23 Nov 11 DERTOUR Late Offers to Berlin, Bremen and Dresden
Dertour has a selection of late offers available to Berlin, Bremen and Dresden. The reduced weekend breaks are available now and depart on 16th December with flights to Dresden on the 25 November and 2nd December from London Airports.
The tailor-made Christmas markets specialist, Dertour, has a selection of festive breaks available to the beautiful city of Berlin along with romantic holidays to the historic cities of Bremen and Dresden. These fantastic Christmas markets include some romantic accommodation options on a three and four star basis. These Christmas market breaks include return flights to London Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Berlin Christmas Markets – £235pp (was £263pp)
Head to Germany’s capital city on 16th December to stock up on Christmas gifts and goodies at Berlin’s Christmas markets. Priced from £235 per person (was £263pp) to include return flights from Heathrow and two nights on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Atrium Charlottenburg Berlin.
Bremen Christmas Markets – £243pp (was £347pp)
Head to Bremen Christmas market on 16 December to stock up on seasonal gifts and goodies. Priced from £243 per person (was £347pp) to include return flights from Gatwick and two nights on bed and breakfast bases a at the thee star Garden Hotel Bremen.
Dresden Christmas Markets – from £359pp
Christmastime transforms the city on the River Elbe into a winter wonderland. Dresden’s Christmas market, traditionally called Striezelmarkt, is one of Germany’s largest and oldest markets, dating all the way back to 1434. Nowadays over 230 lovingly decorated stalls of Dresden’s Striezelmarkt offer a wealth of festive regional arts and crafts; from wooden ornaments made by skilled wood carvers of the Erzgebirge mountain villages to Indigo-printed textiles and pottery from Lusatia, and from wickerwork and Plauen lace to sought-after paper Advent stars from Herrnhut.
Dertour’s weekend packages to Dresden include return flights from Heathrow to Dresden and two nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in the four star centrally located Pullman Dresden Newa Hotel. Based on two people sharing. Departures on 25 November and 2nd December.
About DERTOUR:
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency specializing in holidays to popular European destinations. DERTOUR has a wealth of experience catering for a wide range of Christmas markets, including Berlin Christmas markets and Bremen Christmas markets, along with breaks to the Dresden Christmas markets as well as a wide selection of German and European Christmas markets.
DERTOUR is part of German holiday specialist DERTOUR GmbH & Co.KG with over 85 years of holiday experience.
For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0207 290 1111 email tours@dertour.co.uk or log onto http://www.dertour.co.uk
Tags: berlin christmas markets, bremen christmas markets, Christmas Markets, dresden christmas markets, German Christmas Markets
08 Nov 11 DERTOUR Late Offers the German Christmas markets
Dertour has a selection of late offers available to the German Christmas markets. The reduced Christmas market breaks are available now and depart from London Airports.
Our tailor-made German christmas markets breaks specialist, Dertour, has a selection of holidays available to the beautiful cities of Berlin and Munich including traditional breaks to the beautiful cities of Dresden and Nuremberg. These remarkable Christmas markets incorporate some great accommodation options on a bed and breakfast basis. These weekend breaks include return flights to London Gatwick and London Heathrow with good transport links.
Berlin Christmas Market – £223pp (was £250pp)
Head to Germany’s capital city on 9th December to stock up on Christmas gifts and goodies at Berlin’s Christmas markets. Priced from £223 per person (was £250pp) to include return flights from Heathrow and two nights on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Golden Tulip Hotel Park Consul Berlin.
Munich Christmas Market – £227pp (was £270pp)
Head to the beautiful Bavarian city of Munich on 9th December to stock up on Christmas gifts and goodies at its Christmas markets. Priced from £227 per person (was £270pp) to include return flights from Heathrow and two nights on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Arthotel Munich.
