Liege and Three Countries Christmas Markets

Day 1

A mid morning departure as we travel to Beverley, a traditional town with a 13th century minster bustling marketplace, boutique shops and historic pubs, time at leisure for lunch before we head to Hull and the overnight sailing with P & O ferries to Rotterdam. A 2 berth lower bed en suite cabin is included along with a 3 course dinner on board. Enjoy the evening entertainment as we sail across the North Sea.

Day 2

Feeling relaxed and after breakfast on board head through Holland to the German border town of Aachen, the Christmas village here is set around the Cathedral and Town Hall, wander around the many stalls and sample some Aachen printen, a local gingerbread, pick up unique gifts and soak in the spirit of Christmas . We leave late afternoon for the short journey to Liege and our 3 night stay at the Mercure hotel. Evening at leisure to sample one of the may local restaurants.

Day 3

A day in Liege for the biggest Christmas Market in Belgium, with over 200 wooden chalets selling great gift ideas including jewellery, traditional wooden crafts, toys as well as a wide range of Christmas decorations, especially handmade baubles for which the market is famous. There is also a myriad of culinary delights to sample including local delicacies such as marzipan, chocolate, gingerbread, mulled wine and Belgium beers. Make sure you spend some time at the market in the evening to fully appreciate the festive atmosphere.

Day 4

After breakfast we head to Valkenburg, an enchanting Dutch town that has a fairytale setting with cobbled streets, charming shops, castle ruins and a labyrinth of Roman underground caves and grottos. Each year these Caves are beautifully decorated with festive market stalls selling all kinds of traditional gifts, sweets, food and drink. Final evening at leisure in Liege.

Day 5

We leave our hosts in Liege and begin our journey north, stopping off in Antwerp, time at leisure for lunch and if you haven't already found that perfect Christmas gift, take time to look around the 100 stalls of the Antwerp Christmas market and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of Glühwein. We leave mid afternoon for the journey to Rotterdam and the overnight sailing to Hull, 2 berth lower bed cabin and dinner included.

Day 6

After breakfast on board, we return home from Hull.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner