Magical Christmas Markets Of Holland & Germany

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: We will arrive today to a warm welcome from the staff at the friendly Walram Hotel, Valkenburg. There will be time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 2: Today we have a day in Valkenburg. Underneath the ruined castle of Valkenburg, centuries-old corridors meander through the yellow marlstone. During the Christmas Season, the residents of Valkenburg transform the extraordinary caves under the city into spectacular Christmas Markets. Shop for decorations and gifts from more than 50 shops inside the Velvet and Municipal Caves. Bright lights and Christmas trees with charming decorations illuminate the caves’ darkest corners. There are various types of merchandise available from hand-blown glass ornaments to jewellery. Enjoy Belgian chocolates or warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and hot-spiced wine; this is truly a magical experience!

Day 3: After breakfast, we make our way to Cologne, the capital of the Rhineland and one of the largest cities in Germany. With its famous Dom warmed up by the glow of festive fairy lights, Christmas markets that zigzag through the old town and the smell of Glühwein in the air, Cologne at Christmas is a sight not to be missed! Cologne’s largest market, located in the city centre, is arguably the epitome of a German Christmas. If the backdrop of Cologne’s almighty cathedral wasn’t spectacular enough, the red-roofed stalls, hundreds of LED lights and a tree so extravagant it's ranked one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe should do it! It’s a great opportunity to wander round the stalls, while admiring the amazing gothic architecture of the cathedral itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will be an amazing day! 

Day 4: This morning we head over the border into Germany once more, to discover the charming town of Aachen. For about four weeks before Christmas, the squares and lanes around Aachen Catherdral and the town hall are transformed into a Christmas village. Twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and Aachener Printen (a kind of gingerbread) wherever you go - and all in a unique atmosphere! Enjoy free time exploring the great old town and its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still often referred to as Aix-la-Chapelle, after Charlemagne’s great Palatine Chapel, now part of its glorious treasure-filled Cathedral, it is a ‘must’ for any art-lover. After our visit, there should still be time to enjoy Valkenburg and perhaps make those last minute purchases before heading for home tomorrow.

Day 5: Today, we must sadly say goodbye and begin our journey home.

Accommodation

Hotel Walram, Valkenburg

The hotel is a firm favourite with visitors and caters for guests from the UK brilliantly.

The 3 star Walram Hotel is in a riverside location, just a 2-minute walk from the centre of Valkenburg. All 105 comfortably furnished bedrooms are equipped with a TV and hairdyer. There is a traditional restaurant, a modern bar and an outside terrace. There is also an indoor swimming pool. There is a lift at the hotel.