It’s never too early to start planning your Christmas getaway. Kick off the festive season in style with one of these bucket-list tours through Europe, USA and Canada.
Europe’s Christmas markets
They might have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages but festive season marketplaces are now a familiar and increasingly-popular sight right across Europe.
Here are four 2018 Christmas Market tours from Collette you won’t want to miss.
Magical Christmas Markets
Experience the 600-year-old tradition of Christkindlesmarkt from your base in Austria’s charming alpine town of Innsbruck.
You will travel by train to Seefeld, where you’ll enjoy a schnapps tasting and a traditional carriage ride through town. You will also journey to Salzburg, home of the musical Sound of Music, for traditional food and local craft markets.
Cross the border into Germany to explore the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, former home of the eccentric King Ludwig, before exploring the village favourite of Oberammergau, host of the once-in-a-decade spectacular, Passion Play 2020.
Of course, there’s also plenty of history and charm to explore in Innsbruck itself.
Duration: 6-days
Meals: 8 meals included
Christmas cruise on the Danube
Cruising the rivers of Europe is a leisurely and luxurious way to enjoy its many charms. And the Danube is one of its most spectacular waterways.
This Christmas on the Danube tour starts in the beautiful Austrian capital of Vienna and finishes in the ancient Franconian wine town of Wurzburg.
Browse famous Christmas markets along the beautiful Danube; explore the 900-year old Benedictine Melk Abbey; drift through the pretty Wachau Valley; marvel at the site of the first stone bridge built over the Danube in Regensburg; take a walking tour of Passau; and stroll the historic streets of Germany’s picturesque Nuremberg.
Duration: 8-days
Meals: 19 meals included
Classic Christmas Markets
Experience a classic European Christmas as you tour the 600-year-old Christkindlesmarkts of Germany, Austria and France over nine glorious days.
Here you will walk through some of Europe’s largest and most famous markets in some of its best preserved medieval towns.
The Nuremberg Christmas Markets date back to 1628 and it’s here you’ll also view the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main.
You’ll also visit the magnificent 18th-century residence of the prince-bishops and discover Strasbourg’s Petit France and its quaint market stalls huddled around the imposing cathedral.
Of course, shopping and eating are a big part of Christmas. You’ll find plenty of time to browse for cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers and hummel figurines in Oberammergau, and delight in local cuisine such as spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves and roast sausages. Be sure to wash it down with a glass of locally German made warm Gluhwhein!
Duration: 9-days
Meals: 11 meals included
START THE NEW YEAR IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA
Leading up to New Year’s, Pasadena, in California, is abuzz with preparations for the traditional Tournament of Roses Parade. A salute to the community, the festival of flowers, music and sports is more than a century old.
These tours include a special sneak-peek before the parade as the final touches go on the magnificent floats that are adorned in colourful flowers; a special band performance for your tour group; a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance; and reserved seats at the big parade.
Two tours are available to ring in the new year California style, with tickets to the parade included.
California’s New Year’s Getaway (Los Angeles & Pasadena)
Duration: 5-days
Meals: 5 meals included
Southern California’s New Years’ Celebration (as above, + San Diego extension)
Duration: 6-days
Meals: 7 meals included
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WINTER WONDERLAND
There’s something special about a winter getaway in the snow. Here are two winter wonderland tours that will deliver the white Christmas you’ve always dreamed of.
Winter in Yellowstone National Park
Lose yourself in the colourful winter wonderland that is Yellowstone National Park, in the US west. Get up-close to wildlife on a sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge, where hundreds of elk roam in their natural habitat.
In Yellowstone, board your snow-coach for a tour of the park’s most stunning scenery. Take a brisk walking tour led by a local expert as you learn about the history of the famous Old Faithful geyser, as you view the spouting natural phenomenon in action.
In Lamar Valley, travel through picturesque Caribou Targhee National Forest for stunning views of the Grand Tetons.
Duration: 6-days
Meals: 7 meals included
Canada’s Winter Wonderland
It’s a fairy-tale Christmas in two of Canada’s most historic hotels – the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, a Victorian style lodge, and the Fairmont Banff Springs, the “Castle in the Mountains.”
Travel from Edmonton to Jasper, taking in the snow-covered landscape along the route. Go for an exhilarating snowshoe trek and nature walk while surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Set off on a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride and finish the day with a hot drink, as you relax in front of a roaring fire. A truly magical way to discover Alberta.
Duration: 7-days
Meals: 8 meals included
CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT TOURS
Delve into the Christmas festivities in two of the most loved cities in the world; London and New York City.
Christmas in London
One of the world’s favourite cities, London is always decorated in the finest of holiday cheer. Explore London’s colourful Christmas markets, the beautifully decorated department stores and the bustling streets on a privately guided panoramic tour of the city.
See the Norwegian fir in Trafalgar Square, shop at the famous Harrods department store, and admire the beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral and the lights of Buckingham Palace.
You will also stroll the Christmas markets in the university town of Oxford and indulge with a festive dinner at a traditional British pub.
Duration: 6-days
Meals: 7 meals included
Spotlight on New York city holiday
Start spreading the news – New York City comes alive at Christmas time with events and holiday decorations like you’ve never seen.
Spend four nights in the heart of Midtown close to Central Park’s ice-skating rink and Times Square.
The five day journey will include a Broadway show and the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall with the world famous Rockettes live on stage.
Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; explore the Empire State Building and visit the haunting 9/11 Museum and Memorial.
There’s plenty of free time to enjoy in New York as well. For some Christmas cheer, head to 5th Avenue and take in the window displays at one of the many department stores and admire the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Square.
Duration: 5-days
Meals: 5 meals included
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