perhaps visit Prague Castle, walk to the top of the Astronomical Clock, take a cruise up and down the Vltava, or we can arrange an optional excursion to Staropramen Brewery.

This evening the group will join together to enjoy the party life that Prague is famous for. Some touches of Jazz followed by epic nightclubs perhaps?!

Quality hostel accommodation including breakfast
 Day trip to Kutna Hora including entrance into the famous Bone Church
Christmas dinner
Guided city orientation tour
Services of a First Festival Travel Tour Leader

Following on from Paddywagon's massive success in 2008 we have decided to return to the Dingle Peninsula for our 2009 Christmas extravaganza.

You'll see all the highlights of  Ireland in great, relaxing detail.  We'll serve you a nice packed lunch and refreshments from the cute baby-wagon on Clogher Beach on Christmas Day, afterwards you might join the traditional Christmas Day swim in the wild Atlantic with the friendly locals!! Then enjoy a 4 course Christmas dinner in your very own Irish pub!

Day 1: - Dublin to Belfast
Leave Dublin 's Paddy Palace at 8am and we begin our Christmas adventures at Drogheda where you'll see the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett (executed 1681) in St. Peters Cathedral. Cross the border at South Armagh and a fascinating evening in Belfast awaits. We strongly recommend the world famous Black Taxi tour (optional) to view the Peace wall and political murals.

  Day 2: - Belfast to Historic Derry
A glorious touring day! Cruise the Beautiful North Coast. You'll walk the UNESCO world heritage site that is the beautiful Giants Causeway, our incredible geological wonderland - 60,000 hexagonal basalt colums stretching up from the ocean high into the sky as if an offering to the ancient gods! Our legends tell us they were built by heroic Celtic Giants, our geologists tell us they were built by violent voolcanic eruptions millions of years ago! Onwards then to take fantastic photos of Dunluce Castle, the McDonnell fortress,world famous because it's kitchen collapsed into the ocean during a great feast.
Evening arrival in Historic Derry. Guided Tour of the City Walls (1613) and bogside district, scene of Bloody Sunday (1972).

Day 3: - Derry to Galway
This morning we'll drive down through Donegal, home of Enya and Sligo, home of the boyband Westlife!  You might wish to take an optional seaweed bath in the surf town of Strandhill. We'll visit Knock, Ireland's sacred pilgrimage site before arriving in beautiful Galway, Irelands party City, in enough time for you to stroll to the Spanish arch, Claddagh area and join the last minute Christmas shoppers in bustling shop street!

Day 4: - Galway to Dingle Peninsula
'Tis Christmas Eve babe' goes the famous Irish song. Today you will have the wild atlantic ocean by your side as we cruise down the West Coast. Run around the lunar landscape of the Burren before gazing in awe at the majesty that is the cliffs of moher. Overnight on the magical Dingle Peninsula in the charming little Irish village of Anascaul. We’ll check into your very own Irish Village Hostel. Then the Randy Leprechaun pub awaits! A traditional hot Whiskey reception awaits! Lively music and chat. Mix with the locals by the big turf fire... and of course there is the fun-filled Christmas eve karaoke, a hilarious mix of song from the lovely local Irish and travellers from many far flung lands!

Day 6: - Dingle Peninsula to Dublin
Cross the Cork & Kerry Mountains  to visit the Rock of castle Dunamase in the golden vales of County Tipperary. You'll make your way up through the battle fields of "Braveheart" to Dublin for our grand finale - Visit phoenix Park, Europes largest! 5,000 Red Deer running wild, the Papal Cross and Aras an Uachtarain (the home of our beloved President Mary)  

100% Irish approved tour guide
Transport within Ireland
5 nights multi-share hostel accommodation
5 breakfasts
4 course Christmas dinner with wine
Free packed lunch on the beach
Gift from Santa on the big day
All entrance fees and a free pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse

A real Christmas cracker, ideal if you have wee bit more time to really see the magnificent Highlands covered in a blanket of snow.  Over the next 5 days you will take in some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in Europe as well as having the time of your life meeting some really great people

Our extended Christmas tour leaves Edinburgh on December 24th and includes fantastic overnights in the Highlands, between Glencoe and Fort William , and legendary Loch Ness. The highlight of the trip is a night in a haunted Highland castle for the best Christmas party ever!

Day 1: 24th December
Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the Forth Bridges, through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. We will stop at Dunkeld to visit the beautiful Cathedral and hear gruesome tales of the Wolf of Badenoch who was buried there.  We then head north to the Pass of Killicrankie where you will hear tales about the Jacobites and Bonnie Dundee. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' tv show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain set in the Cairngorm National Park.  We then pass over the Kessock Bidge with views of the Black Isle and Cromerty Firth as we head for our lavish evening accommodation in a haunted Highland castle!

Day 2: Christmas Day
Christmas Day will never be the same again. After a good night’s sleep and a quick breakfast, we’ll depart for our journey north over Bonar Bridge. On the way take in the views of Dornoch Firth, and Dornoch town's picturesque Cathedral.  Frolic on the amazing sandy beaches and stop off at the spectacular Falls of Shin. Unlimited fresh air will mean no more hangovers!  A few snow ball fights and snowman building attempts will set you up for the slap-up Christmas feast awaiting our return to the castle.  After a delicious meal you can grab a partner and work off some of your Christmas indulgencies Ceilidh dancing!


Day 3: Boxing Day
This morning we travel west through Sutherland with views of Suilven, a spectacular mountain ridge before arriving at the picturesque fishing town of Ullapool.  We will stop off at the impressive Corrieshalloch George and then onto the stunning Beauly Priory before passing through Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness for a quick photo stop at Urquhart castle.  Our home for the night is the fantastic Morag’s Lodge at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.

Day 4: 27th December
Our first stop of the day is  Loch Gary (Scotlands' Loch) We take the road to the Isles past Loch Cluanie  through Glen Shiel before stopping at Eilean Donan castle.  We then cross over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye.  Here we will see ruins of castle Moil and hear about the famous’ Saucy Mary'.  We travel through Broadford and stop at Sligachan Bridge to hear all about the Faeries, Selkies and local characters who have contributed to the rich history of this magical island as well as magnificent views of the Black & Red Cuillin.  Next stop is Portree, Skye’s main town and then travel onto the Old Man of Storr, the Quirang and then finally Kilt Rock before returning back to Morag’s Lodge for the night.

Day 5: 28th Decmber
Our last day will take us past Loch Oich and the Well of the 7 Heads - find out the story of the 1554 Battle of the Shirts!  It’s then onto the Commando Memorial before arriving at the Great Glen and Fort William.  It’s then onto haunting Glencoe, Rannoch moor and the Black Mount before stopping for lunch.  We travel past Ben Lawers, Glen Ogle, Loch Lubnaig and hear tales about Rob Roy.  We will stop in the Trossachs at Kilmahog to say hello to Hamish the Hairy coo.

Our journey home will take us past Stirling castle and the Wallace monument as we drive north on the motorway returning to Edinburgh between 5 & 6pm.

*This tour can also begin in London *

Tour guide
Transport
All dorm accommodations and breakfasts
Mulled wine on arrival at the Castle

Join us for an unforgettable Highland Castle Christmas Adventure Totally flexible, you make your own way to Edinburgh , in time for check-in on Christmas Eve at 8.15am for our legendary Christmas Castle Special !

Day 1: December 24th
Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the Forth Bridges, through Perthshire - surrounded by mountains, forests and salmon packed rivers. We will stop at Dunkeld to visit the beautiful Cathedral and hear gruesome tales of the Wolf of Badenoch who was buried there.  We then head north to the Pass of Killicrankie where you will hear tales about the Jacobites and Bonnie Dundee. Lunch is in the small village of Kingussie, made famous by the 'Monarch of the Glen' tv show. Then it's off to lonely Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last major battle in Britain set in the Cairngorm National Park.  We then pass over the Kessock Bridge with views of the Black Isle and Cromerty Firth as we head for our lavish evening accommodation in a haunted Highland castle!

