Why not treat yourself to a magical trip to one of Europe’s amazing Christmas markets and have a nice break at the same time, says Sam Harrington-Lowe
Dresden’s Christmas Market
From £266 per person
Visit the world-famous Striezelmarkt on its opening night (27 November 2014) to discover its stalls, attractions and foodie delights that stretch for miles from the main railway station to the banks of the Elbe. Then take in the city’s most beautiful sights, from the stunning outdoor glass ballroom of the Zwinger to the Bruhlsche Terrace for a birds-eye view of the “balcony of Europe”.
Explore the wintery delights of historic Dresden – home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, and the birthplace of traditional German Stollen, with a stay at Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss. Set in the very heart of the Old Town, this stylish, five-star hotel is a must for a winter weekend.
Behind the ancient façade, the hotel’s stylish and contemporary interiors are teamed with state-of-the-art technology, and the warmth of Swiss hospitality. The Old Town location offers great shopping, entertainment and all of the city’s notable sites, whilst the hotel’s renowned Pürovel Spa & Sport is the perfect hideaway after a busy day out in the cold. In the hotel’s historic vaults, it’s a fascinating mix of medieval construction and modern design…
Double rooms at Swissotel Dresden Am Shloss are priced from £113 per night on a bed & breakfast basis, based on double occupancy – www.swissotel.com/dresden | +49 351 501 200. Fly with CityJet from London City Airport to Dresden from £152 return, based on a December 2014 departure – www.cityjet.com. Subject to availability.
Budapest’s Christmas Market
£295 per person
Each year from late November to the end of December, Budapest comes alive with some of Europe’s most colourful Christmas markets. Located in Vorosmarty Square in the city’s historic city centre, the market boasts over 100 stalls selling a range of festive arts and crafts, traditional Hungarian food and wine along with entertainment..
This three-night break, including a Hungarian Parliament tour, allows plenty of time to explore the Christmas market as well as the city’s other sights, including a wealth of neoclassical and baroque architecture, fascinating museums, superb restaurants and bars and the majestic Danube River.
[one_half] WEXAS Travel (0207 838 5892, www.wexas.com) is offering a three-night stay at the Sofitel Chain Bridge from £295 per person – price based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return international flights from Gatwick to Budapest and a tour of Budapest Parliament Building. Valid for travel 27 November – 30 December 2014. Book by 31 December 2014.[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
[/one_half_last]