Three Countries Christmas Markets

Savour the festive traditions of the Continent as we visit the Netherlands and Germany and enjoy a trip to the Three-Country Point in Vaalserberg. The unique range of Christmas markets on our short break feature stands bursting with traditional and contemporary crafts and local specialities. There's even a secret treasure trove of Christmas stalls collected in subterranean Valkenburg - a unique cave of wonders that's not to be missed.What’s Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossings3 nights at a selected hotel in the Netherlands (JG3 or JG4 rating) with breakfastExcursions to Maastricht Christmas Market, Valkenburg Christmas Market & Cologne Christmas MarketsEn-route visit to the Three-Country Point, Vaalserberg

Itinerary
Day 1 - Journey to the NetherlandsWe catch the ferry to Calais and continue on to our hotel in the Netherlands, stopping en-route for an evening meal (not included).Day 2 - Maastricht & Valkenburg Christmas MarketsToday we travel to the Maastricht Christmas Market which provides plenty of Christmas cheer with its carousel, Ferris wheel and numerous stalls featuring a variety of gifts and local treats. We then move on to sample the Christmas Market in Valkenburg, situated in this enchanting Dutch town's ancient network of tunnels and caves and considered the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. We have time to enjoy dinner at a restaurant of our choice (not included) in the town before returning to the hotel.Day 3 - Vaalserberg & Cologne Christmas MarketsEn-route to Cologne, we make a stop at Vaalserberg, the highest point in mainland Netherlands. Here we find the famous Three-Country Point, where Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet. The rest of the day is spent in Cologne, which has no fewer than six separate Christmas markets around the city centre, with the landmark cathedral providing an impressive backdrop to the main market. Stalls offer a vast range of traditional goodies including handcrafted toys, keepsakes and ceramics. We have time to find a local restaurant for dinner (not included) before our coach takes us back to the hotel.Day 4 - Journey homeWe check out of our hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry home.Selected Hotel (JG3 or JG4 rating) Hotel
We'll stay at a selected hotel in the Netherlands (JG3 or JG4 rating) such as the Fletcher Hotel, Sittard. All rooms are en suite and facilities include a bar and restaurant.Hotel accessibility informationYour hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.Hotel RatingsJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.JG4 ratingAccommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.