Day 2: Christmas Day
Christmas Day will never be the same again. After a good night’s sleep and a quick breakfast, we’ll depart for our journey north over Bonar Bridge. On the way take in the views of Dornoch Firth, and Dornoch town's picturesque Cathedral.  Frolic on the amazing sandy beaches and stop off at the spectacular Falls of Shin.* Unlimited fresh air will mean no more hangovers!  A few snow ball fights and snowman building attempts* will set you up for the slap-up Christmas feast awaiting our return to the Castle.  After a delicious meal you can grab a partner and work off some of your Christmas indulgencies Ceilidh dancing! 

Day 3: 26th December
Winding our way down the West Coast of Scotland back to Edinburgh in a leisurely manner, we'll visit the monstrous Loch Ness, mysterious Glen Nevis and haunting Glencoe - areas that formed the backdrop to the movies "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy", then across the wilds of Rannoch Moor (watch out for the Stags)and south past historic Stirling, arriving back at Edinburgh around 6pm. Just in time for a last chance to explore Edinburgh

Tour guide
Transport
All dorm accommodations and breakfasts
Mulled wine on arrival at the Castle

Day 1:
W e leave behind the hustle and bustle of the big city and fill our lungs with fresh air en-route to the mountains and valleys of Britain 's only Principality, the majestic Wales ! After crossing the mighty Severn Bridge we visit the border town of Chepstow and continue along the Wye valley to the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey, inspiration for William Wordsworth. We take an afternoon walk in the Brecon Beacons then it's off to Pantyrathro for the night, to eat, drink and sing!

Day 2:
Bleary eyed we'll head to Hay on Wye, the town of books, a great place for stocking fillers.  Then we'll plot our course north, heading over the mountains and far away, with plenty of stops for photos and then continue North and onto the farmhouse.  After dinner sit back and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 3:
Wake up to a Christmas morning like nothing you have experienced before! Today is something special. After a cooked Christmas breakfast, we head to the hills (possibly covered with snow!) to explore the wild Welsh landscape of Snowdonia. Then after exploring this country in all its glory we return to the log fire of the farmhouse for Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!

Day 4:
Another cooked breakfast is just what is needed to get us out on the road again. After we journey through the country roads of North Wales we head across the border to England with a stop at the home of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon . Once back in London , you will be wishing you were back in the mountains!

Transportation
Accommodation including an authentic Welsh Farmhouse
Christmas Eve Supper and Christmas Day Dinner
Breakfasts

Come and enjoy the festive season with this one day excursion to Brugge.  We can provide you with a chance to visit this medieval town and enjoy a day of shopping!  Browse around the stalls and hunt for the best bargains, this tour offers a great chance to get those stocking fillers! 
Known as The Venice of the North," Brugge is Belgium 's most visited town.  Situated on a network of waterways, Brugge is the perfect place to cruise on a canal, visit one of the many Chocolatiers and indulge in the infamous Belgian chocolates. Whatever you prefer, the charm and festive ambience of this wonderful city is sure to work its magic!

Departure Dates:
Saturday 5th December
Saturday 12th December
Saturday 19th December

Luxury coach travel
Return cross channel ferry crossing
Services of a Tour Manager

Our day trip to Lille is a chance to sample the Eurostar high speed train service from London , combined with time spent in one of France 's larger but nonetheless, stylish cities.  Excellent for shopping and sightseeing, Lille is a real mix of old and new and a former winner of the accolade - European City of Culture.

This trip promises a chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere and fantastic Christmas shopping in Lille !

Departure Date:
Saturday 5th December

Return Eurostar travel
Services of a Tour Manager
Maps of Lille
Plenty of free time to shop,visit the museums, enjoy the local restaurants and bars

Join us this festive season to explore these lovely markets. Based around the grounds of the stunning cathedral, you will have plenty of time to shop for all those Christmas goodies for family and friends. This market is not one to be missed with brightly coloured stalls in a cobbled square and the smell of chestnuts roasting and hot mince pies in the background.  The sweet sound of choirs singing carols in the crisp December air and the festively decorated cathedral will warm your heart!

