Christmas Markets of the Moselle & Luxembourg

We catch the ferry to Calais and journey onwards to our hotel. After checking in, take advantage of the shuttle service to the centre of Metz, where there's time to explore the pretty city and find somewhere for dinner (not included).

After breakfast, we journey to Nancy Christmas Markets, known locally as the Saint Nicholas villages. There are several dotted throughout the city, with the traditional cabins adorned with twinkling garlands and a range of local products and gift ideas on offer. Don't miss Place Charles III's arts and crafts section, which surrounds the nostalgic merry-go-round, as well as the magical atmosphere of Place Stanislas, one of Europe's most spectacular squares.

We then return to Metz and discover the city's Christmas markets. With five different locations, take your pick from the many wooden stalls in the historic squares, selling everything from artisan pastries to charming decorations. In the Place de la République, you can also expect the city's main tree, a nativity scene, ice rink, rides and more, or head to the Place d’Armes JF Blondel to see the iconic Ferris wheel and light projections on the cathedral!

More Christmas markets await on our second day out, beginning with Trier. Boasting an enchanting backdrop of a medieval main square and impressive cathedral, it's no wonder that this lovely market in Germany's oldest city was voted the best in 2024, with the colourful buildings, cosy stalls and twinkling lights giving the effect of a little toy town. There is plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, browse the stalls, collect some unique stocking fillers and sample some of the warming winzerglühwein - with a Mulled Wine Queen residing in Trier, you know it's going to be good!

We continue to Luxembourg City, where we stay until dark to fully admire the festive decorations and lights. The city transforms into a winter wonderland at this special time of year with traditional rides, an ice-skating rink, workshops and a whole host of stalls across four locations: Place d'Armes, Place de la Constitution, Place Guillaume II and the Puits Rouge area. Selling local delicacies such as gromperekichelcher (potato fritters), handmade toys, clothes, jewellery and more, you're sure to tick a few people off your Christmas list here.

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and head back to the port. On the way, we stop in Lille for lunch and to enjoy some free time at the city's Christmas market, before re-joining the coach and continuing to Calais for our return ferry home.