dell
New Member
Posts: 10 
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Post by dell on Sept 14, 2014 2:03:09 GMT
Has anyone done a Christmas Markets Tour. Which one? What did you think of the tour? Any tips?
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Post by chech on Sept 14, 2014 12:51:18 GMT
I haven't done one but one thing I have read from those that have is that you have to be aware that with the holidays, there are sites that won't be open, so if one goes with great expectations of visiting a particular site, they risk disappointment if the site is closed. Some areas may have delays due to weather as well. Other than that, I've heard good things.  |
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Post by Oz-T on Sept 14, 2014 22:38:19 GMT
So what's the background to this tour? Is it directed at market squares etc in Europe with the idea you can do your Christmas shopping? Or is it intended that you primarily get to stroll through various markets among other sightseeing?
Trafalgar, in its wisdom (or lack thereof) doesn't seem to advertise this tour very well.
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dell
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by dell on Sept 15, 2014 3:20:10 GMT
Thanks for the tips Chech
Oz-T my understanding is the emphasis is on visiting the markets that are set up in the lead up to Christmas (I think around November) in many towns and cities in Europe. I haven't looked at an itinerary recently but those I recall were mainly around Germany, Austria and Switzerland, though I have read of markets in Italy, France and Switzerland also. I expect they try to fit in some more general sightseeing as well. The markets appear to sell Christmas decorations, seasonal food and drink (mulled wine seems popular) and hand crafted items. Of course, I've not been to these markets so I can't be sure if this is all accurate.
The appeal for me is to experience the feeling of a winter Christmas season - coming from Australia this would be a new experience for DH and I. I also like Christmas ornaments so I'm bound to find a few trinkets to bring home as reminders of the trip. We'd likely do some post-tour travel and spend Christmas and New Year in Europe. I have no idea what year we'll do this - we have had our trip this year, don't think we'll have a trip next year, and already have tentative plans for 2016. It's fun to dream in the meantime.
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Post by Tulips on Sept 15, 2014 10:36:59 GMT
I haven't done one, but a family member has.
She did a River Cruise version offered by Uniworld. She loved it and brought back all kinds of Christmas items.
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Post by auselle on Sept 18, 2014 1:51:55 GMT
Dell, you would love the Christmas Markets tours. I did 2 with Insight in 2012. I did Magical Switzerland which wasn't specifically a Christmas market tour but we saw lots of them and the other was the Winter Wonderland with Christmas Markets which was around Germany and Austria. There was snow everywhere and it was fabulous. The North Americans on the tour couldn't understand our fascination with the snow but when the mad Australians started throwing snowballs the others had no choice but to join in and we had an absolute ball. The atmosphere in the Christmas markets was amazing but don't expect to do your Christmas shopping there. The markets are mainly for the locals and they mainly sell mulled wine and food. There are lots of Christmas decorations too but a lot of them difficult to carry. There are lots of hats and gloves but often expensive. We did train trips through the snow and went to Zermatt and had views of the Matterhorn. Some of my photos look like they were taken in black and white because there was snow covering everything.
The tours are like Oz says, mainly sightseeing but when you are dropped off in any of the towns or cities there is always a Christmas market going on. Some are huge taking over the whole city square and spilling out to the surrounding streets and others in small towns just have a fews stalls.
The funny thing was that everywhere we went, the scenery looked just like a Christmas card but it didn't feel like Christmas because it wasn't hot.
Feel free to ask any questions about the Christmas market tours
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