Departure Date:
Saturday 5th December

Return luxury coach transport
Services of a Tour Manager
Plenty of time to explore the markets

Few places in Britain seem to exude Christmassy moments in the way York does.  Surrounded by history that stretches back to the first century AD, York 's narrow cobbled streets, medieval buildings and towering Minster naturally lend themselves to Christmas-card cosiness.

Discover the exceptional talents of dedicated craftsmen, visit made in Yorkshire . Exhibiting an inspiring range of products, including furniture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings, glass and wood .

Departure Dates:
Saturday 28th November - St. Nicholas Fayre

Return train travel
Guided sightseeing tour of York
Services of a Tour Manager
Plenty of time to explore the festive-themed events!

Few places in Britain seem to exude Christmassy moments in the way York does.  Surrounded by history that stretches back to the first century AD, York 's narrow cobbled streets, medieval buildings and towering Minster naturally lend themselves to Christmas-card cosiness.

Saturday 12th December ONLY: The Festival of Angels is a two-day outdoor free festival organised by traders in the small area of York city centre called 'The Quarter' as a thank you to all their customers over the previous year.
The area is closed off to traffic and a series of ice sculptures are placed along the streets, along with outside food and drink stalls, some street entertainment, and everything is dusted with snowflakes which fall from the upper storeys of the buildings.
The Festival is a favourite with York residents and visitors and it's a relaxing break from the hectic side of Christmas, full of the spirit of Christmas.

Departure Dates:
Saturday 5th December 2009
Saturday 12th December 2009 (Festival of Angels)

Return train travel
Guided sightseeing tour of York
Services of a Tour Manager
Plenty of time to explore the festive-themed events!

Experience 4 Belgian towns in one very festive weekend!

Belgium is famous for its beautiful countryside, waffles, fries, beer & chocolate! The Belgian's know how to do Christmas in style, with Christmas Markets throughout December in all the major cities offering traditional gifts, illuminations and live entertainment!

Brugges Christmas Markets
There can't be many settings more beautiful at Christmas than medieval Brugges, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and horses and carts plodding by. The Christmas market on the main square forms a ring around an open-air ice rink. Colourful lights illuminate festive stalls crammed with Christmas goodies, where shoppers can browse tables laden with elegantly-packaged chocolates, brightly-coloured sweets and unusual hand-made decorations. After a hard day's shopping, cosy bars offer distinguished local beer to relax with.

Brussels Markets
Brussels prepares for Christmas with a festive market, extending across the Bourse (stock exchange), Marché aux Poissons (fish market) and Place Sainte Catherine. Over 200 stalls from all over Europe offer traditional arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-made Christmas tree decorations and Belgian chocolate. For those who tire of shopping, an ice-rink is also set up at the fish market.

Would-be ice skating champions can enjoy the festive spirit on the outdoor ice-rink on Brussels ' Place Sainte Catherine. The main rink gives you plenty of space to practise your pirouettes, and there's a little rink next to it for kids.

The fun starts late-morning and carries on into the evening. Drifting round the rink hand-in-hand with your loved one can be a romantic way to enjoy the seasonal festivities, and the big wheel and merry-go-rounds in the square help to make this a memorable experience.

Ostend Christmas Market and Ice-Skating Rink
Ostend has its very own Christmas Market and ice-skating rink. Head to the city's main square for lots of winter cheer with music provided by a live DJ, food and mulled wine.

Antwerp Markets
The Grote Markt ( Market Square ) in Antwerp hosts a Christmas market every December. Visitors can stock up on decorations, sip mulled wine under the Christmas tree and purchase seasonal produce. There are also carol concerts in the evening.

Departure Date:
Friday 4th - 6th December

Return Luxury Coach & Ferry Travel
2 nights hotel with breakfast in Oostende
Visit to Brugge
Visit to Brussels
Visit to Antwerp
Plenty of free time to explore each city
Plus services of a Tour Manager