Christmas Market Break to Dresden – from £219pp
Christmastime transforms the city on the River Elbe into a winter wonderland. Dresden’s Christmas market, traditionally called Striezelmarkt, is one of Germany’s largest and oldest markets, dating all the way back to 1434. Nowadays over 230 lovingly decorated stalls of Dresden’s Striezelmarkt offer a wealth of festive regional arts and crafts; from wooden ornaments made by skilled wood carvers of the Erzgebirge mountain villages to Indigo-printed textiles and pottery from Lusatia, and from wickerwork and Plauen lace to sought-after paper Advent stars from Herrnhut. Dertour’s weekend packages to Dresden include return flights from Heathrow to Dresden and two nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in the four star centrally located Pullman Dresden Newa Hotel. Based on two people sharing. Departures on 25 November and 2nd December.
Best for Romance (and Gingerbread!) – Nuremberg – from £330pp
Nuremberg is picture-perfect, with a castle over-looking the city giving the perfect romantic backdrop. It also happens to be where the famous Christmas gingerbread, Lebkuchen, was invented! Depart Gatwick on 2nd December for a two night break in Nuremberg to experience its Christmas Market, set in the heart of the city’s Old Town, and consisting of 180 festive wooden stalls decorating Nuremberg’s twinkling Market Square. This weekend break is priced from £330 per person (based on two sharing) to include two nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Leonardo hotel and return flights from Gatwick.
About Dertour:
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency specializing in holidays to popular European destinations. DERTOUR has a wealth of experience catering for a wide range of German Christmas markets along with breaks to a wide selection of European Christmas markets DERTOUR is part of German holiday specialist DERTOUR GmbH & Co.KG with over 85 years of holiday experience.
For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0207 290 1111 email tours@dertour.co.uk or log onto http://www.dertour.co.uk
Tags: berlin christmas markets, Christmas Markets, dresden christmas markets, German Christmas Markets, nuremberg christmas markets
28 Oct 11 A Week at the Cologne Christmas markets
During the festive period there is nowhere better to celebrate the winter festivities than by visiting the magical Cologne Christmas markets. The city provides visitors with seven romantic Christmas markets and with a unique market to visit every day of the week there is plenty to see and do during the holidays.
The romantic Cologne Christmas markets
With seven markets to choose from, all with their own special event programme, the Cologne Christmas markets attract thousands every year. This charming city is filled with the smell of slow roasting chestnuts and freshly made cakes whilst the streets and courtyards are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights giving the city a golden glow.
At the centre of this historic city, the Christmas market in the Old Town provides a traditional escape from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. The “Home of the Gnomes”, as the market is affectionately known, is where you will find a wide array of stalls selling handicrafts and trinkets that make the perfect gifts for loved ones at Christmas time.
Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas markets can be found in the shadows of the gothic Cathedral. The Cathedral provides a romantic backdrop for couples on romantic holidays to the city, who can relax in the many cafes and wine bars throughout the city sipping warm mulled wine and dining on some of Germany’s finest cuisine. With over 150 beautifully decorated stalls selling an array of handmade ornaments and a seemingly unlimited supply of local treats and delicacies, the Cathedral Market is a must for visitors.
One of the most romantic Cologne Christmas markets is on board the “MS Wappen von Mainz”. As Europe’s largest floating market, the event is popular with tourists who come to sample this unique experience. Located on the waterfront of the river Rhine the market offers the opportunity to experience some of the finest views of the city whilst sipping on a glass of warm mulled wine. Whilst located directly on the waterfront, the maritime harbour market with its beautifully arranged pagoda tents sells a variety of culinary delights from all over Germany. The market has an exciting events programme including pirates and sailors entertaining audiences and providing the market with a unique nautical theme.
Cologne’s oldest Christmas market, set on the Neumarkt shopping square in the shadows of the St. Aposteln church, is popular with families with plenty for the children to see and do. One of Europe’s largest ice rinks, the Heumarkt rink, is located nearby, boasting 2,000 square metres of space for visitors to practice their skills.
