Only 120 Days…….

Till what?  Christmas that is!! Ok, I know I may be slightly mad talking about Christmas but it is a lovely time of the year. It is also the time of all those wonderful Christmas markets around the country and of course even better overseas. Have you ever been to a Christmas market say in Bruges or Copenhagen? If not, you have missed a treat, they are great places to buy different presents, and have a good wander around, soak up the atmosphere and perhaps have a drink (or two) of some lovely mulled wine!

What better way too then to visit a Christmas market whilst on a cruise.  No weight restrictions on luggage which means you can bring home as much as you like and once your on board put your feet up, enjoy some great food and hospitality, surely that equals the start of a good Christmas season for you all?

One of my favourite Christmas markets has to be Bruges. The Grote market is not far away from the port of Zeebrugge. No traffic allowed in the centre of the old town either, some fantastic shops and markets selling lovely chocolate and beer among other things. Great buildings to look at with lots of history, you really cant go wrong.  You could also make a visit into Brussels from Zeebrugge, but for me Bruges is nicer.

There is also the markets in Amsterdam. I have not been there at Christmas  but I hear it is really beautiful especially with all the Christmas trees at the floating market.

Copenhagen is a beautiful city and equally so at Christmas time. In the Tivoli gardens there is a fabulous market, turned into a real winter wonderland, again lots to buy and eat, but be careful it can be very expensive!

Last year I was lucky enough to sample Christmas markets in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. All 3 of them were lovely. The one in Vienna which I saw was just outside the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace, stunning.

Of course if you look at the latter 3 markets you will have to fly there but for the others you can pick up a cruise from the UK. P&O have some smashing mini breaks and not too expensive considering you have full board on the cruise. For example why not try Bruges on the 3rd December, 2 nights on the Ventura. From only £269.00 per person! If you fancy something a bit longer they also have a 10 night cruise on the 6th December taking in Hamburg, Copenhagen, Bruges and Amsterdam! If you want something closer to home how about a Fred Olsen cruise from Liverpool on the 11th December taking in Cork, Dublin and Belfast! Again Fred Olsen offer a longer 7 night cruise from Tilbury to Denmark taking in Copenhagen and other destinations in Denmark, then a cruise through the Kiel Canal before arriving into Hamburg – great choices!

So there you have it, a lot of options to choose from and the experience of all the ships decorated with fabulous decorations – what better way to get you into the Christmas spirit?

Shall I be your Father Christmas and arrange?!