The Christmas village at Stadtgarten is also popular with families with attractions and Christmas concerts entertaining the crowds. This relaxing market is situated around Cologne’s oldest park supplying traditional local food and handicrafts, making the perfect gift for loved ones at Christmas time.
Experience the thrill of the Brothers Grimm fairytales with the Christmas Market situated on the Rudolfplatz within the grounds of the Hahnentorburg medieval gate house which features fairy tale characters and amazing illuminations to invigorate audiences. Popular with children and adults alike, the market enchants visitors with its tales and live shows.
German Christmas markets make the perfect winter getaway
The many villages, towns and cities situated throughout Germany transform into spectacular displays of light and colour during Christmas time. The traditional timbered huts and stalls selling mulled wine and culinary delights line the streets making the German Christmas markets some of the most captivating in Europe. Historic buildings are illuminated by thousands of lights and decorations whilst the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts and festive treats fills the air.
From traditional markets in Hamburg and Cologne to the exciting capital of Berlin, Christmas markets in Germany attract thousands of visitors each year. The Cologne Christmas markets provide visitors with a diverse selection of attractions and events entertaining visitors every year.
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in Christmas Markets including the popular Cologne Christmas markets, taking travellers to the heart of Europe. DERTOUR caters for a large range of budgets, ensuring that anyone can experience the true culture of Germany and other popular destinations within Europe.
Tags: Christmas Markets, cologne, cologne christmas markets, German Christmas Markets
18 Oct 11 DERTOUR Late Offer to Hamburg and Paris
Tailor-made city breaks specialist, Dertour, has a selection of weekend breaks available to the beautiful European cities of Hamburg and Paris. These remarkable city breaks incorporate some great accommodation options on a bed and breakfast basis. These weekend breaks include return flights to London Gatwick with easy transport links.
We have a selection of tailor-made breaks to the Hamburg Christmas markets this winter, including a selection of weekend breaks available to the beautiful French city of Paris. This remarkable Christmas market break incorporates some great accommodation options on a bed and breakfast basis. These weekend breaks include return flights to London Gatwick with easy transport links.
4* WEEKEND IN HAMBURG £226pp (was £267pp)
The city of Hamburg offers an historic short break to one of Germany’s oldest cities. A weekend break departing from London Gatwick airport on 11 November is priced from £226 per person (reduced from £267pp) to include two night’s accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four star Hotel Boetcherhof and return flights.
3* WEEKEND IN PARIS £238pp (was £259pp)
The Dutch city of Amsterdam offers a vibrant short break with a great mix of culture, cafes and nightlife. A weekend break departing from London Heathrow airport on 11 November is priced from £238 per person (reduced from £259pp) to include two night’s accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Alane Hotel and return flights.
About DERTOUR:
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency specializing in holidays to popular European destinations. DERTOUR has a wealth of experience catering for a wide range of Christmas markets breaks, including Paris Christmas markets along with breaks to a wide selection of German and European Christmas markets.
DERTOUR is part of German holiday specialist DERTOUR GmbH & Co.KG with over 85 years of holiday experience.
For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0207 290 1111 email tours@dertour.co.uk or log onto http://www.dertour.co.uk.
Tags: Christmas Markets, european christmas markets, German Christmas Markets, hamburg christmas markets, paris christmas markets
11 Oct 11 DERTOUR Late Offers to Paris and Frankfurt
Tailor-made breaks to the German and European Christmas markets are available with travel specialist, Dertour. The travel specialist has a selection of weekend breaks available to the beautiful German city of Frankfurt and the French city of Paris. This remarkable city breaks incorporates some great accommodation options on a bed and breakfast basis. These weekend breaks include return flights to London Gatwick with easy transport links.
WEEKEND IN PARIS £258pp (was £285pp)
Head to Paris, the city of love, for a last minute trip. A weekend break departing from London Heathrow airport on 28 October is priced from £258 per person (reduced from £285pp) to include two night’s accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three star Best Western Bercy Rive Gauche and return flights.
WEEKEND IN FRANKFURT £221pp (was £259pp)
Head to the German city of Frankfurt for a last minute trip. A weekend break departing from London Heathrow airport on 28 October is priced from £221 per person (reduced from £259pp) to include two night’s accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four star Memphis Hotel and return flights.
About DERTOUR:
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency specializing in holidays to popular European destinations. DERTOUR has a wealth of experience catering for a wide range of Christmas markets breaks, including Paris Christmas markets along with breaks to a wide selection of German Christmas markets such as the Frankfurt Christmas markets.
DERTOUR is part of German holiday specialist DERTOUR GmbH & Co.KG with over 85 years of holiday experience.
For more information or to book please contact DERTOUR on 0207 290 1111 email tours@dertour.co.uk or log onto http://www.dertour.co.uk.
Tags: Christmas Markets, european christmas markets, frankfurt christmas markets, German Christmas Markets, paris christmas markets
03 Oct 11 Experience real German tradition at the Hamburg Christmas Markets
The magic awaits at the Hamburg Christmas markets
Discover the mystique and charm of the traditional Hamburg Christmas markets in Germany this Winter. Hamburg has some of the most remarkable Christmas markets with six markets to choose from. Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, the beautiful city of Hamburg is surrounded by waterways and canals that intertwine their way through the city.
The Christmas market at the old Hamburg Town Hall is a celebration of local hand-made food and hand-crafted toys, gifts and decorations. The famous ‘Printen cookies’ from the master bakers of Aachen are regular visitors to the event, displaying all of their traditional treats and craftsmanship. The market which runs from the 21st November until 31st December includes local silversmiths and woodcraftsmen from all over Germany and Europe.
In addition to visiting the market at the Hamburg Town Hall, many visitors flock to the Christmas market at the Hamburg Winter Dom. The market is popular with families and young children as its fair attracts many visitors from all over Europe. The traditional rides and carousels thrill people of all ages whilst the many festive stalls add to the nostalgic party atmosphere that thrills crowds every year.
The city carnival displays the colourful atmosphere of the city with rich German heritage to create a spectacular celebration of colour and life. Along with the Christmas markets at St. Peter’s Church, Santa Pauli and at the Jungfernsteig, the Hanseatic Christmas Market in Gansemarkt square delivers on all fronts, giving visitors a taste of traditional German festivities along with gastronomic amounts of food and drink to truly make your Christmas spectacular. Getting to the centre of the Hamburg Christmas markets by train from the UK couldn’t be easier, with high speed rail links making travel to Hamburg and the other Christmas market cities quick and easy.
Enjoy a festive trip to the German Christmas Markets
The enchanting German Christmas markets attract thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The seemingly untouched city streets and townhouses offer visitors a unique look into the past, making Germany the ideal location for traditional Christmas markets. As a strong part of the German culture, the markets offer locals the chance to display their hand-made craftsmanship and culinary delights to show the world how Christmas is really done.
Many people visit the markets as they are fed up of the commercialism that surrounds the Christmas markets in the UK, where organisations exploit the festive period for their own gain, forgetting the tradition behind the occasion. The festivities in Germany are a tribute to the country’s traditional heritage and local produce.
The smell of hot chestnuts roasting on the fire and warm gingerbread baking in the oven lures customers to the many stalls and vendors at the nostalgic German Christmas markets. With so many Christmas markets around Germany, it can be a tough decision when choosing which one to visit. In general if you are looking for a quaint relaxing break, the traditional markets in the smaller towns and cities such as Baden-Baden can be the ideal location. If you have a family with younger children, the Hamburg Christmas markets such as the Hamburg DOM make the perfect Christmas getaway. With a Christmas market in almost every town and city, there is ample opportunity to experience both sides of the German Christmas market festivities.
Hamburg is the destination of choice for thousands of people looking for unique festive experience with many packages and deals to cater to every taste.
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in Hamburg Christmas Markets including popular German Christmas Markets, taking travellers to the heart of Europe.
Tags: Christmas Markets, DERTOUR, German Christmas Markets, hamburg christmas markets
09 Aug 11 Take a Festive Break at the Berlin Christmas Markets
Experience Winter Magic at the Berlin Christmas Markets
The German Capital is a city of change and has been through many transformations. Shaped by cultural influence and conflict, this buzzing metropolis is a popular tourist destination attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This pulsating city makes for the perfect destination for a Christmas Market. The Berlin Christmas Markets offer an incomparably festive experience, with Christmas magic flowing from every street corner and from the many market stalls and events held in and around the city.
The Christmas Market Capital of Germany is packed with visitors each year, filling the city’s squares, boulevards and side streets. Make sure you visit the many vendor booths that specialise in Christmas themed presents and festive trinkets that make the perfect gift for family and friends.
Christmas Markets for everyone
With Christmas Markets located in almost every area of the city, Berlin has a number of markets to explore with around 60 markets located within the Capital. Each market is original and offers an array of experiences to capture the imagination of visitors and locals alike.
Possibly the most popular Christmas Market in Berlin can be located within the grounds of the Charlottenburg Castle. This beautiful market accentuates the colourful culture of the city. With its stunning architecture and statues, the castle is a site to behold. For more than 35 days over the festive period, the castle grounds play host to over 100 vendors offering handmade crafts and traditional culinary delights, filling the air with rich festive fragrances. The stalls themselves are decorated in regal red and gold colours with twinkling lights lacing the roofs of the stands and taverns of surrounding pubs and restaurants.
The market has a varied entertainment programme with traditional music in the form of Gospel groups, as well as acrobats entertaining the crowd. Along with fire artists and dance groups, visitors are enticed to participate, allowing them to take the Berlin Christmas Spirit home with them. Another popular Christmas Market is located at the Potsdamer Platz and is a particular favourite with visitors to the city. This immense market is located within the Sony Centre and offers many attractions to invigorate the senses. The many food stalls and stands sell traditional delicacies and handcrafts to give the visitor a real flavour for German culture.
For those of us who enjoy a thrill, the “Winter World” at the Christmas Market holds the largest temporary toboggan run in Europe as well as an ice rink to keep the whole family entertained.
A trip to the Berlin Christmas Markets wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the most remarkable market squares in Germany. The “Gendarmenmarkt” Christmas Market is a display of the creativity Berlin has on offer. The market features exhibitors of fine art and sculptures as well as creations of a more edible nature. Some of the best traditional chefs and brewers have their produce on display, allowing visitors to sample the best delicacies the city has to offer as they wander through the stalls. Whilst tucking into a hot meal, visitors are able to watch the amazing fire artists, acrobats and classical singers that entertain audiences each year.
The Christmas Markets in Berlin provide visitors with a real taste for German culture along with an entertainment schedule to rival any festival. This Magical city is truly a sight to behold at Christmas time.
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in Christmas Markets including the popular Berlin Christmas Markets, taking travellers to the heart of Europe. DERTOUR caters for a large range of budgets, ensuring that anyone can experience the true culture of Germany and other popular destinations within Europe.
Tags: berlin christmas markets, Christmas Markets, German Christmas Markets
18 Jul 11 A Guide to the German Christmas Markets – Christmas Markets for everyone
German Christmas Markets bring magic and festive cheer to the whole family
Each year Santa Clause does his rounds he seems to leave Germany with that little bit more magic. The traditional German Christmas Markets are becoming more and more popular each year with the magic of Christmas spread throughout the countries many villages, towns and idyllic cities. Nobody celebrates Christmas like the Germans, with lavish displays of fine festive food and light displays that fascinate more and more visitors each year.
In the UK we are used to commercialised Christmas’s where each household spreads the same decorations and consumes the same food; we seem to have lost the real essence of Christmas. If you are looking to get away and experience a romantically traditional Christmas, then Germany is the place for you.
Christmas Markets Guide and Event Information
If you want to experience the romanticism of the Christmas festivities then the Berlin Christmas Market is the one for you. Germany’s capital is packed with visitors each year with seven equally festive markets to choose from. The Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is a spectacular location steeped in history and tradition, the Christmas market is located in its grounds and includes over 150 vendors from Germany and all over Europe. The equally impressive market at the Sony Centre in Potsdamer Platz is also a beautiful location with many gastronomic stalls selling local delicacies, handmade ornaments and beautifully carved decorations. Together with markets at the Gendarmenmarkt, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Spandau, Staatsoper and Opernpalais, Berlin have all you could want at Christmas time.
Along with Berlin, Cologne attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience some of the most traditional festivities that Germany has to offer. Cologne has eight spectacular Christmas Markets to choose from with the largest located beneath the city’s Gothic Cathedral, the Alter Markt, Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz, each attracting almost 2 million visitors. The largest Christmas tree in the world can be found at the enchanting market shadowed beneath the towering Cathedral with over 140 stalls selling a wide selection of festive treats and handcrafts. The Santa’s Grotto located at the centre of the market at the Old Aldstadt is equally as iconic and a popular destination for families with young children.
As one of the most picturesque cities in the world and known locally as the ‘Venice of the North’, Hamburg is a beautiful city at Christmas time with glamorous buildings and quaint maritime ships docked along the city’s river ways. The largest market is located outside the town hall that is the hub of entertainment for the city. The many stalls are extravagantly decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and decorations with the air filled with sweet fragrances and the sound of merry music. The city’s quaint bridges and architecturally brilliant walkways make getting around the city easy and accessible.
With one of the oldest, most traditional Christmas Markets in the world, the cosmopolitan city of Munich transforms into a Winter Wonderland at Christmas time. Draped in shimmering snowflakes and festive decorations, the Christmas Markets in Munich are commonly known for the outlandish decorations and activities on offer.
German Christmas markets at locations such as Mainz, Nuremburg, Potsdam, Stuttgart and Wiesbaden along with many others are known for their extravagant traditions, setting them apart from other European Countries. Christmas in Germany is a magical experience and the perfect answer for a winter getaway whether it is a romantic trip or a family holiday, the festivities in Germany are sure to impress.
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in Christmas Markets including the popular German Christmas Markets, taking travellers to the heart of Europe. DERTOUR caters for a large range of budgets, ensuring that anyone can experience the true culture of Germany and other popular destinations within Europe.
Tags: Berlin Christmas market, christmas market, Christmas Markets, german, German Christmas Markets, germany, Holidays in Germany, munich christmas market
09 Jun 11 Twelve Days at the Cologne Christmas Market
The Cologne Christmas Market offers events for all the family
What better way to enjoy your holidays with your loved ones than to spend twelve days of Christmas marvelling in the glorious sights, smells and sounds of the Cologne Christmas Market? Each year, the city of Cologne is overcome by enchanting festivities in the build up to Christmas, and this year is sure to be no exception. Whether you are travelling on your own, as a couple or as a family the Markets have something for everyone. From the awe inspiring Christmas Markets situated in the grounds of the Gothic Cathedral in the heart of the city, to the lively nightlife of the Alter Market Christmas Market, you are sure to have a fantastic time.
Christmas Markets with a difference
The Market situated in the shadow of the spectacular Cathedral is considered the most emphatic Cologne Christmas Market. With over 150 charming festive stalls selling a vast array of decorative ornaments, Christmas gifts as well as boundless amounts of local delicacies and treats, the Cathedral Market is sure to impress.
A family favourite and one of the largest Christmas Markets in the city, the Alter Markt is positioned at the centre of the Old Town. Encompassing a large selection of timbered stalls and shops, the Alter Markt is a bustling centre of fun and excitement. Children will find lots to do here, including a festive themed fair, puppet theatre and Santa’s grotto, where the famous “Heinzelmannchen” gnomes are said to be watching over the proceedings.
A unique attraction to the city, the floating Christmas Market on board the “MS Wappen von Mainz” is considered Europe’s largest floating Christmas Market. Relax on the decks with a glass of mulled wine taking in the views of the Cologne Christmas Market located within the Old Town and Cathedral.
Considered the Oldest Christmas Market in the city, known locally as the Angels Market for the glowing lights that surround the area designed with a unique “starry night sky” theme. Visitors will be fascinated by the glamorous products and gifts on offer from the charming stalls located in the glorious setting of the St.Aposteln’s Church.
Situated next to Cologne’s popular Chocolate Museum the Harbour Christmas Market is surrounded by charming scenery. Right on the waterfront of the River Rhine, this elegant market promotes a theme of sailing with nearby roofs shaped like ship sails, this popular attraction offers products and foods from around the world and exciting performances from local artists.
The Medieval Christmas Market located on the banks of the Rhine is sure to thrill the history lovers among us. Taking you back to the Middle Ages, craftsmen and artists tell stories and tales of the past whilst offering unique handmade products of impeccable craftsmanship.
Enter the world of the Brothers Grimm fairytales, the Christmas Market with a Tale to tell. Situated on the Rudolfplatz within the grounds of the Hahnentorburg medieval gate house, the market includes fairy tale characters and amazing illuminations to invigorate audiences.
The market located at the centre of Heumarkt square offers a unique experience that offers thrills for all ages. One of Europe’s finest ice rinks, the Heumarkt rink boasts 2,000 square metres of space for visitors to hone their skills.
There is no better way to end your time at the Christmas Markets than to visit the market at Stadtgarten. A great place to wind down after a busy trip, the relaxed village atmosphere offers traditional local produce and crafts to browse at your leisure whilst sipping on a glass of warmed mulled wine.
Cologne is the destination of choice for thousands of people looking to enjoy a unique festive experience including the Cologne Christmas Market and there are many packages and deals to cater for everyone.
Tags: christmas market, Christmas Markets, cologne christmas market, cologne christmas markets
25 Nov 10 Win a Christmas Market break on Facebook
Specialist Christmas market tour operator, DERTOUR is running a Facebook competition where you can win a fantastic short break to a European festive market.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is go to http://www.facebook.com/dertour to enter the prize draw for free, ‘like’ the DERTOUR page and state what your favourite Christmas tradition is before 12 noon on 13 December 2010.
Christmas markets boast a long and interesting history and one of the oldest of its kind was first held in 1434. The stalls found in Christmas markets usually sell a range of Christmas decorations and souvenirs that are often handmade by local businesses, children and charities. A firework display may mark the opening of the markets along with nativity plays and copious amounts of dancing and Christmas carol singing.
As the markets are usually held on the streets, the stalls are temporary and range from basic tables to wooden huts and shacks. A tall Christmas tree will often boast centre stage at Christmas markets and decorations will be for sale at the various stands. Christmas cookies and seasonal gifts are usually on sale as opposed to gifts that don’t have a Christmas theme found in shops and stores. Warm drinks accompanied by hot snacks are often found in these traditional markets.
DERTOUR has been organising Christmas market breaks since 1961, so is expert at what makes a traditional visit to the many festive markets across Europe. It offers breaks to over 50 Christmas markets across Europe, including Cologne, Zurich and Prague as well as smaller ones such as Erfurt.
Prices for holidays start from just £230 per person for a two night break in a three star hotel on bed and breakfast basis, including return flights from Gatwick.
Media Contact:
Charlotte Wray
+44 (0)207 290 1111
About DERTOUR:
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with nearly 50 years of experience specialising in holidays to Europe including to the popular German Christmas Markets, giving travellers the opportunity to indulge in the spirit of Christmas. DERTOUR caters for a wide range of budgets to popular Christmas destinations within Europe.
For more information visit www.dertour.co.uk
Tags: Christmas Markets, German Christmas Markets, win a holiday
